If you want to stay competitive in the fastest tech era in history, Thierry Klein says founders must:
- Anticipate change, not react to it
- Break down silos and collaborate across disciplines
- Use mentorship and community as accelerators
These themes shaped our latest Uplift Mentorship Live conversation – and they offer a clear roadmap for building smarter and faster.
At TechUnited’s recent Uplift Mentorship Live session, CEO Aaron Price sat down with Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia Bell Labs, for a powerful conversation about leadership, innovation, and navigating rapid technological change.
The discussion-part of TechUnited’s Uplift Mentorship Program, which supports women and minority founders-offered a rare look into how one of the world’s most iconic research labs thinks about the future.
Below are the key themes and takeaways.
🚀 Leading in the Age of Acceleration: Why Adaptability Matters
In today’s AI-powered and hyperconnected landscape, tech-driven change no longer unfolds gradually. It compounds. For founders and small business owners, this means:
- Embracing experimentation
- Building systems that adapt quickly
- Making decisions with imperfect information
- Viewing disruption as opportunity
These traits aren’t optional anymore — they are the foundation of resilient, future-ready leadership.
🤝 Breakthroughs Don’t Come From Silos: Why Collaboration Accelerates Innovation
Thierry emphasized that innovation is fundamentally collaborative, and that Bell Labs’ most transformative breakthroughs emerged when experts worked across disciplines.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology – it’s about people, collaboration, and the willingness to rethink how we work.”
For Uplift founders, the actionable takeaway is clear:
you move faster when you invite others into your process.
- Share challenges with your mentor
- Ask peers for feedback
- Seek perspectives beyond your industry
- Use the Uplift community as a sounding board
This mirrors the Bell Labs model – cross-functional insights that spark stronger ideas and faster problem-solving.
🌱 Why Mentorship Is a Multiplier for Founders
“Mentorship isn’t optional – it’s a multiplier.” — Thierry Klein
Mentorship shortens learning curves, reduces costly mistakes, and brings clarity during uncertainty. Thierry credits his mentors for accelerating his own leadership journey.
Aaron added:
“I wish I had been surrounded by people like Thierry who could help me save time, save money, and make fewer mistakes.”
This is the core purpose of the Uplift Mentorship Program: to give founders access to people who’ve already walked the path.
💬 A Community Built to Help Small Businesses Grow Faster
Uplift isn’t just a workshop series – it’s a community designed to help small business owners and emerging founders make better decisions faster.
Members receive:
- Mentor-led sessions like this conversation with Thierry Klein
- Tactical guidance from experienced operators
- A practical, supportive founder network
- A complimentary one-year TechUnited membership
This community-driven model reflects what both Thierry and Aaron stress:
founders don’t rise alone – they rise together.
🔭 Looking Ahead: Building the Future With Intentional Leadership
Thierry ended with a reminder that resonates deeply with founders building in uncertain times:
“Our mission is to imagine the future and build the technologies that bring it to life.”
This mindset – curious, proactive, and collaborative – is the foundation for thriving in a world that’s accelerating.
📝 Apply to Join the Next Uplift Cohort
If you’re ready to build faster, lead with confidence, and surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you win, now is the time to join Uplift.
The next cohort is forming – and we’re welcoming both mentees and mentors committed to growth and impact.
Apply as a Mentee
If you’re a woman or small business owner of color in New Jersey, Uplift gives you:
- access to mentors
- founder education
- a community dedicated to helping you grow
👉 Apply now to join the next Uplift cohort.
Apply as a Mentor
If you’re an operator, executive, or seasoned founder, Uplift is a chance to directly support the next generation of New Jersey innovators.
👉 Apply to mentor a founder this cycle.
Spots are limited – submit your application and be part of a community designed for accelerated growth.
🎥 Watch the Full Uplift Mentorship Session on LinkedIn
Want to hear Thierry Klein’s insights firsthand?
It’s packed with leadership insights, innovation strategies, and actionable advice for founders navigating one of the most transformative eras in tech history.
👇 Watch the recorded Uplift Mentorship Live session on LinkedIn below