Ecosysteming

NC IDEA
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Ecosysteming

Ecosysteming is the podcast redefining economic development through the lens of equitable entrepreneurship. Join NC IDEA’s Thom Ruhe as he engages with entrepreneurs and experts who are challenging the status quo and driving lasting change. Catch new episodes of Ecosysteming every other Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

Episodes

  1. JAN 28

    Why NC Founders Look Elsewhere for Funding w/ Lauren McCullough | Ep. 7

    In this episode of Ecosysteming, host Thom Ruhe speaks with Tromml CEO and Co-Founder Lauren McCullough. As both an NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and SEED ($50K) grant recipient and a former Program Director at NC IDEA, Lauren brings a unique perspective to the table. Together, they dive into the current state of North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, discussing the challenges founders face when navigating the funding landscape and why many are seeking capital outside the state.

    34 min

  2. JAN 14

    The Power of an Entrepreneurial Mindset w/ Gary Schoeniger | Ep. 6

    In the first episode of Ecosysteming for 2025, host Thom Ruhe sits down with his long-time friend and ELI Founder and CEO, Gary Schoeniger. Together, they explore the underlying beliefs and assumptions that drive entrepreneurial behavior. A world-renowned expert on mindset, Gary authored Who Owns the Ice House: Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur and his latest book, The Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage: The Hidden Logic That Unleashes Human Potential. Drawing from his extensive...

    42 min

  3. 12/17/2024

    What Makes NC's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Unique w/ Krista Covey | Ep. 5

    This week on Ecosysteming, host Thom Ruhe sits down with Krista Covey, President and CEO of First Flight Venture Center. A seasoned ecosystem leader, Krista serves on the NC IDEA board and is a Founding Advisory Board Member for Carry Venture Capital. With a proven track record of building and leading award-winning innovation hubs in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, Krista shares what makes NC the best state for ecosystem building and entrepreneurship.

    41 min

  4. 12/03/2024

    How AI is Shaping our Legal System w/ Sonja Ebron | Ep. 4

    Join host Thom Ruhe for a conversation with Dr. Sonja Ebron, CEO and Co-Founder of Courtroom5, to explore AI's impact on the legal system. Courtroom5 equips self-represented litigants with the resources they need to navigate the U.S. civil court system. Dr. Ebron, an NC IDEA SEED and NC BEC GROWTH grantee and a member of the NC IDEA Board, shares insights from her journey and her work at the intersection of technology, justice, and entrepreneurship.

    40 min

  5. 11/19/2024

    Why Investing in Ourselves Beats Corporate Handouts w/ Tom Snyder | Ep. 3

    In Episode 3 of Ecosysteming, host Thom Ruhe sits down with Executive Director of RIoT, ECOSYSTEM partner, and long-time friend, Tom Snyder. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on why investing in homegrown entrepreneurs is more impactful than offering economic incentives to attract industry giants. Together, they explore strategies to strengthen the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem and position North Carolina as the best place to start and grow a business.

    53 min

  6. 11/05/2024

    How She's Revolutionizing Women's Healthcare w/ Leah Wyrick | Ep. 2

    In this episode of Ecosysteming, host Thom Ruhe sits down with NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and SEED ($50K) grantee Leah Wyrick, founder of Three Strands Recovery Wear. Leah shares her journey as a founder from Winston-Salem, NC, and how her mother’s battle with breast cancer inspired her to develop an innovative recovery bra that is transforming the healing experience for women across the country.

    38 min

  7. 10/22/2024

    This Thing of Ours w/ John Austin | Ep. 1

    In the debut episode of Ecosysteming, NC IDEA CEO and host Thom Ruhe sits down with long-time friend, retired colleague, and self-appointed NC IDEA historian, John Austin. Together, they explore the evolution of North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and reflect on the nearly 20-year history of the Foundation. They also discuss today’s entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting what our ecosystem needs to thrive amid current challenges.

    37 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Ecosysteming is the podcast redefining economic development through the lens of equitable entrepreneurship. Join NC IDEA’s Thom Ruhe as he engages with entrepreneurs and experts who are challenging the status quo and driving lasting change. Catch new episodes of Ecosysteming every other Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

Information

  • Creator
    NC IDEA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ecosysteming
  • Show Website
    Ecosysteming

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