Author: Paula Pingel

GLG Expert

Paula Pingel

December 15, 2025

Business Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Happy to be a member of GLG Experts. https://lnkd.in/eAracaTf GLG: Clients, colleagues, and friends joined us in New York to celebrate the holidays and a rewarding year. We’re endlessly grateful for this exceptional community, and proud of all we’ve built together. Read more
TEDx Talk with Victor W. Hwang

Paula Pingel

November 30, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

In this TEDx talk, Victor W. Hwang, the Founder & CEO of Right to Start, argues that real economic prosperity comes when communities foster what he calls an “innovation ecosystem”, a social environment where ideas, talent, and capital flow freely, and where everyone has a fair shot at building something new. For those of us Read more
NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit Recap

Paula Pingel

November 25, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I’m thrilled to share that I recently participated in the NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, which celebrated 20 years of innovation and collaboration in North Carolina’s startup ecosystem. Here are a few key take-aways:1) Together with founders, funders and ecosystem builders, we looked at how far we’ve come and what’s still needed to fuel growth statewide.2) Read more
Tom Snyder: Why UNC System should ditch the ‘tollbooth’ mindset for statewide innovation

Paula Pingel

November 24, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Very thought-provoking article by Tom Snyder, which speaks to the major opportunity in North Carolina to shift from a “tollbooth” model of university IP licensing to a true “launchpad” for statewide innovation. Founder-friendly policies across the UNC System could unlock more startups, more jobs, and more investment—especially in regions that have historically been left out. Read more
More Americans Turn to Entrepreneurship

Paula Pingel

November 20, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Seeing more Americans turn to entrepreneurship lately isn’t surprising, and I’m proud to be part of that wave through my work with Right to Start. The recent rise in self-employment reflects a deeper shift: professionals are seeking autonomy, purpose, and a path to build something meaningful. At Right to Start, we believe everyone should have Read more
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴

Paula Pingel

November 18, 2025

Change Management, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 hashtag#𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆. I was honored to lead the “𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴” breakout session at the NC IDEA 2025 Summit, along with Dr. Vania R. from Right to Start. Participants learned why advocacy matters, Read more
NC IDEA 2025 Summit

Paula Pingel

November 18, 2025

Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding, Technology & Innovation

What an incredible two days at the NC IDEA 2025 Summit. Day 1 featured panel discussions on mayoral perspectives on innovation, barriers to entrepreneurship, and statewide innovation models, as well as a fireside chat between Thom Ruhe and Andrew Yang. The day concluded with the celebratory announcement of the NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grant Read more
Innovation at UNC Charlotte – Dr. Liz Johnson

Paula Pingel

November 15, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I am honored to be assisting Dr. Liz Johnson in getting her incredible innovation to market as a part of my Regional Entrepreneurship role with NCInnovation. Dr. Liz Johnson: Thanks to Trevor Burnett and the team at Global SOF Foundation for including Tyler Hudson, Rick Hudson, and me in Modern Warfare Week Accelerator Alley. On Read more
Innovation at UNC Charlotte

Paula Pingel

November 15, 2025

Commercialization, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation, Wellness

I am privileged to be a Regional Entrepreneur for the Charlotte region. In this capacity, I partner with NCInnovation to help UNC Charlotte bring their IP to market. Jordan Poler, Ph.D. and his team at the UNC Charlotte Klein College of Science announced that its innovative nanostructured filtration media has passed the rigorous NSF/ANSI 42 and Read more
The Pinnacle Dinner

Paula Pingel

November 13, 2025

Change Management, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding

I am privileged to be a Founding Member of the NC Pinnacle Dinner. At these dinners we gather leaders from across North Carolina to network and commit to helping each other. Jolaine Elien: Last Thursday, I returned to The Pinnacle Dinner, a night filled with inspiration, purpose, and genuine conversation. I met so many incredible Read more
The 3rd Annual US Inventor Conference

Paula Pingel

October 30, 2025

Economy, Leadership, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

US Inventor: Thank You, Inventors — You Made History. The 3rd Annual US Inventor Conference wasn’t just another event — it was a movement in motion. The most powerful voices in innovation, law, and policy gathered in Washington, D.C., making this the largest and most influential inventor-rights event ever held. Over 60 inventors and advocates Read more
R2S North Carolina Coalition Advisory Circle

Paula Pingel

October 15, 2025

Business Impact, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding

We had an incredible Right to Start NC Starters Coalition Launch on September 23rd. The event was well-attended by entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), and civic and community leaders, and featured inspiring legislative and executive guest speakers and panelists. As we carry this momentum forward in “Making Entrepreneurship Opportunity a Civic Priority,” we are honored Read more
Incredible Keynote Speaker

Paula Pingel

September 30, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding, Technology & Innovation

