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# "EIA was more than I had hoped for."
- URL: https://blog.inacademy.eu/johanna-smith/
- Published: 2019-12-16T05:34:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T11:46:18.000Z
- Author: adina@inacademy.eu
- Tags: Alumni, #Migrated-1790941373356, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-02 11:43

Johanna Smith was living in Shanghai when she joined EIA in July 2019\. Coming from New Zealand, the agricultural sales young professional was taking a six-month break to improve her Mandarin. Living in a new country, Johanna had the chance to took a marketing internship, work on a personal business project and attend the entrepreneurship program.

A few months after the program, we at EIA had the chance to talk to [Johanna Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-smith-695bb793/?ref=blog.inacademy.eu) who shared a little about her experience at the European Innovation Academy in Hong Kong.

## 1\. What are you passionate about?

There are a few great passions in my life. Sustainable agriculture, personal development, health and fitness are some of the topics that are on the top of the list.

## What were the expectations for EIA and what did you get from the program? 

I expected to develop my entrepreneurial mindset and learn from like-minded young people. Because of the fantastic team, we formed there, I also got to work on something I'm really passionate about which was more than I had hoped for.

### What was your biggest challenge?

Understanding and managing the team effectively to put everyone's unique strengths to use to achieve the programme goals.

![Johanna Smith with PAC it team at EIA HK 2019](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/2e/4b2e60fe-b9cf-488a-8edf-a799c911f4cb/content/images/2026/10/johanna-smith-eia-hk-jpeg.jpg)

Johanna with her team at EIA HK 2019.

### How would you describe your EIA Days?

- Intense;
- Exciting;
- Productive;
- Motivating;
- Exhausting.

### What was your best #eiamoment?

The funniest was when a coffee cup was spilt at our table and Aayush's first reaction meant he almost mopped it up with our only financial workings 😂

### Do you have any piece of advice for the next participants?

Approach it with an open mind and get plenty of sleep the week before!

### Can you share a quote that inspires you?

"It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you're not." - Dennis Whitley

Inspired by Johanna Smith? [](https://blog.inacademy.eu/content/files/2026/10/alumni-5.html)