In this episode of Techlandia, Edith Dorsen shares her journey from management consulting and Wall Street to founding the Women's Venture Capital Fund. Prompted by the stark statistic that only 3% of venture capital was directed towards companies with women in senior leadership, Edith and her classmates sought to change that. The fund focuses on backing companies with gender-diverse teams at the Series A stage, demonstrating revenue traction. Through strategic investments and a focus on capital efficiency, the fund aims to overcome skepticism and show the value of diverse leadership in driving market returns.

Jared Emmerd shares his insightful journey from childhood days spent on construction sites to leading Oregon Tech's construction management program. With deep family roots in contracting and construction, Jared highlights the importance of combining practical experience with education. He emphasizes the value of investing in people, not just skills, and how Oregon Tech's hands-on approach prepares students for real-world industry challenges. The program is designed to blend classroom learning with field experience, ensuring students leave not just with knowledge, but with the passion and inquisitiveness needed for lifelong success in construction.

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry interviews Eric Hulbert from Opus Interactive. They delve into the journey of Opus from its inception in 1999 to becoming a separate entity specializing in high-performance, secure data solutions. The discussion highlights the increasing demand for tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with hyperscalers like Amazon and Google. Eric emphasizes the significance of new AI technologies driving the expansion needs for data centers and explains how sustainability is at the core of their operations, particularly in Oregon's fast-growing data center market, known for its low-cost and clean energy sources.

In this episode of Techlandia, John Jackson, founder of BYTAGIG, shares his professional journey from humble beginnings in technology interest to becoming a successful managed service provider. Jackson discusses the importance of moving businesses' IT infrastructure to the cloud for efficiency and reliability. He emphasizes the role of cybersecurity, particularly against the backdrop of increasing remote work, and debunks common myths about browser security. Throughout the discussion, Jackson provides valuable insights into how businesses can leverage MSPs and cybersecurity to protect important data and ensure seamless operations.

In this episode of Techlandia , host Skip Newberry sits down with Mike Biglan, founder of DevSwarm, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development. Dev Swarm?s platform integrates AI?s computational power with human creativity, enabling teams to build high-quality software more efficiently. Biglan discusses key challenges highlighted in the MIT AI study and advocates for a ?coder-in-the-loop? model?one that keeps developers in control while amplifying their productivity through AI. From the tension between code as art and code as output, Biglan envisions DevSwarm as a bridge between creativity and functionality in the evolving world of software engineering.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Anne Adler, head of Oregon Business Academy (OBA), about the transformative impact of their Business Week program on students' lives. The program caters to diverse student demographics from Oregon and beyond, offering leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management experiences. Supported by corporate sponsors and foundations, OBA provides scholarships for underrepresented students, preparing them for future business careers. Through immersive, real-world simulations, students hone essential skills like adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, gaining confidence and expanding career possibilities. The initiative not only benefits students but also fosters long-term prosperity for the state.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry welcomes Jay from Vedex to discuss the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) in education and corporate settings. Vedex has pioneered the use of VR to enhance language learning and build confidence among international students. Beyond education, VR applications extend to safety simulations and executive training, proving effective in diverse fields like healthcare and corporate boardrooms. The integration of AI further amplifies VR's potential, making it an essential tool for addressing real-world challenges. As VR hardware evolves, its utility is moving from a luxury to a necessity across industries.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry converses with Nate Szytel of Next Reason. Nate shares his intriguing journey from a musician and bartender to leading a tech company. Driven by curiosity and a non-traditional career path, Nate emphasizes the importance of adaptability in technology. He talks about the evolution of Next Reason, a company focusing on customer identity solutions, and how it thrives in complex, regulated environments by offering personalized services. The discussion further delves into cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with user-friendly technologies such as passwordless authentication.

Scott Philiben outlines CIES INC trajectory from solving the complexities of fuel measurement in small aircraft to branching into space and urban air mobility applications. The company's focus on software-driven mechanical components has established a niche in the aviation market. Scott shares insights into the importance of controlling growth while pursuing exciting new opportunities like AI-driven solutions for aircraft stability. Despite Bend's challenges, such as limited industrial space, the local tech community provides valuable collaboration opportunities and talent.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry talks with Andy Harris, founder of Northwest Corporate Law, about his journey from being a paralegal to running his own law firm. With 25 years of experience, Andy shares insights on the importance of proper legal guidance for startups and entrepreneurs. He highlights the common mistakes early-stage companies make and emphasizes the need for thorough legal planning beyond just setting up an entity. Andy also discusses how his experience in securities litigation informs his current practice and aids in advising business clients effectively.

