Zora Lazarov, a seasoned psychologist with over 20 years of experience in human resources, found herself at a crossroads. Having spent nearly a decade working at one of the world’s leading tech companies, she began to feel a pull towards something more. The daily HR routines, while fulfilling, were no longer enough. Zora envisioned a future where she could contribute to a broader mission—one that combined her passion for psychology with cutting-edge technology. This vision led her to the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) at MIT, a decision that would profoundly shape her career and personal development.
A Leap of Faith: Leaving the Familiar for the Unknown
Zora’s decision to leave her stable career was not an easy one. "It's a great place to be," she recalls thinking to herself. But the desire to create something beyond the conventional HR role was too strong to ignore. She wanted to develop immersive artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) experiences that could revolutionize executive training, mental fitness, and leadership development. However, she faced a significant challenge—despite her expertise in psychology, she had no experience in building a tech-driven idea from scratch.
That’s when MIT came into the picture. Zora knew she needed to learn how to turn her vision into reality, and MIT’s EDP was the place to do it. “As a psychologist, I had no idea how to build a tech idea, put it into place, and start reverse engineering it,” she admits. But at MIT Sloan Executive Education, she found the perfect environment to explore these new frontiers.
Breaking into AI: A psychologist’s perspective
Before taking Executive Education courses at MIT Sloan, Zora took a preliminary step by attending a short AI course at another school. The rapid advancement of AI had taken many HR professionals by surprise, and Zora was determined not to be left behind. She quickly realized the potential of machine learning in transforming HR practices. “We were caught with our pants down about AI,” she jokes. But beneath the humor was a serious commitment to understanding how AI could be harnessed to enhance HR functions, particularly in areas like mental health and leadership development.
Zora’s goal was to create an AI-driven system that could support individuals with a level of specificity and insight that a human HR professional might struggle to achieve. This ambition, however, required a deep understanding of both AI and the business landscape—a combination that EDP promised to deliver.
Exceeding expectations: The EDP Experience
When Zora arrived at MIT, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Coming from a small town in Finland, she suddenly found herself in Boston, surrounded by a group of 70 executives from diverse industries. “I felt like the total rookie and the newbie,” she recalls, “but Bill and Paul, the program leaders, took us all on a journey.” The week-long program was intense, filled with insights and practical strategies that left no stone unturned. “Not a single drop of insight got lost,” she says, marveling at the engagement and knowledge shared throughout the course.
EDP didn’t just meet Zora’s expectations—it exceeded them. The structured, step-by-step approach to entrepreneurship, coupled with real-world examples of successful companies, gave her a clear path forward. "I was not only impressed by the knowledge and structure but also by the ability to keep everyone engaged throughout the really tough five days.”
Building connections: A network that lasts
One of the most valuable takeaways from the EDP was the network Zora built. She connected with professionals from various fields and learned from their experiences and perspectives. "We have a WhatsApp group, and I’ve taken the liberty to connect through LinkedIn," she explains. The emphasis on networking was a game changer for Zora, who realized that entrepreneurship is not a solo journey. "The network I managed to get through EDP is definitely an eye-opener for me."
Zora also discovered the importance of moving from incubation to iteration—taking her ideas and putting them into action. “I was hatching this egg, and what I came away with was the realization that I need to start connecting, doing primary market research, and narrowing down my ideas,” she reflects. The program gave her the tools and confidence to take these crucial first steps.
What’s next for Zora?
Armed with the insights and strategies from EDP, Zora is now in the process of developing her first viable product. She’s conducting market research, engaging with potential clients, and testing her ideas. "I’m not an entrepreneur by nature," she admits, "but the methodology from EDP has given me a clear route to follow."
For Zora, the journey is far from over, but she’s now equipped with the knowledge, network, and confidence to pursue her vision. Whether it's through AI, AR, or other technologies, Zora is determined to make a lasting impact in the field of psychology and executive development.
And as she continues to build her company, she remains grateful for the guidance and support she received at MIT. “I’d recommend this program to anyone, even if you don’t have a tech vision,” she says. “It’s made for people like me, who need a bit more structure and method to navigate the world of entrepreneurship.”
Take the leap yourself
Ready to see Bill Aulet and Paul Cheek’s learning in action? Register for the upcoming session of the MIT Entrepreneurship Development Program here. You might also be interested in the upcoming Entrepreneurship Development Accelerator and Disciplined Entrepreneurship.