In an article titled "3 Traits of an Entrepreneurial Mindset" by Meredith Somers, the author summarizes insights from a webinar hosted by MIT Sloan Global Programs and the QUT Business School. The discussion highlights three key traits of entrepreneurs: solution orientation, adaptability, and anti-fragility. Our Host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. notes that the first two traits align intuitively with the entrepreneurial mindset. However, the concept of anti-fragility particularly caught his attention. To clarify this idea, the author outlines four key framework from Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. 

Heart: Be bold and confident. 
Head: Have a plan to confront change. 
Hand: Turn knowledge into action. 
Home: Build a community that provides resources. 

As we keep in mind the concepts and the traits of an entrepreneurial mindset, Host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., kicks off Season 9 of the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs Podcast by welcoming Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), founder of Vasquez Integrators, a certified DBE/MBE technology solutions provider and a proud New York Tech alumnus.

Despite humble beginnings, Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), a visionary entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic, overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the United States. He faced language barriers but remain determined by taking all his classes in English, which was not his native language. During his studies, he began exploring computer science, IT, and telecommunications, despite having any background or prior experience with computers. By the time he graduated high school, Vasquez had taken on the responsibility of being the sole supporter of his family while working full-time. Through his determination and refusal to let circumstances dictate his path, he asked the right questions and advocated for himself, which ultimately securing the opportunity to pursue higher education by attending New York Tech through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

After taking on various roles while interning, Vasquez began to network extensively, which inspired him to consider engineering as a potential career path. By the end of his college years, he successfully secured a position at an engineering firm. Eventually, he took the leap to start his own company, Vasquez Integrators, a DBE/MBE certified technology solutions provider. By leveraging his prior networking efforts, Vasquez secured his first clients, including Planet Fitness and the MTA. These initial partnerships were crucial to the success and growth of his business.

The road to becoming an entrepreneur is rarely easy; it requires not only resiliency but also the ability to overcome obstacles while maintaining a positive outlook. As Vasquez pointed out, "Most people panic when confronted with adversity, and it is normal to feel anxiety and fear. But you can’t let any of that doubt you from pursuing what you think is meaningful and what you think is going to have a bigger impact in the bigger picture.” Vasquez also encouraged listeners to think about their family and what the future holds, while emphasizing the importance of aligning our pursuits with our values and focusing on what truly matters.

Listen to the full episode: Podbean, Apple Podcast, YouTube Podcast, Spotify.

By Patthara Chandaragga