Innovation Calling

We’ve heard the stories that we should fear A.I, and that it’s going to take away all of our jobs, but what does a future with A.I. truly look like? In this episode we were joined by Neil Sahota, IBM Master Inventor, ...

What does it truly take for a company to thrive in the digital age? It’s much more than just buying and implementing the latest technology. This is one of our favorite subjects to discuss and Wall Street Journal

We know that data has changed organizations, and the way we do business. However, how has emerging technology and data had an effect on the marketing world? How has focusing on data allowed companies to be more precise in customer targeting, make better correlations between marketing and sales, and impacted the way companies attract customers?

Data actually plays a huge role, and that’s why we were excited to have this conversation with Marketing Technologist, Brandee Sanders. We discussed the role of data within marketing, how corporations can use this data correctly, and where it makes sense for data analytics to fit within a company, plus much more. We also talked about the role data has within politics, and questioned if data is taking away our ability to make our own decisions.

The official episode breakdown:

4:10 - What is a Marketing Technologist and what makes them unique in the marketing field?

7:13 - How has focusing on technology been able to change the landscape of marketing?

10:47 - Is our data capable of measuring things like viral posts, likes, comments, etc, and align it with KPI’s of a business?

14:02 - In a world of data overload how can companies effectively gather and analyze it to be able to make better decisions?

16:10 - What kind of disadvantages do smaller businesses have in comparison to larger organizations because of the lack of access to data? (Or is there a disadvantage?)

20:05 - Has data changed the way larger organizations have to align their marketing teams? Is it making marketing less silo’d?

23:48 - When it comes to aligning sales with marketing efforts is the data better aligned with the results?

29:10 - Has technology helped to build a bridge between sales and marketing? And how can sales stop looking long-term vs. what’s happening immediately?

34:28 - When it comes to gathering this data, is this an IT dependent thing? Or who is responsible to pulling and analyzing this data?

36:10 - Where does data science fit within an organization, and where within an organization best fit? Does it belong near or within a marketing department?

40:10 - How are organizations working to develop these departments and determining where the data analytics best fit?

45:12 - Can this same data analytics be applied to politics? And will we see much more of this in future elections?

50:03 - Is technology actually passing the human capability of handling the data? Are we seeing data in a place where it twists facts to prove data?

55:17 - Is standard human nature going to make our ability to make our own decisions, almost impossible?

Want to learn more about Brandee? Visit https://www.brandeesanders.com/

We know Artificial Intelligence can help with decision making, but can it help in a crisis that we’ve never seen before like what we’re experiencing with COVID-19? In this episode, we talked to Gary Saarenvirta of Daisy Intelligence, which uses machine intelligence to help retailers and insurance companies use data to make better and smarter business decisions.

 

We talked about how companies can still use data when random events like COVID-19 happen. We also talked about what innovation means in the retail space, and how companies can make changes now that will set them up for a long term future, plus so much more.

 

Here is the official breakdown:

 

8:10 - We learn what Daisy Intelligence does, and how their technology is transforming the retail industry

13:10 - How does AI work when it comes to a black swan event like what we’re currently seeing in our current economy? Can this be predicted, and can companies utilize data to actually thrive in a moment like this?

11:15 - Are data modeling and AI the same thing (as they are many times interchanged terms) and if not, understanding the difference between the two?

15:58 - What’s the competitive edge for Daisy Intelligence customer’s when it comes to utilizing predictive analytics, and what kind of return can they see by being able to pivot based on this data?

17:30 - As we see a world-wide spread of changes, can this same data be used to not just optimize results, but predict results.

18:50 - As things begin to settle out of this increase in retail sales, what can companies do to make sure the fall of sales isn’t so drastic?

23:40 - When it comes to being able to implement a high-tech solution like Daisy’s, can small companies consider being able to add something like this to their work flow?

25:50 - In addition to cost, what kind of man power does it take to implement something like this?

28:30 - Are un-organized companies doomed in being able to take advantage of machine intelligence?

