EIR Live

About EIR Live

The podcast exploring the diverse world of entrepreneurs in residence. Hosts Terrance Orr and Ilya Tabakh, both serial EIRs, interview practitioners who have held "in residence" roles at venture studios, corporations, universities, VCs, nonprofits, and government agencies. Guests share war stories, career pivots, and practical advice from industries including construction, healthcare, fintech, climate tech, and biotech. Whether you're pursuing your first EIR role, navigating corporate innovation, or building ventures from zero to one, each episode delivers insights you won't find in any textbook. For self-starters, venture creators, and translators who connect the dots.

Publisher

Terrance Orr & Ilya Tabakh

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Sept 2024

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Episode 18 - Hacking Luck, Making Founders with Stephanie Melodia

   Stephanie Melodia brings more than a decade in the startup trenches to this conversation about why luck beats effort, why the more risk you take the luckier you get, and why founders should only take advice from people who have played the game. From screen printing T-shirts in the basement of an art school on Lanzarote to landing in London with no degree, no connections, and £900 a month, then building an award-winning marketing consultancy that served roughly 100 startups, Steph traces how hustle carried her a long way and then hit a ceiling. Today she is Entrepreneur in Residence and MBA Advisor at Oneday, a keynote speaker whose signature talk Hacking Luck turns Nobel Prize-winning research into eight practical principles, host of the UK Top 20 business show Strategy & Tragedy, and a longtime VC scout for Ada Ventures. Her route from illustration to marketing to mentoring gives her a rare double exposure as founder and founder coach, the self-described professional big sister to the next generation. Essential listening for early stage founders, aspiring EIRs, and anyone rethinking what still gives humans an edge in the age of AI. Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening: The More Risk I Take, the Luckier I Get [00:01:01] Oneday Colleagues Reunited: Meet Steph [00:04:31] Screen Printing in the Art School Basement [00:10:59] Lanzarote to London on £900 a Month [00:17:26] Talent, Effort, or Luck? [00:21:23] Craving Certainty and the AI Reset [00:25:42] The More Risk You Take, the Luckier You Get [00:28:49] Catching Waves: Players, Not Spectators [00:34:38] Discovering the Entrepreneur in Residence [00:37:48] The Professional Big Sister [00:40:14] How Hacking Luck Became a Framework [00:48:23] Eight Principles from Agency to Zagging [00:51:53] Storytelling as a Superpower [00:56:37] Sapiens: Why Storytelling Built Humanity [01:00:37] When Luck Turns: The Cancelled Keynote [01:07:39] EIR Live Exclusive: Rapper's Delight [01:10:05] Connect with Steph Key Takeaways: It is not the harder you work, the luckier you get. It is the more risk you take. Entrepreneurs' edge is the stomach to do what others will not, so ask yourself what risk you can take today, big or small. Effort beats talent, and luck beats effort. Kahneman's research shows luck has far more bearing on outcomes than we admit, because we crave certainty and control. Luck has eight learnable components. Four mindset principles (agency, openness, optimism, resilience) and four actions (risk, visibility, network, zagging) form a practical A to Z anyone can audit. Take advice from players, not