When my mother turned forty, we threw her a tongue-in-cheek funeral-themed surprise party, festooning the living room with paper tombstones engraved with Rest in Peace. That party theme is now a laughable conceit — forty then was older than forty now. Almost. In today’s world, there is still a bias against older people — employers in particular often think (in their mind) what Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary is fond of saying to entrepreneurs he doesn’t like, “You are dead to me.” If we’re being honest, we probably agree with O’Leary. Who of us hasn’t said, “I’m looking for someone young and hungry.” The implication is clear: If you aren’t young, you have nothing to contribute.
Entrepreneurs Get Better with Age
Evidence suggests that innovators are just getting started when they hit forty.
June 27, 2013
New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.