Our Collaborators

A diverse group of passionate professionals—from entrepreneurs and educators to illustrators and writers—joined forces to create this engaging kids’ book series on entrepreneurship. Driven by a shared mission to inspire the next generation of leaders, they combined their unique skills to craft stories that teach young readers the fundamentals of business in a fun, relatable way. Each book is designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and empower kids to think like expert entrepreneurs.

Professor Saras D. Sarasvathy​

Professor Saras D. Sarasvathy teaches at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business where she is a leading scholar on high-performance entrepreneurship. Her work pioneered the logic of effectuation, a set of teachable and learnable principles used by expert entrepreneurs to build enduring businesses. In 2009, Sarasvathy published her research in the bestselling book, Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise. In 2023, she was selected as the Schumpeter Innovation in Enterprise Lecturer for the European Union SME Week and in 2022, she received the Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research by the Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum.

Gosia Glinska

Gosia Glinska

Gosia Glinska is the Associate Director of Thought Leadership at the Darden School of Business. She created and wrote the Mia & Tiago stories to empower kids through the teachable and learnable principles of effectuation. Jim Collins, author of a global bestseller GOOD TO GREAT, said of Mia & Tiago: “What a wonderful creation! Gosia Glinska has executed beautifully on a truly inspired idea: bring the teachings of Saras Sarasvathy — a superstar of entrepreneurship professors — to life in children’s books. I imagine thousands of girls and boys reading these stories, starting small businesses, and over time building them into big flywheels that change the world.”

Tomasz Pląskowski

Tomasz Pląskowski is an illustrator with over 15 years of experience. He primarily works on projects for children, creating engaging and imaginative illustrations. However, his expertise extends to more serious projects as well, including work for magazines and museum exhibitions related to history. He is the father of two young children who have taken a special liking to Edison Eagle, and who are curious to see if Mia & Tiago will win their trip to space.

Kim Gorsuch

Kim Gorsuch

Kim Gorsuch is the Founder and CEO of Weeva Kids, a micro-publisher committed to creating smart and beautiful books that spark curiosity, imagination and playful learning. She has a long-standing passion for reading with children as a way to foster close relationships and expansive horizons. As an entrepreneur, she knows the importance of betting on yourself while doing everything you can to increase your chances of success. Her vision for Mia & Tiago is to show every kid a way to tap into the powers and mindset that support success regardless of lifepath.

Todd Lauer

Todd Lauer is the head of an in-house creative agency and an award-winning creative executive with extensive experience in entrepreneurial-led Fintech organizations. Growing up, he learned the value of grit, effective communication, and financial acumen, which he now seeks to instill in kids, including his own. As the parent of three budding entrepreneurs, Todd incorporated the insights of his three young ‘creative directors’ to help develop this visually stunning series. All four Lauers have helped to shape the narrative so that it resonates with young readers and nurtures their entrepreneurial spirit.

Kaitlyn Tostado

Kaitlyn Tostado is a versatile designer and illustrator based in central Texas and she is the Lead Book Designer for Weeva, Inc. She has worked on the Mia & Tiago series since its inception in 2021, and she is excited to see it take off into the world! Her favorite component to design was the Educator’s Guide because she loves how it ties the Six Secrets together.

Kat Fajardo

Kat Fajardo is an award-winning cartoonist who creates vibrant illustrations and graphic novels focused on self-acceptance and Latine culture. In addition to her illustration work, Kat is passionate about designing children’s books. She is deeply inspired by empowering stories of children overcoming challenges and accomplishing their dreams, like in the Mia & Tiago series.

Our Crazy Quilt of Partnerships

Fostering innovation for our current and next generations through creative methods and forward-thinking initiatives.
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The Darden School improves the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences.
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Effectuation.org is an education and research organization transforming the world through universal entrepreneurship education
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Weeva Kids creates smart and beautiful books that inspire creativity, imagination and playful learning.

Featured Companies

Kolikowear

Featured in Bird in Hand, Kolikowear is an early stage company based in Ghana. Founders Peter and Kwabena perfectly illustrate the concept of using what you have readily at hand to launch your startup.

Rhoback

In The Lemonade Principle, Rhoback, a thriving startup known for its popular outdoor sports clothing, faces a crisis as COVID-19 halts sales. Founders Kristina, Kevin, and Matt must urgently find a way to rescue their business.

Virgin Group

In the Affordable Loss Principle, the story of Richard Branson’s first business shows that entrepreneurs must be prepared to risk losing their entire investment. Successful founders excel at managing and conserving resources—time, energy, relationships, and money—so they can pivot and adapt as needed. By mastering this balance, they ensure they can survive setbacks and fight another day, ultimately increasing their chances of long-term success.

LendingTree

In the Super Ask Principle, Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree, discovers how to transform “no’s” into “yes’s” by asking more insightful and effective questions. By honing his approach to questioning, he uncovers valuable opportunities and navigates challenges more successfully.

ICEHOTEL

In The Crazy Quilt Principle, the ICEHOTEL is born from the collaborative efforts of customers and partners who help transform snow and ice into a unique creation. This principle illustrates how founders can achieve extraordinary results by staying flexible and embracing contributions from co-creators.

Husk Power Systems

In The Pilot in the Plane Principle, Husk Power Systems showcases how success can be achieved by empowering others. By delivering electricity to rural Indian villages, Husk Power Systems not only meets a crucial need but also helps transform these areas into thriving, prosperous communities.

Distribution Partners

  • Weeva Bookstore – Direct from the Publisher: Best Pricing & Full Product Range
  • YIPPEE! Exchange – Free & Subsidized Teacher Resources; Carries Educator Bundle
  • Amazon – Individual Books and eBooks at Full Price
  • Innovation World – Extensive Collection of Innovation Resources
  • Oakiebees – Wide Selection of Kids’ Educational Books at Great Prices

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