31:50 - Is Moore’s Law dead? Can this level of power continue to grow at the rate we’ve become used to?

31:36 - Many people fear AI because they feel that it will take away jobs. Is this true? And if not, how does AI actually benefit a workforce?

35:10 - What are the risks for a company when they’re just focusing on profitability?

37:58 - How can retailers actually focus on innovating, and how can AI intelligence help them  get there?

40:20 - When it comes to AI, why is 95% accuracy not a very impressive number?

45:10 - Will events like we’ve recently seen help retailers finally wake-up to the fact that they must invest in technology?

As Esports approaches a billion dollars in annual revenue, we know we’re only seeing the beginning of this industry. As you see more and more players striving to become professional, and more money being injected into these teams, how do we first ensure the right path for these players. Plus, how do we create the optimal training regimen?

 

Well, these are all questions that the Esports Performance Academy is working to answer. Founded by Andrew Cooley and Andrew English, EPA helps to develop future esports athletes.

 

They sat down to talk to us about the future of Esports, and more about their company. We discussed how they’re finding and developing the talent, obstacles Esports is currently facing, and more about this booming industry.

 

 

The Official Episode Breakdown:

 

5:55 - Meeting the two Andrews and discussing what Esports Performance Academy is, and where the idea came from

7:50 - When it comes to going pro in the Esports world, we discuss some of the misconceptions about actually making it to that level.

9:30 - How the history of playing games led to getting involved in the professional world to eventually starting this company.

12:10 - How does EPA begin to find the talent that they’re going to work with?

14:05 - How does one actually get good enough to get to a professional level? Is it simply just playing all day, or are there fundamentals involved that someone can work on to continue to get better?

16:55 - How do they begin to scout and find those right people who should be joining their teams

17:55 - How accepting and warm are these elite players at being approached and wanting to work with Esports Performance Academy?

18:30 - We learn all kinds of new terms - FPS - First Person Shooter - MPOBA - Multi Player Online Battle Arena

20:10 - We then circle back to their history, and why players are attracted to EPA

20:34 - Do the professional teams look at EPA as an ally or a competitor?

21:59 - When it comes to playing, can it be expected that you do need to play 8-10 hours every day in order to complete at this level, and what’s currently being done to make sure player’s mental health is always considered?

23:17 - Are there tools or software being used to help asses the players?

23:39 - When it comes to mental health, how much can actually be done, and how are studies being done to make sure there’s not a lot of long-term repercussions?

26:15 - Discussing the TILT stress-reliever, and can people overcome some of their issues by learning mindfulness?

28:10 - How can understanding emotions and being more mindful bring longevity to the player’s careers?

30:50 - Explaining the difference between a professional player and a streamer/entertainer

32:32 - What has to change in the Esports industry in order to really be able to handle the growth and being in the mainstream, and what’s really important to understand for those who are trying to get in.

37:20 - What’s happening in Vegas when it comes to Esports, and they are embracing this sport?

38:40 - As you see school districts embracing Esports and creating their own leagues, will that be something EPA can work with to help these kids to get on the right path?

41:20 - When it comes to parents how does EPA work with them as they’re developing players?

43:20 - When it comes to going pro what are the real odds of actually making it to the top?

46:15 - How times have changed where kids can actually grow up in this industry

47:23 - What is the lifespan of a typical pro player,

In a world completely run by data, we may feel like we have no more choice in the matter, and that we just have to except it is what it is. However, Dean Shapero thought there had to be a better way. It wasn’t about blocking our data, but realizing that if someone was going to take it, we may as well get paid for it.

 

With that idea, Loginhood was born. Loginhood is a Chrome Extension that allows you to get paid for the data that companies are already taking. We talked to Dean in this episode about where the idea came from, the ins and outs of the extension, and what we need to know when it comes to giving up our data.

 

Official Episode Breakdown:

 

2:38 - Where the concept of Loginhood came from and why it was important for Dean to create.

