Techlandia

In the latest episode of the Techlandia podcast, Steve Corbato from Link Oregon and Christy Long, MBA from the University of Oregon, discuss Link Oregon's role in shaping and enhancing Oregon's vibrant tech landscape.Steve begins by recounting his fascinating professional journey, which started in physical sciences and evolved into a position of significant influence within Link Oregon. He emphasizes the organization's innovative collaboration between state government and higher education institutions, highlighting the remarkable growth and advancements they have stimulated in various research domains.Christy Long, MBA, the Associate Chief Information Officer for Technology Infrastructure at the University of Oregon, elaborates on her dedication to harnessing technology to fulfill the missions of different educational institutions.Her impressive background includes spearheading cloud computing strategies at Penn State and acting as the Chief Information Officer at the University of Washington Bothell. Christy reveals how the challenges posed by the pandemic prompted her to redesign strategies related to research computing and artificial intelligence, aiming to make them more effective and responsive.Link Oregon is indispensable in bolstering the state's competitiveness and enriching its innovation ecosystem. The organization provides the physical infrastructure required for large-scale, collaborative research endeavors. Steve also spoke about related statewide efforts, such as the establishment of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE), which was created to drive awareness, education, and training about cybersecurity and cybersecurity-related issues for public, private, and nonprofit sectors.Link Oregon emphasizes the importance of fostering partnerships within the state through its collaborative framework, ensuring that local innovation thrives.

In the latest episode of the Techlandia Podcast series, guest Myllisa Patterson of Cvent discusses her career path and evolution in the event planning industry. From her early roles in B2B demand marketing to her current position at Cvent, she details how she has leveraged technology to facilitate connections and productivity. She also shares her projections for the future, highlighting the increasing importance of AI, sustainability, accessibility, and budget considerations in developing and delivering successful events.

In addition to discussing AI's potential in climate tech, David Kirshbaum also highlights its double-edged sword. On one hand, it harnesses tremendous computational power to address climate issues. On the other hand, this power creates a massive increase in energy consumption, which in turn negatively impacts climate. Balancing this remains a key challenge in utilizing AI for climate solutions.

In this episode, Skip Newberry speaks with Alistair Frimin, CEO of HPDLAB.org, about his extensive leadership and talent development career. They discuss Alistair's journey across various global companies and the creation of HPDLAB.org, a human performance agency focused on empowering organizations. Alistair explains their unique assessment process, which begins with casual conversations to gauge the organizational commitment to change, and shares insights on measuring impact through turnover and human capital metrics.

In this Techlandia episode, Skip Newberry interviews Olivia Diett, CEO and founder of Empathix, a New Zealand-based startup aiming at North American expansion. Olivia shares her journey from a tech-savvy childhood to her current role, focusing on innovative recruitment solutions. Empathix offers a human-centric CV sifter, saving companies up to 90% in time and costs. Olivia discusses the challenges of high-volume hiring, the rise of AI in recruitment, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connection in technology-driven processes.

EmpathiHR focuses on providing employers with tools to mitigate workplace risks. Co-founders Chris Jeans and Randy Barker discuss their combined expertise in HR and technology, leading to creating a SaaS platform that proactively identifies and addresses workplace issues. Their services include comprehensive policies, training, quarterly questionnaires, and a hotline for complaints. They stress the importance of preemptive measures, especially with the evolving legal landscape that increasingly favors employees. EmpathiHR's approach ensures that companies can demonstrate due diligence in preventing and resolving workplace misconduct, thus safeguarding against potential legal repercussions.

Courtney Lee of AWS joins the Techlandia podcast to highlight the differences between Amazon and Amazon Web Services, AWS's substantial investments in Oregon, and their commitment to renewable energy. She explains AWS's role in cloud computing and how it supports major clients like Netflix and Disney. Courtney also elaborates on AWS's local impact, including job creation and community projects in Eastern Oregon and their ambitious renewable energy goals. The discussion underscores the complexities of energy management and AWS's innovative approaches to ensuring sustainable operations.

In this episode, Jameson Watts explains how Willamette University's School of Computer and Data Science has become a beacon for innovative education. By creating a curriculum that introduces students to practical data science from day one, Watts has successfully maintained high retention rates among diverse demographics. The conversation with Skip Newberry explores the strategic initiatives behind the school's growth, the career trajectories of its graduates, and the exciting future of its programs. Whether it's through the robust undergraduate courses or the flexible graduate programs for professionals, Willamette is setting a new standard in tech education.

