Full Tech Ahead

Are you curious about how colleges and universities are preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech workforce? In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Scarlet Clouse, Dean of the College of Education and Director of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Institute at Angelo State University, to discuss the explosion of AI, cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge technologies transforming industries. From launching an AI Center of Excellence and offering free Coursera certifications to running immersive youth programs, such as code camps, robotics camps, and cybersecurity expos, Scarlet shares how ASU is creating workforce-ready graduates while inspiring the next generation of tech leaders. Whether you’re a student, a career pivoter, or fascinated by the future of technology and education, this episode offers a roadmap to thriving in the AI-driven world.

[00:02] AI and Technology Trends in Higher Education

[03:01] Announcement of the AI Center of Excellence

[04:06] Coursera Courses and Continuing Education

[06:39] Future Careers in Technology

[08:49] Youth Engagement in Technology Programs

[11:04] Importance of Community and Youth Outreach

[12:30] ASU Scholar Program and Internships

[14:06] Increasing Women in Technology Careers

[17:02] Advice for New Graduates in Tech Careers

[18:43] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

What if the same innovations making cars self-driving could also make flying safer, faster, and more accessible? For decades, aviation has been bound by the limits of human workload, urban congestion, and safety concerns. But now, a new era is dawning—one where autonomous technologies may redefine how we travel in the skies.

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Sapan Shah, Senior Director of Product Management at Honeywell Aerospace. With years of experience leading product innovation, Sapan is at the forefront of building the “brains and muscles” of autonomous flight—from sensors and avionics to certified systems that prioritize trust and safety. Together, they unpack the opportunities, challenges, and revolutionary potential of autonomous aviation, from urban air taxis to reducing pilot workload.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Will we really see air taxis in our lifetime?
• What makes autonomy in aviation safer—not riskier?
• How close are we to fully automated flights?

TIMESTAMPS: 

[00:00] Introduction to Sapan Shah and Honeywell Aerospace
[04:30] Defining Autonomy in Aviation and Why It Matters
[09:10] Urban Air Mobility and the Promise of Air Taxis
[13:50] Reducing Pilot Workload Through Assistive Autonomy
[18:20] Certification, Trust, and Safety in Autonomous Systems
[22:45] Comparing Ground Autonomy to Aviation Autonomy
[27:10] Building Public Trust in Autonomous Aviation
[31:00] AI, Data, and Real-Time Decision Making in Flight
[36:20] Challenges and Barriers to Industry Adoption
[41:15] Looking Ahead: The Future of Flight Autonomy

Quotes:

• "Autonomy in aviation isn’t about a sky full of buzzing drones—it’s about structured, trustworthy automation that reduces pilot workload and enables safer, smarter flight.” – Sapan Shah
• “Our vision for air taxis is simple: complete a 100-mile journey in 45 minutes or less. That’s life-changing for anyone stuck in urban congestion.” – Sapan Shah
• “At Honeywell, we build both the brains and the muscles of autonomy—sensors to see, computers to think, and actuators to act—all delivered in a certified, trustworthy way.” – Sapan Shah
• “You can pull a car over if something goes wrong. You can’t do that mid-air. That’s why aviation autonomy demands higher safety margins.” – Sapan Shah

Takeaways:

1. Autonomy is assistive before it’s independent. It starts by reducing pilot workload, not replacing pilots outright.
2. Safety and certification come first. In aviation, trust is built on reliability and compliance—not iteration after launch.
3. Urban air mobility could redefine cities. Air taxis and regional flights will cut congestion and change how we move.
4. Adoption is gradual but inevitable. Autonomy will first support, then eventually transform, the way aviation operates.

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Are you frustrated by how slow, complex, and fragmented today’s networks can be? Do you wonder why interoperability still feels like an uphill battle, and whether enterprises will ever have true agility in buying and managing services? In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Kevin Vachon, Corporate Development Officer at Mplify (formerly MEF). Kevin brings decades of experience shaping industry standards and alliances, and he’s uniquely positioned to explain why the rebrand matters, how Mplify is building a global ecosystem, and what the future of Network as a Service (NaaS) really looks like. If you want to understand where enterprise connectivity, security and AI-driven services are heading, this episode is for you.

