360 Pulse

Jacqueline Blackburn, leader of the acceleration portfolio at Decisive Point, brings a wealth of experience from the U.S. Naval Academy, forward-deployed service in the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community, venture investing at Scout Ventures, and scaling early-stage technology at J.P. Morgan. In this episode, she shares leadership lessons gained from working across both government and private sector innovation. The conversation explores how dual-use startups can successfully navigate the transition from seed funding to Series A, particularly when serving both commercial and defense markets. Jacqueline discusses the importance of engaging transition partners early and building credibility that lasts. She offers perspective on the role of venture capital in accelerating defense-relevant technologies and how startups can better communicate their dual-use value proposition. The episode also highlights overlooked forms of support that are essential for scaling in the national security ecosystem. Looking ahead, Jacqueline points to emerging defense innovation trends and ways to strengthen the pipeline between startups and defense adoption.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

Segment 1: Go behind the scenes with the mechanical team at Circle Optics as they share what drives their passion for precision engineering. In this candid conversation, the team reflects on their career paths, lessons learned from failure, and the craftsmanship required to build stitch-free panoramic imaging systems. You'll hear how culture, curiosity, and collaboration fuel the breakthroughs behind our hardware.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of 360° Pulse Podcast, we sit down with John Cohan—longtime drone advocate, Civil Air Patrol instructor, and former President of the AUVSI Empire State Chapter—to honor his legacy and amplify his voice as the chapter welcomes new leadership. John reflects on years of navigating public skepticism, fostering local business networks, and building a culture of FAA compliance and safety. From his roots in A/V production to his work with underwater submersibles and aerial search and rescue, his story is one of continuous service, education, and commitment to community. This conversation is a tribute to the leadership sustaining the uncrewed systems movement in New York and beyond.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of the 360° Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dennis Rebelo—professor, author, and creator of the Peak Storytelling™ model. A leading expert in narrative identity development, Dr. Rebelo shares how personal storytelling can unlock clarity, confidence, and authenticity in leadership and innovation.
As the author of Story Like You Mean It and Chief Learning Officer at the Berkshire Innovation Center, he’s helped NFL athletes, executives, and students alike craft compelling narratives that drive personal and professional growth. Tune in to explore how storytelling fuels strategic insight, strengthens communication, and shapes how we lead in a complex world.


Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus shifts from vision and leadership to real-world applications, highlighting the seamless integration of hardware and software in imaging technology.
COO Ian Gauger explores how Circle Optics is solving the complex challenges of bridging optics and AI, ensuring high-performance solutions for defense, GIS, and AR/VR applications.
Zak Niazi discusses how this integration enhances user experience, making advanced imaging more intuitive and impactful. Together, they break down the technical and strategic innovations that set Circle Optics apart. The episode concludes with Ian’s forward-looking perspective on the future of hardware-software synergy and how Circle Optics is poised to lead the next wave of imaging transformation.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

Michael Robbins is the President & CEO of AUVSI, the world’s largest association dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics across defense, civil, and commercial domains. A seasoned leader in government affairs and public policy, Michael has been instrumental in advocating for critical regulatory updates such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. With decades of experience across Capitol Hill, trade associations, and as a Navy Reservist, his leadership bridges national defense, aviation safety, and emerging technology. He has successfully launched strategic initiatives like the Trusted Cyber Program and Green UAS to accelerate industry innovation. Robbins is passionate about aligning policy with the pace of technology to ensure U.S. leadership in autonomy and aerospace.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead a deep-tech company in an industry as complex as optics. They discuss the toughest challenges they've faced, from navigating uncertainty to making high-stakes strategic decisions. Niazi shares insights on steering innovation while staying ahead of the market, while Ian explores the leadership qualities essential for balancing technical breakthroughs with operational execution. This conversation humanizes the brand, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and vision that drive Circle Optics forward. The episode concludes with personal reflections from Niazi and Gauger on what leadership means to them and what makes the Circle Optics team truly special.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger dive into the groundbreaking technology behind Pegasus and Hydra. They break down what sets these systems apart from anything else on the market, highlighting the engineering breakthroughs that make true stitchless imaging a reality. Niazi explores the competitive advantage of these technologies, while Ian shares insights into the complex challenges the team overcame to bring them to life. Together, they discuss how Pegasus and Hydra are meeting critical market needs in defense, AI, and GIS applications. The episode closes with a powerful call to action, inviting industry leaders to explore how these innovations can transform their operations.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

This episode of 360° Pulse welcomes Gavin Snyder, CEO of Imagine Aerial, to discuss how drones and AI are transforming infrastructure assessment. With over 30 years of experience in architecture, Snyder shares his journey from design to developing technology that accelerates inspections from months to days. The conversation explores the challenges facing U.S. infrastructure and the shift from reactive to predictive maintenance.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this inaugural episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger set the stage for the future of panoramic imaging in 2025. They explore the company’s vision, the impact of stitchless imaging technology, and why it matters now more than ever. Niazi discusses the industries poised for transformation, from defense and aerospace to immersive training and beyond, while Ian delves into Circle Optics’ strategy for leading this shift. They address key challenges in adoption, technical innovation, and market positioning, offering insights into how the company’s roadmap is shaping the future. The episode closes with a call to action, inviting viewers to engage, follow, and be part of the journey as Circle Optics redefines high-fidelity panoramic imaging.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com