In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan interviews Joel Sotomayor, CTO and Founder of agDirigo with over 20 years of experience in software development. Joel recounts his journey from a part-time job at St. Joe's Hospital, where he automated an operating room scheduling system, to his current work in IoT with AgDirigo. He shares his passion for relational databases, data security, and building ruggedized hardware for tracking animal transportation. Key topics include the importance of resource constraints in driving innovation, the role of data provenance in AI, and his ongoing projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety in agricultural and medical fields.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Joel's Early Career in Software Development
01:27 Innovations in Hospital Scheduling
04:31 Importance of Data in Policy Making
06:24 Joel's Passion for Technology and Mentorship
09:44 Challenges and Innovations in Hardware Development
16:18 Current Projects and Future Goals
23:03 Acknowledgements and Conclusion
Learn more about the innovative work that Joel is doing with the team at http://www.agdirigo.com
Innovating Across Borders: Lawrence Etta's Global Technology Leadership Journey
In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Lawrence Eta, an experienced technology leader with an extensive background in driving innovation across multiple countries. Lawrence shares his journey from Nigeria to the UK, Canada, the US, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of data-driven policies and effective governance in fostering technological advancements. He discusses his significant projects, including transitioning Toronto's workforce to remote operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing solutions for homelessness using AI, and advising on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. Lawrence also offers insights into his methodologies for mobilizing large teams and ensuring successful project implementations. Finally, he highlights his book 'Bridging Worlds: Technology Leadership in the Public Sector,' designed to guide future technology leaders.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:16 Lawrence Eta's Early Life and Education
00:43 Career Beginnings in Technology
01:21 Dotcom Era and Network Engineering
02:07 Telecommunications and Television Innovations
02:52 Industrial IoT and Deputy CIO Role
03:45 Chief Technology Officer During COVID-19
04:40 Move to the Middle East and Vision 2030
06:21 Global Perspective on Innovation
07:26 Data Sharing and Government Policies
10:01 AI and Homelessness Project
16:30 Frameworks for Innovation and Leadership
22:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Learn more about Lawrence and his book at https://lawrenceeta.com/
In this inspiring episode, Jillian Kaplan speaks with Michel Langlois, a trailblazer whose journey began on a chicken farm in rural Quebec and led to shaping some of the world’s most influential telecom companies. Michel shares his insights from building and scaling Cisco during its explosive growth, transforming Juniper from the inside out, and rethinking innovation not as invention, but integration.
We discuss:
Plus, Michel shares how chickens, fiber broadband, and kitchen management all tie into successful innovation at scale.
Visit https://michellanglois.us/ to get his book, Beyond The Code.
In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with one of the most influential figures in wireless and edge innovation, Caroline Chan. A lifelong engineer and problem solver, Caroline shares how her passion for math, curiosity about the world, and relentless focus on progress helped her pioneer virtualization in wireless networks and lay the groundwork for today’s edge compute and AI revolution.
From her roots in mainland China as the daughter of a trailblazing engineering professor, to her scrappy early days at Intel working with leftover budget, Caroline’s journey is a blueprint for innovation that doesn’t start with a moonshot—it starts with a question: What if we just tried this?
💡 Key Takeaways:
In this highly engaging episode, Jillian Kaplan talks with Justin Schneck, co-founder of Peridio, whose path to embedded systems engineering started not in a lab—but behind a drum kit in Hollywood. Justin shares his journey from musician and recording engineer to embedded Linux expert and open-source innovator.
The episode dives deep into Justin’s early work building a remote-start motorcycle (complete with a blinky light jacket), his passion for building developer-friendly tools, and how he’s helping modernize embedded Linux with Avocado OS—a new platform designed to simplify and secure the next generation of edge and AI-powered devices.
Key Takeaways:
Quotable Moment:
“Security shouldn’t be an afterthought—it just needs someone to make it beautiful.” – Justin Schneck
Resources & Links:
In this episode, Jillian Kaplan speaks with long-time tech leader and marketer Sandro Tavares about his journey from disassembling toys to leading teams that drive telecom innovation. Sandro shares how his engineering roots, passion for learning, and love for storytelling shaped a career that blends technology and creativity—and how he helps others unlock their own innovative thinking.
