The Heart of Entrepreneurship

“Her toys took the market by storm, and in this book Melissa Bernstein shows what it takes to follow in her footsteps with your next big idea. She distills a career’s worth of entrepreneurial successes into practical tips.” –Adam Grant, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, host of the podcast Re: Thinking

“Inspiring and generous, filled with insight and encouragement from someone who’s done the work.” –Seth Godin, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of This Is Marketing

“An illuminating road map for creators, dreamers, and builders ready to bring their most authentic ideas to life. Melissa Bernstein expertly shares the recipe that helped her build a billion-dollar brand and guide hundreds of founders in turning a vision into a reality. I highly recommend reading this book if you need a dose of inspiration to start and scale your business.” –Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn, New York Times and USA Today bestselling coauthor of Superagency

“A nourishing blend of insight and action, The Heart of Entrepreneurship serves up a recipe for unlocking the creativity and entrepreneurial potential that lives within all of us. With Melissa Bernstein’s inspiring stories and actionable guidance, you’ll feel both fulfilled–and hungry to begin your own journey.” –Jamie N. Jones, PhD, director for Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship and associate professor at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

“Melissa Bernstein’s The Heart of Entrepreneurship is a rare and radiant offering. With the clarity of a seasoned founder and the vulnerability of a truth-teller, she invites readers not only to build businesses but to build lives of purpose, patience, and presence. Melissa understands that entrepreneurship is never just about external success–it’s about the inner terrain we must navigate: fear, ego, shame, love. This book is a gift to anyone who feels the call to create and is brave enough to start from scratch.” –Jerry Colonna, author of Reboot and Reunion

Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and mother of six. She’s cofounder of Melissa & Doug, a billion-dollar toy company, and Lifelines, a wellness brand offering sensory products to manage stress and enhance well-being. Melissa is the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Inner MBA certification program created by Sounds True, LinkedIn, and Wisdom 2.0; cofounder of Duke University’s Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program; and author of LifeLines and Practice Makes Purpose.