EIR Live

Episode 16 - Spinning Out of Google X with Ramya Swaminathan

Ramya Swaminathan brings 30+ years of electricity infrastructure experience to this conversation about spinning companies out of corporate environments, navigating strategic pivots, and the transformative moment facing the energy grid. From growing up with unreliable infrastructure in India and the Philippines to leading Malta Inc. out of Alphabet's Moonshot Factory (Google X), Ramya shares hard-won lessons about commercializing deep tech in capital-intensive industries.  An active supporter of the energy infrastructure innovation ecosystem, she previously served as Executive-in-Residence at Engine Ventures and currently sits on the boards of Vema Hydrogen and Resources for the Future. Her non-traditional path through anthropology, public policy, and investment banking provides a masterclass in translation between technical teams, policymakers, and institutional investors. Essential listening for founders in hard tech, climate, and infrastructure sectors seeking practical guidance on pivots, fundraising, and building conviction around emerging technologies. Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening: The Power of Pivots  [00:02:38] From CEO to Entrepreneur in Residence  [00:06:06] Growing Up with Fragile Infrastructure  [00:13:21] Anthropology, Policy, and Learning to Learn  [00:18:02] Participant Observation in Business  [00:31:45] The First Pivot: Hydrokinetics to Low-Head Hydro  [00:40:21] When to Pivot and Why We Resist  [00:46:00] Spinning Out of Google X  [00:58:27] Raising Capital for Hard Tech  [01:06:13] The Malta Pivot: 10MW to 100MW  [01:14:06] The Future Grid and Innovation Urgency  [01:19:13] Teaching Sunday School  [01:21:59] Connect with Ramya Key Takeaways: 1. Pivot sooner than comfortable. "There is no pivot that I have made in a company that I shouldn't have made sooner." Founders often recognize the need for change but resist due to emotional attachment. 2. Good technologies do not guarantee commercialization. Success requires understanding codes and standards, commercial instruments, customer adoption pathways, and balance sheet requirements beyond the technology itself. 3. Capital raising is not outsourceable. Hard tech CEOs must personally articulate pain, why now, and solution to institutional investors. Conviction plus a plan are both required. 4. Infrastructure innovation requires translation skills. Bridging engineers, policymakers, investors, and communities is as critical as technical excellence. 5. The electricity grid faces unprecedented transformation. Load growth from AI and electrification creates urgency that opens doors for innovation previously closed by institutional inertia. Notable Quotes: [00:41:20] "I think there is no pivot that I have made in a company that I shouldn't have made sooner." - Ramya Swaminathan [01:01:32] "The ability to raise capital is kind of the core competence of a CEO in clean tech because it's necessary, it's hard, and it's not outsourceable." - Ramya Swaminathan [01:03:10] "There are many more good technologies than get commercialized, and it's for all kinds of reasons." - Ramya Swaminathan [00:44:00] "The wrong decision is not to do anything. Or to think about it or to sit." - Ilya Tabakh [01:05:58] "Good judgment came from having had bad judgment in the past." - Ramya Swaminathan Organizations & Resources Mentioned: * Engine Ventures: https://www.engine.xyz [https://www.engine.xyz] * Malta Inc.: https://www.maltainc.com [https://www.maltainc.com] * X (Alphabet's Moonshot Factory): https://x.company [https://x.company] * Breakthrough Energy Ventures: https://www.breakthroughenergy.org [https://www.breakthroughenergy.org] * Rye Development: https://www.ryedevelopment.com [https://www.ryedevelopment.com] * U.S. Department of Energy Electricity Advisory Committee [https://www.energy.gov/oe/electricity-advisory-committee] * U.S. Department of Commerce REEEAC [https://www.trade.gov/reeeac] 🔗 Connect with Ramya Swaminathan: ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ramyaxswaminathan  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramyaxswaminathan/] 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr] ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh] ▪️ Website: eir.live [https://eir.live/] ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive] ▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive [https://youtube.com/@EIRLive] ▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show [https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show] ▪️ Suggest Guest [https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8] 🎧 Listen to the Episode: ▪️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/7PyDHvcIuXs [https://youtu.be/7PyDHvcIuXs] ▪️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eir-live/id1767045066 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eir-live/id1767045066] ▪️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TBj8ZLbHQMnaeK6dOh23P [https://open.spotify.com/show/2TBj8ZLbHQMnaeK6dOh23P] ▪️ All Platforms: https://podcast.eir.live [https://podcast.eir.live] Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence! * (00:00) - Opening: The Power of Pivots * (02:38) - From CEO to Entrepreneur in Residence * (06:06) - Growing Up with Fragile Infrastructure * (13:21) - Anthropology, Policy, and Learning to Learn * (18:02) - Participant Observation in Business * (31:45) - The First Pivot: Hydrokinetics to Low-Head Hydro * (40:21) - When to Pivot and Why We Resist * (46:00) - Spinning Out of Google X * (58:27) - Raising Capital for Hard Tech * (01:06:13) - The Malta Pivot: 10MW to 100MW * (01:14:06) - The Future Grid and Innovation Urgency * (01:19:13) - Teaching Sunday School * (01:21:59) - Connect with Ramya