In this episode of the Teclandia podcast, Diane Friaman of Voyager Capital shares her extensive background in tech and how it led her to a career in venture capital. Starting as a biomedical engineer, she transitioned to tech sales and held various marketing and business development posts at companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation and Informix. Now at Voyager, she focuses on local talent in Portland and disruptive technologies like AI and AgTech. Diane discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current funding environment, providing valuable insights for early-stage startups in the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip New Berry, President and CEO of TAO, interviews Will Their, CEO of Fundpilot, a product focused on solving the problems between real estate entrepreneurs, investment managers, and investors. They discuss Fundpilot's origin story, its evolution within Verivest, and the challenges of creating a new company from an existing business. Will shares insights into the real estate investment market, including the impact of the Jobs Act, challenges with commercial real estate loans, and the importance of deepening capital relationships. He also explains Fundpilot's value offering and how it de-risks the acquisition process and facilitates investor relations. Will discusses the competition in the market and how Fundpilot aims to become the single operating system for real estate investment managers. He shares plans for integrating AI technologies, implementing self-serve features, and the company's seed stage round and future growth in the Portland area.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, John Stephens and Hank Hathaway from Convergence Networks join the discussion to shed light on their company's footprint in Oregon and the range of IT services and cybersecurity offerings they provide. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity, especially for SMBs, and offer insights into the current threats and challenges businesses face in the ever-evolving technological landscape. The experts highlight the need for multifactor authentication, employee training, and proactive vulnerability management. They also emphasize the significance of compliance and the NIST cybersecurity framework in guiding organizations to implement adequate security measures. With the rising risks of phishing, smishing, and social engineering, John and Hank emphasize the importance of ongoing education and defense in depth. They urge businesses to partner with trusted cybersecurity providers like Convergence Networks to stay informed, implement best practices, and ensure their organizations' long-term security and resilience.

In this podcast episode, Skip Newberry, the president and CEO of Tao, sits down with Jim Hayden and Marcus Kent from Board Developer to discuss the latest trends in board selection and management. Board developer specializes in advisory boards, focusing on non-fiduciary boards in both for-profit and nonprofit spaces. Jim and Marcus share their professional journeys and how they ended up at Board Developer, a company that solves the problem of dysfunctional boards. They discuss the importance of finding the right board members who can effectively move the organization forward and how advisory boards can supercharge companies by filling gaps in the executive team and inspiring new ideas. They emphasize the role of the CEO in running the business and not the board, allowing for focused and strategic decision-making. The podcast also highlights the announcement of Marcus taking over as CEO, marking an evolutionary step for Board Developer's growth and expansion.

This podcast episode delves into the challenges of maintaining election integrity amidst the proliferation of new technologies and the impact of misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Ben Morris, Chief of Staff for the Oregon Secretary of State's Office, and Greg Miller, COO of the OSet Institute, discuss the importance of transparency and effective communication in countering false narratives. They highlight the need to pre-bunk misinformation and debunk false claims to prevent their spread. The conversation also explores the potential of AI and conversational AI as tools to engage voters and provide accurate information. The guests stress the significance of public trust in the electoral process and the role of innovative technology solutions in building that trust. The podcast concludes with an emphasis on the collaborative efforts between election officials, researchers, and policymakers to safeguard elections and democracy.

John Higgins, an experienced executive in the technology industry, is the guest on this episode of the Techlandia podcast. The conversation covers a range of topics related to technology, sports, and digital media. Higgins shares his insights on navigating the tech industry and the importance of adaptability and resilience for professionals in the field. He also discusses his decision to leave established companies like Roku and launch his own startup, Tech Pitch Strategies, which supports sports and technology startups. Higgins provides practical advice for startups to thrive in today's volatile market, including focusing on niche markets, leveraging data analysis, and maintaining flexibility. The conversation also delves into the role of technology in transforming the sports and media industries, with a focus on trends such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Higgins shares his thoughts on the future of live sporting events and the potential for technology to enhance the fan experience. Additionally, the conversation touches on building a culture of innovation and collaboration within teams, drawing on Higgins' experiences working with effective leaders like Bob Iger.

