Date: 2026-10-15 Source: hockeystick-alerts Permalink: https://ryevalley.slack.com/archives/C0C8V7ZRFG9/p1792078220289429
Signal
Phillip Zackler registered for the Hockey Stick workshop using phillipzackler@gmail.com (personal email, not TRI work email). Hermes bio research pulled:
- COO, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Toyota Research Institute (TRI)
- TRI is an AI, robotics and advanced research organization
- Oversees non-research functions: Finance, Legal, Facilities, Communications
- Sits on the board and investment committee of Toyota Ventures ($800M+ AUM)
Team discussion
Blake flagged him as a “whale alert” and suggested reaching out before the webinar. Michael noted: since Zackler used a personal email, identity is not confirmed but likely him. Michael’s take: big corporate environments rarely have cool AI workflows already - probably still worth engaging. Decision: Michael will reach out directly.
Blake’s suggested framing: lead with the company brain having flagged the registration, offer a 1-on-1 call to make sure the webinar addresses his actual questions.
Status
Michael said he would reach out. No confirmed outreach as of log time.
Watch
- Michael’s outreach to Zackler and response
- Whether this becomes a TRI or Toyota Ventures lead
- Whether TRI is best sold on Hockey Stick workshop content or a full company brain engagement