Entrepreneurship gets big tick from banker

By KATHERINE HOBY

Tim Sturm is a big believer in taking responsibility for his own life, and for others doing the same.

The 30-year-old Aucklander, who has a post-graduate degree in finance and economics from the London School of Economics, cites entrepreneurship and personal responsibility as two keys to this country's success.

He is one of the Herald Knowledge Wave leadership conference delegates.

Mr Sturm was the top economics student at Otago University during his time there.

As a policy adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, he was instrumental in the development of substantial deregulation of the airwaves.

He studied for the postgraduate degree in finance and economics in London, receiving a distinction for his thesis.

Mr Sturm returned from Britain to pursue a career in investment banking and business. But he says he also would like to have some influence on the wider issues facing New Zealand.

His biggest hope is that people will gradually adopt a more entrepreneurial outlook.

"That applies as much to students, housewives, and salaried workers as it does to entrepreneurs," he says.

"You don't have to be Eric Watson to make an entrepreneurial decision."

It means setting long-term goals and taking responsibility for your life. It means understanding that if you want to live by trade with people you must respect the rights of others and produce something of value.

Those with this mindset find satisfaction and happiness in taking on challenges, even if they do not always succeed.

"Anything that can be done to encourage this sort of outlook will be positive for New Zealand. The Knowledge Wave Forum provides a great opportunity to practise and affirm the principles of self-reliance and goal-directed behaviour. And I am grateful to be a part of it."