Episode 15 - Unconventional Paths in Innovation with Victor Muchiri

In this episode of EIR Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr sit down with Victor Muchiri, a construction technology and fintech professional who served as one of the rare Entrepreneurs in Residence in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry at Barton Malow. Victor shares his remarkable journey from his childhood in Kenya and South Africa, through his immigration to the United States, to building a diverse career spanning construction engineering, fintech at Upstart, venture capital at Nationwide Insurance, and corporate innovation. The conversation explores what it takes to create your own EIR role, the critical importance of change management in traditional industries, and how immigrant adaptability can fuel entrepreneurial success. Whether you're an aspiring EIR, a corporate leader considering innovation programs, or a professional navigating career pivots, this episode delivers actionable insights on betting on yourself and building bridges across professional worlds. Chapters [00:00:00] Cold Open: The Rorschach Test of Perspectives [00:00:49] Welcome to EIR Live [00:01:27] Introduction: Finding the Rare AEC EIR [00:02:45] Victor's Background: Kenya to Ohio [00:06:22] Early Career in Construction at Turner [00:09:55] Taking the Leap: COVID and Joining Upstart [00:14:20] Exploring Venture Creation at High Alpha [00:17:43] Return to Fintech: Navigating Triple-Sided Marketplaces [00:21:59] Sitting at the Interface of Disciplines [00:26:22] Breaking into Venture Capital at Nationwide [00:30:17] CVC vs Traditional VC Explained [00:33:07] Landing the EIR Role at Barton Malow [00:35:36] EIR Roles Are Created, Not Applied For [00:41:07] Advice for Leaders Starting EIR Programs [00:47:20] Safety and Culture in Construction Innovation [00:51:34] From EIR to Strategy: Building on Relationships [00:54:15] Personal Passions: The Orphanage in Kenya [00:55:49] How to Connect with Victor [00:57:13] Host Reflections and Takeaways Key Takeaways 1. EIR roles are created, not applied for. Victor crafted his own position by writing a memo to Barton Malow executives outlining his value proposition. Most successful EIRs propose roles rather than finding job postings. 2. Change management comes before innovation. Before introducing new technologies or processes, EIRs must build relationships, gain alignment, and manage expectations. Without this foundation, even great ideas will fail to gain adoption. 3. Understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives is a superpower. Victor's experience navigating Upstart's triple-sided marketplace taught him that the same information looks completely different to different parties. Successful EIRs translate across these worldviews. 4. Curiosity and honest self-assessment drive career success. Victor recognized early that he wasn't destined to be a traditional superintendent and instead leaned into his analytical strengths across multiple industries. 5. Organizations must commit resources and align incentives. Leaders considering EIR programs should assess cultural readiness, commit real company resources (not just budget), define timelines, and offer entrepreneurial incentives that match the risk being asked of the EIR. Notable Quotes 1. "It's a bit of a Rorschach test... we're both looking at the same thing... you see a bunny and I see something else. I see a duck." [00:22:34] Victor Muchiri on how different stakeholders interpret the same information 2. "EIR roles, you really can't apply for them... they are really created." [00:35:36] Terrance Orr on the reality of landing EIR positions 3. "You should find work that feels like fun. And for me, that felt like fun." [00:28:15] Victor Muchiri on pursuing curiosity-driven career choices 4. "Moving fast and breaking things when there is I-beams flying around is not acceptable." [00:47:20] Ilya Tabakh on respecting safety culture in construction innovation 5. "A lot of the early work has to be change management. You have to manage expectations. You have to manage relationships. You have to get alignment." [00:48:58] Victor Muchiri on the real work of corporate innovation Organizations & Resources Mentioned * Barton Malow - National construction company where Victor served as EIR and Strategy