Who is considered an intrapreneur?

An intrapreneur is specifically an employee within a company who is tasked with developing new ideas and projects as if they were an entrepreneur operating independently. This role involves fostering innovation, taking calculated risks, and driving new initiatives while benefiting from the resources, capabilities, and support of the larger company entity. Intrapreneurs often work to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to challenges faced within the organization, effectively contributing to its growth and adaptability in a competitive market.

In contrast, starting one’s own business refers to entrepreneurship, which is a completely different concept as it entails setting up an independent venture outside of any existing company. A consultant is someone engaged on a temporary basis to provide expertise and external insights, lacking the internal role that defines an intrapreneur. Similarly, a manager focused on team performance is primarily concerned with overseeing and improving the existing team's effectiveness, which does not necessarily involve innovation or project creation.