Entrepreneurship Month: An American Entrepreneur Meets with Students of the Kazakh-American Free University

Entrepreneurship Month at KAFU continues with a series of meetings with practitioners building businesses in today’s reality. On February 11, 2026, the Entrepreneurship Center of the Kazakh-American Free University organized a visit by renowned entrepreneur Allen Lenard to the Ust-Kamenogorsk College of Economics and Technology.
Instead of a traditional lecture, the students immersed themselves in honest business storytelling. Allen shared his professional journey, openly discussing not only his moments of triumph but also the serious challenges that every newcomer inevitably faces.
During the meeting, the speaker shared important insights rarely found in textbooks. He explained why initial mistakes should be viewed as a valuable resource and “fuel” for growth, rather than as a reason to retreat. Participants discussed the real barriers facing startups and strategies for smartly overcoming them. Particular attention was paid to finding resources: Allen emphasized that aspiring entrepreneurs need to seek not only capital but also reliable partners, mentors, and their first client base. The key takeaway from the meeting was that in today’s world, the determination to act is far more important than a perfectly written but never-implemented business plan.
The lively discussion format resonated with the audience. Students actively asked challenging questions, explored practical cases, and shared their own ideas. Such informal meetings help foster entrepreneurial thinking through the direct transfer of experience, inspiring young people to take bold steps in their careers.