The conversation dives into how to build high-performing teams that challenge the status quo, the need for situational leadership, and the growing impact of Agentic AI—a new class of intelligent systems that act autonomously. Sandro also raises critical points about the future of AI literacy in education and what it means for the next generation of workers.
Key Takeaways:
Quotable Moment:
“If you’re not curious anymore, you’re basically getting to the end of your life.” – Sandro Tavares
In this energetic and insightful episode of Innovators of Things, Jillian Kaplan welcomes Kevin Shatzkamer, a leader with one of the most dynamic careers in telecom, cloud, and AI. From early days at Cisco to innovation leadership roles at Dell, Google, and now Microsoft, Kevin has been at the forefront of digital transformation—and has the patents and playbooks to prove it.
He shares what it really takes to lead with innovation, how to create teams that thrive on curiosity, and why AI is accelerating faster than any technology telecom has ever seen. Kevin also drops a fan-favorite story about one of his most personal patents: the “Internet of Flags,” a concept born from a surprisingly relatable insecurity (and yes, it involves rabbits and Christmas cards too).
Key Takeaways:
• AI is now the fastest-adopted technology in telecom—and companies need to keep pace or risk falling behind.
• True innovators aren’t afraid to fail fast, learn faster, and let curiosity lead the way.
• You don’t need to be an AI researcher to innovate—you need to be a thought partner and practitioner.
• Great leaders foster innovation by creating psychological safety and space for experimentation.
• Some of the best ideas don’t start at work—they start with a real human problem and a drive to solve it.
Episode Highlights:
• Kevin’s path from telecom engineer to AI leader
• The evolution of innovation—from hardware to experience design
• Why job titles like “innovator” miss the point—and what to look for instead
• What makes someone truly coachable, collaborative, and idea-driven
• Why vulnerability and humility are underrated leadership superpowers
• The story of the “Internet of Flags” and Kevin’s vision for ambient innovation
Quotable Moment:
“It’s not about what I’ve done. It’s about what I haven’t done yet—and who I can learn from next.” – Kevin Shatzkamer
🌐 Resources & Links:
• Follow Kevin Shatzkamer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshatzka/
• Learn more about Microsoft AI: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai
• Catch more Innovators of Things episodes: innovatorsofthings.com
What happens when a kid who fixes broken toys and VCRs grows up to build AI-powered safety systems in factories? You get Matthew Keever, an IoT engineer whose innovation journey started young—and hasn’t slowed down since.
In this episode of Innovators of Things, Jillian Kaplan talks with Matthew about his path into the world of IoT, the role of curiosity, failure, and resilience in engineering, and how AI is reshaping industrial operations in real time. From predictive maintenance to camera-based human safety detection, Matthew gives us a look at how technology is not only solving real-world problems but also saving lives.
Key Takeaways:
• Early exposure to experimentation—and failure—can be the foundation for lifelong innovation.
• AI is no longer just a backend system—it’s embedded at the edge, making real-time decisions in factories and critical environments.
• Machine learning and AI aren’t just buzzwords—they’re evolving tools that drive safety, efficiency, and predictive capabilities.
• The convergence of AI and IoT is helping prevent workplace accidents, predict equipment failures, and reduce waste.
• Even toothbrushes are getting “smart”—but industrial AI innovation is what’s quietly transforming the world.
Episode Highlights:
• How homeschooling taught him to focus on outcomes, not just process
• Using AI-powered vision systems for workplace safety and predictive maintenance
• How AI is becoming a vital part of industrial IoT, not just a trend
• The difference between traditional AI, machine learning, and generative AI
• The power and risk of a future filled with AI—from smart factories to smart cities
💬 Quotable Moment:
“You can fail once, fail twice, fail three times—you just have to succeed in the end.” – Matthew Keever
In this episode, Jillian Kaplan chats with Drew Allen, the CEO of Grace Technologies—and a direct descendant of Samuel Morse—to unpack what innovation means across generations. Drew shares how his family’s legacy of invention and creativity led him to blend hardware, software, and IoT into one of the most forward-thinking companies in industrial automation today.
Drew walks us through his journey, from learning Mandarin and negotiating contracts in China as a teenager, to scaling a digital-first IIoT platform and pushing the boundaries of smart manufacturing. With transparency and energy, he reflects on the painful lessons of transitioning from analog to digital, the rise of robotics, and what the future holds for U.S. factories in an era of dark manufacturing and edge intelligence.