In this episode, Corey Nelson, an IT Manager at Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon, discusses his career trajectory and the pivotal role technology plays in managing 911 call centers. Starting from his early fascination with computers and his hands-on experience with tech from a young age, Corey now manages a tech stack crucial for emergency response. He explains the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advancements, from the introduction of cell phones to the importance of accurate GPS data in emergency calls. Corey's insights shed light on the critical intersection of technology and public safety.

The podcast features Dr. Brandon Barnett, who explores how AI is fundamentally reshaping industries. With roots in Moore?s Law and business innovation at Intel, Dr. Barnett now aids businesses in crafting strategies through Tri Gate Coaching. He introduces a structured, discipline-bound strategic framework that guides companies in understanding their complex market systems and deciding their roles within these dynamics. By fully leveraging AI, businesses can optimize efficiencies, develop cutting-edge business models, and anticipate market transformation. Dr. Barnett's insights highlight the crucial integration of AI with strategic planning to effectively navigate upcoming industry shifts.

Marty Kagan, a tech entrepreneur with a penchant for large-scale solutions, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing vast volumes of data in today's world. His company, Hydrolix, offers businesses a way to handle big data without succumbing to high costs. Focusing on changing economics and enabling enterprises to retain and use all their data efficiently, Hydrolix positions itself as a critical player as AI reshapes business needs. Through a strategy combining patience, low-cost scaling, and global talent recruitment, Hydrolix meets the ever-growing demands for data management and analysis at substantial scales.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry interviews Nick Reese, founder of Triantha, a company focused on emerging technology education and consulting. Nick shares his journey from policymaker at the Department of Homeland Security to starting his own firm. He emphasizes the importance of workforce upskilling and the necessity of aligning technology with organizational vision. Nick highlights the significance of governance structures in successful AI adoption and argues that the drive should come from empowering frontline workers rather than top-down pressure. He also muses on the intriguing connection between his passion for gardening and his approach to tech innovation.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry and Karla Campos take us on a captivating journey through the world of technology and events. Karla, a tech entrepreneur, shares her transition from the medical field to founding Social Media SaaS. She discusses building connections and creating memorable experiences through tech events. With projects ranging from film festivals to coding events, Karla emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse communities. The conversation also delves into the intriguing concept of 'Attention as Currency', exploring how social media's influence is reshaping priorities. A must-listen for anyone interested in tech innovation and community engagement.

Join Skip Newberry as he chats with John Vincenzo from Exterro, exploring the company's mission to manage data risk through an advanced SaaS platform. John highlights Exterro's role in the tech industry, focusing on e-discovery, data privacy, and security. He also discusses the impact of generative AI and the future possibility of agentic AI, emphasizing their role as efficiency tools in the tech and compliance spaces. This episode uncovers how Exterro's is anchoring its vision in addressing contemporary data challenges while navigating the evolving demands of AI technology.

The Techlandia podcast features Smita Menon discussing the critical work being done at Thorn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shielding children from online abuse and exploitation. She elaborates on her journey through product management roles, revealing how her skills are pertinent to developing tech solutions at Thorn. The episode underscores Thorn's use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to detect and prevent child sexual harm. With insights for parents and guardians, Menon outlines valuable resources Thorn offers to help families safely navigate the digital landscape.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Curtis Shirey from Aspasia Wealth Management joins Skip Newberry to discuss the innovative approaches Aspasia takes in the financial industry. Curtis emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic financial issues and how Aspasia?s unique hourly billing model makes their services accessible to a broader audience. This strategy allows clients to focus on the behaviors critical for financial health, supported by technology-driven solutions. Curtis highlights the need for financial literacy across generations and explains how his firm guides clients through effective cash flow management to mitigate common financial pitfalls.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Eli and Kyle, founders of ResetOS, about their personal journeys through chaos and how they transformed adversity into an opportunity for helping others. The duo discusses their method of solo retreats, meant for individuals seeking clarity in their lives. By sharing their experiences of dealing with life-changing events, such as wildfires and business failures, they reveal the importance of structured solitude for self-discovery and personal growth. Covering themes of resilience, purpose, and personal reflection, this conversation offers insights for anyone navigating significant life transitions.

