What’s the inspiration behind EMROD?
I came across an article on how Tonga and other island communities struggle with economic growth because they have some of the world’s most expensive energy prices. A lot of us may take relatively affordable electricity that’s at our fingertips for granted. However, as it turns out, many communities in Pacific Island nations don’t have access to electricity at all. There’s no shortage of wind and sun around the islands to generate sustainable energy, but the infrastructure required is too expensive for communities to afford. As a workaround, Tonga burns through approximately 20% of its GDP on importing diesel to power large generators.
I realised that finding a solution to the problems countries like Tonga face could also solve problems in other countries like the USA where there is an abundance of clean energy available in some states, while it is most needed in other locations.
The lightbulb that sparked EMROD was the realisation that the issue was not with generating or storing energy. The main problem that no one seemed to be addressing was moving clean energy around—from where it is generated to where it is needed—in a cost-effective, eco-friendly way.
This is not your first time founding a company--what do you think is the most important skill founders need to succeed?
There are 2 skills you need to succeed:
Truly care about people. Anything we do or try to achieve in this interconnected world inevitably requires other people to participate, contribute, buy, support, invest, etc. so being open to learning, admitting mistakes, and taking advice from anyone but trusting yourself to make decisions, in my view, are the most important skills an entrepreneur can have. Genuinely caring about your team is paramount. You, the entrepreneur, got these people on the boat, sold them the dream destination, and put them to row, so the one thing you cannot share is the responsibility for ensuring the boat is going in a direction that would benefit its entire crew. Align your interests with the team's interests, make your destination their destination, and they will do their best to get there. Truly caring about the people who share your journey is the key not only to success but to enjoying that success.
Be deliberate and proactive. Drive reality rather than being a passenger.
How did you meet EMROD’s Chief Scientist?
Early on, I commissioned a feasibility study from Callaghan Innovation, the NZ government tech R&D organisation. As a worldwide leading expert in the field, Ray Simpkin was a natural choice for heading the study group. After its completion, when I decided to go ahead and create a startup that would realise the tech, it was only natural for me to ask Ray to lead the scientific research. In the beginning, it wasn't easy to convince Ray that not only is this possible but also worthwhile doing. However, once he realised this could be done and the significance of bringing this tech to the world, he became a huge supporter and later on jumped ship and came onboard as EMROD’s lead scientist. You can learn more about this story in Callaghan Innovation’s Power of Good article.
How do you handle risk and competition?
I embrace risk and competition. Risks are to be confronted and managed; competition is to be expected and managed. If you want to do something extraordinary, it requires taking risks. If you find something valuable, there is bound to be competition eventually. What’s important is building a sound strategy based on reality, and being proactive in this strategy rather than reactive.
What’s been the #1 (or two) top challenge(s) you’ve faced while launching your company?
Getting past people's perception of what's possible.
Have you learned anything new or surprising about yourself through this process?
I’ve learned two things about myself:
The first thing I learned was the significance of combining vision and practicality. Being able to have a clear picture of the future while remaining firmly planted in reality has meant I could both see where we need to go and how to get us there. I didn't realise it was anything more than common sense, until finding that common sense isn't that common.
The second thing I was surprised to learn about myself was that I actually enjoy leading people. I always thought I was managing people and companies because no one else would take on and deliver on my vision with the enthusiasm and energy I would, and if I wanted things to materialise, I had to jump into the ring and make it happen myself. It took a fantastic group of people and a realisation about the difference between management and leadership for the penny to drop. It has been a life-changing experience for me and I'm eternally grateful to the small group of individuals I am working with and proud to call my friends. They inspire and teach me every day.
Why did you decide to raise from the crowd?
We’ve been receiving a lot of requests from public investors who wanted the opportunity to invest in and support EMROD’s vision of a wireless future. We wanted to give people the opportunity to become investors in EMROD early on. We chose Republic because of shared values and strong conviction about making startups as investing opportunities more accessible to a wider audience, and Republic’s track record in supporting startups to achieve their funding goals.
What’s your team culture like?
Practical and endeavouring, open and fun. We constantly push ourselves to do our best work, we get stuck into solving hard problems, and we have great discussions and fun along the way.
What is your superpower?
A burning desire to make the most of my time on this Earth and create a better future for my kids.
What’s your kryptonite?
People who make misinformed comments about our tech without taking any time to understand it. It really annoys me.
Do you have any other hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a philosopher of science who took a wrong turn along the way and found himself doing rather than thinking. I am passionate about learning and discovering deeper truths. I love physics, mathematics, poetry, history, philosophy; I guess I like the knowledge and insight that comes with comprehending reality and one's place in all of this. A few years ago I created a Philosophy and History of Science group that now has over 22,000 members and would love to have more time to be involved in that.
Are there any apps or gadgets that you can’t live without?
There is no app or gadget that I couldn’t live without. If there was, it would have made answering the kryptonite question a lot easier. However, I would miss not having a phone with internet, that’s for sure.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago, what would it be?
Carpe Diem. Oh, and don't sell those Bitcoins just yet.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Find something you feel passionate about and get busy doing it.
Do you have a(ny) mentor(s)? If so, what have they taught you?
Descartes, Russell, and Feynman are my heroes and inspiration but they are historical figures. Presently, I'm learning and growing through interaction with some wonderful people but there's no formal mentoring involved.
From the historical figures I mentioned, I learned that a multi-disciplinary approach is a key to new insight. There is synergy between different aspects of human knowledge and endeavours like philosophy, mathematics, poetry, and physics. I also learned how to use doubt and deconstruction as constructive tools. Descartes and Russel were giants in both philosophy and mathematics, my favorite academic subjects, and made a fundamental impact on both fields as well as their intersection.