EIR Live

By: Terrance Orr & Ilya Tabakh
  • Summary

  • EIR Live brings you invaluable lessons straight from Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) who have been in the trenches. Hosted by seasoned EIRs Terrance Orr and Ilya Tabakh, each episode offers actionable insights and real-world strategies as guests share their personal journeys, successes, and hard-earned lessons. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur in residence, venture builder, or innovation leader, you'll gain practical knowledge from those actively shaping industries. Tune in to learn directly from the experts and empower your own entrepreneurial journey.
    ©️2024 EIR Live
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Episodes
  • Episode 05 - Intentional Chaos: Building a Portfolio of Impact with Musaddeq Khan (MK)
    Nov 26 2024
    Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr talk with MK (Musaddeq Khan), a serial entrepreneur and experienced EIR. MK shares insights into his journey from founding startups to coaching entrepreneurs in programs like the Georgia State Mainstreet Fund and the ATDC. He discusses how his experiences in multiple countries have shaped his resilience, why adaptability is essential in entrepreneurship, and the significance of a customer-focused approach in product development. The conversation explores MK's role at Nokia Ventures, his perspective on regulated industries, and the transformative mindset needed to thrive as an EIR.Key Points from This Episode:[00:00:00] MK (Musaddeq Khan) shares his early experiences growing up in Iraq, Kuwait, and the U.S., describing how constant relocation shaped his resilience.[00:01:12] Ilya introduces the purpose and goals of EIR Live, aiming to explore the entrepreneurial mindset and experience.[00:02:35] Terrance introduces MK, noting his extensive entrepreneurial journey and achievements.[00:03:45] MK discusses his international upbringing and the cultural adjustments that influenced his adaptability.[00:07:17] MK reflects on his transition to startups after early corporate experiences, highlighting lessons learned.[00:10:20] How founding his first startup during the Great Recession taught him the importance of seizing opportunities in challenging times.[00:13:43] MK explains strategies for entering and innovating in regulated industries, such as utilities.[00:16:50] Importance of a customer-centered, outcome-driven approach in product development and management.[00:19:10] MK describes the “carrot and stick” regulatory dynamic that influences product development in utilities.[00:22:56] MK talks about his transition to EIR roles and the impact of mentorship on his growth as an entrepreneur.[00:26:30] Reflections on how company culture can enable or hinder an EIR’s ability to innovate.[00:30:45] MK discusses his role at Georgia State’s Mainstreet Fund, supporting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.[00:36:20] Insights into coaching growth-stage companies at ATDC and guiding product development.[00:40:09] MK explains the importance of patient, long-term investment in innovation and entrepreneurship.[00:47:10] Emphasis on the need for an EIR to align with a company’s strategy and contribute to meaningful, sustainable growth.[00:52:37] MK describes Nokia Ventures’ approach to commercializing Bell Labs’ legacy technology for new uses.[01:00:40] How mentoring and supporting emerging entrepreneurs gives Khan a deep sense of purpose.[01:06:25] Advice for founders on prioritizing coachability and a problem-solving mindset.[01:13:59] MK reflects on the importance of embracing ambiguity and unpredictability as an entrepreneur.[01:18:15] Final thoughts from Khan on resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful challenges in entrepreneurship.Links:MK (Musaddeq Khan) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkhanGeorgia State Mainstreet Fund: https://eni.gsu.edu/category/main-street-seed-fund/ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/Learn more about the podcast at https://eir.live🎥 watch at https://youtu.be/x0Irnq11Xa0 (00:00) - Early experiences (01:12) - Show introduction (02:35) - MK’s background (03:45) - Cultural adaptability (07:17) - Corporate to startups (10:20) - Founding during recession (13:43) - Regulated industries (16:50) - Customer-focused development (19:10) - Regulatory dynamics (22:56) - EIR transition (26:30) - Culture’s impact (30:45) - Mainstreet Fund role (36:20) - Coaching at ATDC (40:09) - Long-term investment (47:10) - Strategic alignment (52:37) - Nokia Ventures (00:40) - Mentorship purpose (06:25) - Founders’ coachability (13:59) - Embracing ambiguity (18:15) - Final thoughts
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Episode 04 - Community as Currency: Building Genuine B2B Growth with Jeanine Suah
    Nov 12 2024
    Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr talk with Jeanine Suah, an influential community builder and entrepreneur. Jeanine shares her unique path from community-driven roles in large corporations to pioneering initiatives in the B2B space with a focus on authentic growth and impact. Her insights cover everything from building sustainable communities in business to the essential role of vulnerability in leadership. Listen in as she discusses the strategy behind community as currency, reflects on the evolving landscape for entrepreneurs in residence (XIR), and gives practical advice for founders aspiring to create meaningful, lasting impact through community.Key Points from This Episode:[00:00:00] Opening thoughts on rethinking B2B growth through authentic relationships.[00:00:59] Ilya introduces EIR Live and its focus on entrepreneurial journeys.[00:02:05] Jeanine’s background in community-led growth and her transition to a founder role.[00:04:08] Jeanine’s first exposure to tech and community at Station House coworking space.[00:07:05] The impact of grassroots initiatives like "1 Million Cups" in community building.[00:08:17] Jeanine’s entrepreneurial path from the Doyenne Company to launching Think Global.[00:09:00] Navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and its effects on physical community spaces.[00:10:18] The motivation behind founding Find and addressing founder funding challenges.[00:13:00] Transition to XIR roles and insights into building communities for brands like Brex.[00:18:10] Building a brand presence and the value of digital visibility in community building.[00:21:20] Defining the XIR role and explaining it to non-tech stakeholders.[00:24:00] How content creation supports community and business growth.[00:27:08] Importance of clarity in B2B communication and simplifying complex ideas.[00:32:15] Jeanine reflects on the power of vulnerability in her personal and professional life.[00:38:25] Embracing challenges as essential for growth in entrepreneurship.[00:40:40] Three steps to building a community-led business: purpose, product, and authenticity.[00:44:05] Case studies of successful community-focused companies, including Beehive.[00:51:15] Jeanine's new LinkedIn show "About Community" and goals for community content.[00:55:35] How LinkedIn's content strategy is evolving in community engagement.[01:02:20] Book recommendation: The Courage to Be Disliked and its impact on Jeanine’s outlook.[01:06:40] Reflections on her dream XIR role—building out XIR programs at future companies.[01:07:58] Terrance shares his excitement about the episode, emphasizing Jeanine's impact in defining community as currency and the leadership value of vulnerability.[01:08:37] Ilya and Terrance discuss how Jeanine’s advice on intentionality and authenticity offers a blueprint for building meaningful business relationships.[01:09:12] Terrance highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and pushing comfort zones for personal and professional growth.[01:09:50] Ilya contemplates the difference between community and ecosystem, reflecting on how Jeanine’s precision in defining terms can influence EIR Live’s own community-building efforts.[01:10:30] Both hosts express anticipation for the audience's reaction and the lasting value of Jeanine's insights.Links:Jeanine Suah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaninesuahThe Courage To Be Disliked: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-courage-to-be-disliked Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/ (00:00) - Rethinking B2B Growth Clip (00:59) - Welcome to EIR Live (02:05) - Jeanine's Journey Begins (04:08) - Tech Meets Community (07:05) - Grassroots Impact (08:17) - From Doyenne to Think Global (09:00) - Pivoting Through COVID (10:18) - The Find Foundation (13:00) - The Brex XIR Experience (18:10) - Digital Brand Building (21:20) - Defining XIR (24:00) - Content as Connection (27:08) - Simplifying B2B (32:15) - Power of Vulnerability (38:25) - Embracing Challenges (40:40) - Community Building 101 (44:05) - Success Stories (51:15) - About Community Show (55:35) - LinkedIn Evolution (02:20) - Courage to Be Different (06:40) - Dream XIR Role (07:58) - Impact & Currency (08:37) - Blueprint for Success (09:12) - Pushing Boundaries (09:50) - Community vs Ecosystem (10:30) - Final Reflections with your Hosts
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 03 - The Founder Mentality: Risk, Growth, and Building Ventures with Paul Capriolo
    Oct 23 2024

