During a recent interview for a faith-based leadership series, Busch School of Business Dean Andrew Abela said there is growing demand for well-formed Catholic entrepreneurs, due to widespread recognition that faith practice and long-term business success go hand in hand.
On Legatus’ “The Eleven Talents” podcast, Abela said entrepreneurs across industries want to know the secret to the success they see in businesses shaped by Catholic social teaching: “How are they doing so well? Why are they all so happy? Why do they have such low turnover?” Abela says he is often asked.
In his response to such questions, Abela answers by mining insights from the Catholic intellectual tradition, particularly its focus on virtue development as key to a happy and meaningful life. Eternal wisdom is at the heart of the Busch School’s message to students.
“Grow in the virtues,” said Abela. “No matter where you go in your career, that growth in virtue will always be a part of you.”
The Busch School’s mission, with its focus on virtuous entrepreneurship, makes it a unique incubator for emerging leaders, Abela said. He also noted that the vibrant Catholic communities on campus and in the wider Washington, D.C., area are critical to creating an environment for entrepreneurs to flourish in the vocation of business.
