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.

Latest episodes

10 July 2025

Child Safety in a Digital Age: Thorn's Mission Explained

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.

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25:34

03 July 2025

The Role of Technology in Modern Wealth Management

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.

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25:25

19 June 2025

Structured Solitude: Seeking Serenity in a Noisy World

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.

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29:40

19 June 2025

Innovation and Education: Oregon Institute of Technology Unique Approach

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.

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28:18

12 June 2025

Bridging Academia and Industry: The Semiconductor Revolution at OSU

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.

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33:06

05 June 2025

The Evolution of IF Design: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

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.

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31:15