What is a growth mindset?

We had the opportunity to sit down with entrepreneurs and investors at Tech Tour Growth 50 to discuss this pertinent question: What is a growth mindset? 

Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset represents a significant shift in perspective that has the potential to transform how we tackle challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, achieve success. 

At its core, a growth mindset is a belief system that thrives on the notion of continuous improvement and development. It is the understanding that our abilities and intelligence can be cultivated through effort, perseverance, and learning from failures. In contrast, a fixed mindset operates under the assumption that our qualities, be it intelligence, talent, or personality, are static and unchangeable traits. 

“Open to new possibilities and willing to do something better.”
Jussi Palola, CEO at Virta

Imagine two individuals faced with a difficult task. One with a growth mindset sees it as an opportunity for growth and learning, while the other with a fixed mindset views it as a test of their inherent abilities. The former embraces challenges, persists in the face of obstacles, and sees failures as valuable lessons to propel them forward. The latter, on the other hand, may avoid challenges to protect their self-image, give up easily when faced with setbacks, and interpret failures as indicators of their limitations. 

“Growth mindset is all about opening yourself and thinking that something unrealistic will happen tomorrow.”
Norman Girard, CEO at EfficientIP

Cultivating a growth mindset is not something that happens overnight. It requires self-awareness, intentional effort, and a willingness to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about intelligence and ability. In today’s dynamic business landscape, the benefits of adopting a growth mindset are far-reaching. Not only does it empower individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential, but it also fosters resilience, adaptability, and the opportunity to excel. 

“A growth mindset comes from never wanting to stop learning.”
Dhruv Chhatralia, Partner (Corporate), Head of Venture Capital (UK) and Head of India Group at DWF

Bryan Garnier is committed to a growth mindset mentality that promotes personal and professional growth at every level.

Our clients are a source of inspiration, which means that every employee has an entrepreneurial approach to their work. Our bankers leave no stone unturned and seek the best growth strategies for our clients by providing expert advisory services. Whether it is choosing between private and public capital, which exchange to list on, managing dual tracks and alternative processes, we focus on achieving growth through our full-service offering.