[00:00] Setting the stage with Mplify’s rebrand

[04:40] Building a global alliance

[06:30] Certifications that establish trust

[07:50] Tackling transparency in cybersecurity

[09:45] Supporting the shift to Network as a Service

[11:30] The upcoming global NaaS event

[14:50] Real-world enterprise use cases

[18:50] Why interoperability drives collaboration

[21:00] The renewed importance of standards

[22:40] A final takeaway on Mplify’s vision

• “The branding didn’t change the vision. The branding followed the change.”
  
  
• “Network as a Service requires a full digital supply chain, and interoperability is impossible without standards.”
  
  
• “Transparency is about showing the industry what’s tested, what’s real, and what’s not.”
  
  
• “We’re proud of our Carrier Ethernet legacy, but Mplify represents where the industry is going, not where it’s been.”

1. Embrace NaaS as the future of enterprise connectivity. Explore how automation and APIs simplify service delivery.
   
   
2. Understand that interoperability is non-negotiable. Support standards that enable global collaboration.
   
   
3. Leverage certifications to build trust. Customers demand transparency and validation in both networking and security.
   
   
4. Stay engaged with industry events. They provide not just insights, but opportunities to shape the evolution of services.

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Are you struggling to keep your brand visible in the new age of AI shopping? Do your customers drop off before buying because they can’t find the right product? What happens when search engines and ChatGPT decide which brands shoppers see first?

In this episode, Amanda Razani sits down with Dev Devnani, Co-Founder and CEO of VariaAI, who is helping brands stay ahead of this massive shift. Dev brings a unique mix of strategy and hands-on e-commerce experience. His company, VariaAI, builds AI-driven shopping assistants that give customers a personalized buying journey while ensuring brands show up in AI search results. If you want to understand how to thrive in this new reality, this conversation will show you the playbook.

[00:00] Introduction and background

[02:00] The shift in shopper behavior

[03:00] Industries adopting AI shopping

[04:50] Solving problems, not pushing products

[06:30] How VariaAI works

[08:00] ROI and results

[10:20] Is AI shopping mission critical?

[12:30] Future possibilities

[13:30] Actionable steps for companies

[14:20] Closing insights

• “When shoppers go to ChatGPT, they’re not asking for a product, they’re asking to solve a problem.”
• “AI shopping doubles conversion compared to a normal search bar.”
• “For health, beauty, and wellness, adopting AI isn’t optional. It’s mission critical.”
• “Influencers and creators are one of the few roles AI won’t replace, because people want that personal connection.”

• Test AI shopping yourself to understand the customer experience.
• Audit your website traffic sources and analyze how much comes from AI platforms.
• Build content around real customer problems, not just product features.
• Create an AI strategy with your e-commerce team before competitors get ahead.

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Extreme weather, failing infrastructure and rising energy demands are putting our power grids under unprecedented pressure. What if artificial intelligence could not only detect problems before they happen but also prevent disasters like blackouts and wildfires? Utilities are drowning in massive amounts of data, yet often struggle to turn that data into actionable insights. 

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Vik Chaudhry, Co-Founder and CTO/COO of Buzz Solutions, a company pioneering AI and geospatial intelligence for utilities. With a background in AI, machine learning and energy engineering, Vik has a rare ability to bridge cutting-edge data science with the pressing challenges of modern infrastructure. He’s passionate about transforming the way power grids are monitored, safeguarded and future-proofed. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can literally keep the lights on, this conversation is for you. 