In this Episode, Oregon's Institute of Technology, Dr. Neslihan Alp, plays a pivotal role in developing tech talent for various industries through a hands-on learning approach. The University is focused on applied technologies, offering unique programs such as renewable energy and applied computing. Oregon Tech's partnership with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission has resulted in significant funding aimed at workforce development, particularly in upskilling individuals in applied computing. The initiative includes project-based learning with involvement from industry partners, such as TAO and CodePDX, poised to elevate Oregon's tech workforce by equipping professionals with the necessary skills.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry hosts Tom Weller to discuss groundbreaking developments in the semiconductor industry spearheaded by Oregon State University. OSU's key projects, such as the Corvallis Microfluidics Tech Hub and the FAST engine, stand out as innovative solutions that combine research and industry needs. A strong focus is placed on AI applications and workforce education to meet the projected growth in semiconductor demand. This collaboration among universities, tech companies, and government agencies aims to fortify Oregon's position as a hub of technology expertise and economic development.

Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director, US and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact, discusses the expanding role of design and sustainability in the modern corporate landscape. Focusing on iF Design?s commitment to fostering positive impact, she introduces the iF Design Academy?an initiative aimed at formalizing executive education in design leadership, sustainability, and business fundamentals. Gralnek emphasizes the importance of equipping designers to speak the language of business, ensuring their voices are central in strategic global conversations. The organization supports global research and education, as exemplified by initiatives like their trend report. This episode highlights the design community?s shift toward holistic, sustainable methodologies that address global challenges and catalyze meaningful change.

Discover the visionary efforts of Danny Kim, founder of Lit Motors, as he shares his unconventional route from being a Reed College dropout to driving deep tech innovation in this episode of Techlandia. Inspired by personal experiences and the need for more efficient transportation, Kim developed a gyroscope-stabilized vehicle aimed at minimizing traffic and environmental impact. The episode reveals insights into the complexities of automotive design, the importance of sustainability in engineering, and how Kim's network of influential mentors propelled his journey. Lit Motors' mission-driven strategy highlights the potential of tech solutions to transform everyday life profoundly.

Techlandia's podcast episode featuring Justin Rupple, Founder and CEO of Elevated Tax Strategies, sheds light on the complexities and opportunities within tax planning for businesses. Justin outlines how proactive tax strategies can significantly benefit business owners, contrasting the typical backward-looking approach with a dynamic, strategic one. Highlighting tax strategy as a game of chess, Justin explains how understanding and utilizing the tax code can drive business success. This episode also showcases Justin's unique career path, which spans from teaching to pioneering innovative tax strategies, helping businesses nationwide effectively harness tax credits and incentives for growth and development.

In this podcast episode, Zeke Camusio, a serial entrepreneur and the mastermind behind Data Speaks, discusses the pivotal role AI and machine learning play in modern marketing. As he recounts his professional journey, Zeke highlights how AI augments human capabilities rather than replacing them, emphasizing a 'human in the loop' approach. Data Speaks empowers marketing teams by providing attribution data, allowing them to make informed decisions on their advertising strategies. The discussion touches on the challenges marketing teams face in the generative AI era. It explores how AI can automate mundane tasks, enabling humans to focus on strategic and creative work.

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry speaks with Shaylor Murray of Ability Software to explore the critical issue of web accessibility. They discuss how Ability Software evolved from a traditional digital agency into a leader in accessibility solutions, driven by increasing legal requirements and market demand. The conversation illuminates the complexities businesses face in achieving digital compliance, particularly for small enterprises, and highlights the importance of integrating accessibility measures from the start. Murray explains how their tool, Max Access, provides a cost-effective way for organizations to mitigate litigation risks through AI and automation.

In this Techlandia episode, Skip Newberry hosts Delfina Chain from Chaindots. Delfina shares her unique journey from studying law in Argentina to becoming influential in technology and risk management on a global scale. She discusses the evolving challenges that financial institutions face, including the pressures of regulatory compliance and the rapid advancement of technology. Delfina emphasizes the importance of building trustworthy and secure business relationships through improved due diligence practices. Chaindots aims to revolutionize this space by creating platforms for authentic communication between companies and enhancing risk management strategies in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

This Techlandia episode features Andre Petett from Fundamental Fitness Labs exploring health challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry. While the conversation covers broad wellness topics, it highlights the practical steps individuals can take for healthier living. Andre discusses the importance of habit formation, acknowledging the unique stressors tech workers encounter. Essential strategies for improving health include diet simplification, hydration awareness, and maintaining physical robustness. This episode offers practical advice, aiming to demystify wellness and empower listeners to lead healthier lifestyles.