spectators. Entrepreneurship is a contact sport, and mentors, programs, and coaches earn trust only if they have run the play themselves. Storytelling is the original competitive edge. From Sapiens to the keynote stage, the capacity to imagine and communicate is why humans are here and how founders move people. Notable Quotes: [00:26:09] "It's not the harder I work, the luckier I get. It's the more risk I take, the luckier I get." - Stephanie Melodia [00:21:01] "Luck has much more of a bearing on our success or failure than we like to think." - Stephanie Melodia [00:33:18] "You've got to be working with someone who's done it before, who has been a player on the field and not just a spectator of the sport." - Stephanie Melodia [00:31:00] "I truly believe entrepreneurship is a contact sport. You have to be in the game." - Terrance Orr [01:06:20] "It doesn't serve me to wallow, to complain. What serves me is to redirect my energy, redirect my focus, is to practice that optimism." - Stephanie Melodia Organizations & Resources Mentioned: Oneday: https://www.oneday.com (https://www.oneday.com/) Ada Ventures: https://www.adaventures.com (https://www.adaventures.com/) Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens-2/ (https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens-2/) Daniel Kahneman: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2002/kahneman/facts/ (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2002/kahneman/facts/) Richard Wiseman, The Luck Factor: https://richardwiseman.com (https://richardwiseman.com/) SCARF Model, NeuroLeadership Institute: https://neuroleadership.com (https://neuroleadership.com/) Overton Window: https://www.mackinac.org/OvertonWindow (https://www.mackinac.org/OvertonWindow) 🔗 Connect with Stephanie Melodia: ▪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmelodia-keynotespeaker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmelodia-keynotespeaker/) ▪️ Website: https://www.stephaniemelodia.com (https://www.stephaniemelodia.com/) ▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephmelodia (https://www.instagram.com/stephmelodia) 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr (https://linkedin.com/in/terranceorr) ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh (https://linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh) ▪️ Website: eir.live (https://eir.live/) ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive (https://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 (https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8) 🎧 Listen to the Episode: ▪️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/1vkcSPRN4W0 (https://youtu.be/1vkcSPRN4W0) ▪️ 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 More Risk I Take, the Luckier I Get (01:01) - Oneday Colleagues Reunited: Meet Steph (04:31) - Screen Printing in the Art School Basement (10:59) - Lanzarote to London on £900 a Month (17:26) - Talent, Effort, or Luck? (21:23) - Craving Certainty and the AI Reset (25:42) - The More Risk You Take, the Luckier You Get (28:49) - Catching Waves: Players, Not Spectators (34:38) - Discovering the Entrepreneur in Residence (37:48) - The Professional Big Sister (40:14) - How Hacking Luck Became a Framework (48:23) - Eight Principles from Agency to Zagging (51:53) - Storytelling as a Superpower (56:37) - Sapiens: Why Storytelling Built Humanity (01:00:37) - When Luck Turns: The Cancelled Keynote (01:07:39) - EIR Live Exclusive: Rapper's Delight (01:10:05) - Connect with Steph

