In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Esmond Goei, the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Power Hero Corp., embarked on his path to success in the world of technology and energy solutions. Join us as Esmond shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets Power Hero Corp. apart from other companies, how Esmond navigated the challenges of the tech industry, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Esmond’s journey as a CEO and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of energy solutions.
Personal Journey as a CEO
Esmond Goei has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, beginning his journey at the young age of 13 while schooling in Hong Kong. During a camping excursion, he collected and sold large bullets left from British Royal Air Force target practices, finding an eager market among his schoolmates. His entrepreneurial activities continued in Singapore, where he delved into photography and film development. This inclination to spot opportunities and provide solutions persisted throughout his professional career at Nortel Networks. There, he proposed a controversial but successful solution to an electronics issue, which led to further educational and professional advancements, including an MBA from Western University and roles in venture capital. A decade of VC fund management brought him to Silicon Valley where he was exposed to hundreds of zealous entrepreneurs, turnaround trials and comeback successes. These experiences culminated in the founding of Power Hero Corp., where his journey as an innovative leader continues.
Significant Accomplishments
One of Esmond’s most notable achievements was his role in turning around Earth’s Best Babyfoods. As CEO, he reorganized the company, brought in key personnel, and streamlined operations. Esmond loves to quote a Clint Eastwood movie where Clint’s character says “a man’s got to know his limitations.” Applying that mantra himself Esmond recognized that he didn’t have any food industry experience or connections so he recruited a food expert to replace himself as CEO while he stayed on as Chairman. His replacement grew Earth’s Best, which eventually was sold to Heinz at a significant profit. Another success story includes CliniCom, where Esmond, as co-lead investor, delayed product introduction to revamp design, leading to a successful IPO and eventual sale at a much higher valuation. At Centigram Communications, Esmond engineered a takeover of Speech Plus, integrating advanced artificial voice technologies to create an innovative messaging system. This strategic move helped Centigram through a successful IPO, significantly impacting the market. One sad experience continues to haunt him when he had to shut down Mayan Networks which he co-founded and led as Chairman and CEO. The company had completed a “Unicorn” debt financing in October 2000 at a presumptive valuation of $1.8 billion but became a casualty of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on Wall Street. Mayan was impacted in the aftermath when the financial industry was in disarray and its investment bank called on the company’s loans. Esmond stayed on through the ordeal of terminating 300 employees realizing that 300 families were affected. Since then he has favored relying on personal and individual financings from a trusted small group of investors.
Leadership Style and Approach
Esmond Goei leads by example, presenting out-of-the-box visions to his team and challenging them to transform these visions into reality. He believes in not merely accepting the status quo but envisioning what could be. This approach involves encouraging his team to identify underlying factors necessary to support innovative solutions and maintaining regular review meetings to ensure progress and alignment with the company’s goals. He fills his Board with innovative people such as Troy Helming an inventive serial entrepreneur with multiple patents and two billion dollar “unicorn” exits. Within days of Troy’s appointment to the Board he was joined by Curt Pringle, former Speaker of the California State Assembly and two-term Mayor of the City of Anaheim, California. A third independent board director is Howard Kim with senior leadership experience and connections throughout Asia who was an advisor to Hitachi for ten years. Power Hero’s co-founder Rob Kent and CMO previously turned around a medical device company where he integrated connective technology. Esmond is not shy in bringing in strong individuals and seeking advice and help from his Board and keeps them well informed. He is old-fashioned in some ways, valuing integrity and long-term relationships. Above all he has a strong faith in Jesus Christ and believes that nothing is by chance.
Unique Strategies and Initiatives
Power Hero Corp. is on a mission to create an ecosystem, PowerNetTM, for the sourcing and utilization of electricity for portable and mobile electronic devices, including electric vehicles (EVs). The company has developed a robust portfolio of patents and plans to unveil its first product, AircueTM, in 2024. This AI-empowered app will allow users to search for and reserve ePortsTM, creating a comprehensive network of reservable electric outlets. The Company has designed and patented an adapter called CameoTM which plugs onto the nozzle of existing EV chargers to connect standalone home chargers to the PowerNet cloud. Once connected the charger may be reserved for use like an “AirbnbÒ” network. Additionally, Power Hero addresses EV range anxiety by enabling users to locate optimal EV charging stations or summon mobile charging stations. Other innovations include PowerPac, a solution for providing fast 240V EV charging in old apartment buildings using existing 110V electrical circuits which negates the need for extensive infrastructure changes. Power Hero envisions a future where access to power is universal, supported by its extensive patent portfolio and ongoing product developments.
While EV utilization is mandated by governments, other pressing needs for power access exist, such as for users of portable oxygen equipment and electric wheelchairs. Furthermore, 93%[1] of students use smartphones, and an equal percentage use laptops. As educational centers increasingly adopt electronic documents and communications, the demand for recharging devices will continue to grow.
Power Hero is the first to envision the evolution of an ecosystem of power sources to satisfy the growing need for accessible electricity for various portable and mobile devices, supported by a robust patent portfolio. The company is currently raising capital for product commercialization and invites participation in its crowdfunding.
Key Values and Principles
Esmond’s decision-making is guided by his faith in God, a commitment to integrity, and the importance of convictions and attitudes. He ensures that decisions are made with integrity, avoiding abandoning investors during challenging times, and values the importance of the “soft” facts that might not be quantifiable but are inferred from the personas involved.
Staying Informed and Adapting
Esmond stays informed about industry trends and developments by subscribing to various global news outlets, ranging from scientific and academic communities to respected regional publishers. This continuous learning process contributes significantly to his success as a CEO, enabling him to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Key Success Factors
Tenacity and faith are central to Esmond’s success. He emphasizes the importance of a long-term perspective, especially in emerging industries like EV charging, and values collaboration with co-founders to avoid blind spots and share equity. This approach has been instrumental in his successful entrepreneurial ventures and leadership at Power Hero Corp.
Future Aspirations
Looking forward, Esmond aims to take Power Hero Corp. on the path of an IPO and continue influencing the evolution of universal access to power. Drawing from his experiences in leading startups in emerging growth industries, Esmond envisions Power Hero as a significant player in the energy solutions market, shaping the future of accessible electricity for all.
Personal Accolades and Industry Recognition
Esmond Goei holds 10 patents assigned to Power Hero and has another 17 patents pending approval. In a prior startup, he earned three patents and received recognition from the Consumer Electronics Association for product innovation and engineering. Beyond his professional achievements, Esmond is also known for his artisanal bread-making skills, which are highly appreciated by his friends and colleagues.
In conclusion, Esmond Goei’s journey as the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Power Hero Corp. is a powerful testament to his visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and innovative spirit, which have driven significant advancements in energy solutions. His ability to turn around struggling companies and spearhead ground breaking initiatives reflects his exceptional capabilities as a leader. With a commitment to providing universal access to power, Esmond continues to position Power Hero at the forefront of the energy solutions industry, paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.
