We're inviting you to get to know the speakers at this year's State of Innovation beyond the professional bio with our new Series, "4 Questions With...". Catch our previous interviews with Diane Hessan and Corey Thomas.
Jodi Goldstein is the managing director of the Harvard iLab, a cross-disciplinary ecosystem for the Harvard community to explore innovation and entrepreneurship. Jodi brings over 20 years experience as a high-tech entrepreneur and investor to the Keeping Boston's Tech Talent panel at State of Innovation on June 7. This product-track panel will focus on what Boston is doing well to host and grow talent, and what we can do better to become "the" hub for exceptional tech talent.
4 Questions With... Jodi Goldstein
BostInno: How would you describe the "state of innovation" in Boston? Jodi Goldstein: Earlier this year Bloomberg released a report citing Massachusetts as the most innovative state in the U.S., and I couldn’t agree more. I’d rate the State of Innovation in Greater Boston, Massachusetts’ hub of innovation, as incredibly strong. I’m impressed by both the sheer quantity of people innovating and creating new products and services as well as the range of industries in which innovation is occurring, from life sciences to robotics, machine learning and consumer technology. As the managing director of a university innovation center, I’m thrilled to see students in Boston-area colleges and universities driving much of the innovation we’re seeing throughout the region.
What’s been extremely encouraging in recent years is the continued development of a Boston-area ecosystem to help people get the funding, mentorship and other resources they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses. The growth of many incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces is important to building a network and community of entrepreneurs. There’s also been significant growth in seed funds, which is so critical to helping ventures get to the next stage of development. I’m very optimistic about the future of Boston’s growing innovation ecosystem.
BostInno: What's the best career advice you have ever received? Jodi: “Take any career advice you receive with a grain of salt.” Throughout my career as an entrepreneur, investor and consultant, I’ve received just about every piece of career advice imaginable. While some of the advice was helpful, much of it wasn’t. Learning to distinguish the good advice from the bad early in my career has been extremely valuable.
BostInno: What was your first job? Jodi: My first job was at my parent’s hotel in Mount Snow, Vermont. I started off cleaning hotel rooms and was promoted to dishwasher and then to waitress. My first corporate job after college was at General Electric, in their financial management program and their corporate audit staff. With GE moving its headquarters to Boston, I feel like my professional life has come full circle!
BostInno: What's your favorite watering hole in Boston? Jodi: It’s so hard to choose, but I will say that Alden & Harlow in Harvard Square has the best cocktails!
Thank you, Jodi! Follow Jodi on Twitter at @jgoldstein and join her on June 7 at State of Innovation. See the full lineup of speakers at bostonstateofinnovation.com.