In this podcast episode, Dash Lavine, Founder and CEO of Concord, discusses the importance of data privacy regulations in the technology industry. Concord specializes in helping companies comply with global data privacy laws, including GDPR in the EU and CCPA and CPRA in California. Lavine emphasizes the need for companies to balance innovation and protection and highlights the role of AI in accelerating data privacy concerns. He urges companies of all sizes to invest in data governance and AI governance, starting with basic steps such as tagging and mapping data. Dash also discusses the evolving landscape of data privacy regulations in the United States, noting the potential for a federal law to be passed next year. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with users through transparency, ethics, and consent and emphasizes the value of high-quality data obtained through positive user relationships.

Age Plus is leading the way in advocating for older adults in Oregon. In this podcast episode, Stephanie Hooper, the president and CEO of Age Plus, shares insights into the organization's work and the importance of valuing the aging population. With changing demographics and Oregon's status as the oldest state on the West Coast, Age Plus recognizes the need for a multi-sector plan for aging in the state. By addressing ageism and promoting age-inclusive practices, Age Plus aims to create a more inclusive and supportive community for older adults. From housing and overall health to education and economic vitality, Age Plus is working on various fronts to address the challenges the aging population faces. Join Age Plus in its mission to create a shared future in Oregon that embraces the contributions and experiences of older adults.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Corey Altoff from Comptia discusses the organization's mission to represent the IT industry and its focus on helping individuals find jobs in tech. The conversation delves into the current landscape of AI-related job opportunities and the potential for growth. Corey also shares insights on the challenges faced by code schools and the importance of apprenticeship programs in providing real-world experience for aspiring developers. The interview concludes with a discussion on the need for a standardized certification in the software engineering field and alternative career paths for individuals interested in pursuing tech careers.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry interviews Paul Lesinski from Edelman to gain insights into the ever-evolving media landscape. They discuss the recent Edelman Trust Barometer and its findings on trust in different entities like government, media, business, and NGOs. Lesinski emphasizes the importance of companies standing for something and being genuine in their storytelling. He also discusses the role of thought leadership and data-driven storytelling in establishing a tech company's credibility and attracting decision-makers' attention. Lesinski provides tips on how companies can cut through the noise in the digital world, reach their target audience effectively, and navigate potential crises or negative events. The conversation touches on the national perception of Portland, the challenges of changing that perception, and the rebound of in-person interactions and opportunities for innovation in the tech industry. The episode offers valuable insights for tech companies looking to enhance their PR and communications strategies.

In this episode of Techlandia, Jonathan Hensley and Jim Gochee CEOs of Emerge and Blameless, respectively, engage in a conversation about demystifying product management. They discuss the role of product in a company, emphasizing the importance of balancing customer needs and business objectives. They delve into the process of value creation, including the emotional factors that impact customer perception. Time-to-value is explored as a critical element in product success, along with the challenges of collaborating across functions in an organization. They examine the need for product managers to act as the CEO of the product, owning the strategy and collaborating with various teams to achieve goals. The conversation concludes with insights on building bridges and fostering a community of product management thinkers. Overall, this insightful discussion provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone involved in the technology industry and interested in product management.

On this episode of Techlandia: De La Salle, North Catholic High School has a unique funding model and structure that enables it to serve low-income students with high-quality education. Through the corporate work-study program, students gain work experience while in high school, opening doors for future career opportunities. The school's emphasis on diversity, the transformative power of the program, and Lasallian values contribute to its success. The pathways program at De La Salle is designed to prepare students for STEAM careers, focusing on health careers and engineering. Students receive specialized education and hands-on experience, allowing them to explore their interests and develop relevant skills. The recently opened maker space further enhances the school's innovative approach to education, providing a creative lab for all students. De La Salle looks to the future with the goal of becoming a renowned educational leader. The school welcomes collaboration with local businesses through lunch and learn sessions, volunteering opportunities, and potential job placements for students. Supporting De La Salle means supporting the growth and development of the next generation of STEAM professionals.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip chats with Jes Burns, OPB Science reporter and host of 'All Science No Fiction,' the show explores interesting and creative approaches through the lens of science and technology. By featuring scientists and their work, the show aims to demystify science, increase trust in scientific research, and inspire wonder and curiosity in listeners. Jes highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and incorporating natural world inspirations in scientific advancements. Jes believes that by understanding and appreciating nature's millions of years of evolution, we can find more efficient and effective solutions to today's problems. 'All Science No Fiction' also focuses on stories that have real-world impact, showcasing the practical applications of science and technology in areas such as renewable energy, disaster response, and environmental protection.