Manager * Turner Construction - Largest general contractor in the U.S. where Victor worked early in his career * Upstart - AI-powered lending platform where Victor worked through their IPO * High Alpha Innovation - Venture studio focused on building advantaged startups for corporations * Nationwide Ventures - Corporate venture capital arm of Nationwide Insurance * BuildVision - Construction technology company where Victor currently works * Primary Venture Partners - NYC-based early stage venture firm where Victor serves as Expert * The Ohio State University - Where Victor earned his degree in Construction Management * Plot - Construction tech company Victor supported at High Alpha 🔗 Connect with Victor Muchiri ▪️    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-muchiri [https://linkedin.com/in/victor-muchiri] ▪️    X/Twitter: @Vic_Muchiri [https://x.com/vic_muchiri] 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr] ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh] ▪️ Website: eir.live [https://eir.live/] ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive] ▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive [https://youtube.com/@EIRLive] ▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show [https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show] ▪️ Suggest Guest [https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8] Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence! * (00:00) - Cold Open: The Rorschach Test of Perspectives * (00:49) - Welcome to EIR Live * (01:27) - Introduction: Finding the Rare AEC EIR * (02:45) - Victor's Background: Kenya to Ohio * (06:22) - Early Career in Construction at Turner * (09:55) - Taking the Leap: COVID and Joining Upstart * (14:20) - Exploring Venture Creation at High Alpha * (17:43) - Return to Fintech: Navigating Triple-Sided Marketplaces * (21:59) - Sitting at the Interface of Disciplines * (26:22) - Breaking into Venture Capital at Nationwide * (30:17) - CVC vs Traditional VC Explained * (33:07) - Landing the EIR Role at Barton Malow * (35:36) - EIR Roles Are Created, Not Applied For * (41:07) - Advice for Leaders Starting EIR Programs * (47:20) - Safety and Culture in Construction Innovation * (51:34) - From EIR to Strategy: Building on Relationships * (54:15) - Personal Passions: The Orphanage in Kenya * (55:49) - How to Connect with Victor * (57:13) - Host Reflections and Takeaways

Episode 14 - The Accidental EIR with Peter Winton

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Peter Winton, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Nottingham and member of the Royal Society's Industry College. With over 50 years spanning Ford Motor Company, 22 years at Rolls-Royce, and six years supporting academic spin-outs, Peter shares his unconventional journey from apprentice engineer to master translator between academic research and commercial opportunity. Peter's career philosophy challenges conventional wisdom: choosing breadth over hierarchical advancement, embracing strategic quits as career-defining moments, and recognizing that "the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." In this episode, Peter delivers masterclasses in translation, revealing how to transform impenetrable scientific abstracts into compelling business value propositions. He explains why academic competition happens "with the guy in the office next door," why EIR engagements require minimum three-year commitments, and why "I don't know" are the three most powerful words in any language. Whether you're an aspiring EIR, university administrator, corporate innovation leader, or anyone interested in technology commercialization, Peter's insights will transform how you think about bridging academic and industrial worlds. Chapters [00:00:00] The Power of I Don't Know [00:01:22] Welcome to EIR Live [00:02:33] Peter's Early Career at Ford Motor Company [00:04:53] Moving to Desoutter and Learning Business [00:09:04] Strategic Quits and Career Lessons [00:10:08] Landing at Rolls-Royce [00:12:04] Breadth Over Height: The Career Philosophy [00:15:10] Understanding How Things Work [00:17:42] The EIR Pattern: Diverse Experiences [00:19:47] The Most Powerful Three Words [00:21:53] Managing University Technology Centres [00:25:17] The UTC Business Model [00:28:10] Academic vs Industrial Competition [00:33:27] Discovering the EIR Role [00:36:20] Kate's Suggestion: You're Going to Be One [00:38:53] IP Experience and Patent Strategy [00:45:49] IQ Explore and Market Validation [00:50:33] The Sintam Spin-Out Success Story [00:54:37] Why Two Years Isn't Enough [00:56:42] Universities and Fear of Failure [00:59:05] The Funding Timeline Problem [01:02:48] What Keeps Peter Engaged [01:04:25] Translation Masterclass: Biomaterials [01:07:44] The Eye Drops Elevator Pitch [01:10:11] Research Excellence Framework [01:13:31] Where to Find Peter's Work [01:14:51] Advice for Aspiring EIRs [01:17:38] How the EIR Network Can Help [01:20:12] Host Reflections on the Episode Key Takeaways 1. Choose Breadth Over Height: Building horizontal expertise across functions creates unique pattern recognition abilities invaluable for EIR roles. "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." 