TIMESTAMPS: 

[00:00] Introduction to Vik Chaudhry and Buzz Solutions 
[01:30] What Is Agentic AI and Why Does It Matter? 
[04:30] Geospatial Intelligence and Its Role in Utilities 
[06:30] Real-World Use Cases of AI in the Power Sector 
[09:00] Tackling Grid Modernization and Substation Security 
[11:00] Safeguarding the Future of Energy Infrastructure 
[12:30] Vegetation Management and the Role of AI

[15:00] Supply Chain Challenges and Predictive Planning 
[16:00] The Bigger Picture — AI as the Invention of the 21st Century 
[17:00] Closing Reflections and Future Opportunities 
 

Quotes 

• “We’re helping utilities turn overwhelming data into actionable insights that literally keep the lights on.” – Vik Chaudhry 
  
  
• “In the 20th century, electricity was the greatest invention. In the 21st, it’s AI.” – Vik Chaudhry 
   
• “Utilities don’t just need information — they need insight they can act on.” – Vik Chaudhry 
   
• “AI makes it possible to predict problems before they cause outages, saving lives, money, and infrastructure.” – Vik Chaudhry 

Takeaways 

1. Adopt proactive monitoring: Utilities (and businesses in general) must shift from manual inspection to automated, AI-driven asset monitoring. 
    
2. Leverage geospatial data: Mapping infrastructure across time and space creates a foundation for predictive insights. 
    
3. Plan ahead with AI: Supply chain delays require predictive modeling to manage assets and avoid crises. 
    
4. Think big picture: Like electricity last century, AI will redefine the future — leaders must embrace it now. 
    

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Booking a flight, changing a ticket, or navigating travel delays can feel overwhelming, especially when customer service lines are packed and outdated systems make the process even harder. What if AI could remove that stress, save airlines millions, and give travelers the convenience they crave? 

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, Amanda Razani sits down with Jason Valdina, Senior Director of Engagement Channel Strategy at Verint, a global leader in CX automation. With years of expertise in automation, Verint has worked with major airlines, train services, and hotel chains to modernize their customer service. Jason shares how AI bots can assist in freeing humans from repetitive, frustrating tasks so they can focus on what truly matters: Creating meaningful travel experiences. 

Discover how AI bots are not just reducing costs, but also transforming how the travel industry engages with customers. From airlines like Volaris achieving a 70% cost reduction, to Amtrak selling tickets directly through chatbots, Jason reveals how automation is reshaping customer experience. 

TIMESTAMPS: 

[00:00] Introduction to Verint and CX Automation 

[05:00] The Role of AI Bots in Travel 

[10:00] Volaris Airlines Success Story 

[15:00] Debunking the “AI Replaces Humans” Myth 

[20:00] New York City Transit and Social Media Automation 

[25:00] Amtrak’s AI-Powered Ticket Purchases 

[30:00] Hotels and the Power of Generative AI 

[35:00] The Evolution of Conversational AI 

[40:00] From Reactive to Proactive AI in Travel 

[45:00] The Rise of Co-Pilot Bots for Employees 

Quotes  

1. “As humans, we shouldn’t have to do all these complicated checks and balances. If it’s rote, let a bot do that.” – Jason Valdina 
2. “Volaris reduced their cost footprint by 70% and automated 85% of customer conversations. That’s massive.” – Jason Valdina 
3. “It’s not about AI replacing people. Volaris grew 380% in volume but only needed 9% more staff.” – Jason Valdina 
4. “When customers have autonomy and convenience, they actually spend more. That’s the real ROI of AI.” – Jason Valdina 
5. “We’re in the co-pilot era now. AI is augmenting employees, not just helping customers.” – Jason Valdina 

Takeaways  

• Automation Frees Humans for Human Work: Let AI handle repetitive tasks so staff can focus on higher-value interactions. 
• Proactive AI Builds Customer Loyalty: Following up on incomplete actions boosts convenience and conversion. 
• AI Can Generate Revenue, Not Just Cut Costs: From seat upgrades to ticket purchases, bots create new revenue streams. 
• The Future Is Human + AI Collaboration: Co-pilot bots will empower employees with real-time knowledge and insights. 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

What if the glasses you wear every day could project information directly into your field of vision without bulk, weight, or distortion? Augmented Reality (AR) smart glasses promise to revolutionize how we interact with technology, but challenges remain: Cost, style, accessibility, and consumer adoption.  