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Episode 17 - Sunglasses, Hard Truths, and Building What Matters with Mike Malloy

   Mike Malloy has been a Deloitte consultant, a traveling sunglasses salesman, a startup CEO, an incubator program director, an adjunct professor, and for eleven years an Entrepreneur in Residence at Georgetown University. He raised more than $500,000 for a social enterprise sunglasses company, went bankrupt at 30 when it crashed, moved into his parents' basement, and went on to build Malloy Industries, a fractional executive firm backed by a network of roughly 600 relentlessly generous fractionals. This conversation covers how to delegate outcomes instead of tasks, why generosity compounds when you stop keeping score, and the customer discovery questions that separate real pain from polite interest. Today Mike is founder and CEO of Malloy Industries, leads a core team of 12, and still holds office hours, runs pitch competitions, and guest lectures at Georgetown, where he has helped recruit other EIRs. His path is anything but standard: he enrolled in a computer science master's program primarily to keep playing Ultimate Frisbee, coached the Georgetown A team to the national championship tournament, built his business around his son's nap schedule, and picked up needlepoint during COVID. Essential listening for founders wearing too many hats, EIRs who mentor at career inflection points, and anyone who wants the unglamorous truth about what failure actually teaches. Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening: 80% Done by Somebody Else [00:01:20] Meet Mike Malloy [00:02:39] Computer Science, Deloitte, and Automobile University [00:07:45] Stories, Not Prescriptions [00:10:26] Delegation and the 10-80-10 Rule [00:14:41] Relentlessly Generous on Any Given Tuesday [00:21:27] The Helpful Resources Folder [00:23:04] Becoming an EIR at Georgetown [00:27:22] Frisbee as Leadership Training [00:31:19] Bankrupt at 30 [00:34:44] Martina, Max, and Building Beyond Billable Hours [00:38:13] Customer Discovery: Ask What They Already Spent [00:42:05] The Birth of Malloy Industries [00:46:05] Signals of Real Pain and the Five Stages of Awareness [00:54:29] The Dream EIR Role and No Sevens Allowed [00:58:25] Book Pick and What Was Most Useful [01:01:39] Needlepoint [01:03:00] How to Help Mike and Where to Find Him [01:05:15] Host Debrief Key Takeaways: Delegate outcomes, not tasks. Mike's 10-80-10 rule: be present for the first 10 percent to define what done looks like and why it matters, step away for the 80 percent while the team owns it, then return for the last 10 percent to review. If the result misses, you probably did a poor job delegating, and 80 percent done by somebody else is still 100 percent awesome. Tell stories, not prescriptions. EIRs have been around the block, but results vary and every founder is different. Share what you tried, what failed, and what worked, then let the founder adapt it to their own situation. Generosity compounds when you stop keeping score. Curate a helpful resources folder, drip resources one a week instead of seventeen at once, and never expect the person you help to be the one who pays you back. Stay open to receiving too, or you will burn out. Ask what they already spent, not whether they would buy. In the past twelve months, how much money have you spent solving this problem? Ask for their most expensive problem, since expensive implies a budget, and ask when the latest is they would want to start. Sell it to someone before you build the landing page. You are not your business. Mike went bankrupt a year into his EIR role and asked to be fired; Jeff Reed told him he was now more qualified. His weekly check-in, one to ten personally and one to ten professionally with no sevens allowed, is how he keeps the two separate before something terrible happens. Notable Quotes: [00:17:26] "It's really important that you don't expect the person you help to be the person who then pays you back." - Mike Malloy [00:30:04] "You can't have silos in your own life if you're gonna connect the dots for others." - Ilya Tabakh [00:31:53] "There's for-profits, there's nonprofits, and then there's no profits. And I went bankrupt at 30." - Mike Malloy [00:33:08] "Because I've ridden the ride all the way down, I have the utmost empathy for entrepreneurs. You're my tribe." - Mike Malloy [00:56:34] "I was my business. My business was me. I was a one in both." - Mike Malloy Organizations & Resources Mentioned: Malloy Industries: https://www.malloyindustries.com (https://www.malloyindustries.com/) Georgetown University Entrepreneurship: https://entrepreneurship.georgetown.edu (https://entrepreneurship.georgetown.edu/) Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com (https://www.deloitte.com/) Boston College: https://www.bc.edu (https://www.bc.edu/) Halcyon: https://halcyonhouse.org (https://halcyonhouse.org/) DC Breeze: https://www.thedcbreeze.com (https://www.thedcbreeze.com/) Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and the Strategic Coach Impact Filter: https://www.strategiccoach.com (https://www.strategiccoach.com/) Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com (https://www.buybackyourtime.com/) The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com (https://thegogiver.com/) What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://marshallgoldsmith.com (https://marshallgoldsmith.com/) Flourish by Daniel Coyle: https://danielcoyle.com (https://danielcoyle.com/) Zig Ziglar: https://www.ziglar.com (https://www.ziglar.com/) Loom: https://www.loom.com (https://www.loom.com/) Scribe: https://scribehow.com (https://scribehow.com/) Coro: https://www.coro.net (https://www.coro.net/) 🔗 Connect with Mike Malloy: ▪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwmalloy/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwmalloy/) ▪️ Website: malloyindustries.com (https://malloyindustries.com/) 🔗 Connect with EIR Live ▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr (https://linkedin.com/in/terranceorr) ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh (https://linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh) ▪️ Website: eir.live (https://eir.live/) ▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive (https://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 (https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8) 🎧 Listen to the Episode: ▪️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/RB6pwQoFUEk (https://youtu.be/RB6pwQoFUEk) ▪️ 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: 80% Done by Somebody Else (01:20) - Meet Mike Malloy (02:39) - Computer Science, Deloitte, and Automobile University (07:45) - Stories, Not Prescriptions (10:26) - Delegation and the 10-80-10 Rule (14:41) - Relentlessly Generous...

