Techlandia

The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) introduces Techlandia as a compendium of dialogues centered on the technology industry and the individuals pivotal to its functionality. This platform delves into new technological advancements and their anticipated impact on the region, workforce, and corporate entities while advocating for the industry.

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Latest episodes

07 April 2026

The Rise of Calm Technology: Amber Case's Vision

Amber Case delves into her journey of studying Calm Technology, beginning with her interest in cyborg anthropology and evolving through research on user behavior changes with emerging tech. She highlights the significance of designing technology that accommodates human attention spans, rather than overwhelming them. The discussion touches on the history of technology design philosophy, juxtaposing principles from the mid-90s with today's fast-paced tech environment. Her work emphasizes that a successful technology integrates calmly into life, akin to familiar household items, rather than demanding constant focus, ultimately supporting human cognition and cultural evolution.

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53:27

07 April 2026

Demystifying Health Trusts in the Tech Industry

In this episode of Techlandia, host Skip Newberry converses with Ken Myers from All Tech, exploring his diverse career in the tech industry. Myer with a history at IBM, discusses his transition to teaching leadership at the University of Washington and his involvement in health trusts. He describes how these trusts can provide small tech companies access to quality health insurance by leveraging collective bargaining. He also delves into the evolution of tech associations, highlighting efforts to transition from software-centric approaches to embracing broader tech industry players.

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26:13

31 March 2026

AI in the Workplace: A New Era of Leadership and Learning

In this podcast episode, Kate Cockrill discusses the future of work in the age of AI with Teresa Coates, CEO and co-founder of Learn Air. Coates emphasizes the importance of blending human intelligence with artificial intelligence to create AI-ready workforces. She highlights the shifting dynamics in leadership, focusing on the need for leaders to understand AI capabilities and limitations. The conversation delves into the necessity of change management techniques to foster AI adoption and the redistribution of power within organizations. Coates outlines a strategic approach to AI integration, advocating for simultaneous top-down and bottom-up adoption across all company levels.

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45:23

24 March 2026

Thriving Amidst Change: April Rinne's Superpowers

In this podcast episode of Humans of Techlandia, host Kate Cockrill talks with April Rinne a global advisor and futurist. Rinne discusses her book 'Eight Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.' They delve into Rinne's personal journey, including a pivotal moment in her life when both of her parents died in a car crash while she was studying overseas. This life-altering event shaped her understanding of change and adaptation. Rinne emphasizes the importance of relationships and resourcefulness in navigating life's uncertainties, offering insights relevant for both individuals and leaders navigating the evolving technological landscape.

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47:37

19 March 2026

The Great Transformation: Oregon's AI and Energy Evolution

The podcast episode features an in-depth discussion on the Great Transformation event, which focuses on the critical intersection of AI, data centers, and energy innovation in Oregon. Robert Cross and Skip Newberry examine the region's competitive advantages, such as its collaborative spirit and wealth of talent across various sectors, including finance and tech. They emphasize the need for breaking down silos to foster investment and innovation, positioning Oregon as a potential global leader in energy transition efforts. The episode underscores the importance of in-person collaboration to tackle the technical and economic challenges posed by modern energy demands.

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32:43

17 March 2026

Building Bridges: HR's Role in Tech Revolution

In this podcast transcript from Humans of Techlandia, guest Kathrine Giacchino discusses the intersection of technology, strategy, and people. As a leader in people management, she emphasizes the importance of communication and structure in fostering creativity and innovation within organizations. Giacchino shares insights on how companies can better support their teams during transitions by maintaining transparency and modeling desired behaviors. The conversation highlights the need for consistent communication and the importance of understanding individual responses to change to navigate the uncertainties in the rapidly evolving tech environment.

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48:13