05-07-2025
Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as the domain of visionaries — those with bold, disruptive ideas. But while inspiration may ignite the spark, it’s execution that fuels real progress. A brilliant idea is only the beginning; success is ultimately defined by the ability to bring that vision to life.
Early in my career, I built my expertise in operations and strategic growth. My husband, a Purdue engineer, took a leap into sales and later realized the market opportunity for a new venture. Together, we launched a tech firm that quickly gained traction and was acquired within three years. Despite the success, I often questioned my role. I wasn’t the one generating the big ideas — I was the one ensuring they could be implemented.
That’s when I recognized the importance of the Walt and Roy Disney dynamic. Walt was the visionary, but it was Roy’s strategic planning and financial stewardship that built the company into an empire. Roy made sure there was enough capital to fund those innovations, structured partnerships that expanded Disney’s reach and developed the operational infrastructure that turned dreams into reality.
Perhaps most importantly, Roy provided the necessary balance that every visionary needs — he knew when to say "no." Walt had grand ideas, but not all of them were financially viable or strategically sound. Roy had the discipline to rein in ideas that could jeopardize the company’s future, ensuring that creativity didn’t outpace sustainability. This ability to push back, to be the voice of reason, is often the difference between a company that thrives and one that burns out under the weight of unchecked ambition.
At our second company, New Eagle, my role crystallized around three strategic pillars: designing long-term financial strategies to optimize cash flow, securing capital aligned with growth objectives and architecting scalable operational systems to support expansion. Startups often stumble not due to a lack of vision, but because they underestimate the importance of disciplined execution. My focus was on ensuring that strategic intent translated into sustainable results.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the lesson is this: If you’re a visionary, find your Roy. And if you’re a Roy, recognize your value. Vision without execution is just an idea, and execution without vision lacks direction. Success comes from balancing both. Today, after building and exiting multiple businesses, I work with entrepreneurs as an investor and advisor, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling and execution. Either type — visionary or executor — can be an entrepreneur; what matters is understanding your strengths and surrounding yourself with complementary capabilities.
Mary “Mickey” Swortzel is an operating partner at venture capital firm Roll Tack Ventures in Indianapolis and an entrepreneur in residence at Purdue Ventures. As a seasoned entrepreneur, she led two successful startups to exit. She became a Daniels Business Fellow in February 2025, inspired by her passion for entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy, and innovation, and her desire to share that passion with the next generation.