I was honored when Dr. Sarah Glova agreed to be our Keynote Speaker at our NC Starters Coalition Launch in September of 2025. Dr. Sarah Glova: Thank you so much for having me, Right to Start! Was wonderful to get to join hashtag#entrepreneurs, policymakers, civic and community leaders, and business advocates — all coming together Read more
Entrepreneuship at its Best

Paula Pingel

September 30, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Jenny Stojkovic: This 41 year old CEO was rejected to every job she applied to, then made history as one of the youngest women to take a startup public. Meet Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. Read her full story now: https://lnkd.in/ggGQwdUW. Born in Detroit and raised in Flint, Michigan, Anjali grew up in a family Read more
Right to Start Kicked off Their North Carolina Starters Coalition

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Economy, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Jess Jur: Right to Start kicked off their North Carolina Starters Coalition with an event focused on “Making Entrepreneurial Opportunity a Civic Priority”. I was honored to sit down for a fireside chat with Thom Ruhe (NC IDEA) and Jess Anderson (Mayor, Town of Chapel Hill, NC). I must have been dreaming! 📻My main messages, Read more
North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch LI Post

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Smitha Ragannagari: North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch! What an incredible day it was, bringing together so many dedicated leaders who are passionate about fostering a thriving small business ecosystem right here in our state.A huge thank you to all the leaders who joined the Launch, shared insights and the work you are doing. TRULY INSPIRING!!! Read more
North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch on ABC11

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Commercialization, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

What an incredible success! Today our NC Starters Coalition Launch brought together passionate leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners committed to making entrepreneurial opportunity a civic priority in North Carolina. A huge thank you to our special guest speakers, panelists, Advisory Circle members, and attendees whose insights, energy, and dedication made this event such a powerful Read more
NC Energy Innovation Hub

Paula Pingel

September 15, 2025

Business Impact, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

So proud of UNC Charlotte! UNC Charlotte’s efforts to build an energy innovation hub for the Carolinas continue to gain national momentum. The University’s Carolinas Engine for Grid Modernization has been named one of 15 finalists in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines competition, advancing to a full site visit from more Read more
The Journey of Risk-Taking and Leaderhip Podcast Interview with Josette Mandela

Paula Pingel

September 13, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I’m so grateful to Josette Mandela for including me in the “The Journey of Risk-Taking and Leadership” episode of her “The Empowered Money Girl” podcast and for letting me share my journey and growth through taking risks. Read more
The Truth About Sustainable Business Growth Podcast Interview

Paula Pingel

August 30, 2025

Business Impact, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding, Technology & Innovation

I had the honor of being interviewed on “The Perpetual Growth Podcast” with Zac Palmer for his “The Truth About Sustainable Business Growth” episode. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have this important conversation with Zac, who offers an incredible perspective on strategic business growth and operational leadership. Read more
Chief NC Gathering

Paula Pingel

August 28, 2025

Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I had a fantastic time networking at Sixty Vines with Charlotte Chief Executives, Marie Kelly, Breanne Byrne, Stacie Immesberger, and Kati Everett. Thank you so much, Marie for leading this cozy and delightful night of sharing and strategizing. Read more
Prior Authorization Process Improvement

Paula Pingel

June 30, 2025

Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Wellness

This is a significant development. Congratulations to U.S. health insurers for their commitment to finally addressing this issue. CNBC: Health plans under major U.S. insurers said Monday they have voluntarily agreed to speed up and reduce prior authorizations – a process that is often a major pain point for patients and providers when getting and Read more
HealthTech Heroes Podcast Interview

Paula Pingel

June 25, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Leadership, Technology & Innovation

I had the privilege of sharing some of my passions with Fasa (Fasahath) Husain, PhD, MBA, on his HealthTech Heroes podcast. Read more
Seed the South Capital Summit

Paula Pingel

May 28, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I had an incredible experience at the Seed the South Capital Summit last week; a transformative two-day journey of connection, learning, and celebration with hundreds of industry leaders across Southeast North Carolina. I was inspired by the powerful pitches from local entrepreneurs and gained valuable insights from subject matter experts, including Michael Praeger, the Co-Founder, Read more
NC IDEA Ecosystem Partner Event

Paula Pingel

May 28, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

It was inspiring to see CEO Thom Ruhe honor the entrepreneurs, funders, and partners gathered for the NC IDEA Ecosystem Partner event last week. I had the chance to speak with rural entrepreneurs who are actively transforming North Carolina’s rural communities. It was also enlightening to learn about NC IDEA’s unique partnerships, shared by Suzie Koonce, Read more
Anger Inspiring Quote

Paula Pingel

April 9, 2025

Accountability

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Helping the Market Research Team Navigate Change & Uncertainty

Paula Pingel

March 31, 2025

Marketing, Technology & Innovation

Encouraging innovation is essential in helping your Market Research team successfully navigate periods of change and uncertainty. As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly takes over routine market research tasks, teams must pivot toward roles emphasizing emotional intelligence and strategic insight. However, transitions of this magnitude can sometimes lead to stagnation or fear, particularly concerning job security. Read more