The En Factor Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs who have started, stumbled and succeeded.
In this episode of the En Factor, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Cori Lathan, who is a neuroscientist and serial entrepreneur with vast experience in the medical field as well as the author of a best-selling book Inventing The Future, Stories From a Techno-Optimist. Cori’s entrepreneurial journey includes extensive involvement in improving healthcare and its availability through technological innovations involving robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. Cori also has extensive board experience with a variety of profit and nonprofit organizations including AnthroTronix, PTC Inc., the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, Engineers Without Borders and more.
Join us for an exciting and inspiring episode of the En Factor as we dive into Cori’s entrepreneurial journey and her experience with developing countless innovative healthcare products, focusing on problems and turning them into opportunities, and the importance of adaptability especially as it pertains to her vast experience with managing the product life cycle and technology!
Key Words – Technology Entrepreneurship, Product Development
Chapters
00:00 • Introduction: Welcome to the En Factor!
00:51 • Introducing Today’s Guest: Dr. Cori Lathan
01:53 • The Goldilocks Model of Innovation
02:14 • The Role of Technology in Entrepreneurship
03:14 • The Intersection of Technology and Purpose
04:37 • Welcome to the En Factor Dr. Cori Lathan!
05:52 • The Birth of Cosmo Bot
08:59 • Challenges and Pivoting in Tech Entrepreneurship
13:50 • From Academia to Business Incubation
20:20 • Navigating Market Challenges and Legal Hurdles
25:04 • Trademark Troubles and Technology Challenges
26:00 • Staying Focused on the Problem
27:06 • The Entrepreneurial Learning Journey
28:55 • Investor Conflicts and Unrealistic Expectations
32:48 • Current Projects and AI Innovations
38:54 • Mentorship and Learning from Others
41:56 • Processing Failures and Overcoming Obstacles
44:52 • Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
Episode takeaways
- Cori’s journey began with a passion for technology and space.
- The importance of identifying a market need in entrepreneurship.
- Challenges in product development often require significant pivots.
- Staying focused on the problem is crucial for success.
- Technology evolves rapidly, making existing solutions obsolete.
- Cori’s academic background provided a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.
- The intersection of technology and education can create impactful solutions.
- Building a high-tech market is challenging, especially for niche products.
- Cori’s experience illustrates the importance of adaptability in business.
- The conversation emphasizes the need for more women in entrepreneurship. Being an entrepreneur is fundamentally a learning journey.
- Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for success in entrepreneurship.
- There is often a disconnect between entrepreneurs and investors regarding expectations.
- Investors may underestimate the risks involved in startups.
- AI is increasingly integrated into health tech innovations.
- Mentorship can come from various sources, not just traditional figures.
- Learning from peers and younger generations is valuable.
- Failure should be viewed as an obstacle rather than a setback.
- Agency in decision-making is essential for shaping the future.
- Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people is key to success.
The En Factor® Podcast
Conversations with Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Dr. Rebecca White
Our audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs are inspired to persevere throughout their entrepreneurial journey. You will hear first-hand stories of success, resilience through failure, and how to become a master in your field.