3. 

   4 Feb 2026

   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: 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. 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. 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. Infrastructure innovation requires translation skills. Bridging engineers, policymakers, investors, and communities is as critical as technical excellence. 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

4. 

   16 Dec 2025

   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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 "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 "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 "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 "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 "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

5. 

   2 Dec 2025

   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 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." 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. 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. 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. "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!

6. 

   21 Oct 2025

   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 Collect dots before connecting them: Diverse experiences that seem unrelated often converge to create unique entrepreneurial capabilities. Actively seek experiences outside your comfort zone. Mission drives resilience: Having a clear purpose and measurable impact (Transcend tracks helping 400M+ people) provides stability during the inevitable volatility of entrepreneurship. 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?" 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. 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...

7. 

   26 Aug 2025

   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 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. 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. 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. Impact ventures require more patience than commercial ones - Social entrepreneurship needs longer timelines and government support, but persistence eventually pays off. 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: /in/terranceorr ▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: /in/ilyatabakh ▪️ Website: https://eir.live (https://eir.live) (sign up for early access) ▪️ LinkedIn: /company/eirlive ▪️ YouTube: @eirlive ▪️ Twitter/X: @LiveEIR ▪️ Suggest Guest: https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8 (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

8. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Episode 11 - The Mechanics of Innovation with Rachel Burton

   In this engaging episode of EIR Live, Rachel Burton, an accomplished entrepreneur, innovator, and biofuels expert, shares her remarkable journey from mechanic to leading authority in bioenergy and innovation. Rachel discusses how her unconventional path—starting with agriculture and mechanics—led to founding Piedmont Biofuels, pioneering sustainability initiatives, and later influencing global bioenergy commercialization strategies at Novozymes. With vivid anecdotes, Rachel emphasizes the importance of risk-taking, problem-solving through innovation, and the essential role of water infrastructure in industrial processes. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and educators will find her insights invaluable as she navigates from hands-on problem-solving to strategic innovation roles within large corporations and academia. This conversation underscores the power of charting one's own path and embracing the unexpected opportunities that arise along the entrepreneurial journey. Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction & Key Takeaways Preview [00:07:29] Guest Introduction & Networking Connections [00:08:45] Rachel's Accidental Entry into Entrepreneurship [00:13:37] From Transmission Repair to Trade School [00:17:11] The Early Biofuels Industry Landscape [00:21:14] Scaling from Pilot to Commercial Production [00:25:00] Innovation Born from Water Infrastructure Challenges [00:29:08] Transition to Novozymes & Corporate Culture Shock [00:32:47] Pace Differences: Startup vs. Corporate [00:36:23] Becoming an EIR at UNC Chapel Hill [00:39:24] The Role of Connective Tissue in Innovation [00:43:50] Academic vs. Commercial Incentive Alignment [00:46:47] North Carolina's Collaborative Ecosystem [00:51:11] Evolution of the EIR Role & Venture Studios [00:54:12] Teaching Entrepreneurship with AI Tools [00:56:51] Dream EIR Opportunities in AgTech & Biotech [00:58:32] Reshaping the PhD Experience for Innovation [01:02:16] Building a Home Lab During COVID [01:04:55] Connecting with Rachel & Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways: Innovation often arises from necessity—embrace problems as opportunities. Taking unconventional paths can lead to pioneering opportunities in emerging sectors. Collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship fosters robust innovation ecosystems. Effective entrepreneurs navigate both startup and corporate cultures adeptly. Venture studios provide critical support for deep-tech startups, significantly accelerating innovation and commercialization. Notable Quotes: "If you're a startup founder, you don't really know any other pace." [00:00:51] – Rachel Burton "Necessity is my favorite driver for innovation." [00:28:40] – Ilya Tabakh "There's something special about North Carolina as a state where they want to work with each other." [00:46:47] – Terrance Orr "Farmers in many countries are natural innovators because necessity being the mother of invention." [01:04:03] – Rachel Burton Organizations & Resources Mentioned: Piedmont Biofuels - https://x.com/piedmontbiofuel (https://x.com/piedmontbiofuel) Novozymes (now Novonesis) - https://www.novozymes.com/en (https://www.novozymes.com/en) Activate Fellows - https://www.activate.org/ (https://www.activate.org/) Flagship Pioneering - https://www.flagshippioneering.com/ (https://www.flagshippioneering.com/) ProcessWerx - https://processwerx.com/ (https://processwerx.com/) North Carolina Ecosystem Resources: Research Triangle Park (RTP) - https://www.rtp.org/ (https://www.rtp.org/) UNC Kickstart Venture Services - https://innovate.unc.edu/startup-accelerators-and-venture-services/kickstart-venture-services/ (https://innovate.unc.edu/startup-accelerators-and-venture-services/kickstart-venture-services/) NC IDEA - https://ncidea.org/ (https://ncidea.org/) North Carolina Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) - https://cednc.org/ (https://cednc.org/) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - https://www.unc.edu/ (https://www.unc.edu/) Duke University - https://duke.edu/ (https://duke.edu/) NC State University - https://www.ncsu.edu/ (https://www.ncsu.edu/) Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) - https://www.ncsbc.net/ (https://www.ncsbc.net/) Connect with Rachel Burton: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrenchwench/) 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) Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show (https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show) Suggest Guest (https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8) (00:00) - Introduction & Key Takeaways Preview (07:29) - Guest Introduction & Networking Connections (08:45) - Rachel's Accidental Entry into Entrepreneurship (13:37) - From Transmission Repair to Trade School (17:11) - The Early Biofuels Industry Landscape (21:14) - Scaling from Pilot to Commercial Production (25:00) - Innovation Born from Water Infrastructure Challenges (29:08) - Transition to Novozymes & Corporate Culture Shock (32:47) - Pace Differences: Startup vs. Corporate (36:23) - Becoming an EIR at UNC Chapel Hill (39:24) - The Role of Connective Tissue in Innovation (43:50) - Academic vs. Commercial Incentive Alignment (46:47) - North Carolina's Collaborative Ecosystem (51:11) - Evolution of the EIR Role & Venture Studios (54:12) - Teaching Entrepreneurship with AI Tools (56:51) - Dream EIR Opportunities in AgTech & Biotech (58:32) - Reshaping the PhD Experience for Innovation (02:16) - Building a Home Lab During COVID (04:55) - Connecting with Rachel & Closing Thoughts

