Photo caption: Beth in her happy place: eating fantastic food (rijstaffel) with wonderful friends in far-flung locations - Amsterdam, in this case.
The next post in our “Meet the EIRs” series introduces you to a Foresight coaching stalwart, Beth Loughney. Beth has a fascinating background that includes working in 3D graphics for Hollywood, founding an AI/machine learning company, and helping the US government dismantle the former Soviet Union’s nuclear weapons stockpile. She lends her experience and expertise to fortunate Foresight founders.
- How long have you been an EIR with Foresight?
Seven years. I was the second EIR, brought in just after Foresight was started.
- What do you like most about your work as an EIR?
Working with clients on their strategies. It’s often hard for them to see past the next quarter, so bringing a two-year or longer view is critical to that quarter-by-quarter planning. You can tell when someone will be a good CEO when they understand that that homework is critical. I also love being on-call for the 911 "Advice Emergency," especially in a negotiation.
- Share a success story.
In California, I worked with a client for several months, got him to the point of a meeting with a Tier-1 Silicon Valley venture capitalist. The morning of the meeting I went into labour. Since it was so early in the labour process, I considered just going in for the intros. The VC (who is also a friend) was unequivocal that I NOT to show up in person, that he had full confidence that my client was sufficiently prepped. Well, not only did my client get a term sheet, but I also didn’t miss the birth of my baby!
- What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Ask for advice, you get money. Ask for money, you get advice.
- What excites you most about working in cleantech?
Cleantech is really technology the way it should be done in the 21st century. Working in cleantech today means we're working where everyone else will be in 5, 10, or 20 years, but we will have arrived here first and reaped first-mover advantage.
