Hello everybody,

Today we have another amazing interview, this time with Ingrid Vanderveldt (a founder of Club E Network and host of CNBC’s American Made). I hope you all like this interview as much as I did!

Hello Ingrid, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview. If there are any questions that you would like to edit, add or remove then please feel free!

You got it Shane- thank you for asking!

Firstly, could you please tell us who you are?

I am global expert in entrepreneurship. I believe that entrepreneurship is the key to creating global social and economic change. I am a: CEO, TV HOST, SPEAKER, ENTREPRENEUR, ADVENTURER (EXTREEME SPORTS ENTHUSIAST), and PHILANTHROPIST. I have been doing this for 15 years.

How did you start your career? Who was your inspiration?

I “started” my career actually as a kid creating lemonade stands, organizing plays for the kids in the neighbourhood and charging our parents to watch. Always an entrepreneur. My first real “gig” was as National Director of the American Institute of Architecture Students. I was elected to run a 15,000 person organization in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. I was one of 5 National Directors. When I became an entrepreneur “officially” was when I left business school in Texas where I got my MBA. My father inspired me as an entrepreneur and my mentor was Dr. George Kozmetsky who also mentored Michael Dell. Dr. K was the benefactor of the school and took me under his wing when I told him I was going to build a billion dollar company and needed his help. I guess he thought that was pretty ballsy.

Did you believe you would be as successful as you are now? What were your goals to begin with?

So nice of you to say Shane. I still have a LONG way to go. I have had some thing I would consider “successes” but still have a LONG way to go. Am I pleased about what I have done? Yes- I have been really lucky and have had great people around me. My goals have always included: being a global figure (public figure); promoting entrepreneurship because that is about helping people tap into their goals and make them happen. I have wanted to live in a few places (I do) and travel a lot and basically use myself as a channel to bring out valuable/ helpful info to millions of other people. My show, web show, web sites etc. all help me achieve that goal.

At any point in your career, have you thought yourself or your company as a “failure” or had any major problems? If so how did you manage to get through this and what did you learn?

Oh god yes. A Lot. I have had ventures that have not worked out and it’s really tough. Entrepreneurs by nature are competitive and we expect to win. SO when things don’t work out its really really tough. I keep myself going forward by surrounding myself with people who believe in me, help me grow, and I keep working out like a fiend. That helps a ton (the working out). When I feel like I LOOK like a million dollars, it goes a long way to helping me ACT like a million dollars. I have learned that “failure” is part of the process and I am a MUCH better entrepreneur because of the things I have learned. I try not to repeat the obvious mistakes (like miss managing my own expectations and try to be more realistic given market conditions).

How did/do you go about promoting your websites and career?

I push. I go to high-level opportunities for mass exposure. When I landed my CNBC show, very few people thought it could be done. I was not trained in television, had never “been” on television other than appearances and next thing you know- I land a prime time tv series. It was awesome- I am very focused on what is going to bring a lot of exposure to help me achieve my goals. I also have GREAT business partners who are constantly promoting me and my work.

How do you manage to cope with your lifestyle, your always going to different places?

For me, I simply have to have it this way. If I stay in one place too long (i.e. more than 2 weeks) I start losing my ability to focus and be effective. I thrive off different people, their experiences, art, architecture, ideas- and people are generally different in mass depending on where in the world they are coming from. So I need that influence. I do it by packing light. I have places all over the world that I stay (with family/ friends) as I no longer have my own places. In 2009 I will start buying things again (places) so I have my “own” crash pads)

Why did you choose to become one of the founders of the Club E Network, and how do you think this has changed your online status?

I was invited to speak to the Club E Network in July 2007. When I was there- I saw the power of the Network and KNEW I had to be a part of it. I told them that I was not leaving Phoenix until we had done some kind of deal. It was clear after talking/ working with them that I needed to lend my expertise as a CEO and that’s how it happened. It was AMAZING and I think the combination of the founding group along with the addition of Michael Gerber and myself increased the exposure and viability of the Network. The team has an amazing group behind it though- Corey Kossack is a self made millionaire by the age of 24; Lyn graft is one of the top three producers in the world of entrepreneurial content; Peter Burns is one of the leading figures in the world for entrepreneurship etc. etc.- so it’s a powerhouse team.

Have you any advice to give to those currently in the position you were in?

DO what you are passionate about. Be persistent. Stay focused. Ask for help. Find a mentor (go after the BEST one you can lay your hands on). LISTEN to their advice. Journal. Create “private time” to reflect and motivate yourself. Stay in shape, eat well, sleep, drink a lot of water and enjoy yourself!!!

What plans do you have for the future?

Generally speaking it’s about promoting and becoming an even bigger player on the global e-ship scene. With this, I will:

• Do more with my Billionaire Girls Club (www.billionairegirlsclub.tv)

• Get active politically some way to have an impact on global business policies. I intend to sit with Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and others at The Elders to talk economic policies and how entrepreneurship impacts this and what we can do about it.

• Start an e-ship sports company to combine my love of business with extreme sports

• Host another show, grow my merchandising line of e-ship products

And more…

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you Shane. Just wishing you the best and all the success in the world. Yes- I invite entrepreneurs to come join the Club E Network! Thank you so much- big hugs-

Thank you Ingrid.

Now you see why I thought you might like it? Good. Please let me know what you thought of the interview, and perhaps Ingrid might have enough time to answer some of your extra questions.

Hope you liked it as much as I did,

Shane Hudson