Techlandia

In this podcast episode, Michael Markesbery, CEO of SolarCore, shares his journey from a college student backpacking in Europe to developing revolutionary insulation technology. Inspired by a personal challenge to stay warm while cutting bulk, he delved into insulation solutions across various industries. The key innovation, SolarCore Foam, uses aerogel to provide superior insulation. From consumer goods to tactical military shelters, SolarCore is making significant strides. Their relocation to Portland leverages local talent and proximity to outdoor apparel giants, while their work with the DoD on energy-efficient tactical shelters highlights their growing impact.

In a recent podcast discussion, Brooks Gilley, founder of 52 Limited, explores the shifting dynamics in the tech job market. As someone who has witnessed multiple economic cycles, he provides insights into the unprecedented rate of change we've experienced in recent years, particularly post-COVID. Gilley highlights the significant shift in employer and employee power dynamics, driven by economic, technological, and cultural shifts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a mindset open to reinvention, helping clients navigate career transitions with agility and positive resilience, while acknowledging the psychological challenges professionals face during these rapid changes.

In this podcast episode, Nicole Schmidt, CEO and founder of Source, shares her professional journey in the construction industry. She explains the genesis of Source, a company focused on simplifying the construction supply chain. Schmidt discusses the industry's systemic issues from her experiences on both the design and supply sides. With a mission to bring transparency and efficiency, Source aims to streamline the decision-making process in construction projects. Nicole provides insights on how her team learned to balance technological innovation with client needs, and reveals the importance of receiving and processing feedback for business growth.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry talks with Kabir Bhatia, co-founder of Hello Every Day, about his journey from a background in engineering and finance to entrepreneurial success. Bhatia shares personal experiences that motivated him to create solutions for seniors aging in place. His company focuses on providing intuitive, single-purpose devices that help seniors maintain connections and live independently. Despite facing industry challenges, like evolving healthcare regulations and the impacts of the pandemic, Hello Every Day is committed to improving the lives of seniors with technology that they can easily use.

In this episode of Techlandia TAO's podcast series, Skip Newberry speaks with Greg Davis, the founder of Overwatch Imaging, about his professional journey in the drone technology industry. Greg shares insights on how his experiences at NASA and other aerospace firms led to the founding of Overwatch Imaging. The discussion covers the company's focus on autonomous systems and their applications in emergency management and defense, especially with respect to wildfire and maritime domain awareness. Greg Davis emphasizes the significance of community and innovation in shaping the future of technology.

Skip Newberry and Shane Tews discuss the intricate dynamics between technology, policy, and legislation. Shane, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, shares her journey from an intern in Washington D.C. to a policy expert. They reflect on the outdated nature of analog laws in a digital world and the importance of enforcing existing regulations. The conversation highlights the challenges policymakers face in keeping up with the fast-paced tech industry, emphasizing the need for vigilance in data protection, privacy concerns, and the ever-evolving role of interoperability in technology.

In this episode, Skip Newberry interviews Brigitte Piniewski, a local physician and Web3 expert, to discuss the transformative potential of AI and blockchain in healthcare. Piniewski critiques outdated health models and envisions a future where personalized medicine thrives with data-driven insights, offering better health outcomes and economic benefits. She highlights successful examples, like Denmark's predictive health models, and emphasizes the importance of a secure digital framework for managing personal health data. The discussion explores the barriers and opportunities for adopting personalized healthcare technologies, especially in the U.S., and encourages proactive personal data management.

In the podcast episode, David Ngene discusses his unconventional journey from studying mechanical engineering to exploring design thinking at Northwestern University. His career path took him from JP Morgan to architecture and eventually to Nike, where he spent over a decade as an innovation director. At Nike, he cultivated a passion for integrating design and engineering, which motivated him to start his own company, PacSpace. David's company initially focused on creating smart backpacks with embedded RFID chips to track product provenance. However, the project evolved into developing a more extensive software solution for usage disputes and API metering issues.<...

In this episode of Techlandia, Dominic Perez interviews Reza Rejaie head of the computer science department at the University of Oregon. They discuss Raje's journey from electrical engineering in Iran to leading a computer science department in Eugene. Raje highlights the unique aspects of University of Oregon's approach to education, emphasizing a mix of liberal arts skills and technical expertise. A significant portion is dedicated to the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, which connects academia with industry need, providing students with real-world experience while filling a critical skills gap in the cybersecurity field.

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In this insightful podcast episode, Erik Stromquist guest hosts Adib Naslé CEO and co-founder of Xendee, to discuss the transformative impact of microgrids on the energy landscape. As global electricity demand rises, Naslé explains the role of microgrids in addressing the grid capacity crunch by offering flexible, scalable, and resilient solutions. Naslé emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to energy generation, storage, and management, stressing how digital twins and model predictive control are revolutionizing the planning and operation of distributed energy systems. This episode takes a deep dive into how innovative technologies are shaping the future of sustainable ene...

