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A Chip Off the Silicon Block: The Power of Entrepreneurial Thinking by Carol Latham

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Carol Latham

Carol Latham

Book Review

Ever wonder why the success rate of start-up companies is so low? In this inspirational and informative book, A Chip Off the Silicon Block: The Power of Entrepreneurial Thinking, entrepreneur Carol Latham demonstrates how the power of sound entrepreneurial thinking can lead to positive results in the most daunting of circumstances. Carol’s company, Thermagon Inc., evolved as an offshoot of the explosive growth of silicon chips driving the computer industry and the information age.

As a woman entrepreneur, Carol Latham defied all the odds by successfully creating the products, the facilities, and the funding for a thriving and much sought-after company, Thermagon Inc., in a world of technology overwhelmingly dominated by men. As computers transitioned from large mainframes, filling whole airconditioned rooms to personal computers, such as desktops, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones, their functionality and speed were dramatically increasing. This phenomenon of miniaturization, combined with increased function and speed, caused overheating of the silicon chips, leading to widespread system failure. Hence, the evolution of the industry designed to manage the heat in electronic systems, of which Thermagon, became a worldwide leader. By sharing her experiences in developing her business and in assisting other start-up endeavors, Carol intends to inspire budding entrepreneurs, working against all odds, by providing guidelines and principles for attaining success. The multitude of personal stories embracing her journey are sure to keep you inspired and entertained.

Author quotes

I developed my own definition of an entrepreneur - someone who can successfully create a business starting with, what I refer to as, the ‘five no’s’ - no products, no physical facility, no employees, no customers, and no money.”

Looking back, I think certain entrepreneurial traits must have been part of my DNA from the beginning.

Real innovation comes from starting with a clean sheet, resisting the temptation to simply tweak what already exists.

About the author

Carol Latham is the retired founder, president, and CEO of Thermagon, Inc., a custom manufacturer of high performance heat-transfer materials for electronic components. Under her leadership, Thermagon changed the microchip industry and, within five years of its launch, achieved sales of $18 million annually. A chemistry major at Ohio Wesleyan University, she went on to work at Sohio Oil Co. when she was inspired to launch Thermagon in 1992. Her ideas about how to keep computers cool were revolutionary, and her invention diffused heat better than anything else on the market. With her help, Intel, IBM, and Silicon Graphics – among others – overcame overheating issues to advance their computing products. She has earned multiple awards for innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship over the years. She is a member of the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and has been recognized for her accomplishments by Inc. Magazine and by the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® program.


Why LoA loves it….

Carol Latham is the epitome of entrepreneurial tenacity and innovation. Since she first took the leap of faith to launch her own business in the toughest of industry sectors, whilst at the same time raising her family, she has demonstrated how the power of sound entrepreneurial thinking can lead to success. Today, she is imparting all those years of experience, knowledge and business insights in this incredible new book, so that the next generation of women entrepreneur innovators can follow in her footsteps. This is a must-read book for any woman who is trying to build a STEM business and find solutions to some of the biggest challenges the world is facing right now. Carol and her significant achievements remain an inspiration today. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo Lionesses of Africa

In Essential Tags Books
← Entrepreneur Advice from Shabana Habibo / Believe in yourselfNtokozo Mbuli, a South African entrepreneur developing television and film content with a purpose →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
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Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
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Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
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Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
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Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
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Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
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Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
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Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
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Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
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Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
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The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



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