Juan Barraza discusses his journey as a Latino entrepreneur in Oregon's tech ecosystem. Juan, the recent recipient of the Tech Champion Award at last year's Oregon Tech Awards, provides valuable insight into the mission of Latino Founders and the group's impact on the region's innovation ecosystem. Barraza emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity and the opportunities available around Oregon. The conversation covers the different sectors where Latino entrepreneurs thrive and the importance of offering programs to help companies at various stages of their business lifecycles. Latino Founders' impact is evident in their efforts to build a tech ecosystem that is friendly, accommodating, and profitable for all.

In the latest episode of Techlandia, host Skip Newberry discusses the nuances of technology contracts with Martin Medeiros, an expert in legal matters and negotiation. Medeiros shares his journey from being a high school coding enthusiast to a legal professional negotiating tech contract, advocating for the importance of negotiating all things in contracts.

Martin Medeiros explores critical issues in the tech industry, particularly around procurement contracts. A big concern he addresses is the need for objective criteria in installment contracts to mitigate ambiguities. Medeiros also emphasizes the importance of having open-ended questions at hand during negotiations.

In this episode, SEO consultant Michael Cottam discusses significant shifts in search behaviors beyond Google. He remarks that many Gen Z users start their searches on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, presenting an untapped market often overlooked in favor of traditional search engines. He highlights this shift as an opportunity for brand exposure, regardless of the user experience these platforms initially provide.

In the latest episode of the Techlandia podcast, Steve Corbato from Link Oregon and Christy Long, MBA from the University of Oregon, discuss Link Oregon's role in shaping and enhancing Oregon's vibrant tech landscape.

Steve begins by recounting his fascinating professional journey, which started in physical sciences and evolved into a position of significant influence within Link Oregon. He emphasizes the organization's innovative collaboration between state government and higher education institutions, highlighting the remarkable growth and advancements they have stimulated in various research domains.

Christy Long, MBA, the Associate Chief Information Officer for Technology Infrastructure at the University of Oregon, elaborates on her dedication to harnessing technology to fulfill the missions of different educational institutions.

Her impressive background includes spearheading cloud computing strategies at Penn State and acting as the Chief Information Officer at the University of Washington Bothell. Christy reveals how the challenges posed by the pandemic prompted her to redesign strategies related to research computing and artificial intelligence, aiming to make them more effective and responsive.

Link Oregon is indispensable in bolstering the state's competitiveness and enriching its innovation ecosystem. The organization provides the physical infrastructure required for large-scale, collaborative research endeavors. Steve also spoke about related statewide efforts, such as the establishment of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE), which was created to drive awareness, education, and training about cybersecurity and cybersecurity-related issues for public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Link Oregon emphasizes the importance of fostering partnerships within the state through its collaborative framework, ensuring that local innovation thrives.

In the latest episode of the Techlandia Podcast series, guest Myllisa Patterson of Cvent discusses her career path and evolution in the event planning industry. From her early roles in B2B demand marketing to her current position at Cvent, she details how she has leveraged technology to facilitate connections and productivity. She also shares her projections for the future, highlighting the increasing importance of AI, sustainability, accessibility, and budget considerations in developing and delivering successful events.

In addition to discussing AI's potential in climate tech, David Kirshbaum also highlights its double-edged sword. On one hand, it harnesses tremendous computational power to address climate issues. On the other hand, this power creates a massive increase in energy consumption, which in turn negatively impacts climate. Balancing this remains a key challenge in utilizing AI for climate solutions.

In this episode, Skip Newberry speaks with Alistair Frimin, CEO of HPDLAB.org, about his extensive leadership and talent development career. They discuss Alistair's journey across various global companies and the creation of HPDLAB.org, a human performance agency focused on empowering organizations. Alistair explains their unique assessment process, which begins with casual conversations to gauge the organizational commitment to change, and shares insights on measuring impact through turnover and human capital metrics.

In this Techlandia episode, Skip Newberry interviews Olivia Diett, CEO and founder of Empathix, a New Zealand-based startup aiming at North American expansion. Olivia shares her journey from a tech-savvy childhood to her current role, focusing on innovative recruitment solutions. Empathix offers a human-centric CV sifter, saving companies up to 90% in time and costs. Olivia discusses the challenges of high-volume hiring, the rise of AI in recruitment, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connection in technology-driven processes.

