Dr. Pandwe Gibson is an esteemed scientist, an inspiring visionary, and a determined ecopreneur dedicated to improving the world. For her, achieving success and honing one’s skills involves embracing the concept of “failing forward.” This belief drives her to pursue her mission relentlessly, undeterred by obstacles.
Pandwe’s varied background has shaped her into the accomplished business owner and serial entrepreneur she is today. She is the president and founder of EcoTech Visions, a platform-as-a-service that facilitates co-manufacturing. ETV merges physical and digital elements, offering a network of smart manufacturing facilities that provide essential services to ecopreneurs. These services include maker spaces, office and event spaces, and high-quality resources that aid in the design and development of sustainable products and packaging, leveraging artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain technology. Additionally, they provide supply chain logistics and a virtual marketplace where ecopreneurs can source raw materials and make retail purchases.
Furthermore, Pandwe established the EcoTech Visions Foundation, a multimillion-dollar initiative dedicated to providing citizens with sustainable affordable housing. The foundation uses its proceeds to fund free educational programs that promote economic development through green technology and opportunities in the digital economy. Its mission is to transition the workforce from blue and white-collar roles to green-collar jobs.
Pandwe has a proven track record of transforming aspiring companies into profitable enterprises, a skill she has refined over the past decade. She has consistently achieved remarkable success in creating effective organizational models for rapid growth, with an average market share increase of 20%. Her expertise spans artificial intelligence, computer vision technology, energy tech, operations, human resource management, business development, ESG investing, and real estate. Over the last two decades, she has advised and collaborated with some of the world’s leading theorists and practitioners at the cutting edge of greentech.
Our Interview With Pandwe Gibson
Question: What’s the most important thing we should know about you?
Pandwe Gibson: I have a deep-rooted drive to support and empower local communities. This passion stems from my own experiences growing up in New Orleans and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by underserved populations. I believe that when communities thrive, everyone benefits — economically, socially, and environmentally.
My commitment to empowerment goes beyond just providing resources; it’s about fostering a culture of resilience and innovation. Equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need helps create a generation of problem solvers who are ready to tackle the pressing issues of our time, from climate change to economic disparities. That’s also why I founded the EcoTech Visions Foundation, where we offer training programs and build supportive ecosystems that nurture green businesses and sustainable practices. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where local entrepreneurs can flourish, leading to job creation and stronger, more vibrant communities.
Ultimately, my vision is for every community to have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the face of challenges. I’m dedicated to being a catalyst for change, inspiring others to join this vital mission, and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Question: Name the most impactful lesson you learned from failure.
Pandwe Gibson: The most impactful lesson I learned from failure came during my first venture, ReNew Schools. While I was passionate about education and community rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, I failed to fully understand the importance of legal ownership and business structure. I co-founded the organization and quickly secured significant funding, but I discovered that I didn’t have real control or decision-making power. Despite being the face of the organization, I was not on the bank accounts and lacked the ownership necessary to influence crucial decisions.
When my co-founder and others pushed for increased special education testing—primarily for financial gain — I was outvoted. I understood the potential harm this could cause to vulnerable students, but my concerns were overlooked in favor of profit. This experience taught me the critical importance of legal ownership and the need for balanced partnerships in business. It inspired me to create EcoTech Visions, where I prioritize protecting innovators and ensuring that ethical considerations guide our mission.
In short, I learned that to sustain impactful ideas, you must have a firm foundation in ownership and governance.
Question: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Pandwe Gibson: Knowing that I’m making a significant difference through my two organizations — helping individuals thrive while simultaneously tackling climate change — is what fuels my passion for this work. I believe that by creating pathways to green-collar careers, we can build a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations, and that’s an accomplishment that truly inspires me.
Question: What did you waste the most time on when you were first starting your career?
Pandwe Gibson: When I first started my career, I wasted too much time viewing success through the lens of “survival of the fittest.” I believed that individual achievement and competition were the keys to making a meaningful impact. This perspective led me to focus on personal accolades rather than the cooperative spirit that is essential for true growth and progress.
Over time, I realized that the purpose of life is maturation — not just survival. We thrive not as isolated individuals but as part of a larger community interconnected with the Earth. The illusion of separation, much like the 6,000 languages that can divide us, obscures the truth that we are all one. Understanding this has transformed my approach; I now prioritize collaboration and collective success.
Embracing the idea of oneness is how I’ve learned that our greatest achievements come when we work together towards a common goal, fostering cooperation instead of competition. This shift in mindset has not only enriched my career but has also deepened my commitment to creating sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Question: Name a tool you use for work that you can’t live without.
Pandwe Gibson: A tool I can’t live without is Asana. It helps streamline our project management and ensures that our team stays organized and on track. Alongside Asana, I also rely heavily on Salesforce for managing our relationships and tracking our impact. Together, these tools enhance our productivity and enable us to focus on what truly matters.
