For Subscribers

Entrepreneurs Don't Follow Trends -- They Create Them. The future is yours to create.

By Amy Cosper

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Pexels

I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work. —Plato

There are people and there are trends. Behind both? Thought. And the reinvention of thought. Trends and people can never be separated. The people part represents the soul -- the heartbeat.

What are trends? That's the thing: They are created by humans rethinking the known ways of doing things. People are the force behind new ideas.

And one thing we've learned here is that behind invention is humanity. There's math and there's something more: people and thought and passion -- and the fire in the belly that lights the two.

Yes, we have trends and the things that will define our future economy, but almost always, without fail, people define the trends. And the trends define the future. You, as entrepreneurs, are the future. The two are inextricably connected. Trends without the intellect are just numbers.

When Edison created the first commercially viable light bulb, it was unheard of. It was unexpected and very much a new way of thinking. It was novel. And so, too, are the stories of Jack Dorsey, Kathleen Kennedy, Satya Nadella, Ellen Pao, Richard Plepler, Meg Whitman and, yes, Taylor Swift. They are the intellectual capital who will define future opportunities.

And there are surfers. Surfers who, well, surf -- and make fashionable hoodies. And do so with aplomb.

Putting a surfer on our cover was not an easy choice. Because since when do surfers embody the spirit of entrepreneurship? Since they started making clothes, and realizing new ways of experiencing life. Just like Kelly Slater, whose company represents one of our trends of 2016 -- apparel brands making sustainable fashion.

This issue celebrates both people and trends -- and the opportunities they create. We love looking at the choreography of new ways of thinking, but also at the unexplained magic of the intellect behind it.

We've never had a surfer on the cover before, but we're proud we do this month because he captures the spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship. Just like you.

Amy Cosper

Former Editor in Chief

Amy Cosper is the former vice president of Entrepreneur Media Inc., and editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs with the Lowest Risk of Being Replaced By AI: 'Safest Jobs Right Now'

A new report from career resources platform Resume Genius finds the top 10 AI-proof careers expected to see the most growth within the next decade.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

How I Went From Side Hustle to 7 Figures Using These 4 AI Tools (No Tech Skills Needed)

Scale faster, work less and grow a 7-figure business — no team needed.

Money & Finance

Why This Market Dip Is Your Chance to Accelerate Product Velocity, Win Customers and Own the Next Cycle

When markets go quiet and headlines fade, the founders who keep building, shipping, and listening are the ones who will be ready when the next bull run erupts without warning.

Health & Wellness

How Mastering Your Nervous System Boosts Leadership Presence and Performance

Discover a modern leadership system designed to boost your effectiveness, reduce stress and bring more clarity and joy to how you lead.

Business Solutions

Manage Clients, Projects, and Sales Without Leaving Your Dashboard

Sellful gives you a suite of tools to run websites, CRM, invoicing, marketing, and more.