EmpathiHR focuses on providing employers with tools to mitigate workplace risks. Co-founders Chris Jeans and Randy Barker discuss their combined expertise in HR and technology, leading to creating a SaaS platform that proactively identifies and addresses workplace issues. Their services include comprehensive policies, training, quarterly questionnaires, and a hotline for complaints. They stress the importance of preemptive measures, especially with the evolving legal landscape that increasingly favors employees. EmpathiHR's approach ensures that companies can demonstrate due diligence in preventing and resolving workplace misconduct, thus safeguarding against potential legal repercussions.

Courtney Lee of AWS joins the Techlandia podcast to highlight the differences between Amazon and Amazon Web Services, AWS's substantial investments in Oregon, and their commitment to renewable energy. She explains AWS's role in cloud computing and how it supports major clients like Netflix and Disney. Courtney also elaborates on AWS's local impact, including job creation and community projects in Eastern Oregon and their ambitious renewable energy goals. The discussion underscores the complexities of energy management and AWS's innovative approaches to ensuring sustainable operations.

In this episode, Jameson Watts explains how Willamette University's School of Computer and Data Science has become a beacon for innovative education. By creating a curriculum that introduces students to practical data science from day one, Watts has successfully maintained high retention rates among diverse demographics. The conversation with Skip Newberry explores the strategic initiatives behind the school's growth, the career trajectories of its graduates, and the exciting future of its programs. Whether it's through the robust undergraduate courses or the flexible graduate programs for professionals, Willamette is setting a new standard in tech education.

In this episode of the Teclandia podcast, Diane Friaman of Voyager Capital shares her extensive background in tech and how it led her to a career in venture capital. Starting as a biomedical engineer, she transitioned to tech sales and held various marketing and business development posts at companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation and Informix. Now at Voyager, she focuses on local talent in Portland and disruptive technologies like AI and AgTech. Diane discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current funding environment, providing valuable insights for early-stage startups in the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip New Berry, President and CEO of TAO, interviews Will Their, CEO of Fundpilot, a product focused on solving the problems between real estate entrepreneurs, investment managers, and investors. They discuss Fundpilot's origin story, its evolution within Verivest, and the challenges of creating a new company from an existing business. Will shares insights into the real estate investment market, including the impact of the Jobs Act, challenges with commercial real estate loans, and the importance of deepening capital relationships. He also explains Fundpilot's value offering and how it de-risks the acquisition process and facilitates investor relations. Will discusses the competition in the market and how Fundpilot aims to become the single operating system for real estate investment managers. He shares plans for integrating AI technologies, implementing self-serve features, and the company's seed stage round and future growth in the Portland area.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, John Stephens and Hank Hathaway from Convergence Networks join the discussion to shed light on their company's footprint in Oregon and the range of IT services and cybersecurity offerings they provide. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity, especially for SMBs, and offer insights into the current threats and challenges businesses face in the ever-evolving technological landscape. The experts highlight the need for multifactor authentication, employee training, and proactive vulnerability management. They also emphasize the significance of compliance and the NIST cybersecurity framework in guiding organizations to implement adequate security measures. With the rising risks of phishing, smishing, and social engineering, John and Hank emphasize the importance of ongoing education and defense in depth. They urge businesses to partner with trusted cybersecurity providers like Convergence Networks to stay informed, implement best practices, and ensure their organizations' long-term security and resilience.

In this podcast episode, Skip Newberry, the president and CEO of Tao, sits down with Jim Hayden and Marcus Kent from Board Developer to discuss the latest trends in board selection and management. Board developer specializes in advisory boards, focusing on non-fiduciary boards in both for-profit and nonprofit spaces. Jim and Marcus share their professional journeys and how they ended up at Board Developer, a company that solves the problem of dysfunctional boards. They discuss the importance of finding the right board members who can effectively move the organization forward and how advisory boards can supercharge companies by filling gaps in the executive team and inspiring new ideas. They emphasize the role of the CEO in running the business and not the board, allowing for focused and strategic decision-making. The podcast also highlights the announcement of Marcus taking over as CEO, marking an evolutionary step for Board Developer's growth and expansion.