    Episode Description

    In this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Live, Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr sit down with Paul Capriolo, a venture principal at Portfolio T, to explore his journey from building successful companies to becoming a Venture Studio leader. Paul delves into his experiences in various industries, discusses the founder mentality, and shares his unique approach to risk reduction in startups. The conversation touches on the importance of self-growth, the role of venture studios in shaping entrepreneurs, and how AI is revolutionizing venture building. For aspiring EIRs, seasoned entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts alike, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.



    Key Points from This Episode:

    • Introduction of Paul Capriolo and his background in computer science and entrepreneurship. [00:04:12]
    • Transitioning from social gaming and advertising to being a Venture Studio leader. [00:06:16]
    • The role of vulnerability in building trust with founding teams and the challenges of advising versus leading a venture. [00:08:01]
    • Exploring the difference between technical founders and broader business challenges in early ventures. [00:11:17]
    • Challenges faced while working with founding teams, including identifying assumptions and risks. [00:11:56]
    • The concept of startups as “risk reduction factories” and how to prioritize risks in venture building. [00:18:45]
    • Paul’s “risk-weighted venture building” approach and the importance of running at risks rather than avoiding them. [00:20:16]
    • The significance of mission-driven entrepreneurship and aligning teams with a clear vision. [00:24:02]
    • Transition from reactive to proactive decision-making and defining priorities in startup leadership. [00:26:19]
    • Paul's role as an EIR at the University of Maryland and how it contrasts with his work at a Venture Studio. [00:27:48]
    • Insights on the codified methodology of venture building and knowing when to deviate from the playbook. [00:37:15]
    • Why the zero-to-one phase of venture building excites Paul more than scaling mature companies. [00:41:42]
    • The role of AI in accelerating venture building and the possibility of creating billion-dollar companies with minimal teams. [00:47:24]
    • The importance of meditation and mindfulness in entrepreneurship for long-term success. [00:52:10]


    Links:

    • Paul Capriolo
    • Portfolio T
    • Terrence Orr
    • Ilya Tabakh
    • EIR Live
    • (00:00) - EIR Live Show Intro
    • (01:11) - Co-host Preview
    • (04:12) - Paul's Background
    • (06:16) - From Gaming to Ventures
    • (08:01) - Building Trust & Leadership
    • (11:17) - Technical vs. Business Challenges
    • (11:56) - Working with Founders
    • (18:45) - Startups as Risk Reduction Factories
    • (20:16) - Risk-Weighted Ventures
    • (24:02) - Mission-Driven Teams
    • (26:19) - Reactive vs. Proactive Leadership
    • (27:48) - University EIR Role
    • (37:15) - Venture Building Playbook
    • (41:42) - Zero-to-One Phase
    • (47:24) - AI in Venture Building
    • (52:10) - Meditation for Success
    • (59:13) - EIR Live Show Outro
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    1 hr

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