In this insightful podcast episode, Mohan Nair discusses the dual nature of AI adoption, characterized by fear and obsession. He elaborates on the cultural and psychological impacts of AI, particularly focusing on its role in education and health. Nair emphasizes the importance of AI enablement—an approach that seeks to balance innovation with human-centered development. Drawing from his extensive experience, he sheds light on the potential cognitive challenges tied to AI, such as atrophy in young learners. His perspective encourages a middle path where businesses and individuals adopt AI responsibly and thoughtfully.

In this episode of Techlandia, Edith Dorsen shares her journey from management consulting and Wall Street to founding the Women's Venture Capital Fund. Prompted by the stark statistic that only 3% of venture capital was directed towards companies with women in senior leadership, Edith and her classmates sought to change that. The fund focuses on backing companies with gender-diverse teams at the Series A stage, demonstrating revenue traction. Through strategic investments and a focus on capital efficiency, the fund aims to overcome skepticism and show the value of diverse leadership in driving market returns.

Jared Emmerd shares his insightful journey from childhood days spent on construction sites to leading Oregon Tech's construction management program. With deep family roots in contracting and construction, Jared highlights the importance of combining practical experience with education. He emphasizes the value of investing in people, not just skills, and how Oregon Tech's hands-on approach prepares students for real-world industry challenges. The program is designed to blend classroom learning with field experience, ensuring students leave not just with knowledge, but with the passion and inquisitiveness needed for lifelong success in construction.

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry interviews Eric Hulbert from Opus Interactive. They delve into the journey of Opus from its inception in 1999 to becoming a separate entity specializing in high-performance, secure data solutions. The discussion highlights the increasing demand for tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with hyperscalers like Amazon and Google. Eric emphasizes the significance of new AI technologies driving the expansion needs for data centers and explains how sustainability is at the core of their operations, particularly in Oregon's fast-growing data center market, known for its low-cost and clean energy sources.

In this episode of Techlandia, John Jackson, founder of BYTAGIG, shares his professional journey from humble beginnings in technology interest to becoming a successful managed service provider. Jackson discusses the importance of moving businesses' IT infrastructure to the cloud for efficiency and reliability. He emphasizes the role of cybersecurity, particularly against the backdrop of increasing remote work, and debunks common myths about browser security. Throughout the discussion, Jackson provides valuable insights into how businesses can leverage MSPs and cybersecurity to protect important data and ensure seamless operations.

In this episode of Techlandia , host Skip Newberry sits down with Mike Biglan, founder of DevSwarm, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development. Dev Swarm’s platform integrates AI’s computational power with human creativity, enabling teams to build high-quality software more efficiently. Biglan discusses key challenges highlighted in the MIT AI study and advocates for a “coder-in-the-loop” model—one that keeps developers in control while amplifying their productivity through AI. From the tension between code as art and code as output, Biglan envisions DevSwarm as a bridge between creativity and functionality in the evolving world of software e...

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Anne Adler, head of Oregon Business Academy (OBA), about the transformative impact of their Business Week program on students' lives. The program caters to diverse student demographics from Oregon and beyond, offering leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management experiences. Supported by corporate sponsors and foundations, OBA provides scholarships for underrepresented students, preparing them for future business careers. Through immersive, real-world simulations, students hone essential skills like adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, gaining confidence and expanding career possibilities. The initiative not only benefits students but also fosters long-term prosperity for the state.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry welcomes Jay from Vedex to discuss the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) in education and corporate settings. Vedex has pioneered the use of VR to enhance language learning and build confidence among international students. Beyond education, VR applications extend to safety simulations and executive training, proving effective in diverse fields like healthcare and corporate boardrooms. The integration of AI further amplifies VR's potential, making it an essential tool for addressing real-world challenges. As VR hardware evolves, its utility is moving from a luxury to a necessity across industries.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry converses with Nate Szytel of Next Reason. Nate shares his intriguing journey from a musician and bartender to leading a tech company. Driven by curiosity and a non-traditional career path, Nate emphasizes the importance of adaptability in technology. He talks about the evolution of Next Reason, a company focusing on customer identity solutions, and how it thrives in complex, regulated environments by offering personalized services. The discussion further delves into cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with user-friendly technologies such as passwordless authentication.

Scott Philiben outlines CIES INC trajectory from solving the complexities of fuel measurement in small aircraft to branching into space and urban air mobility applications. The company's focus on software-driven mechanical components has established a niche in the aviation market. Scott shares insights into the importance of controlling growth while pursuing exciting new opportunities like AI-driven solutions for aircraft stability. Despite Bend's challenges, such as limited industrial space, the local tech community provides valuable collaboration opportunities and talent.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry talks with Andy Harris, founder of Northwest Corporate Law, about his journey from being a paralegal to running his own law firm. With 25 years of experience, Andy shares insights on the importance of proper legal guidance for startups and entrepreneurs. He highlights the common mistakes early-stage companies make and emphasizes the need for thorough legal planning beyond just setting up an entity. Andy also discusses how his experience in securities litigation informs his current practice and aids in advising business clients effectively.

