The Genesis of a Visionary Company
We had the pleasure of talking with Bethanie Couri and Pierre Paul to delve into the inspiring story of We Hear You LLC, a company that's making waves in the realm of communication and accessibility for the deaf community. Our recent episode featured an enlightening conversation with the founders, Pierre Paul and Bethanie Couri, who shared their journey, challenges, and the innovative technology they're developing to transform lives.
From Dream to Reality: The Birth of We Hear You
Pierre Paul, the founder and CEO of We Hear You LLC, has a fascinating origin story that stretches across continents. Born in South America and raised in Ohio, Pierre's educational path led him to Peoria, Illinois, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in nonprofit leadership. It was here that the seed for We Hear You was planted—not in a boardroom, but in a dream. Pierre envisioned a sign language translator that could seamlessly integrate into everyday life, breaking down communication barriers for the deaf community.
Bethanie Couri, the co-founder and COO, joined forces with Pierre while completing her MBA at Bradley University. With her current role at the University of Illinois and her pursuit of an EdD in human resource development, Bethanie brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Together, they embarked on a mission to turn Pierre's dream into a tangible product.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Path to Innovation
The road to innovation is rarely smooth, Pierre and Bethanie's journey being no exception. They faced the daunting task of assembling a team capable of creating their sign language translator. Despite initial rejections, their persistence paid off, leading to a group of talented individuals united by a common goal: to serve the deaf community.
Pierre detailed the technical marvel behind their sign language translator, emphasizing the sophisticated use of neural networks and machine learning. This cutting-edge technology accurately recognizes a myriad of sign language gestures, all through the lens of a standard camera.
Expanding Horizons: Pushing Boundaries and Opening Doors
Our conversation took an exciting turn as we discussed "Push," We Hear You's second invention. This innovative device allows individuals to open doors from a distance with a personal button, enhancing safety and accessibility. The founders' vision extends to coffee shops across the Midwest, where they aim to implement their incredibly technology and foster a more inclusive environment.
Leadership and Balance: The Core of We Hear You
Pierre and Bethanie's approach to leadership is rooted in communication, transparency, and managing expectations. They stress the importance of balance and self-care, recognizing that these elements are crucial for the well-being of their team and the success of their business.
The most rewarding aspect of their work, as Pierre shared, is the connection with the deaf community. The warm reception and meaningful interactions they've experienced underscore the impact of their efforts and the importance of ensuring everyone is heard.
From Concept to Reality: The Power of Community and Mentorship
The founders also touched on the invaluable support they received from various fellowships and accelerator programs. Mentorship and community connections have been instrumental in their progress, guiding them through the complexities of bringing their vision to life.
Adriana, a listener with a personal connection to assistive technology, brought her unique perspective to the conversation. Her interest in collaboration and her inquiries about disability-related tradeshows and conferences highlighted the importance of community engagement and shared experiences in the field of assistive technology.
Staying Resilient: Navigating Challenges and Staying True to Values
Despite facing pushback and the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19, Pierre and Bethanie remained steadfast. They shared pivotal moments, such as product development pivots and the significance of doubling down on their mission during tough times.
When asked about their guiding philosophy, Pierre eloquently spoke of diversity and inclusion as the bedrock of innovation. He likened their commitment to accessibility to the simple yet profound act of clearing snow off a ramp, ensuring that everyone has access to the paths they need to traverse.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning and Embracing Discomfort
As we explored their strategic planning and vision for the future, Pierre and Bethanie expressed their dedication to making educational campuses more inclusive. They aim to expand their business model across universities in the Midwest, bringing on more team members to support their growth.
The founders shared invaluable advice that has guided them through their entrepreneurial journey. Pierre emphasized the importance of staying grounded in one's values, while Bethanie encouraged embracing discomfort and being open to change.
In Conclusion: A Commitment to Inclusivity and Entrepreneurial Wisdom
Our conversation with Pierre and Bethanie was not only a testament to their dedication to creating inclusive technology but also a source of entrepreneurial wisdom. Their journey with We Hear You LLC exemplifies the power of staying true to one's values and the transformative impact of embracing discomfort.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pierre and Bethanie for sharing their insights and to our listeners for joining us on this journey. As we continue to provide a platform for meaningful connections and engagement among entrepreneurs, we look forward to the innovative strides We Hear You will make in the future.
Stay tuned for more stories of innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a more accessible world for all.