The Innovators of Things

In this episode, Jillian Kaplan talks with Todd Edmunds, a lifelong technologist and current CTO, about the creative spirit that drives his innovation—from industrial IoT to life-changing accessibility solutions. Todd shares how a childhood curiosity for light switches sparked a decades-long journey of building, rethinking, and improving both the workplace and the world around him.

You’ll hear how Todd combines cutting-edge tech with deep empathy to solve problems—like building a patented elevator hidden beneath a staircase for his brother, who uses a wheelchair. This episode dives into what it really means to be an innovator, how to balance vision with politics, and why sometimes being “too early” is actually just right on time.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation starts with an insatiable desire to know how things work

• Being forward-thinking sometimes means being misunderstood—until you’re proven right

• Real innovation is about solving real problems—especially for people you love

• Combining existing technologies in new ways can be just as inventive as brand-new inventions

• Sometimes, innovation means knowing how to frame your idea differently for different people

Inventions Highlighted:

• A stairwell elevator that transforms stairs to allow wheelchair access (stairwellelevator.com)

• A motorized desk for accessibility

• A rotating inflatable bed system using PLCs to improve hospital recovery

• Voice-activated entertainment and computing setups for individuals with limited mobility

Quotable Moment:

“People say think outside the box. I’ve already taken that box apart and used it to build something new.” – Todd Edmunds

In this episode, Jillian Kaplan sits down with Fabio Zaniboni, an innovator and entrepreneur with a rich global background, to discuss his journey in technology and innovation. Fabio shares how his experiences growing up across different continents shaped his approach to problem-solving and adaptability. He dives into the founding of BubblyNet and how IoT and embedded systems are transforming building automation.

He also explores key themes of innovation, including the importance of predicting technology trends, targeting early adopters, and navigating market resistance. Fabio reflects on a pivotal moment in 2017 when his company took a major leap into wireless technology and software, despite initial skepticism. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the real challenges and rewards of being a technology innovator.

Key Takeaways:

• Exposure to different cultures can foster innovation by broadening perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

• Innovation requires both vision and the ability to execute, even when others doubt you.

• The shift from wired to wireless technology in building automation was a critical decision for BubblyNet.

• Identifying early adopters is key to gaining traction in a market resistant to change.

• Success in innovation often comes down to timing, persistence, and continuous learning.

“As an innovator, you need to be able to visualize the trajectories of different technologies and connect the dots that will be there in the future.” – Fabio Zaniboni

• Learn more about BubblyNet: http://www.bubblynet.com

Jillian Kaplan welcomes Jared Carl, an AI and technology expert with over 30 years in the industry, to discuss his unconventional journey into tech. Jared shares how he transitioned from call center troubleshooting to consulting, system administration, and eventually AI innovation. He also talks about the importance of continuous learning and how his background in military history has influenced his approach to problem-solving in AI and business.

The conversation delves into AI’s evolution from an experimental concept to an everyday tool that enhances efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. Jared highlights the critical role of data in AI’s success and offers insights into how AI will continue to shape industries. From AI-powered meeting notes to self-driving cars, he explains how AI is not just an innovation but a force that helps drive other innovations.

Key Takeaways:

• AI’s evolution is deeply tied to advancements in computing power and data accessibility.

• Learning from history can provide valuable insights for innovation in technology.

• AI is most effective when it enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.

• Companies that embrace AI will have a competitive edge over those that resist it.

• The future of AI includes robotics, digital twins, and further automation of decision-making.

“AI won’t take your job, but the person who knows how to use AI will.” – Jared Carl

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan speaks with Mike Malone, Principal Consultant and Co-Owner of Technotects, about his extensive career in systems integration, IoT solutions, and innovation. Mike shares his journey from founding his first company at 16 to becoming a leader in contract R&D, intelligent edge solutions, and mission-critical systems for diverse industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial IoT.

This episode dives deep into the art and science of solving complex problems through thoughtful engineering, effective communication, and a fail-forward mindset.

Key Topics Covered:

 • Mike’s career path from electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University to co-founding Technotects.

 • The evolution of systems integration: From “cobbling things together” to creating innovative, scalable solutions.

 • The importance of starting projects early and involving systems integrators during proof-of-concept stages.

 • Balancing simplicity and innovation: How to avoid overengineering while leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

 • Navigating challenges like managing customer expectations, personalities, and budgets while innovating effectively.