In this episode, Corey Nelson, an IT Manager at Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon, discusses his career trajectory and the pivotal role technology plays in managing 911 call centers. Starting from his early fascination with computers and his hands-on experience with tech from a young age, Corey now manages a tech stack crucial for emergency response. He explains the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advancements, from the introduction of cell phones to the importance of accurate GPS data in emergency calls. Corey's insights shed light on the critical intersection of technology and public safety.

The podcast features Dr. Brandon Barnett, who explores how AI is fundamentally reshaping industries. With roots in Moore’s Law and business innovation at Intel, Dr. Barnett now aids businesses in crafting strategies through Tri Gate Coaching. He introduces a structured, discipline-bound strategic framework that guides companies in understanding their complex market systems and deciding their roles within these dynamics. By fully leveraging AI, businesses can optimize efficiencies, develop cutting-edge business models, and anticipate market transformation. Dr. Barnett's insights highlight the crucial integration of AI with strategic planning to effectively navigate upcoming industry shifts.

Marty Kagan, a tech entrepreneur with a penchant for large-scale solutions, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing vast volumes of data in today's world. His company, Hydrolix, offers businesses a way to handle big data without succumbing to high costs. Focusing on changing economics and enabling enterprises to retain and use all their data efficiently, Hydrolix positions itself as a critical player as AI reshapes business needs. Through a strategy combining patience, low-cost scaling, and global talent recruitment, Hydrolix meets the ever-growing demands for data management and analysis at substantial scales.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry interviews Nick Reese, founder of Triantha, a company focused on emerging technology education and consulting. Nick shares his journey from policymaker at the Department of Homeland Security to starting his own firm. He emphasizes the importance of workforce upskilling and the necessity of aligning technology with organizational vision. Nick highlights the significance of governance structures in successful AI adoption and argues that the drive should come from empowering frontline workers rather than top-down pressure. He also muses on the intriguing connection between his passion for gardening and his approach to tech innovation.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry and Karla Campos take us on a captivating journey through the world of technology and events. Karla, a tech entrepreneur, shares her transition from the medical field to founding Social Media SaaS. She discusses building connections and creating memorable experiences through tech events. With projects ranging from film festivals to coding events, Karla emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse communities. The conversation also delves into the intriguing concept of 'Attention as Currency', exploring how social media's influence is reshaping priorities. A must-listen for anyone interested in tech innovation and community engagement.

Join Skip Newberry as he chats with John Vincenzo from Exterro, exploring the company's mission to manage data risk through an advanced SaaS platform. John highlights Exterro's role in the tech industry, focusing on e-discovery, data privacy, and security. He also discusses the impact of generative AI and the future possibility of agentic AI, emphasizing their role as efficiency tools in the tech and compliance spaces. This episode uncovers how Exterro's is anchoring its vision in addressing contemporary data challenges while navigating the evolving demands of AI technology.

The Techlandia podcast features Smita Menon discussing the critical work being done at Thorn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shielding children from online abuse and exploitation. She elaborates on her journey through product management roles, revealing how her skills are pertinent to developing tech solutions at Thorn. The episode underscores Thorn's use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to detect and prevent child sexual harm. With insights for parents and guardians, Menon outlines valuable resources Thorn offers to help families safely navigate the digital landscape.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Curtis Shirey from Aspasia Wealth Management joins Skip Newberry to discuss the innovative approaches Aspasia takes in the financial industry. Curtis emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic financial issues and how Aspasia’s unique hourly billing model makes their services accessible to a broader audience. This strategy allows clients to focus on the behaviors critical for financial health, supported by technology-driven solutions. Curtis highlights the need for financial literacy across generations and explains how his firm guides clients through effective cash flow management to mitigate common financial pitfalls.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Eli and Kyle, founders of ResetOS, about their personal journeys through chaos and how they transformed adversity into an opportunity for helping others. The duo discusses their method of solo retreats, meant for individuals seeking clarity in their lives. By sharing their experiences of dealing with life-changing events, such as wildfires and business failures, they reveal the importance of structured solitude for self-discovery and personal growth. Covering themes of resilience, purpose, and personal reflection, this conversation offers insights for anyone navigating significant life transitions.

