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Eric Chou on Scaling Network Automation Nerds into a Thriving Business | Foster MS in Entrepreneurship Alum Spotlight
Eric Chou refined his thriving platform with a systematic approach to growth at the Foster School of Business.
Written by: Suzanne Lee, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
When Eric Chou (MS 2023) applied to the University of Washington’s Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program, he already had a thriving side venture: Network Automation Nerds.
Network Automation Nerds is a learning and knowledge-sharing platform that combines podcasting, online courses, and industry thought leadership. The platform bridges the gap between emerging technologies and the professionals implementing them. Eric chose Foster’s Entrepreneurship program in Seattle to learn how to gain a systematic approach to growing the platform’s reach and refine his offerings to align with community needs.
By the time he graduated, Eric had scaled his community into a multifaceted business that includes a popular podcast, courses that reach thousands of learners, and partnerships with leading organizations in the networking space.
In this Q&A, Eric reflects on the challenges of balancing multiple roles, how Foster shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and the mindset that continues to guide his growth.
What gave you the confidence to pursue the Master’s in Entrepreneurship program?
Eric Chou: I had already been living as a ‘company of one’ for years while working full-time, building my author platform and podcast community. The program felt like the natural next step to formalize and accelerate what I was already doing.
Having 20+ years of industry experience at companies like Amazon and Microsoft gave me confidence in my technical abilities, but I knew I needed the business foundation and professional connections to truly scale Network Automation Nerds.
The fact that the Foster School of Business intentionally created the MS Entrepreneurship program for working entrepreneurs showed that they understood the challenges facing aspiring professionals, like me, who were eager to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.
What aspect of the Entrepreneurship program continues to pay off?
Eric Chou: The business model canvas and customer validation frameworks were game-changers for Network Automation Nerds. Before the program, I created content based on my technical expertise and intuition. Now, I approach every new course, book, or podcast series by first validating the need with my community and building out roadmaps so that the products complement and amplify each other.
I learned to view my community as a real business asset, which has led to better partnerships and speaking opportunities. This systematic approach has helped me reach over 68,000 learners through my courses and grow my podcast to 100+ episodes. The entrepreneurial mindset that the program instilled in me helps me identify strategic opportunities I would have missed otherwise.
What’s your superpower, and how do you use it?
Eric Chou: My superpower is translating complex technical concepts into accessible, actionable knowledge for the network automation community. Having worked at Fortune 500 companies for 20+ years gave me deep technical credibility, while my immigrant background drives my passion for democratizing knowledge. I channel this passion into curating meaningful conversations and building bridges between cutting-edge technologies and the engineers who need to implement them in the real world.
Did you encounter setbacks that shaped your approach as an entrepreneur?
Eric Chou: Early in building Network Automation Nerds, I tried to do everything myself (hosting, producing, editing, marketing) while maintaining my full-time job. The quality suffered, and I got burnt out. I realized I was being too precious about control instead of focusing on what truly mattered: delivering value to my community. This led me to eventually partner with Packet Pushers for the podcast and work with established event organizers. Because of this, my platform now has a much larger reach and more professional support. This experience taught me that successful entrepreneurship isn’t about doing everything solo. It’s about finding the right partners who share your vision and can amplify your impact.
How did you support your well-being during grad school?
Eric Chou: During the program, I learned to balance full-time work with graduate school by creating intentional boundaries and deliberate self-care. Maintaining existing routines, like regular exercise and compartmentalizing study time versus family time, helped me handle the time management challenges. The program’s staff team and close cohort system provided an amazing support system. I shared struggles and victories with classmates who understood what I was going through. Most importantly, I reminded myself that this wasn’t about proving anything to anyone else; it was about personal growth and pursuing a dream I’d held for years.
Eric Chou entered Foster with a thriving platform and left with the tools to build a more sustainable, scalable business. The MS in Entrepreneurship gave him the structure, perspective, and support to grow on his own terms, and that impact continues well beyond graduation.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program here.