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Kentaro Mihara, CTO of Cellid, a pioneering company based in Tokyo that’s developing waveguide technology, the breakthrough component making AR glasses lightweight, stylish, and consumer-ready. 

Kentaro shares insider knowledge on how waveguides work, why plastic lenses may be the future, and how AR glasses could soon be used for payments, accessibility, and everyday convenience. If you’ve ever wondered when AR glasses will fully enter the mainstream, this conversation will answer your questions and spark new ones. 

Timestamps  

[00:00] Introduction and Guest Background 

[01:30] What is a Waveguide and Why It Matters 

[03:20] Prescription Challenges and Innovations 

[05:15] Consumer Adoption Challenges 

[06:30] Glass vs. Plastic: Which Wins?  

[07:50] Current Market Trends and Competition 

[08:45] Affordability and Market Entry 

[09:50] Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth 

[10:25] Accessibility and Real-World Use Cases 

[11:20] Future Roadmap and Innovation Cycles 

Quotes 

• “The waveguide is basically the heart of the AR glasses. Without it, you can’t have a lightweight, stylish display system.” – Kentaro Mihara  
• “Plastic waveguides are twice as light and much more resilient than glass, making them ideal for everyday wear.” – Kentaro Mihara  

Takeaways 

1. Waveguides are the future of AR: They solve some of the biggest challenges of bulk, style, and cost.  
2. Plastic beats glass: For consumer AR, being lightweight and durability is critical  

 Conclusion 

Augmented reality glasses are not science fiction; they’re on the verge of mainstream adoption. With innovators like Kentaro Mihara and Cellid pushing waveguide technology forward, the future of AR promises glasses that are lightweight, stylish, affordable and powerful tools. Stay tuned, because the next generation of AR wearables may be closer than you think. 

Related Link:  

Amanda Razani’s article on Gadget Magazine and MSN: https://gadget.co.za/arcellid152m/ 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/ 

Many Thanks to our Show Sponsor: VariaAI 

And special thanks to our Founding Sponsor: Cloudnium 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Drones are everywhere, delivering packages, aiding in search and rescue, inspecting infrastructure, and even entertaining us with light shows. But with so much opportunity, how do you break into this growing industry? What skills are required? And how do you separate hype from reality? 

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani speaks with Michael Hill, founding partner of Uncrewed Aerospace, Chief Flight Instructor for Dallas College, and widely known as “The Drone Pro.” Michael brings a unique journey: from being a Microsoft executive to becoming a global leader in drone training, operations, and policy-making. His passion for empowering the next generation of drone pilots through education and workforce development makes him the perfect guide to help us understand the real opportunities in the drone industry. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether drones could play a role in your career, business, or community, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and powerful lessons. 

TIMESTAMPS 

[00:00] Introduction and Michael’s Story: 

[02:20] When You Need a Drone License: 

[05:25] Crashing and Learning: Choosing the Right Drone: 

[06:55] From One Drone to Thousands: AI in Drone Technology:  

[08:48] U.S. Drone Manufacturing and Policy Changes: 

[11:01] Use Cases that Changed the Game:  

[15:07] Launching Workforce Development at Dallas College: 

[17:50] Empowering the Next Generation:  

[19:53] Drones as Skilled Trades: 

[22:04] Final Insights and Warnings: 

Quotes 

• “It started out as a hobby—but it turned into my second career.” 
• “Don’t buy a $5,000 drone when a $50 one will teach you the same lesson after a crash.” 
• “Two is one and one is none—always have a backup drone.” 
• “There are no jobs in the drone industry. There are opportunities.” 
• “Flying a drone is a privilege. Don’t be a bad actor—safety is everything.” 

