Managing Key Inflection Points on the Entrepreneurial Journey

As part of our second Stage 2 Accelerator Catalyst Day, we will be hosting this lunch and learn panel discussion on the entreprenuerial journey.

Meet the Panel

Sam Russo: VP, Maritime US General Manager, Anduril Industries

Sam co-founded Dive Technologies to design and deliver the most reliable and most flexible Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, enabling safe and successful access to the greatest depths of world’s oceans. In 2022, Dive Technologies was acquired by Anduril Industries.

Paula Anzer:  Coach/Consultant, Paula Anzer Coaching

In her coaching practice Paula brings professional experience and skills gained from over three decades innovating in higher education, connecting leaders to nonprofits, accelerating startups and advising founders. She brings empathy, curiosity, insight and humor to every situation.  Paula is also a frelance advisor to FedTech, a premier venture builder with founders and inventors of the world's most advanced tech. FedTech's clients include DoD, DOE, NASA, other government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

Michael McGurk: Senior Counsel, Hamilton, Smith, Brook & Reynolds

Mike has over 32 years of experience in all aspects of patent law. Working with clients ranging from small startups to large Fortune 100 companies, he counsels due diligence matters, opinions, patent prosecution, global portfolio development, licensing matters, and other adversarial proceedings, including litigation, interferences, and AIA post-grant proceedings (PGR/IPR).  Mike’s practice focuses on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices, mechanical technologies, green energy, materials science, satellite technology, and fiber optics.

Eric Planey: CEO, SolaBlock

Eric's 25+ year career in execution in global banking and economic development has ]spanned 7 countries and 3 continents. He claims to not be a "thought leader", but a person that takes learning and real world experiences and executes to achieve missions.  As CEO of SolaBlock his mission is to elevate the company to the next level for the betterment of their shareholders and ultimately to restore our environment.  SolaBlock is a solar-tech and construction-tech firm making a Solar Masonry Unit that will be used to decarbonize buildings by turning dormant exterior walls into vertical clean energy producing assets.