 • Embracing failure as a stepping stone to breakthroughs in technology and processes.

Key Quotes:

 • “Innovation isn’t just about solving the problem—it’s about solving it the right way for the customer.”

 • “Failing forward is the key to making breakthroughs—expecting perfection the first time will stifle progress.”

 • “The most satisfying projects are those where you can tell you’ve truly made a difference in how a customer operates.”

Takeaways for Innovators:

 1. Start Early: Bring in systems integrators during the proof-of-concept phase to explore innovative solutions.

 2. Communicate Effectively: Overcommunication ensures alignment among stakeholders and prevents costly missteps.

 3. Simplify Wisely: Focus on solutions that balance innovation with long-term maintainability.

 4. Fail Forward: Allow room for trial and error to uncover the most effective and scalable solutions.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for innovators, systems integrators, and anyone navigating the complex world of IoT and product development.

You can learn more about Technotects by visiting the following links:
www.technotects.com

https://www.technotects.com/connecting-the-dots-from-code-to-cloud/

https://www.technotects.com/resources/

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan interviews Alistair Fulton, a seasoned innovator with a rich history in IoT, telecommunications, and product development. Alistair shares his journey from non-technical beginnings to leading innovation at major companies like Microsoft, Hitachi, and Semtech. Known for his work in developing Azure IoT and advancing LoRa technology, Alistair offers profound insights into empowering ecosystems, building tools for innovators, and bridging the gap between technology and business outcomes.

Key themes of the episode include the importance of creating tools that empower others to innovate, the role of ecosystems in driving adoption, and the challenges of bringing connected technologies to market. With his unique perspective as a “Sherpa” helping others climb the mountain of innovation, Alistair emphasizes that solving real-world problems requires aligning the profit motive with doing the right thing.

Key Takeaways:

 • Ecosystem Empowerment: True innovation happens when tools are accessible, easy to use, and supported by strong ecosystems.

 • Lessons from IoT Development: While IoT has no shortage of technology, its real challenge lies in creating scalable, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.

 • Sherpa Mentality: Supporting visionaries to reach their goals can have a far greater impact than focusing solely on individual achievements.

 • Aligning Profit with Purpose: When businesses have the data to make smarter decisions, they can maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental harm.

Memorable Quotes:

 • “If you can empower an ecosystem with tools, together you’ll achieve much more than going it alone.”

 • “IOT doesn’t have a technology problem; it has a go-to-market problem.”

 • “Real innovation is about listening, understanding customer pain points, and delivering solutions that create value.”

Featured Projects:

 • The development of Azure IoT, a toolkit that simplified IoT for enterprises.

 • Advancing LoRa Technology, enabling affordable and efficient connectivity for devices worldwide.

 • Blues, a company dedicated to making connectivity effortless for innovators.

This conversation is packed with lessons for anyone interested in innovation, technology ecosystems, or IoT solutions.

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Scott Waller, CTO of Khasm Labs, to explore how his team is bridging the gap between innovative startups and enterprise-scale adoption. Scott shares his journey from corporate roles at Cisco and Microsoft to founding an IoT startup, and now leading a lab that accelerates the market readiness of cutting-edge technologies. He discusses the transformative power of private 5G, edge AI, and the importance of focusing on customer outcomes to drive innovation.

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Christina Patsioura, an IoT and foresight expert from GSMA Intelligence. Christina shares her unique journey from studying mechanical engineering in Greece to working at the forefront of IoT and technology foresight. She provides insights into how foresight and analysis help organizations navigate uncertainty, embrace innovation, and adapt to a rapidly changing market. Listen in for a deep dive into the evolving role of analysts, the challenges of predicting market trends, and practical advice for innovators.

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan interviews J-F Marchand, Director of Marketing at UgoWork, a trailblazing company revolutionizing lithium-ion batteries for forklifts and material handling. J-F shares insights into UgoWork’s journey from its university lab origins to becoming a leader in green technology, IoT-enabled battery optimization, and sustainability. Learn how UgoWork is driving innovation with cutting-edge technology, transforming the industry, and contributing to a circular economy.

In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Heath Marvin, the head of engineering at Very Technology, to explore his extensive career in the IoT (Internet of Things) space. Heath shares his journey from working on semiconductors and touchscreens in the early 2000s to leading product development for companies like SimpliSafe and building cutting-edge IoT solutions for diverse industries. His passion for problem-solving shines through as he discusses the evolution of connected devices, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in IoT, and the intricacies of designing systems that impact everyday lives.