2. Master Translation: The critical EIR skill is converting technical language into business value. Academics talk science; business talks benefits. Bridge that gap to accelerate commercialization. 3. Understand Academic Incentives: In academia, "the professor's competitor was the guy in the office next door," not rival universities. Understanding this changes everything about supporting faculty. 4. EIR Roles Need Three Years: Meaningful technology transfer impact requires sustained engagement. Most valuable outcomes emerge in year three, finishing initiatives started in year one. 5. "I Don't Know" is a Superpower: Combined with knowing how to find answers, intellectual honesty about knowledge gaps builds trust and enables effective problem-solving. Notable Quotes [00:00:19] Peter Winton:  "The most powerful three words in the English language were I don't know. I had the courage to say, I don't know. But I could then go off somewhere and find out." [00:12:32] Peter Winton:  "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. If you don't want to be in a rut and height's not your thing, then the only dimension left is breadth." [00:28:55] Peter Winton:  "In Rolls-Royce, our principal competitor was General Electric. What I came to realize was in academia, the professor's competitor was the guy in the office next door." [00:58:41] Peter Winton:  "95% of startups fail. So what makes you think universities can have a better track record? And what makes you afraid of actually matching the existing track record of the world?" [01:07:10] Peter Winton:  "One of the reasons that academics find it difficult to get things out there is that they talk science, and business talks benefits." Organizations & Resources Mentioned Royal Society Industry Fellowship - One of the world's oldest scientific academies offering the Industrial Fellowship scheme https://royalsociety.org/grants/industry-fellowships/ University of Nottingham - Peter's host institution with 38 active spin-outs and only 3 failures since 2005 https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ Nottingham Technology Ventures - University company managing spin-outs https://www.nottinghamtechventures.com/ Innovate UK - UK government innovation agency funding IQ Explore program https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/ IQ Explore Program - Three-month market validation before company formation https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/icure/ Research Excellence Framework - UK research impact assessment https://www.ref.ac.uk/  🔗 Connect with Peter Winton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-winton-11b06128 University Spin-Outs: Nottingham Technology Ventures 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr] ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh] ▪️ Website: eir.live [https://eir.live/] ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive] ▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive [https://youtube.com/@EIRLive] ▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show [https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show] ▪️ Suggest Guest [https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8] Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence!

Episode 13 - A Journey Through Water Innovation with Adam Tank

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Adam Tank, co-founder and CCO of Transcend, a Series B infrastructure technology company revolutionizing how critical infrastructure is designed. From his unexpected journey starting as a microbiology student who won pitch competitions without business knowledge, to working at General Electric and founding a robotics startup that was successfully acquired, Adam shares invaluable insights on building mission-driven companies that create measurable social impact. With Transcend's software already affecting over 400 million people globally, Adam discusses the art of "collecting dots before connecting them," the reality of scaling from founder mode to operational excellence, and why infrastructure innovation represents one of the greatest opportunities of our generation. Chapters [00:00:00] Guest Introduction & Serendipitous Connection Story  [00:04:04] Early Life: From Microscopes to Medical School Dreams  [00:05:04] First Entrepreneurial Win: The Papa John's Pizza Competition  [00:08:03] MBA & Second Competition Victory: Airbnb for Business Travelers  [00:11:44] Collecting Dots Before Connecting Dots  [00:17:31] Mexico Volunteering & Life Perspective  [00:21:44] GE Water: Entering the Water Industry  [00:26:00] The Digital Water Revolution & 30% Water Loss Crisis  [00:29:00] From GE Ventures to Founding Industrial Optic (Robotics)  [00:31:30] Suez Experience & Corporate vs Startup Reality  [00:36:00] Building Transcend: Mission-Driven Infrastructure Innovation  [00:41:00] Scaling Challenges: Series A to Series B Transition  [00:46:00] Infrastructure as Opportunity: The Unsexy Gold Mine  [00:49:40] Corporate Innovation vs Startup Execution  [00:52:00] War Wounds: California Tax Story & Resilience  [00:54:00] Vision for the Future: Designing Cities from Scratch  [00:56:00] Personal Life: Foster Parenting & Work-Life Integration  [00:58:00] Final Reflections & How to Connect Key Takeaways 1. Collect dots before connecting them: Diverse experiences that seem unrelated often converge to create unique entrepreneurial capabilities. Actively seek experiences outside your comfort zone. 2. Mission drives resilience: Having a clear purpose and measurable impact (Transcend tracks helping 400M+ people) provides stability during the inevitable volatility of entrepreneurship. 