Reclaiming the Village: Georgie-Ann Getton's Blueprint for Community-Powered Success
The modern myth of the entrepreneur is that of the lone genius—a solitary figure who builds an empire through sheer force of will. But this narrative is incomplete, and for many, it’s alienating. What if the true path to sustainable success isn't about isolation, but about community?
Georgie-Ann Getton, founder of the entrepreneurial ecosystem Illicit Mind, is a powerful champion for a different way. Her journey from a childhood in Jamaica to building a hub for diverse founders in the U.S. reveals a profound blueprint for success—one that is built not on an individual, but on a "tribe."
This is her guide to reclaiming the village and building a business that truly makes an impact.
Lesson 1: Redefine Your Definition of "Entrepreneur"
Georgie-Ann's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited as a young girl in Jamaica, where she was greeted by entrepreneurs every day.
"Everyone in our community had their own 'small business'," she recalls. "It didn't matter if they were service oriented such as tailors, teachers or caretakers... Everyone for the most part was their own boss or worked together as a family to have their business thrive."
When she migrated to the USA, she was confronted with a different, more intimidating model—one that seemed to require social status, capital, or a world-changing invention. This scared her away from entrepreneurship for a long while. Her work with Illicit Mind is a direct response to this, creating a space for those who don't fit the narrow, societal stereotype of an "average entrepreneur."
The Mentor Takeaway: The "lone genius" founder is a myth. Success comes from embracing your unique background and lived experience. If the existing definition of "entrepreneur" doesn't fit you, create a new one. Your unique perspective is not a weakness; it's a market advantage.
Lesson 2: Mentorship is a Duty, Not Just an Opportunity
For Georgie-Ann, mentorship isn't just a nice-to-have for career growth; it is an essential, cyclical part of a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"Your mentors will have lessons of experience to pass down to you so that you may learn from their experiences," she explains. "Then it is your duty to pass down what they have taught you plus what you have learned on your own to other entrepreneurs."
This frames mentorship not as a one-way transaction where a mentee "gets" advice, but as a continuous flow of shared wisdom. The goal is to receive, learn, internalize, and then give back, ensuring the entire community becomes stronger and more knowledgeable.
The Mentor Takeaway: Mentorship isn't just about what you can get; it's about your responsibility to contribute to the collective knowledge of your community. A healthy ecosystem is built on this continuous and
Lesson 3: "Just Keep Swimming" — The Founder's Mantra for Resilience
Georgie-Ann is realistic about the entrepreneurial journey. She believes that while many can possess entrepreneurial traits, not everyone is built for the intense emotional rollercoaster of being a founder.
"There will be days that you are super depressed because your business isn't doing what it needs to, days when you blow all your goals out the water and there will be days that are between these two extremes."
Her number one piece of advice for navigating this reality is a simple but powerful mantra borrowed from Dory in Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming." She stresses that there will be countless times when it feels easier to give up. The key is to have the resilience to push through the difficult moments to reach the "clearer waters."
The Mentor Takeaway: The entrepreneurial journey is a test of emotional endurance. The most critical skill is not having a perfect plan, but having the deep-seated resilience to keep going when things get tough. Your ability to persevere through the low points is what will ultimately define your success.
Success That Matters
Ultimately, Georgie-Ann's work is driven by a definition of success that transcends profit. "To me success means changing or impacting lives positively," she says. "Many businesses can make money but not every business changes or impacts lives."
Her journey and the mission of Illicit Mind are a powerful reminder that the most impactful businesses are not built alone. They are nurtured by a village, strengthened by shared wisdom, and sustained by a purpose that is bigger than any one person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Georgie-Ann Getton?
Georgie-Ann Getton is a Jamaican-American entrepreneur and the founder of Illicit Mind. She is a passionate advocate for diverse founders who don't fit the traditional mold of an entrepreneur.
What is Illicit Mind?
Illicit Mind is an organization dedicated to increasing the success rate of new, diverse entrepreneurs. It achieves this mission by building a supportive "tribe" and providing community learning sessions like workshops, classes, and hackathons to give founders the experience and connections they need to succeed.
What is Georgie-Ann's top advice for new entrepreneurs?
Her number one piece of advice is to "just keep swimming." She emphasizes that entrepreneurship is incredibly difficult, and the key to success is to have the resilience to never give up, even when you feel like throwing in the towel.
Why is mentorship important according to Georgie-Ann Getton?
She believes mentorship is a crucial part of entrepreneurship because the most valuable lessons are learned from experience. Mentors pass down their experiential knowledge, and it then becomes the mentee's duty to pass down those lessons, plus their own, to the next generation, creating a stronger ecosystem for all.
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