Key Topics Covered:

 • Heath Marvin’s early career in electrical engineering and semiconductor chip design.

 • The rise of IoT and AI in everyday products, from smartphones to home security systems.

 • His experience at SimpliSafe, scaling a small startup into a well-known brand and launching new products like the automated door lock.

 • Transitioning to Very Technology, a professional services firm specializing in IoT and AI solutions.

 • The challenge of building custom IoT solutions for clients with varying needs, from high-volume consumer products to specialized low-volume devices.

 • The importance of creating open ecosystems and managing vendor relationships in IoT development.

 • Staying ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry by learning about new IoT platforms and solutions.

Key Quotes:

 • “I’m passionate about solving problems…I always just was interested in physical things—something that you could touch and make do something.”

 • “IoT and AI are similar in that both started as buzzwords, but eventually became integral parts of modern technology.”

 • “At SimpliSafe, we grew from a 30-person engineering team to 500 people, scaling our technology while solving real problems for consumers.”

 • “In IoT, the closer you get to the hardware, the more custom the solution needs to be. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

In this episode of the “Innovators of Things” podcast, hosted by Jillian Kaplan, we dive into the fascinating journey of Andre Sanchez, the Chief Operating Officer at Rently. Join us as Andre shares his unconventional path from the world of science to becoming a key player in the IoT and proptech industry.

Key Highlights:

 • Andre’s Journey: Andre recounts his transition from a science background to studying finance and ultimately finding his passion in technology. A serendipitous job offer from Rently while touring an apartment played a pivotal role in shaping his career.

 • Rently’s Evolution: Learn how Rently’s technology evolved from basic touring automation for single-family homes to sophisticated smart home solutions for multifamily properties.

 • Customer-Centric Approach: Andre emphasizes the importance of starting with the customer’s problem statement and working backwards to develop technology solutions. He shares insights on how Rently maintains its customer-centric values in product development.

 • Innovative IoT Solutions: Discover how Rently’s intercom product, a 5G cellular connected access point, was developed to address the need for a frictionless self-guided touring experience in multifamily buildings.

 • Leadership and Mentorship: Andre discusses the influence of mentors, including the late Steve Jobs and Silicon Valley legend John Dewar, on his leadership style. He offers advice on the importance of listening, continuous learning, and challenging oneself.

 • Future of Smart Buildings: Andre reflects on the future of smart building technology and how Rently plans to continue innovating in the proptech space.

Don’t forget to subscribe to “Innovators of Things” for more episodes featuring industry leaders and innovators.

Innovating Through Connectivity and AI: A Conversation with Eugenia Jordan

In this episode of 'Innovators of Things,' host Jillian Kaplan speaks with Eugina Jordan about their journey of innovation in technology and marketing. The episode sheds light on how they met, their shared passion for rescuing dogs, and the importance of finding common ground in professional connections. Eugina shares her experiences obtaining patents in connectivity, addressing industry challenges, and how innovative solutions can make a difference in society. The discussion also delves into the convergence of AI and IoT, the ethical considerations of AI usage, and the future impact on industries. 

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of “Innovators of Things,” host Jillian Kaplan chats with Rob Tiffany, a notable figure in IoT innovation. They delve into the roots of innovation, discussing whether it’s an inherent trait or cultivated skill, and explore Rob’s journey from the Navy to leading technological advancements in IoT.

What You’ll Learn:

 • How mentorship and unexpected career turns shaped Rob’s path to becoming an influential innovator in technology.

 • The early days of IoT and how initial concepts in connectivity and problem-solving set the stage for today’s technological landscapes.

 • Rob’s practical approach to innovation—focusing on solving real-world problems simply and effectively, sometimes with technology that’s already at hand.

 • Insights into the agricultural applications of IoT, highlighting how technology can address critical global challenges like food production and resource management.

Key Moments:

 • [00:01:00] Rob discusses his evolution from a military background to pioneering IoT.

 • [00:07:00] The story of how simple solutions in IoT began with vending machines and expanded to broader applications.

 • [00:20:00] Rob shares his experiences applying IoT solutions in agriculture to improve efficiency and sustainability.

 • [00:28:00] A discussion on the societal impacts of technological innovation, especially in labor-intensive industries.

