Springboard’s Alumnae Blog on Medium.com

Recent Blog Posts

Start Up. Go to Market. Raise Capital. Pivot. Scale. Sell. Rinse. Repeat.

The whole recipe is in this book.

Forty-five proven entrepreneurs—thought leaders in technology, media, e-commerce, software and life sciences—share their best practices from the trenches to power the success of others. All the tools you’ll need are in this book, whether you’re starting out or deep into the growth phases of your second or third company. Here is real-life, actionable information from those who have “been there, run that.”

Selected and with intros and takeaways by Kay Koplovitz, who created the basic cable network business model that continues to drive the industry. Koplovitz is the founder of USA Network and the Syfy Channel—the first woman network president in television history—and Chairman and Co-creator of Springboard Enterprises.

some of the reviews

“Here are all the answers to the questions you didn’t even know to ask. Don’t start a business without reading this book.” —Joni Evans, CEO, wowOwow.com (ATM2008)

“I love this book! Been There, Run That offers savvy wisdom and actionable advice from the trenches by entrepreneurs who have lived it all. Great read and inspirational as well.” —Heidi Roizen, Operating Partner, DFJ Venture; lecturer, Stanford University

“Been There, Run That should be read by every aspiring entrepreneur. There is no book like it that highlights many of the country’s most successful women entrepreneurs.” —Michael Simmons, co-founder, Empact

“The tips are practical, actionable and helpful for any woman entrepreneur. A most inspiring and helpful book!” —Prof. Candida G. Brush, Chair, Entrepreneurship Division, Babson College

“I recommend this book as an energy-shot to any woman who is wondering how to get started and any female founder who is already sprinting on the startup track.” —Nanxi Liu, Co-founder and CEO, Enplug.com

“If you are ready to step up your game, dream bigger and succeed, Been There Run That is the next book you should read.” —Natalie Pace, founder and CEO of the Women’s Investment Network, LLC; author of The ABCs of Money, The Gratitude Game and You Vs. Wall Street

“Kay Koplovitz is a visionary with 40 years of sleeves-rolled-up experience and the rare ability to distill her sage advice into precious takeaways.” —Gail Sheehy, author of “Passages”; and “DARING: My Passages”

“Been There, Run That is a terrific collection of essays reflecting on the skills, experiences and lessons one develops as an entrepreneur. These lessons are valuable in higher education and in every sector of work and life. I encourage any aspiring entrepreneur, indeed, anyone looking to be better at what they do, to reflect on the wisdom contained in these essays.” –John Karl Scholz, Dean, College of Letters & Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“The book is not only educational but really enjoyable. It made me want to become an entrepreneur again!” —Vivek Wadhwa, Director of Research at Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University and Fellow at Rock Center for Corporate Governance, Stanford University

“Kay Koplovitz has always understood the importance of ‘human capital’ as a major part of any entrepreneurial business venture. In this new book she harnesses that human capital in the form of experts whose wisdom and experience makes this ‘gem’ important reading for every would-be entrepreneur and business person the world over.” —Dr. Joan Fallon, CEO, Curemark (LS2009)

“Kay Koplovitz was a visionary when she started USA Network as an all-sports cable network in 1977. What made it iconic was her ability to make tough choices, take on giants, and get deals done. As chairman and co-founder of Springboard Enterprises, she’s brought savvy and capital to a new generation of women entrepreneurs. Now, she’s bringing those insights to the world.” —Diane Brady, journalist and author of “Fraternity”

“The Springboard method is exactly what burgeoning entrepreneurs need: training, tough feedback with experienced business people, connecting entrepreneurs to capital. Springboard is more than a training program, it is a network of dynamic business people eager to improve innovation in America by making sure that 52% of the population gets a shot.” —Geraldine Laybourne, Cable Pioneer and Serial Entrepreneur