3:22 - How exactly does the whole process, and more importantly, the payment part of Loginhood work

4:32 - How exactly is the data transferred to know how to pay you

6:14 - Does Loginhood actually take the place of the websites who are already taking my data, or do they work in tandem with them?

8:32 - What kind of dollars can someone expect from something like this, and who is the person paying for it

14:35 - How much data should companies be taking, and where is that line drawn?

16:00 - How does Loginhood work with other  countries (and even California), and their data protection laws?

17:18 - Breaking down what GDPR and CPPA mean and the intent of these when it comes to protecting your data

21:05 - Could Loginhood be blocked through various software?

22:45 - Continuing to breakdown the details of the Chrome extension, and how data can eventually be blocked

25:10 - Does Loginhood really protect your data, and would they have a chance when it comes to hackers and those trying to access your data?

27:10 - How did Dean’s background in data lead him to this idea?

28:50 - How Dean started building the business model

31:15 - Should we just be excepting that we are giving up our data, and this is just something we should understand now that it’s what happening when we’re online

 

Ready to learn more, head over to www.Loginhood.io

About This Discussion:

When it comes to application development, the industry can be a bit saturated. Between a plethora of overseas developers and a large community of developers in the US, it can be hard to determine where to go and who to trust with your company’s ideas and needs.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Cratebind, a company putting a different spin to the mundane world of app development, by approaching it as a partnership vs. a vendor/customer relationship.

This incredible company, first conceived by enterprising siblings, Jon Harlan and Brittany Harlan-Graft and their respective spouses, Connie and Jordan, has a great story about finding ways to pivot and provide the greatest impact for their clients through their own product development journey. Cratebind's diverse expertise between strategy consulting and technical expertise help guide clients to stay above the emerging technology trends (and when to say no on technology for the sake of technology).

Relationships are critically important to Cratebind and it shows with the John, Connie and Brittany’s camaraderie and great rapport!

We hope you enjoy this chat with Cratebind!

Here's Our Official Breakdown:

5:20 - The history of Cratebind and what makes them so unique

6:00 - Their first venture wasn’t about app development, but it lead them down a new path

7:20 - How their technical talent developed

9:20 - When it comes to apps, what makes Cratebind different?

11:10 - Why avoiding using a development team from overseas might be in your best interest when building an application

13:04 - How they built their technical expertise to build their first company, and then leveraged that into a new business

14:47 - How they turned the obstacles from their first business into doing something amazing with their second business

16:03 - What was the foundation for building such an incredible business with family

17:15 - How perseverance and overcoming challenges have made them so successful, and how they developed their leadership roles

19:15 - How priorities are determined and set (and how they keep the family side in tact)

20:21 - How has app development shifted, and what trends are on the horizon

23:52 - Setting expectations - how does a company like Cratebind set the correct expectations when helping companies

25:30 - The sweet spot of community

28:34 - What are some cool things companies are now able to do because of the acceleration of app development

33:07 - How have the skill sets changed in app development in trying to keep up with emerging technology

35:17 - How does one keep up with the larger marketplace of apps, and how to stand out and be different

36:11 - What startup applications have done something amazing to stand out

39:10 - What does it truly mean to be an app development shop, is it just simply about building games

41:27 - How does a company determine whether or not they truly need an application (and another thing that makes Cratebind unique)

42:37 - How has Cratebind addressed when determining the right relationship

46:02 - Want to connect with Cratebind, visit cratebind.com to see more about what they do.

About this Episode:

In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Brett Velicovich, the Strategic Advisor for WhiteFox Defense Technologies at CES 2020. Brett gives us the rundown on the need for drone safety and security measures. WhiteFox invented the counter-drone solution and develops products to securely manage drones in airspaces worldwide.

Listen in as we learn more about what counter-drone is and why Brett says that without it we cannot realize the full potential of drone technology. More and more drones are used every day, by hobbyists, the military, and companies such as Amazon, Google, and UPS for deliveries. How can we ensure that they seamlessly and safely blend into our lives?

