Passion, Vision, Focus, Courage, Will. These are just a few signature traits of successful entrepreneurs. But where do these traits come from? Are they hard-wired into our DNA or acquired over time, like wrenches in a toolbox?

Thomas Harrison, a former cell biologist turned marketing guru at Omnicom Group explores the link between entrepreneurship and genetic architecture in his book, Instinct. In it, Harrison fleshes out his theories in interviews with founders of large companies, such as Home Depot, Vanguard, USA Networks and Mrs. Fields Cookies, as well as with top executives from JetBlue, Burger King, Harley Davidson and IBM. While Harrison concurs that there are indeed born entrepreneurs, he concedes that others may have latent traits, which can be teased out and developed.

And remember: When it comes to running your own business, having the right genes doesn’t guarantee success. But it probably helps.