We recently connected with Steve Eros and have shared our conversation below.
Steve, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I grew up around a lot of negativity, not directed at me, it was just a general tone and it defined the personalities I was surrounded by. That somehow shaped me into the optimist I am today. I tend to expect people to do the right thing and for plans to work out. Of course, plenty of times they don’t, but honestly I like that about myself. I’d rather go into situations expecting the best with a backup plan than assuming things will fail. It just feels like a better way to live.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am very fortunate — I have a healthy, happy family, a great job and plenty of social outlets. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been thinking a lot about what really motivates me, and for me, it always comes back to startups. I love the energy of a small group of people coming together to build something remarkable — something innovative, intuitive, maybe even something that changes behavior in a meaningful way. There’s nothing more exciting than a small team delivering on something that seems impossible and that no one saw coming.
I’ve also realized how much I enjoy building teams. Especially small teams that can punch above their weight. The magic happens when you put the right people together, give them a clear path, and then watch them solve problems that maybe even the customers didn’t realize they had. Great teams don’t just solve problems — they discover them.
And when it comes to technology, I’ve learned that simple is always harder than complex. The real job of a technology company is to deliver compelling experiences that abstract away the messy reality underneath. That’s a lesson I keep coming back to. In tech, simple isn’t easy — it’s the hardest thing to do.
Right now, I’m working on something I’m really excited about. It’s called Passcloud, a SaaS platform built to help brands acquire customers and build lasting relationships with them. We’ve unlocked frictionless acquisition by embracing privacy.
I’m also spending time as a volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium, which has been incredibly rewarding. I love their mission — to inspire conservation of our marine environment. Every week I meet people from all over the world who experience the wonder of the ocean and learn something new. The ocean has a way of bringing out childlike wonder in everyone — that’s powerful, and it’s humbling to be a part of.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I’d say it’s understanding that people are just people. The relationships you build along the way have such a profound impact on your life, not only on your career, but on how much fun the journey is. I’d encourage anyone starting out to focus on getting to know people, letting them get to know you, and really paying attention to who “your people” are. The journey is always better when you find your people.
Second, my background i science has shaped the way I think. What science really teaches you is how to ask questions and look for answers. That mindset has served me incredibly well. Of course the funny thing about science is that for every answer you uncover, you usually generate three more questions. Curiosity and critical thinking are the best tools you can carry with you.
Finally, understanding the nature of technology. At some point in history a hammer was considered advanced. The way I see it, technology is just a constantly evolving toolbox that you can use to build whatever you want. Technology is never the destination – it’s the toolbox that helps you get there.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Picking just one really is impossible but there are two that have had a lasting impact on me: Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore and The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen. Those books shaped how I see the world, how I think about markets, how I view technology, and even how I approach solving problems. The best business books don’t just give you answers; they give you lenses to see the world differently.
What I love is that I still see examples of these frameworks in action all the time. I’m working with a tech startup called Passcloud (passcloud.ai). It has the potential to be disruptive to several adjacent markets and existing technologies that others have made major investments in. That has ripple effects on partnerships, consumer adoption, and how the company charts a course to success. Just like Moore describes, the company needs that starting point — that first “bowling pin”. The team has been experimenting, testing, learning, and I think they’ve found where the value proposition really comes to life. Every disruptive idea has to start somewhere — finding that first win is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://passcloud.ai
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveeros/
Image Credits
I am happy to provide some Passcloud imagery if requested.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