3. Scale requires different skills: The transition from "just get shit done" founder mode to building systems and processes is necessary but challenging. Know when to ask "Who can do this?" instead of "How do I do this?" 4. Infrastructure presents massive opportunity: With U.S. water infrastructure rated D and 30% of treated water lost, there's tremendous potential for innovation in "unsexy" but critical sectors. 5. Bridge corporate and startup worlds: Both environments have misconceptions about each other. Success comes from recognizing complementary capabilities and building mutual respect. Notable Quotes [00:00:14] Adam Tank: "You have to collect the dots before you can connect the dots. You have to have all of these experiences and only in hindsight can you actually connect them and make sense." [00:18:00] Adam Tank: "Happiness and fulfillment have very little to do with your job title or how much money you make. Really, the things that are most important are your health, the health of your friends and family, that you have people that love you." [00:36:00] Adam Tank: "My mindset is just get shit done. You might piss some people off along the way... but you just need to get it done. And that's not our company anymore." [00:39:00] Adam Tank: "Every time someone runs a design using our software, we know that there is a percentage likelihood that someone in the world is going to get access to clean water or renewable power because of it." [00:52:00] Adam Tank: "The things that you think you need to worry about inevitably never come to fruition, and the stuff that you're not worried about does." Organizations & Resources Mentioned * Transcend Software: Infrastructure design platform (https://transcendinfra.com [https://transcendinfra.com]) * General Electric (GE): Water division, GE Ventures, ECLP rotational program * General Mills: Quality engineering and food safety * Suez: French water and infrastructure company - https://www.suez.com/en/north-america * Industrial Optic: Adam's robotics startup (acquired by Mueller Water Technologies) * Kansas State University: Bachelor's in Microbiology * University of Arizona: MBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship * Book: "Who Not How" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy - https://whonothow.com/ [https://whonothow.com/] * David Perel: Writing expert referenced for "collect the dots" concept - https://x.com/david_perell/status/1765416669948637399 [https://x.com/david_perell/status/1765416669948637399] * American Society of Civil Engineers: Infrastructure Report Card - https://infrastructurereportcard.org/ [https://infrastructurereportcard.org/] * Ralph Exton: Adam's mentor at GE Water - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralpherikexton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralpherikexton/] 🔗 Connect with Adam Tank * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank/] * Website: https://adamtank.com [https://adamtank.com] * Company: https://transcendinfra.com [https://transcendinfra.com] 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr] ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh] ▪️ Website: eir.live [https://eir.live] ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive] ▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive [https://youtube.com/@EIRLive] ▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show [https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show] ▪️ Suggest Guest [https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8] * (00:00) - Guest Introduction & Serendipitous Connection Story * (04:04) - Early Life: From Microscopes to Medical School Dreams * (05:04) - First Entrepreneurial Win: The Papa John's Pizza Competition * (08:03) - MBA & Second Competition Victory: Airbnb for Business Travelers * (11:44) - Collecting Dots Before Connecting Dots * (17:31) - Mexico Volunteering & Life Perspective * (21:44) - GE Water: Entering the Water Industry * (26:00) - The Digital Water Revolution & 30% Water Loss Crisis * (29:00) - From GE Ventures to Founding Industrial Optic (Robotics) * (31:30) - Suez Experience & Corporate vs Startup Reality * (36:00) - Building Transcend: Mission-Driven Infrastructure Innovation * (41:00) - Scaling Challenges: Series A to Series B Transition * (46:00) - Infra...

