In this episode of Build What's Next, Jason Rome interviews Paul Popolo, the Head of Data Analytics and Innovation at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, about the unique challenges of implementing innovation within the highly operational and risk-averse airport environment. The conversation starts with Paul’s experience transitioning from innovation roles in healthcare and finance to the aviation industry. He highlights the key difference in working at an airport: the highly tactical, operational, and risk-averse nature of the environment.

They discuss how much of airport innovation happens behind the scenes, focusing on processing, IoT, and technology that improves the passenger experience without being immediately visible. Paul also addresses the most common request he hears: "Fix the checkpoint!" He explains the complexities of this, given that TSA is a federal entity with its own regulations. The conversation then shifts to the collaborative nature of airport innovation, involving airlines, tenants, and government partners, and how Paul's team navigates this intricate web to implement new technologies and processes.