Legacy of a crisis: understanding individual success and uncertainty via self-perceived creativity – insights from the COVID-19 pandemic among Colombian entrepreneurs

Purpose This study aims to explore the mediating role of self-perceived creativity in the relationship between the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on individual success and uncertainty perceptions among Colombian entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative framework was employed to gather survey data. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the mediation hypothesis. Findings This study confirms that an increase in entrepreneurs’ individual success correlates with a reduction in their perceived environmental uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. This nexus is partially mediated by entrepreneurs’ self-perceived creativity, suggesting that higher levels of perceived personal success bolster creativity, which in turn mitigates perceptions of uncertainty. Research limitations/implications This study’s reliance on voluntary deterministic sampling may have limited the representativeness of the sample. Given SEM’s preference for larger samples, the smaller sample size necessitates a cautious interpretation of the findings as it may constrain their generalizability. The study also relied on self-reported data for both independent and dependent variables, which may have introduced a bias. Practical implications These findings highlight the importance of strategically managing creativity as a critical entrepreneurial asset, particularly when navigating uncertain times. Policy interventions should therefore include the facilitation of creativity training programs by both governmental and non-governmental entities. Support programs should also encompass emotional assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate through trials and the potential failures caused by crises. Originality/value The originality of this work lies in its simultaneous consideration of entrepreneurial success, uncertainty and creativity within a unified conceptual framework, thereby augmenting entrepreneurship discourse.