Episode 12 - From Entrepreneur to EIR Enabler with Mia Bennett

In this episode of EIR Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr sit down with Mia Bennett, a serial entrepreneur turned EIR enabler who has transformed from management consultant to venture builder to leading 120+ entrepreneurs at Oneday. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate innovation at Citi Ventures and PwC, impact entrepreneurship at Zinc VC, and building 40+ products across multiple startups, Mia shares her unique journey through the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in residence roles. She reveals how a 4 AM cold email changed her career trajectory, why relationships are 15-year investments, and how she's revolutionizing entrepreneurship education by making it accessible to everyone—from medical doctors to people who never touched a college campus. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in corporate innovation, venture building, or understanding how diverse perspectives create entrepreneurial magic. Chapters [00:00:00] Cold Open - The 4 AM Email That Changed Everything [00:01:25] Episode Introduction [00:01:35] Guest Introduction & Background [00:03:19] From Consultant to Entrepreneur - Making the Jump [00:07:04] Management Consulting Lessons - Relationships Matter [00:14:56] Building an Agency - 30 Failed Proposals to Success [00:24:08] First EIR Role at Citi Ventures [00:29:29] Impact Entrepreneurship at Zinc VC [00:46:34] Joining Oneday - From 2 Hours to Head of Faculty [00:53:08] Building a Network of 120+ EIRs [00:58:15] The Power of Diverse Networks [01:02:35] Long-term Relationships & 15-Year Connections [01:06:32] Call to Action & Connect with Mia [01:07:27] Hidden Talent - Spanish Property Development [01:10:27] Host Reflection - The Onion Episode Key Takeaways 1. EIR roles find you, you don't find them - These positions are typically created specifically for individuals based on their unique skills and network, not posted as traditional job openings. 2. Relationships are decades-long investments - Mia's first employee from 15 years ago is now a founder she works with again, demonstrating the compound value of professional relationships. 3. Diversity is a superpower in entrepreneurship - Oneday's cohorts include everyone from medical doctors to people without degrees, creating an environment where everyone gets humbled and learns. 4. Impact ventures require more patience than commercial ones - Social entrepreneurship needs longer timelines and government support, but persistence eventually pays off. 5. Speed and partnerships beat traditional RFPs for small players - After 30 failed proposals, one creative partnership transformed Mia's struggling agency into a success. Notable Quotes [00:03:35] Mia Bennett: "I ended up in a role that I absolutely loved, great team, great projects. And I felt if I don't make the jump, I will never leave." [00:17:10] Mia Bennett: "After we did about 30 [proposals], I didn't get anything. I was like, that's it. I am NOT doing any more proposals." [00:41:46] Terrance Orr: "Usually your EIR role is created for you or it finds you. You don't find it." [00:40:27] Ilya Tabakh: "This is sort of the concept of the ten or fifteen year overnight success... the story you get directly and what could have gone wrong, how high were the highs, how low were the lows is completely different than the TechCrunch article." [01:03:22] Mia Bennett: "A lot of these relationships last... my very first employee when I was at the agency, fast forward fifteen years, he's a founder of a really interesting Microsoft. I'm now working with him again." Organizations & Resources Mentioned * Oneday - Entrepreneurship MBA program (https://www.oneday.org/ [https://www.oneday.org/]) * Citi Ventures - Corporate innovation arm of Citigroup * D10X - Citi Ventures' incubator program * Zinc VC - Impact-focused venture builder (https://www.zinc.vc/ [https://www.zinc.vc/]) * PwC - Professional services firm where Mia built emerging tech practice * IBM - Where Mia received initial consulting training * Mach49 - Venture building firm mentioned by Terrance * SAP.iO - SAP's venture studio program * EMC - IT infrastructure company where Terrance received sales training * Book: "This Diary Will Change Your Life" by Benrik * Book: "The Almanac of Naval Ravikant" - Mentioned by Ilya 🔗 Connect with Mia Bennett ▪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miabennett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miabennett] ▪️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/miaotsoa [https://x.com/miaotsoa] 🔗 Connect with EIR Live: ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr] ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh] ▪️ Website: eir.live [https://eir.live] ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive] ▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive [https://youtube.com/@EIRLive] ▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show [https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show] ▪️ Suggest Guest [https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8] * (00:00) - Cold Open - The 4 AM Email That Changed Everything * (01:25) - Episode Introduction * (01:35) - Guest Introduction & Background * (03:19) - From Consultant to Entrepreneur - Making the Jump * (07:04) - Management Consulting Lessons - Relationships Matter * (14:56) - Building an Agency - 30 Failed Proposals to Success * (24:08) - First EIR Role at Citi Ventures * (29:29) - Impact Entrepreneurship at Zinc VC * (46:34) - Joining Oneday - From 2 Hours to Head of Faculty * (53:08) - Building a Network of 120+ EIRs * (58:15) - The Power of Diverse Networks * (02:35) - Long-term Relationships & 15-Year Connections * (06:32) - Call to Action & Connect with Mia * (07:27) - Hidden Talent - Spanish Property Development * (10:27) - Host Reflection - The Onion Episode