Key Takeaways:
• Innovation is both inherited and developed—and often powered by creativity.
• Moving from mechanical systems to full-stack digital IoT requires new skill sets, team structures, and lots of patience.
• Failure isn’t personal—it’s part of the process, and success comes from learning, not avoiding mistakes.
• U.S. manufacturers must rethink their operations, talent, and timelines to compete with global automation trends.
• The factory of the future is modular, AI-powered, and human-augmented—not human-dependent.
Highlights from the Conversation:
• The pressure of carrying a family legacy of patents (and how many Drew has pending!)
• Transitioning a company from analog connectors to cloud-connected IIoT
• Real-world insights on building and scaling industrial IoT platforms
• Why dark factories in China signal what’s ahead for American manufacturing
• The value of stoic philosophy and Churchill’s resilience in navigating modern entrepreneurship
Quotable Moment:
“You’re not a failure just because you failed—you’re only a failure if you don’t learn from it.” – Drew Allen
Learn more about Grace Technologies: https://www.graceport.com
In this inspiring episode, Jillian Kaplan speaks with Marjorie Abdelkrime, a seasoned technology leader who has built her career by challenging norms, empowering others, and innovating from the inside out. From her early days learning code on a Commodore 64 to leading customer success at VMware, Marjorie shares the deeply personal and professional moments that shaped her as an innovator.
Marjorie opens up about the mentors and sponsors who helped her see her own potential, how she learned to “ask for forgiveness, not permission,” and why she never sees setbacks as failures—only lessons. If you’re a technologist, a people leader, or someone navigating a career in innovation, this episode is full of practical wisdom and honest reflection.
Key Takeaways:
• Innovation thrives in curiosity—and sometimes in getting in trouble for “talking too much” in class.
• Mentorship and sponsorship are career accelerators, especially when they show you potential you haven’t seen in yourself.
• Leading innovation is easier with air cover and support—culture matters.
• The best way to co-innovate with customers is to understand their end users’ needs and build from the outcome up.
• “Failure” isn’t failure—unless you refuse to learn from it.
Episode Highlights:
• Moving from coding to infrastructure to customer success leadership
• Creating one of the first SharePoint-based knowledge management systems in her company
• How VMware’s infrastructure powers technologies we all use (like Coca-Cola Freestyle machines!)
• Designing customer innovation workshops to align technology investments with business impact
• Why being supported doesn’t mean you’re not growing—it means you’re thriving
Quotable Moment:
“The moment you view something as a failure, you stop learning. But if you see it as a lesson, you’ll grow every time.” – Marjorie Abdelkrime
In this episode, Jillian Kaplan sits down with Dr. Charles Greene, a true pioneer in wireless power transfer and the driving force behind innovation at Powercast Corporation. With more than 100 patents to his name, Dr. Greene shares how he transformed RFID research into a groundbreaking solution for battery-free, long-range wireless power.
You’ll hear how his team turned academic theory into practical technology that now powers smart buildings, data centers, and even cities—without the need for wires or batteries. He also shares insights into how wireless power is helping Japan pursue its ambitious net-zero goals, the rise of edge computing, and why partnerships are key to scaling innovation.
Key Takeaways:
• Powercast’s RF wireless technology allows for battery-free sensor deployment across industries—from smart homes to aerospace.
• As edge computing increases, so does the need for low-power, long-lasting solutions—wireless power plays a critical role.
• AI and IoT growth are driving demand for smarter power strategies, including predictive maintenance and real-time analytics.
• A “three-legged stool” approach to wireless power—combining RF, inductive, and magnetic resonance—is key to flexibility and scalability.
• Innovation is most successful when it’s both technically brilliant and market-ready.
Applications Highlighted:
• Data center temperature monitoring and fan diagnostics
• Commercial building automation for lighting and HVAC
• Battery-free motion and light sensors to reduce maintenance
• Consumer electronics recharging (e.g., remotes, game controllers)
• Partnerships with Japan to help reach net-zero emissions by 2050
Quotable Moment:
“Innovation is great—but if it’s not scalable and adoptable, it’s just an academic solution.” – Dr. Charles Greene
Resources & Links:
• Learn more: https://www.powercastco.com
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/
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.”