Rob Tiffany emphasizes the importance of making technology accessible and useful, reinforcing the idea that innovation doesn’t always have to be complex; it needs to be impactful. His experiences underscore the potential of IoT not just in business, but in fostering societal benefits and aiding in global challenges like sustainability and food security.

About the Guest:

Rob Tiffany is an acclaimed innovator and thought leader in the IoT space, with a rich background in mobile technology and digital transformation. His career spans various roles, from tech startups to major corporations, all focused on leveraging technology to solve real problems.

Stay in touch with Rob at http://www.robtiffany.com and make sure to check out his IoT Coffee Talk podcast, which supports the "Elevate Our Kids" charity. 

This week, our host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Warren Jackson from Dell Technologies to dive deep into the fascinating world of IoT (Internet of Things) and its transformative impact on industries.

Join us as Warren shares his extensive experience in the IoT space, reflecting on its evolution over the past decade and discussing the nuances between Industrial IoT (IIoT) and consumer IoT. From the early days at GE, coining the term IIoT, to the contemporary applications at Dell, Warren's journey is a testament to the rapid advancements in IoT technology.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- The surprising use cases of IoT, including the concept of a "smart bathroom" and why it hasn't seen widespread adoption yet.
- The innovative applications of IoT in fast food restaurants, from monitoring fryer oil levels to managing refrigeration units.
- How AI and IoT converge to create smarter, safer cities, with real-world examples like predictive maintenance in fast-service restaurants and video analytics for security in smart cities.
- Warren's insights on the future of IoT and AI, including how AI can enhance IoT use cases in various industries.

Tune in to explore the cutting-edge IoT innovations that are shaping our world and get inspired by Warren Jackson's expert insights. Whether you're an IoT enthusiast or just curious about the future of technology, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging conversations.

Join us as Adrian Valenzuela, IoT expert and Senior IoT Specialist at Software AG, takes us through the transformation of IoT from its early conception to its current state. He shares valuable lessons on innovation, practical IoT use cases, and adapting to technology's rapid evolution.

Key highlights from the episode:

• Embracing imperfection in innovation: “I take more of a “Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good” kind of approach,” Valenzuela says. “I view speed and iterating on ideas to be a much more valuable exercise than trying to nail perfection."
• Shifting focus from terms to use cases: Valenzuela talks about the variety of terms and acronyms in the IoT space, and why in the end, it’s the actual application that matters. “In the early 2000s when I was doing IoT in academia, that term hadn't really become solidified in the lexicon overall. Now the term IoT is being replaced by specific use cases solving real problems, like smart lights and connected appliances in homes."
• Adapting to rapid changes in technology: Things go incredibly fast and innovation happens insanely quickly,” he says. He shares insights on how to adapt along with it.
• On the practical application of IoT technology: “Today’s hardware costs are so low and there’s more ease of implementation. Now the challenge is really figuring out what is the value of this? How can we level up the use cases?"

This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the tech trends shaping IoT and how to navigate the field's future challenges and opportunities.

Tune in and subscribe to our podcast for future interviews with leading experts. And, if you found this episode enlightening, please leave a review to help us grow the podcast community.

Host: Jillian Kaplan, Dell Technologies IoT leader, seasoned expert in technology and innovation 

Guest: Dennis McCain, IoT Lead at AT&T, author of "Implementing Cellular IoT Solutions for Digital Transformation"

Episode summary:

Jillian Kaplan talks with Dennis McCain about the transformative power of IoT, debunking the myth that innovation needs to be a monumental leap instead of a series of incremental improvements. They explore how foundational technologies like 3G set the stage for current IoT capabilities and what the future holds for this exciting field.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Incremental innovation: McCain discusses how major advancements often begin as small, incremental steps, using the development of 3G technology as a pivotal example.
• Business transformation with IoT: IoT is more than connectivity – it increases efficiency, and enables new capabilities like predictive analytics and automated decision-making.
• Practical advice for IoT practitioners: McCain provides actionable advice on staying flexible and adapting to the rapid pace of technology change.
• What’s coming next: McCain speaks to the future of IoT, including the potential impacts of 5G and other emerging technologies. 

Episode resources:

• Dennis McCain’s book: Implementing Cellular IoT Solutions for Digital Transformation 
• More about host Jillian Kaplan and the Innovators of Things series

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