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

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

12 March 2026

Revolutionizing Insulation: SolarCore's Breakthrough Journey

In this podcast episode, Michael Markesbery, CEO of SolarCore, shares his journey from a college student backpacking in Europe to developing revolutionary insulation technology. Inspired by a personal challenge to stay warm while cutting bulk, he delved into insulation solutions across various industries. The key innovation, SolarCore Foam, uses aerogel to provide superior insulation. From consumer goods to tactical military shelters, SolarCore is making significant strides. Their relocation to Portland leverages local talent and proximity to outdoor apparel giants, while their work with the DoD on energy-efficient tactical shelters highlights their growing impact.

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24:14

10 March 2026

Navigating the Digital Revolution: Insights from Brooks Gilley

In a recent podcast discussion, Brooks Gilley, founder of 52 Limited, explores the shifting dynamics in the tech job market. As someone who has witnessed multiple economic cycles, he provides insights into the unprecedented rate of change we've experienced in recent years, particularly post-COVID. Gilley highlights the significant shift in employer and employee power dynamics, driven by economic, technological, and cultural shifts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a mindset open to reinvention, helping clients navigate career transitions with agility and positive resilience, while acknowledging the psychological challenges professionals face during these rapid changes.

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43:58

05 March 2026

Construction Chaos to Simplicity: Source's Innovative Approach

In this podcast episode, Nicole Schmidt, CEO and founder of Source, shares her professional journey in the construction industry. She explains the genesis of Source, a company focused on simplifying the construction supply chain. Schmidt discusses the industry's systemic issues from her experiences on both the design and supply sides. With a mission to bring transparency and efficiency, Source aims to streamline the decision-making process in construction projects. Nicole provides insights on how her team learned to balance technological innovation with client needs, and reveals the importance of receiving and processing feedback for business growth.

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29:14