9. 

   10 Jun 2025

   Episode 10 - Resident Weirdos & Computational Curiosity with Sam Arbesman

   Scientist in Residence Sam Arbesman discusses his unconventional path in venture capital, emphasizing curiosity-driven exploration and the value of "weirdos" in organizations with Terrance Orr and Ilya Tabakh in this interview.

10. 

    27 May 2025

    Episode 09 - Building Innovation Bridges: From EIR to Accelerator Architect

    John Lynn, Co-Founder of Quay Acceleration, discusses building innovation bridges and fostering startup accelerators across various sectors with hosts Terrance Orr and Ilya Tabakh in this interview.

11. 

    1 Apr 2025

    Episode 08 - From Bricks to Breakthroughs with Matthias Ørum-Hansen

    Episode Description In this episode of EIR Live, co-hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr welcome Matthias Ørum-Hansen, an entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning product management, innovation, and entrepreneurship across family-owned brands like LEGO, Ricola, and Bang & Olufsen. Matthias shares his unique journey from being a startup founder to becoming a Founder in Residence (FIR) at LEGO, ultimately spinning out an innovative audio technology company. The conversation explores the complexities of corporate innovation, the challenges of being an entrepreneur within large organizations, and the importance of understanding organizational dynamics. Matthias provides insights into his non-linear career path, emphasizing adaptability, learning across different industries, and the value of bringing fresh perspectives to established companies. Key Points from This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction: Matthias discusses his background in creating Game Analytics, a software analytics platform for game developers [00:04:35] Early Career: Dropping out of college to pursue entrepreneurship in Denmark [00:09:00] Bang & Olufsen Experience: Leading product innovation in a legacy electronics company [00:11:38] Ricola Consulting: Helping a family-owned brand redesign product innovation processes [00:17:06] LEGO Ventures: Becoming the first Founder in Residence and exploring new innovation opportunities [00:22:57] Startup Spinout: Negotiating and launching an independent audio technology company [00:33:32] AI Pivot: Shifting focus to AI-driven content generation [00:49:43] Career Reflection: Discussing the value of working with iconic brands and making meaningful impact [00:56:17] Dream EIR Role: Aspiring to work on high-impact projects in areas like healthcare, nutrition, or climate change [00:57:38] Future Career Aspirations: Exploring potential next steps in entrepreneurship and innovation [00:59:39] EIR Network Support: Discussing how the community can help in his current career search [01:01:10] Innovation Insights: Reflections on corporate innovation and entrepreneurial spirit [01:02:33] Closing Thoughts: Final perspectives on the importance of innovative thinking Episode Links: Matthias Ørum-Hansen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/flugge (https://www.linkedin.com/in/flugge) GameAnalytics: gameanalytics.com (https://gameanalytics.com) Bang & Olufsen: bang-olufsen.com (https://bang-olufsen.com) Ricola: ricola.com (https://ricola.com) LEGO Ventures: legoventures.com (https://legoventures.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) Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show (https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show) Suggest Guest (https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8) (00:00) - Introduction and Matthias's Startup Background (03:09) - First Startup and Early Entrepreneurial Journey (05:08) - Dropping Out and Professional Development (09:00) - Joining Bang & Olufsen as Product Manager (11:38) - Working with Ricola and Innovation Consulting (17:06) - Becoming a Founder in Residence at LEGO (22:57) - Spinning Out an Audio Technology Company (33:32) - Pivoting to AI-Driven Innovation (47:15) - Career Transitions and Future Aspirations (57:38) - Discussing Future Career Aspirations (59:39) - How the EIR Network Can Help Matthias (01:10) - Closing Thoughts on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (02:33) - Podcast Wrap-up and Final Reflections

12. 

    4 Feb 2025

    Episode 07 - Breaking New Ground: From Medicine to Innovation with Loleta Robinson

