In this series, we’ll be asking local entrepreneurs and other thought leaders in the Cincy tech ecosystem six simple questions about their work and the ideologies and inspirations that drive it. For this week's post, we spoke with Aviatra Accelerators President and CEO Nancy Aichholz.
Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Cincy Inno: What do you do? Aichholz: I lead the charge for a very unique business resource and accelerator for women-owned businesses.
CI: What do you love most about your work? Aichholz: I love working with all these incredibly creative, smart women and seeing them go from high excitement about their idea but [with] shaky confidence, to really passionate about their idea [with] power-women confidence.
CI: How do you define innovation? Aichholz: I define innovation as using cutting edge ideas, technology or not, to solve problems or change the status quo.
CI: What’s the best piece of advice you’d ever received? Aichholz: Define or be defined. Decide who you are and who you will become, and don't let anyone else make that definition for you.
CI: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2018? Aichholz: Have Aviatra Accelerators well on the road to financial sustainability.
CI: How has the Cincy innovation ecosystem contributed to your success? Aichholz: The ecosystem has drawn international attention and talent to the region. We all benefit from access to this intellectual property and energy.