Question: What is your favorite hobby and why?
Pandwe Gibson: One of my favorite hobbies is practicing Weng Chun Kung Fu. I’m drawn to it not only because it’s the only martial art founded by a woman, but also because it’s deeply rooted in the movements of animals in nature. The combination of physical discipline and the mindfulness that comes with understanding these natural movements keeps me grounded and focused. Alongside this, I love the thrill of extreme sports like skiing and scuba diving, and I’ve maintained a passion for gymnastics since childhood, which continues to fuel my sense of adventure and physical fitness.
Question: What excited you the most about your industry right now?
Pandwe Gibson: I’m very excited about the way younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, are pushing sustainability to the forefront. They care about the planet and it’s actually driving real change. We’re seeing businesses step up with creative, market-based solutions to tackle climate issues, which is super inspiring. It feels like we’re at this turning point where people aren’t just talking about it anymore — we’re doing something, and that energy is contagious. I’m excited to see where this momentum takes us!
Question: What concerns you most about your industry right now?
Pandwe Gibson: A lot of entrepreneurs and executives are still leaning on unsustainable solutions, even when more eco-friendly options are becoming available. It’s frustrating to see businesses sticking to outdated practices that aren’t good for the planet in the long run. But I’m hopeful this will change. As consumers demand greener alternatives and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, I believe we’ll see a shift. There’s definitely momentum building, and I’m optimistic that we’re heading in the right direction.
Question: What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
Pandwe Gibson: Embracing the idea that it’s important to be both competent and dangerous. It’s easy for people to assume I follow the nonviolent philosophies of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Gandhi, and while I deeply respect their moral leadership, I believe there’s another layer to thriving in the world, especially as a woman. Weng Chun Kung Fu, the martial art I practice, has taught me that being able to protect yourself and others, while also having the discipline to choose diplomacy, is key. It’s about embracing your strength and potential, even when it challenges societal expectations. That mindset has shaped how I move through the world, and it’s been one of my biggest personal risks — but also one of my greatest sources of empowerment.
Question: Name one small habit that positively impacts your productivity.
Pandwe Gibson: I make sure I never give up playing. While many people think adulthood requires constant seriousness, I believe that every day should have an element of fun. Keeping that playful spirit alive through activities like aerial silks, Pilates, and even synchronized swimming gives me a fresh perspective and keeps my energy high. Plus, I find it hard to take myself too seriously when I’m in full costume, whether it’s a mermaid fin or glitter. That lightheartedness keeps me motivated and creative throughout the day. That’s the New Orleanian in me.
Question: What tips do you have for getting a seat at the table?
Pandwe Gibson: You have to bring something unique and valuable through a combination of research, creativity, and adaptability. It’s not just about having ideas but bringing them to life through studied best practices, failing, learning, and iterating until you reach the best outcome. Global exposure and diverse experiences are key, too — they help you see beyond the status quo and offer fresh perspectives. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a company, pursue excellence in everything you do. It’s that commitment to continuous growth and purpose that will set you apart and earn your place at the table.
Question: What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Pandwe Gibson: As an avid reader, it’s tough to pick just one, but a book that’s made a huge impact on me is The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, & Dreams Deferred by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. It merges so many things I’m passionate about — physics, creative thinking, and reimagining societal norms. The way Prescod-Weinstein explores complex scientific ideas, like the potential of Black skin and melanin to address energy problems, in a way that’s both accessible and deeply personal, really resonated with me. It reminds me of Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time in how it makes profound concepts feel within reach while pushing me to think beyond the boundaries of what we know.
Question: Do you value intelligence or common sense more? Why?
Pandwe Gibson: I value both intelligence and common sense, but if I had to choose, I’d lean toward common sense. Intelligence is incredibly important, but without the practical wisdom to apply it in real-world situations, it can fall short. Common sense is what helps you navigate day-to-day challenges, make sound decisions, and pivot when things don’t go as planned. It’s what keeps you grounded and adaptable, even when theory or intellect doesn’t have all the answers. That balance between thinking critically and making smart, intuitive choices is what really gets things done.
Question: What would you consider to be the perfect day?
Pandwe Gibson: The perfect day for me would be spent traveling, immersing myself in a new culture, and exploring the beauty of our world. I genuinely believe that every American should travel abroad; it opens your eyes to the privileges we often take for granted and helps ignite national pride and innovation.
Reflecting on my own experiences — like living in France during high school and spending a year in Ghana — I’ve learned that travel fosters curiosity and drives ingenuity. For example, during my time in Ghana, I learned how to take bucket baths and cook over an open fire, which reshaped my understanding of what’s essential for survival and thriving. These experiences remind me that labels and identities are often arbitrary, and they encourage a deeper reflection on our civic responsibilities.
Ultimately, a perfect day is one where exploration leads to creativity and a greater understanding of our place in the world.
