EO’s Best of 2025: Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journeys

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members have built successful companies in every corner of the world. To get there, each has walked a meaningful, and wholly unique, path. This year, EO detailed some of those stories, capturing the journeys of dozens of EO members from around the globe.   

Among them, five inspirational pieces ranked among our most read of 2025. Each offers a window into the grit, imagination, and perseverance it takes to build a successful company, all while negotiating personal obstacles and setbacks. Though every entrepreneur’s journey is singular, these members share commonalities: a commitment to pursue bold ambitions, to lead with decency, and to lift others along the way.

Together, their stories form a portrait of the impact that being part of the EO community can have on entrepreneurs and, in turn, the impact that entrepreneurs can have on the world.

Adam Kroener (EO Wisconsin)

What does it take to grow from a kitchen experiment to one of America’s fastest-growing companies? For Carbliss founder Adam Kroener (EO Wisconsin), the answer is disciplined leadership, a culture where employees thrive, and the courage to bet on himself.

The company has ranked in the top 50 of the vaunted Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies two years in a row while twice placing as the top company in the Midwest. Carbliss ranked seventh in 2024, 35th this year, and was the highest-ranking EO-member-owned company on both lists. Having achieved so much, so soon, Adam keeps his focus trained on methodical growth rather than basking in success.

"At the end of the day, I just want to have a group of individuals who love what they are doing,” he says.

Jade Bogan (EO Reno Tahoe)

When Jade Bogan (EO Reno Tahoe) shared her story in a packed ballroom during Marcus Lemonis's keynote at EO’s Global Leadership Conference in April, she stunned the crowd with all she had endured — and the courage it took to keep moving forward. When she finished, the room erupted in tears, hugs, and a lingering standing ovation.

The moment marked not an endpoint for Jade, but a careful first step back into the world, surrounded by a room of strangers she inherently knew she could trust, that portended a steadier journey ahead. With the unwavering support of her family, community, and fellow EO members, Jade has turned grief into purpose and found strength in forming meaningful connections.

“My Forum-mates showed up at my son’s funeral,” she says. “They have loved me and encouraged me to show back up for myself.”

Joshua Chin (EO Singapore)

Joshua Chin (EO Singapore) overcame relative poverty through entrepreneurship. With EO Accelerator (EOA), he built Chronos Agency into a global firm — and found deeper purpose beyond profits.

Today, he doesn’t fret over bread prices as he once did. Along the way, though, thanks to guidance from mentors and peers, including many in the EO community, his ambitions have transcended making ends meet.

EO’s Accelerator program, which is designed to help small businesses scale to $1 million in annual revenue, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Along the way, more than 2,000 participants have graduated to full EO membership.

“My main takeaway I got from EOA, interestingly, was the ability to listen,” he says. “Listen without judgement and coach; I think that carries a lot into my work today.”

Mohamed Hashish (EO Cairo and EO Dubai)

When rare cancer threatened his life and career, Mohamed Hashish (EO Cairo and EO Dubai) faced each setback with courage and unshakable resolve. From enduring multiple brain surgeries to finding innovative treatments, Mohamed has beaten the odds. His journey has reshaped his priorities and deepened his commitment to building a sustainable business for the sake of himself and his family.

His story is a powerful reminder that perseverance and perspective can turn even life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth.

“I needed to fight for myself,” he says. “I needed to fight for my family. I needed to fight for my business.”

Sindhu Srivastava (EO Silicon Valley)

To commemorate Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), EO profiled a member who embodies Ada’s spirit.

Once an engineering student, Sindhu Srivastava (EO Silicon Valley) built her career at the intersection of data and humanity and is now dedicating herself to ensuring that young women never have to question whether they belong in STEM — or anywhere else.  From battling bias and barriers early in life to building a successful career in data analytics to launching several companies, her story exemplifies resilience and the power of purpose.

“We’re raising a generation of girls who don’t need to find their voice because they never lost it in the first place,” she says.

Interested in becoming an EO member? Learn more here.