    Episode Description In this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence, co-hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr welcome Dr. Loleta Robinson, a four-time Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with a background in medicine and business. Dr. Robinson shares her transformative career journey from clinical medicine to entrepreneurship and EIR roles across corporate, government, and startup ecosystems. She reflects on pivotal leaps of faith, the importance of community, lessons from international work in Africa, and her experience in startup co-founding and advisory roles. The conversation explores how Dr. Robinson's diagnostic mindset fuels her ability to navigate complex EIR roles, the significance of network-based opportunities, and balancing professional pursuits with her passion for fly fishing. Aspiring EIRs and entrepreneurial professionals will gain valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and pursuing diverse EIR pathways. Key Points from This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction of Dr. Loleta Robinson: Terrance highlights Dr. Robinson’s background as a serial EIR and her transition from medicine to entrepreneurship. [00:04:25] First leap of faith: Dr. Robinson recounts her early transition into a medical diagnostics startup without prior business experience. [00:07:02] Balancing science and business: She explains pursuing an MBA to blend her interest in science and business, joining the first MBA cohort at the University of Colorado Denver. [00:12:45] Pivoting to MedImmune: Transitioning to biotech with MedImmune, working on the intranasal flu vaccine while learning large-scale commercialization. [00:16:55] Founding a diagnostics company: Co-founding a melanoma diagnostics startup and the challenges of funding, regulatory hurdles, and tech transfer. [00:20:30] First CMO role: Dr. Robinson describes her first Chief Medical Officer position, balancing scientific rigor with startup needs. [00:23:50] Joining Blue Cross Blue Shield as an EIR: Introduction to venture capital, sourcing startups, and conducting due diligence. [00:28:18] Transition to advisory EIR roles: Contrasting the hands-on role at Blue Cross with advisory roles at NIH and hospital systems. [00:32:02] Importance of community: How organizations like Women in Bio shaped her entrepreneurial journey. [00:36:45] Networking as a pathway: Securing EIR roles through referrals and relationships with mentors and industry contacts. [00:41:11] Perseverance in the face of bias: Dr. Robinson reflects on her experience navigating rooms where she was often the only Black woman. [00:45:33] Resilience in setbacks: Discussing failures and the importance of continuing to move forward despite obstacles. [00:49:05] Passion for fly fishing: How fly fishing became a hobby that parallels her approach to life and career—embracing challenges and growth. [00:52:42] Building diverse communities: Supporting initiatives that foster inclusive outdoor spaces and networks for women and underrepresented groups. [00:56:00] Final reflections: Dr. Robinson shares advice on adapting, staying curious, and taking strategic leaps of faith in life and career. Episode Links: Loleta Robinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loletarobinson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/loletarobinson/) Women in Bio: https://womeninbio.org/ (https://womeninbio.org/) United Women on the Fly (fly fishing organization): https://uwotf.com/ (https://uwotf.com/) University of Colorado at Anschutz Joint Degree Programs: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/education/md-admissions/about-cu-school-of-medicine/joint-degree-programs (https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/education/md-admissions/about-cu-school-of-medicine/joint-degree-programs) Connect with EIR Live: Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/) Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/) Website: https://eir.live (https://eir.live) (sign up for early access) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive (https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive) YouTube: https://youtube.com/@EIRLive (https://youtube.com/@EIRLive) Twitter: https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show (https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show) Suggest Guest (https://forms.gle/FQrBHoM3sU18gF3y8) (00:00) - Guest Introduction (04:25) - First Leap (07:02) - Pursuing MBA (12:45) - Biotech Pivot (16:55) - Co-Founding Startup (20:30) - First CMO Role (23:50) - First EIR Role (28:18) - Advisory Roles (32:02) - Community Support (36:45) - Networking Wins (41:11) - Navigating Bias (45:33) - Resilience Lessons (49:05) - Fly Fishing (52:42) - Inclusive Spaces (56:00) - Final Advice

13. 

    10 Dec 2024

    Episode 06 - From Maine to MasterCard and Back: Building Legacy Through Innovation with Jen Millard

    Jen Millard, a serial entrepreneur and former EIR at Sutter Hill Ventures, shares her transformative journey from Sears to MasterCard, highlighting lessons on risk tolerance, legacy building, and innovation.

14. 

    26 Nov 2024

    Episode 05 - Intentional Chaos: Building a Portfolio of Impact with Musaddeq Khan (MK)

    Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr talk with Musaddeq Khan, a serial entrepreneur, about building a portfolio of impact through intentional chaos and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

15. 

    12 Nov 2024

    Episode 04 - Community as Currency: Building Genuine B2B Growth with Jeanine Suah

    Episode Description In 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/jeaninesuah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaninesuah) The Courage To Be Disliked: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/) Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/ (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

16. 

    23 Oct 2024

    Episode 03 - The Founder Mentality: Risk, Growth, and Building Ventures with Paul Capriolo

    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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcapriolo%20) Portfolio T (https://www.portfoliot.com/%20) Terrence Orr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/%20) Ilya Tabakh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/) EIR Live (https://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

17. 