Valaurum, a technology company specializing in gold currency, has experienced significant growth since its establishment in 2012. The company initially focused on the collectibles market but expanded its offerings to include gold bills for countries and private gold bullion. Valaurum's innovative technology allowed them to make gold more accessible by reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing the aesthetics of their products with the help of skilled designers. The demand for gold as a hedge against inflation and volatile currency markets has driven Valaurum's success, leading to the continuous doubling of its capacity and expansion of its facilities. Valaurum plans to hire skilled technicians and top executives to support its growth as it continues to scale its operations. The CEO, Adam Trexler, also expresses optimism about Portland's tech community and encourages more involvement in early-stage companies. Additionally, he highlights the global market potential and the need to cater to developing countries' evolving tastes and demands.

In this podcast episode, Mike Ulin, the CTO and co-founder of Paxton AI, a legal tech company, discusses their journey in the legal tech market. Paxton AI is a generative AI legal assistant for attorneys, helping them with legal research and document drafting. Although not an attorney, Ulin brings his experience in legal tech and AI to the company. He shares his background and the process of attaining regulatory approvals for their AI models. Ulin also discusses the fundraising challenges and strategies that worked for Paxton AI, emphasizing the importance of pitching AI applications in today's market. As for future plans, Paxton AI aims to develop its AI platform further, focusing on product improvement and go-to-market strategies. Ulin highlights the growing adoption of AI technologies in the legal industry and the excitement surrounding the potential impact of AI tools like Paxton AI. Overall, Paxton AI's aim is to revolutionize the legal tech market and provide attorneys with efficient and effective AI-powered solutions.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, there is a discussion with Jay Schnorr, the CEO of Vedex, a global tech company. Jay shares his background and the inspiration behind the founding of his company, which focuses on immersive learning. He emphasizes the importance of language learning in higher education and how virtual reality can be used to enhance learning experiences. The conversation delves into the ideal customers and partners for Vedex, including high schools, universities, and companies seeking effective training programs. This episode also explores the impact of COVID-19 on education and the potential for personalized and individualized instruction through AI tools. Jay addresses the challenges of technology adoption by educators and emphasizes the need for easy-to-use and accessible immersive learning solutions. The discussion concludes with a focus on the importance of computer science education in Oregon, calling for a statewide curriculum and increased access to coding for students.

In this episode of Techlandia, Mark Ehl, President of Get Benefits and Founder of Techworks, shares valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the ever-changing landscape of benefits. As companies prepare for year-end planning and open enrollment, Mark emphasizes the importance of a progressive approach throughout the year to address evolving needs and gather feedback from new hires and existing employees. He highlights the significance of customization, flexibility, and communication in creating competitive and attractive benefits packages. Mark discusses strategies for managing costs while maintaining valuable benefits, including the concept of choice and the integration of pretax tools. He also recommends technology solutions such as Employee Navigator and Paylocity for simplifying benefits administration and enhancing the overall employee experience. Furthermore, Mark stresses the importance of legal compliance and risk mitigation in benefits planning, including ERISA requirements. Finally, he explores how benefits packages contribute to a strong company culture and reinforces organizational values and mission.    

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry interviews Michael McGeary, the Chief Operating Officer of Allied for Startups, to discuss the intersection of technology and policy. They delve into how Allied for Startups supports startup ecosystems around the world and advocates for their needs in policy debates. McGeary emphasizes the importance of startups being involved in the regulatory process to ensure their voices are heard. They also explore the regulatory landscape for AI and data privacy, with a focus on the different approaches taken in Europe and the United States. McGeary highlights the need for a balanced approach that allows startups to innovate while also addressing potential risks. He encourages startups to engage with local and national tech associations to amplify their impact and influence policy decisions. Overall, the conversation highlights the vital role startups play in shaping technology policy and the importance of their active participation in the political process.