Introducing Yoko Okano as a Mentor for the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship is Foster’s 12-month degree that embodies the startup process — from ideation and testing, to refining and preparing to scale. It blends the best of business school education, practical content, world-class Seattle connections, and time in the program for students to get their startup off the ground. Our goal for students: turn that spark into reality.
Yoko Okano
Co-Founder of First Row Partners
I didn’t know that entrepreneurship was a path available to me growing up, and I want to help make it more accessible to those who seek it out.
As a mentor, I excel at…
Customer development, product strategy, pitching angels
Don’t ask me about…
Financial modeling, technical implementation
The one thing people should know about me is…
I’m actually more of an introvert
My favorite entrepreneurial book, blog, podcast is…
Book: The Culture Code; Podcast: How I Built This + Think Fast, Talk Smart
When I have free time, I…
Bake!
I manage everyday stress by…
Reading and listening to podcasts.
If I’m going out to dinner, I’ll generally order…
Dessert! Always leave room for dessert.
As a kid, I was fascinated by…
How things were made – on a snorkeling trip when I was in elementary school, I spent the whole boat ride out (and back) staring into the tiny kitchen, seeing the steps they took to prepare our food. I still love open kitchens in restaurants and seeing the attention to detail as chefs prepare food.
As an adult, I’m fascinated by…
How storytelling and narrative-building is core to every part of what we do.
I describe myself as…
Empathetic; inclusive; intentional; curious; humble
What is your superpower?
I am usually able to build rapport fairly quickly and make it comfortable for folks to be their authentic selves in conversation.
I mentor students because…
I didn’t know that entrepreneurship was a path available to me growing up, and I want to help make it more accessible to those who seek it out. I also love the energy and optimism they bring to the world.