This podcast episode delves into the challenges of maintaining election integrity amidst the proliferation of new technologies and the impact of misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Ben Morris, Chief of Staff for the Oregon Secretary of State's Office, and Greg Miller, COO of the OSet Institute, discuss the importance of transparency and effective communication in countering false narratives. They highlight the need to pre-bunk misinformation and debunk false claims to prevent their spread. The conversation also explores the potential of AI and conversational AI as tools to engage voters and provide accurate information. The guests stress the significance of public trust in the electoral process and the role of innovative technology solutions in building that trust. The podcast concludes with an emphasis on the collaborative efforts between election officials, researchers, and policymakers to safeguard elections and democracy.

John Higgins, an experienced executive in the technology industry, is the guest on this episode of the Techlandia podcast. The conversation covers a range of topics related to technology, sports, and digital media. Higgins shares his insights on navigating the tech industry and the importance of adaptability and resilience for professionals in the field. He also discusses his decision to leave established companies like Roku and launch his own startup, Tech Pitch Strategies, which supports sports and technology startups. Higgins provides practical advice for startups to thrive in today's volatile market, including focusing on niche markets, leveraging data analysis, and maintaining flexibility. The conversation also delves into the role of technology in transforming the sports and media industries, with a focus on trends such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Higgins shares his thoughts on the future of live sporting events and the potential for technology to enhance the fan experience. Additionally, the conversation touches on building a culture of innovation and collaboration within teams, drawing on Higgins' experiences working with effective leaders like Bob Iger.

In this podcast episode, Dash Lavine, Founder and CEO of Concord, discusses the importance of data privacy regulations in the technology industry. Concord specializes in helping companies comply with global data privacy laws, including GDPR in the EU and CCPA and CPRA in California. Lavine emphasizes the need for companies to balance innovation and protection and highlights the role of AI in accelerating data privacy concerns. He urges companies of all sizes to invest in data governance and AI governance, starting with basic steps such as tagging and mapping data. Dash also discusses the evolving landscape of data privacy regulations in the United States, noting the potential for a federal law to be passed next year. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with users through transparency, ethics, and consent and emphasizes the value of high-quality data obtained through positive user relationships.

Age Plus is leading the way in advocating for older adults in Oregon. In this podcast episode, Stephanie Hooper, the president and CEO of Age Plus, shares insights into the organization's work and the importance of valuing the aging population. With changing demographics and Oregon's status as the oldest state on the West Coast, Age Plus recognizes the need for a multi-sector plan for aging in the state. By addressing ageism and promoting age-inclusive practices, Age Plus aims to create a more inclusive and supportive community for older adults. From housing and overall health to education and economic vitality, Age Plus is working on various fronts to address the challenges the aging population faces. Join Age Plus in its mission to create a shared future in Oregon that embraces the contributions and experiences of older adults.

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Corey Altoff from Comptia discusses the organization's mission to represent the IT industry and its focus on helping individuals find jobs in tech. The conversation delves into the current landscape of AI-related job opportunities and the potential for growth. Corey also shares insights on the challenges faced by code schools and the importance of apprenticeship programs in providing real-world experience for aspiring developers. The interview concludes with a discussion on the need for a standardized certification in the software engineering field and alternative career paths for individuals interested in pursuing tech careers.

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry interviews Paul Lesinski from Edelman to gain insights into the ever-evolving media landscape. They discuss the recent Edelman Trust Barometer and its findings on trust in different entities like government, media, business, and NGOs. Lesinski emphasizes the importance of companies standing for something and being genuine in their storytelling. He also discusses the role of thought leadership and data-driven storytelling in establishing a tech company's credibility and attracting decision-makers' attention. Lesinski provides tips on how companies can cut through the noise in the digital world, reach their target audience effectively, and navigate potential crises or negative events. The conversation touches on the national perception of Portland, the challenges of changing that perception, and the rebound of in-person interactions and opportunities for innovation in the tech industry. The episode offers valuable insights for tech companies looking to enhance their PR and communications strategies.

In this episode of Techlandia, Jonathan Hensley and Jim Gochee CEOs of Emerge and Blameless, respectively, engage in a conversation about demystifying product management. They discuss the role of product in a company, emphasizing the importance of balancing customer needs and business objectives. They delve into the process of value creation, including the emotional factors that impact customer perception. Time-to-value is explored as a critical element in product success, along with the challenges of collaborating across functions in an organization. They examine the need for product managers to act as the CEO of the product, owning the strategy and collaborating with various teams to achieve goals. The conversation concludes with insights on building bridges and fostering a community of product management thinkers. Overall, this insightful discussion provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone involved in the technology industry and interested in product management.