Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Unlock the principles that drive the remarkable success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world

Immigrants face significant obstacles when they arrive in their destination countries as they attempt to integrate themselves, and their families, into an entirely new economy. However, although immigrants and their children only make up 28% of the U.S. population, 80% of billion-dollar start-ups have founders or senior executives who are first- or second-generation immigrants. What are the secrets of immigrant entrepreneurs’ enormous success, and what can we learn from them?

In Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity From Immigrant Entrepreneurs, academic, entrepreneur, and consultant, Neri Karra Sillaman, delivers a one-of-a-kind exploration of the remarkable success of immigrant entrepreneurs. The author writes about how immigrants, often starting with limited capital and connections, have built iconic and enduring businesses. Sillaman combines rigorous academic research with compelling case studies and personal experience and narrative to uncover the principles that drive these stunning achievements.

Pioneers offers a blueprint for business leaders seeking longevity, profitability, and sustainability in the contemporary marketplace. You'll find:

  • Strategies for building resilient businesses that embrace diversity and inclusion

  • Explanations of the power of community and how you can leverage it for business growth

  • Stories of the importance of creating a legacy that goes beyond mere profit

  • Techniques and actionable advice to turn past failures into future success

Exploring the dramatic immigrant success stories powering such well-known brands as Chobani, WhatsApp, and BioNTech, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone else interested in the dynamics of immigrant entrepreneurship. Pioneers is a transformative and inspiring business guide that will help you build a company that stands the test of time.

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Recognition and Awards 

Porchlight logo

Business Bestseller (May 2025)

Amazon logo

#1 Bestseller in Business Entrepreneurship

Next Big Idea Club logo

Must-Read (May 2025)

Thinkers50 logo

New Management Classic for 2025

Financial Times logo

Reader’s Pick – Best Books of 2025

 

Praise for the book

  • “The most profound, captivating, and unparalleled business advice you will find.”

    Mel Robbins
    Bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast

  • “This book busts myths about what it takes to start and sustain a successful business. Neri Karra shares lessons from immigrant entrepreneurs that are both memorable and practical.”

    Adam Grant
    #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast ReThinking

  • “This astonishing book shows all of us how to thrive in imperfect conditions, the essential task of business and of life.”

    Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
    Bestselling authors of Move Fast & Fix Things and host of the hit podcast Fixable

  • “Entrepreneur and scholar Neri Karra sets out to answer the question of why immigrants are overrepresented in entrepreneurship, and especially overrepresented in successful entrepreneurship — founding companies able to grow and survive over time. Her surprising answers, found through compelling research and conveyed through gripping stories offer timeless wisdom for business leaders that could not be more timely today."

    Amy C Edmondson
    Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School and author of Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well

  • “Pioneers masterfully captures the spirit of immigrant entrepreneurship, offering rich insights into how their innovations are disrupting industries and building businesses that endure. A must-read for entrepreneurs looking to create lasting impact.”

    Dorie Clark
    Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty at Columbia Business School

  • “Full of amazing, touching and inspiring stories, Pioneers is essential reading. In our intolerant and uncertain times, it teaches us the power of being open to others and of the indomitable entrepreneurial brilliance of so many people. We owe Neri Karra Sillaman thanks for sharing her own remarkable story and those of the other pioneers.”

    Stuart Crainer
    Cofounder, Thinkers50

  • “In an era where we’re all pioneers navigating unfamiliar territory, Neri Karra’s Pioneers serves as an essential guidebook for thriving in our rapidly evolving world. Whether you’re crossing geographical borders or adapting to seismic shifts in your industry, this book will show you how to design your own path in a world that’s new to us all.”

    Ayse Birsel
    Cofounder, Birsel + Seck, and author of Design the Life You Love

  • “At a time when immigrants are being viewed with suspicion in many parts of the world, Neri Karra’s book comes as a breath of fresh air. She has brought together inspirational stories of immigrant entrepreneurs from around the world shining a light on their tenacity, appetite for risk and capacity for hard work, and how it translates into success. This book is not just for immigrants though. All entrepreneurs would do well to read it.”

    Kamal Munir
    Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Strategy and Policy, University of Cambridge

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