 

About Brett Velicovich:

Brett Velicovich is a U.S. Army Veteran, National Security Analyst, Author, and Business Executive. Brett served as an intelligence analyst (MOS 35F) for the U.S. Army, in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom(OEF). After he received an MBA from Duke University and focused his post-Army career on the commercial drone technology sector. He is the Strategic Advisor for WhiteFox Defense Technologies.

Twitter: @TheDroneWarrior LinkedIn: Brett Velicovich

 

Notes:

0:15 CES 2020, Brett Velicovich WhiteFox Defense Technologies.

1:39 Drone expert, military and private sector.

1:48 WhiteFox Defense and drone security, dangers, maintenance, safety as a society.

2:55 What is White Fox Defense?

3:30 Virtual Geofence, systems that counter threats from drones.

4:14 What are the capabilities and ranges for a Geofence?

4:59 Larger range for big facilities and FAA regulations.

5:56 How drone technology has evolved.

6:40 Drones in the public and commercial sectors.

7:00 Drones evolving, stabilizers and WiFi capabilities.

7:46 Drones are not only about what you can see in photos but they are about gathering data.

8:00 Drones and how they are used has changed.

8:28 Counter-drone fields are having to evolve with drone technology.

8:48 What is jamming, or mitigating?

9:09 Counter-droning is security.

10:21 Remote ID, the digital license.

11:17 WISDM, WhiteFox’s remote ID system also addresses personal security.

11:48 Precision in the WISDM system.

12:23 Safety system in drones to return them home.

13:12 Many home-built drones are not up to regulation.

13:42 Is drone tech regulated? Regulations are not keeping pace with new technology.

15:21 Different regulations between the private and public sectors.

15:58 Regulations hindering mitigation.

17:01 Drones: from flying over stadiums to regulations, and nuances.

17:40 The dangers of not having regulations in place to mitigate.

18:20 Study of drones in LA airspace over six months showed surprising results.

19:19 Careless users are a concern.

20:40 What is WhiteFox showcasing at CES?

20:49 WhiteFox is the first counter-drone company at CES.

21:20 Scorpion 2, handheld devices detecting drones.

22:00 Waiting on FAA to approve the Remote ID system.

22:57 What are the security measures and mechanisms in drones today in general?

23:25 FAA Regulations and education for the consumer.

25:00 Strategic Advisor for WhiteFox.

26:29 Drone technology benefits from cell technology.

26:39 How long drones can be in the air, refueling in air,

About This Discussion:

What a great night at the latest recording of our Women In Tech series. This time we were able to sit down with Jodie Brinkerhoff, Vice president of Innovation at DFW Airport. Our main theme was choices and how they affect our careers. The considerations to take when making big career moves, and how these choices get us to our end goal. We also discuss the importance of cultivating relationships with people. DFW Airport may be a city where Jodie and her Innovation teamwork to implement new products and solutions to keep things running smoothly but the people and doing what is right for the customer is at the core. The customers that fly in and out, the employees, and partnering with those that work within DFW Airport. Forming lasting professional relationships and demonstrating that you care about people makes a lasting impact.

We hope you’ll enjoy this episode, we had so much fun recording it.

 

 

About Jodie Brinkerhoff:

Jodie Brinkerhoff is Vice President of Innovation at DFW Airport and leads the Innovation team’s efforts to investigate, ideate, incubate and implement new products and solutions for the airport. Her team works across the enterprise, partnering with core business units and bringing new, emerging technologies as enablers to critical problem solving. She is also responsible for working to develop innovation skill building and culture initiatives for employees.

 

Jodie is passionate about understanding new trends and emerging technologies, inspiring transformational corporate culture, and building what’s right for the customer using insights, design thinking, and other innovation techniques. She has a love of work with both start-up ventures and corporate enterprises — her favorite depends on the day. Jodie is an entrepreneurial self-starter with a keen ability to lead through ambiguity and disrupt the status quo.

