Anglo-American University in Prague Thomas Archer Bata Talks Business at AAU
Czech entrepreneur Thomas Archer Baťa (TAB) emphasized the value of innovation and important qualities of a successful entrepreneur during his discussion at AAU. This visit highlights AAU’s position as a university supporting young entrepreneurs which TAB is passionate about.
As the great-grandson of Tomáš Baťa, the founder of the Baťa shoe company, Thomas Archer Baťa has been involved in the company working all around the world. He has also begun his own ventures, advocating for transparency and ethics in fashion, highlighting issues in the clothing industry.
“Entrepreneurship will be the hardest thing you do,” said TAB, “The fulfillment you get from your own business is on another level. The struggle is what makes you stronger, what makes you a better human being.”
TAB is the founder of Friends of Bata, a global platform empowering the next generation of founders through education, mentorship, and real-world storytelling. The organisation connects students, entrepreneurs, and partners to bridge the gap between academia and the business world, helping young people develop the mindset and skills to build with purpose.
Entrepreneurship is an essential part of the modern education at AAU where students are encouraged to think creatively, lead teams, and plan projects—as is evident in the recent student success at the JA Europe Competition. AAU’s courses are taught by many leading experts, including top-level executive and Heinrich Homola who helps bridge academic knowledge with real-world business challenges.
One of the most important qualities, according to Baťa, of a strong businessman or woman is being responsible and removing excuses and blame in order to tackle a problem head-on. Similarly, you must not be afraid to fail and take chances because even if you fail, there is always something to be learned from your mistakes.
“Every business is a movement. There might be one person behind an idea or that pushes for something, but you can’t do it without a team, a community. A majority of successful businesses were founded by duos,” said TAB, emphasizing that you don’t have to be and shouldn’t be alone.
“The sense of responsibility and motivation when you have a partner is much more persuasive. You push each other and move forward together,” he concluded.
According to Baťa, entrepreneurship is the only way to make progress and build a society and supporting this is his mission—which is also AAU’s mission.
“The entrepreneurial drive of young people is not only the engine of their personaldevelopment but also a key factor in the future economy,” echoed Professor Heinrich Homola.
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