Pioneers of Progress: Screening Eagle

"I do not believe when somebody tells me, we've always done it like that," Valsangiacomo says. "I challenge this – there are always better ways." His disruptive, agile spirit is what has propelled countless successful start-ups.

Research from EY shows, for example, that the simpler business models and flatter structures of start-ups allow them to respond quickly to opportunities. But it's the relentless curiosity and the passion for tackling challenges that really sets the entrepreneurial mindset apart.

Revolutionizing an established industry in this way doesn't just happen overnight. The dream must be realized through a mindset in which nous and experience combine with the sheer willpower to make it happen. After all, as noted by Fortune, 90% of all start-ups fail.

So what's powering those that succeed? Really disrupting an industry, says Poser, requires the drive to "leapfrog forward" and change everything. And if someone attempts to stand in your way or tell you it's not possible? "Don't believe those guys," he says. "If you believe you can make it happen, together with your team, then go for it and make it happen."

Of course, no one truly knows what's around the corner, as recent months have shown. But as Valsangiacomo says, "It's really key for an entrepreneur not to have fear." This mindset is common among the most innovative companies.

And it can pay dividends. In the recent crisis, resilient firms moved early ahead of the downturn, according to McKinsey, and they were able to ride out the uncertainty instead of letting it overwhelm them. Research shows building this kind of resilience requires companies to ensure they are able to respond to anything, be in a position to recover fast, and reimagine the business for future success.

"This is not only about sophisticated inspection," Valsangiacomo says. "It is improving real impact value, economical impact and the environmental impact of infrastructure and building assets." So Screening Eagle's inspection tech serves humans to help create better buildings, urban areas, and societies – in everything from traditional infrastructure to modern updates, such as 5G and smart cities. This holds the possibility of creating jobs in every category. And in some cases, it could help spot flaws to prevent disasters.

That’s the power of true entrepreneurial vision. For Screening Eagle, it's not just about bringing a traditional industry up to date – it's about changing the planet.

"The team is absolutely essential if you want to disrupt an industry and build a great business," Poser says. And getting the right result, he adds, is like a recipe – finding the right ingredients and balance is key. Research backs up this view. In a majority of cases, the failure of a new venture is down to problems with the team. In fact, almost two-thirds run up against this issue. While industry experience is crucial, soft skills are what help the team truly thrive.

"Once you find that mix of talent, of people who want to challenge each other, people who want to climb up that mountain together – that's when you become truly unstoppable," Poser adds. 

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