In this Episode, Oregon's Institute of Technology, Dr. Neslihan Alp, plays a pivotal role in developing tech talent for various industries through a hands-on learning approach. The University is focused on applied technologies, offering unique programs such as renewable energy and applied computing. Oregon Tech's partnership with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission has resulted in significant funding aimed at workforce development, particularly in upskilling individuals in applied computing. The initiative includes project-based learning with involvement from industry partners, such as TAO and CodePDX, poised to elevate Oregon's tech workforce by equipping professionals with the necessary skills.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry hosts Tom Weller to discuss groundbreaking developments in the semiconductor industry spearheaded by Oregon State University. OSU's key projects, such as the Corvallis Microfluidics Tech Hub and the FAST engine, stand out as innovative solutions that combine research and industry needs. A strong focus is placed on AI applications and workforce education to meet the projected growth in semiconductor demand. This collaboration among universities, tech companies, and government agencies aims to fortify Oregon's position as a hub of technology expertise and economic development.

Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director, US and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact, discusses the expanding role of design and sustainability in the modern corporate landscape. Focusing on iF Design’s commitment to fostering positive impact, she introduces the iF Design Academy—an initiative aimed at formalizing executive education in design leadership, sustainability, and business fundamentals. Gralnek emphasizes the importance of equipping designers to speak the language of business, ensuring their voices are central in strategic global conversations. The organization supports global research and education, as exemplified by initiatives like their trend report. This episode highlights the design community’s shift toward...

Discover the visionary efforts of Danny Kim, founder of Lit Motors, as he shares his unconventional route from being a Reed College dropout to driving deep tech innovation in this episode of Techlandia. Inspired by personal experiences and the need for more efficient transportation, Kim developed a gyroscope-stabilized vehicle aimed at minimizing traffic and environmental impact. The episode reveals insights into the complexities of automotive design, the importance of sustainability in engineering, and how Kim's network of influential mentors propelled his journey. Lit Motors' mission-driven strategy highlights the potential of tech solutions to transform everyday life profoundly.

Techlandia's podcast episode featuring Justin Rupple, Founder and CEO of Elevated Tax Strategies, sheds light on the complexities and opportunities within tax planning for businesses. Justin outlines how proactive tax strategies can significantly benefit business owners, contrasting the typical backward-looking approach with a dynamic, strategic one. Highlighting tax strategy as a game of chess, Justin explains how understanding and utilizing the tax code can drive business success. This episode also showcases Justin's unique career path, which spans from teaching to pioneering innovative tax strategies, helping businesses nationwide effectively harness tax credits and incentives for growth and development.

In this podcast episode, Zeke Camusio, a serial entrepreneur and the mastermind behind Data Speaks, discusses the pivotal role AI and machine learning play in modern marketing. As he recounts his professional journey, Zeke highlights how AI augments human capabilities rather than replacing them, emphasizing a 'human in the loop' approach. Data Speaks empowers marketing teams by providing attribution data, allowing them to make informed decisions on their advertising strategies. The discussion touches on the challenges marketing teams face in the generative AI era. It explores how AI can automate mundane tasks, enabling humans to focus on strategic and...

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry speaks with Shaylor Murray of Ability Software to explore the critical issue of web accessibility. They discuss how Ability Software evolved from a traditional digital agency into a leader in accessibility solutions, driven by increasing legal requirements and market demand. The conversation illuminates the complexities businesses face in achieving digital compliance, particularly for small enterprises, and highlights the importance of integrating accessibility measures from the start. Murray explains how their tool, Max Access, provides a cost-effective way for organizations to mitigate litigation risks through AI and automation.

In this Techlandia episode, Skip Newberry hosts Delfina Chain from Chaindots. Delfina shares her unique journey from studying law in Argentina to becoming influential in technology and risk management on a global scale. She discusses the evolving challenges that financial institutions face, including the pressures of regulatory compliance and the rapid advancement of technology. Delfina emphasizes the importance of building trustworthy and secure business relationships through improved due diligence practices. Chaindots aims to revolutionize this space by creating platforms for authentic communication between companies and enhancing risk management strategies in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

This Techlandia episode features Andre Petett from Fundamental Fitness Labs exploring health challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry. While the conversation covers broad wellness topics, it highlights the practical steps individuals can take for healthier living. Andre discusses the importance of habit formation, acknowledging the unique stressors tech workers encounter. Essential strategies for improving health include diet simplification, hydration awareness, and maintaining physical robustness. This episode offers practical advice, aiming to demystify wellness and empower listeners to lead healthier lifestyles.

Juan Barraza discusses his journey as a Latino entrepreneur in Oregon's tech ecosystem. Juan, the recent recipient of the Tech Champion Award at last year's Oregon Tech Awards, provides valuable insight into the mission of Latino Founders and the group's impact on the region's innovation ecosystem. Barraza emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity and the opportunities available around Oregon. The conversation covers the different sectors where Latino entrepreneurs thrive and the importance of offering programs to help companies at various stages of their business lifecycles. Latino Founders' impact is evident in their efforts to build a tech ecosystem that...