Takeaways 

1. Start Small, Learn Big – Begin with inexpensive drones to build confidence and skills without major financial risk. 
2. Licensing Matters – The FAA Part 107 license is essential for any commercial drone work. 
3. Opportunities, Not Jobs – Drones are best approached as entrepreneurial tools, not guaranteed employment. 
4. Safety First – Responsible piloting ensures the growth and legitimacy of the entire industry. 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Vijay Marolia, chief investment officer at Regal Point Capital, to explore the intersection of blockchain, financial literacy and the future of money. Vijay shares his unique perspective on why crypto is valuable, tokenization, how smart contracts will reshape industries, and why he believes financial literacy is the true key to wealth and opportunity. 

He also talks about his mission to educate the next generation through children’s books like Baby’s First Business Book and explains why blockchain could be as revolutionary for finance as the invention of double-entry accounting. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether crypto still matters, how inflation really works, or how blockchain merges with fintech, this episode is a must-listen. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Why Vijay believes crypto adoption is amplifying. 
• How blockchain tokenization could transform real estate, royalties, and intellectual property. 
• The surprising way blockchain may replace 500 years of double-entry accounting. 
• Why inflation can hurt consumers but can enrich asset owners. 
• The future of financial literacy for kids and entrepreneurs. 
• Practical tips on crypto custody and avoiding mistakes. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Baby’s First Business Book by Dr. Funkle (available on Amazon) 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/

Most large organizations continue to run Procurement in the same piecemeal, slow, and spreadsheet-driven manner as they did 20 years ago. This fractured system creates blind spots, bottlenecks, and missed opportunities, especially when regulations change overnight, suppliers compete aggressively for contracts, and carbon footprint goals loom large. How can enterprises cut through the chaos, unify data, and make smarter, faster procurement decisions without drowning in manual processes?

Anders Lillevik, CEO of Focal Point, has spent 25 years leading Procurement for names like Fannie Mae, Citizens Bank, and Webster Bank. Frustrated by the limits of traditional tools, he built a B2B SaaS platform that acts as a procurement “central nervous system.” Anders shares how his technology centralizes spend data, integrates with existing systems, and even leverages AI agents to automate tactical work so teams can focus on strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring clarity and speed to one of your company’s largest expense categories, Anders offers a clear, battle-tested blueprint.


Quotes:

• “We’re a B2B SaaS company in the procurement sector… I would have spent millions of dollars in procurement technology, but my team and I did most of our work in Excel and email, so that’s what I’m setting out to fix.”
• “Procurement has to save the company money, meet diversity and inclusion goals, reduce carbon footprint, fight modern slavery, and suppliers make up 70% of an enterprise’s carbon footprint.”
• “You can track how you’re doing against your goals as and when it happens… no longer need to jump in between systems to figure out where you’re at.”

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introducing Anders Lillevik and the problem with procurement systems
[01:14] Procurement as the “central nervous system”
[02:47] From cost savings to ESG responsibilities
[04:56] Real-world category strategy use case
[06:25] Breaking down silos between departments
[06:47] Adapting to regulatory requirements with flexible workflows
[08:10] The biggest roadblocks in implementation
[09:49] Customer spotlight—VSP’s rapid adoption
[11:44] AI agents and automation in Procurement
[13:25] The future of Procurement and AI’s role

Key Takeaways:

1. Centralizing procurement data and processes eliminates blind spots and accelerates decision-making.
2. Flexible workflows reduce the cost and complexity of adapting to new compliance requirements.
3. AI agents can automate tactical procurement tasks, freeing teams to focus on strategy.
4. Change management is critical when moving from ad-hoc processes to standardized workflows.

Conclusion:

By creating a central hub for supplier and category management, integrating with existing systems, and embedding AI automation, procurement teams can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive strategy execution. In a business environment where Procurement influences cost, compliance, and ESG performance, this approach delivers speed, clarity, and competitive advantage.


Links/Resources:

Website: https://focalpointprocurement.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anderslillevik/
Full Tech Ahead Podcast: https://www.fulltechahead.com 

Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/

Follow the FTA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-tech-ahead/

Visit the FTA website: https://fulltechahead.com/

Check out the Substack Channel: https://fulltechahead.substack.com/