    2 Oct 2024

    Episode 2 - Navigating Entrepreneurial Journeys and Insights with Luis Rincon

    Episode Description: In this episode of EIR Live, Ilya Tabakh and Terence Orr engage in a deep conversation with Luis Rincon about his journey from law school to becoming an entrepreneur in residence (EIR) and ultimately founding Acadeum. They discuss the importance of exposure, mentorship, and networking in entrepreneurship, as well as the evolving role of EIRs in the startup ecosystem. Luis shares insights on adaptability, empathy, and the significance of keeping personal burn low while navigating career transitions. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on innovation and the need for a supportive EIR community to foster growth and collaboration. Takeaways: Work for a startup to gain valuable experience. Exposure through mentors can lead to significant opportunities. Maintaining a low personal burn is crucial for entrepreneurs. Empathy and adaptability are key traits for success. The EIR role provides a unique opportunity to launch businesses. Networking is essential for accessing resources and support. AI is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape. Creating a community for EIRs can enhance collaboration. Iterative learning is vital in entrepreneurship. Unfulfilled potential is a significant frustration in the entrepreneurial journey. Sound Bites: "This is awesome. Like everyone's working their tail off." "Exposure leads to you taking the leap." "Entrepreneurship is really an apprentice exercise." Links: Luis Rincon on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-felipe-rincon/) Socratic Ventures (https://www.socraticventures.com/) Acadeum (https://acadeum.com/) Terrence Orr on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/) Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/)

18. 

    18 Sept 2024

    Episode 01 - Innovation, Mentorship, and Climate Tech with Dan Goodman

    Episode Description In this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Live, hosts Terrence Orr and Ilya Tabakh interview Dan Goodman, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation consultant with over 40 years of experience. Dan shares his extensive journey, highlighting his roles as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) across various institutions, including the University of Maryland, George Mason University, Columbia University, and MIT. The conversation covers Dan's early entrepreneurial ventures, his insights into tech commercialization, and his passion for mentoring climate tech startups. They delve into the evolving role of EIRs, the challenges and opportunities in fostering innovation within large corporations, and the importance of building strong professional relationships. This episode offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the impactful role of EIRs in bridging academia and industry. Key Points from This Episode: Dan Goodman’s extensive background and journey as an EIR across multiple institutions. The significance of early entrepreneurial exposure and its impact on career trajectory. Insights into tech commercialization and the role of EIRs in universities. The importance of volunteering and building professional relationships. Challenges and strategies for fostering innovation within large corporations. The evolving role of EIRs and their impact on economic development. The necessity of customer discovery in developing successful products. The value of vetting business partners thoroughly. Dan’s transition from mentoring startups to investing in climate tech companies. The cultural shift in academia towards embracing commercialization. Links: Dan Goodman on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/imdangoodman/) Sandy Spring Climate Partners (https://ssclimatepartners.com/) Terrence Orr on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/) Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/) (00:00) - The Journey of Entrepreneurship (05:11) - Insights from Dan Goodman (06:08) - The Role of EIRs in Innovation (20:12) - Challenges in Corporate Innovation (30:16) - Lessons from Experience (34:36) - Dream EIR Roles and Future Trends (41:22) - Current Work in Climate Tech

19. 

    6 Sept 2024

    Episode 00 - Kickstarting EIR Live: A Conversation with Your Hosts

    Episode Description In this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr introduce themselves and the podcast's mission. They discuss the origin story of their collaboration and the goals they aim to achieve through this series. Ilya and Terrance explore the roles and definitions of Entrepreneurs in Residence, sharing personal journeys and insights from their diverse backgrounds. This episode sets the stage for future discussions, aiming to connect EIRs globally and provide valuable content for current and aspiring EIRs. Key Points From This Episode: Discussion on the origin story of the podcast. Explanation of the term "Entrepreneur in Residence" and its variations. The role of an EIR in different contexts: corporate, academic, nonprofit, and more. Importance of connecting EIRs globally and building a community. The impact of EIRs on organizations and the value they bring. Goals and future plans for the podcast, including audience engagement and content delivery. Personal stories and experiences from Ilya and Terrence's careers as EIRs. Links Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/) Terrance Orr on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/) (00:00) - Introduction to EIR Live (03:19) - EIRs as Translators and Diverse Perspectives (07:43) - Terrance Orr Backgroud (14:13) - Ilya Tabakh Background (24:44) - Types of EIRs (27:31) - Transforming Hearts and Minds: Changing Organizational Culture (32:52) - EIR Live: The Podcast for EIRs and Aspiring EIRs (43:19) - Actionable Advice and Inspiration for EIRs

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,849

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

43

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32