Co-founder and inventor of Amazon Alexa, Ed is a seasoned executive with 40 awarded patents and 30+ years of experience launching breakthrough products across global tech markets.

Ed's career spans hands-on executive roles and entrepreneurship, focusing on rapid product development, AI, and strategic innovation. He is known for leading AI-driven advancements, especially in sports tech, health and wellness, and smart technology, enabling new billion-dollar revenue streams and pioneering modern solutions in diverse sectors.

He co-founded Amazon Alexa, revolutionizing voice technology and AI-driven human interfaces.

Led tech innovation at Nike, contributing to smart apparel, coaching, sports science, and wellness solutions.

Directed global device security and enterprise privacy strategies at Netflix.

What types of companies do you find most interesting?
I love building teams, products, and companies. Companies that are leveraging modern technologies to solve “impossible” problems that, when solved, can dramatically improve the lives of people throughout the world tend to be the most interesting to me.
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What do you think surprises founders most when they start companies?
I see founders most surprised by what it actually takes to build teams, companies, and deliver products. There are processes and best practices that have been honed over the last few decades, which are still critical – e.g. POCs > Prototypes > MVPs > Launches; working backwards and focusing on the customer. Modern AI systems and tools can help you, but you have to understand why you need them.

Which mentor has influenced your work the most?
Both Jeff Bezos and Reed Hastings. They both have relentless focus on the customer, technology invention, thinking big, and delivering world-changing results.  Reed also taught me the critical importance of hiring and retaining top-tier talent. Jeff hammered home the importance of having a long-term vision, working backwards from the customer, and sprinting and adjusting through quarterly roadmaps to get there.

Five things you couldn’t live without?
Friends and family. Cell phone. Laptop. Internet. Wide open spaces such as the Ocean, Deserts, and Forests.

What are your favorite books?
Lord of the Rings.  
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and Practical Applications.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Remember that everyone you meet is struggling. No matter how together and successful they appear to be. Have love and compassion for yourself and others.