 

Prior to joining DFW, Jodie was the North American regional lead for Mastercard’s Labs Unit where she worked with internal product teams and top brands in the retail, banking, and hospitality verticals to deliver new business and consumer solutions. Jodie also spent part of her career as a start up executive with responsibility for sales, client success and marketing. Jodie holds a BA in Communications from Loyola University in Maryland and a master’s degree in business from the University of San Francisco.

 

Here’s The Official Breakdown:

0:00 Glo, introduction.

2:41 Women in Tech series with Jodie Brinkerhoff, VP Innovation at DFW Airport.

3:20 Innovation and cross-functional collaboration.

4:20 Introduction Jodie and guests.

5:37 The theme of the evening, choices.

6:06 Describe yourself in six words.

6:58 Getting people to think outside the box and beyond their title, team building.

8:14 The power of relationships.

10:09 What is your check-in policy to cultivate connections and relationships?

10:51 It is a practice and demonstrating that you care about people and how they are doing.

12:30 Is there a difference in how you approach personal and professional relationships?

13:40 How do you approach the team dynamic relationship?

14:26 What is your best tip for building a cohesive team?

15:18 Building a diverse team by design.

16:08 There is tremendous opportunity in our space to be innovative.

17:00 Often times opportunities are a manifestation of the choices you’ve made to get there.

17:50 What do challenges present to you in terms of learning and building a portfolio of skills?

About This Discussion:

The internet is not an infinite resource, bandwidth is limited. What are the plans for the future, what can we expect to see to help us navigate this reality? We were able to meet up with Kazuhiro Gomi of NTT and learn about IOWN (Innovation Optical and Wireless Network) a beyond internet concept that addresses future concerns such as bandwidth, energy consumption, and sustainability. We discuss some ways this optical wireless network can work for us in the future from medical standpoints to manufacturing plants, to Indy race cars. Listen in to this fascinating episode that is part of our CES 2020 series.

 

 

About Kazuhiro Gomi:

Kazuhiro Gomi, is leading NTT Research, a research center in the heart of Silicon Valley that carries out advanced research for some of the world’s most important and impactful technologies, including quantum computing, cryptography, and information security, and medical and health informatics. Mr. Gomi was appointed President and CEO of NTT Research when it was founded in July 2019. NTT Research draws upon the strength and heritage of applied research and innovation from the massive NTT R&D in Japan. With more than 6,000 researchers and investing USD $3.6 billion annually, NTT R&D is one of the largest and most respected research groups globally. NTT Research is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTT Group, number 55 on the Fortune Global 500 for 2018. Mr. Gomi began his career at NTT R&D and has been an NTT employee for more than 20 years.

 

 

 

Here’s The Official Breakdown:

0:00 NTT at CES. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.

1:23 IOWN Innovation Optical and Wireless Network.

2:00 Technology and growth at CES.

2:38 Addressing the yellow and red flags of the future such as energy consumption and sustainability.

3:18 Privacy challenges.

3:40 The need for more bandwidth.

4:09 “Beyond Internet”. IOWN an overarching concept.

4:52 How does IOWN plan to address issues such as bandwidth, privacy, etc.

5:30 IOWN, all-optical computers.

7:25 Vision to bring everything under an optical basis.

7:59 We have to improve further, from 5G.

8:23 Photonic technology.

9:38 What does it take to implement IOWN once we are able?

10:06 Visions of what can be done once IOWN is in place.

10:28 Digital Twin computing concept.

11:25 Medical application of a Digital Twin.

13:10 A different application of the Digital Twin technology: manufacturing plants.

13:46 NTT and other companies to partner and collaborate, IOWN forums.

14:43 What kind of companies fit this membership profile.

15:50 The consumer drives the demand.

16:18 Unsustainable data centers.

16:46 VR and smart cities.

17:42 NTT and the Indy Car sponsorship.

18:39 NTT is a part of everyday life and technology.

19:04 Crossroad of IOWN and mechanics, concept Indy Cars.

19:59 What is the timeframe we can expect to be using IOWN.

20:30 Securitym cryptology technology is a small part of IOWN that we could be using earlier.

21:35 IOWNgf.org and global.NTT