Close Of Business

Hey Closers, us again! This episode features an interview with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist at the Planetary Society; a nonprofit space research and technology foundation led by CEO Bill Nye (the science guy). Kevin and Becca sat down with Bruce at the Singularity University Global Summit to discuss the Planetary Society’s recent successful mission on the LightSail project, what the Planetary Society aims to accomplish, solar sailing technology, and planetary defense. But first, we ask Bruce our most urgent questions about space; are aliens real? Can a cow REALLY jump over the moon??? Tune in to hear answers to these and other VERY important questions from a space expert. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Th

  Hey Closers, we’re back! This episode features a HUGE interview, with none other than Erik Anderson, Executive Chairman of Topgolf, CEO of WestRiver Group, and Executive Chairman of Singularity University (20:45). We sat down to chat with Erik about how he founded WestRiver Group, how he ended up being involved with Topgolf, the lessons he’s learned in his career thus far, and even threw in some of your listener questions! Kevin wraps up the interview by daring Erik to text the most famous person in his phone about the podcast…….listen in to see if Erik steps up to the challenge! But before the interview begins, Becca and Kevin give you guys some feedback and updates on the podcast (2:00), Ryan returns from Spain (the gang is back together!!!) and we give a podium of our three favorite Topgolf Rip-Off ideas (7:40). Finally, after the interview, Ryan, Kevin and Becca sit down to have an in-depth discussion about the technology behind Topgolf (40:50), and new advancements and trends we’re seeing in sports t

  Hey Closers, did you miss us? We’ve been busy producing content for you guys in San Francisco at the Singularity University Global Summit (check out a video preview of what we experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okOZLgbB3Cg). While Ryan was away on vacation in Spain (we missed you!), Kevin and Becca tag-teamed at the Silicon Valley conference and recorded interviews with major entrepreneurs in the tech and innovation space. This episode features Prukalpa Sankar, a major authority in the world of data. She has co-founded two data platform startups (SocialCops & Atlan), given a TED talk, and landed her name on many prestigious lists like Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, all by the age of……27. Tune in to learn about: how Prukalpa plans to solve the world’s greatest issues through the use of data her argument as to why data is a good thing, in a world where we fear data and compromising internet privacy why she believes that age doesn’t matter what we need to do to get more w

Hey Closers, it's us again. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to for an interview with Dave Hallowell, Senior VP of Telecom at B&V, to discuss the ins and outs of 5G technology (22:00). Have no idea how data is transmitted over your carrier’s network, or how a cell phone even works? No worries, Dave fills us in on the basics. Tune in to learn about what 5G is, what needs to happen for the technology to be implemented, and how the development of the technology will affect our day to day lives. But first, Kevin and Becca are in the studio giving their hot takes on some current events in the science and tech space. Becca gives a shout out to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (1:28), followed by Becca and Kevin doing a podium of top things they would do if they were the first astronaut to step foot on the moon (4:50). Kevin swoops in and fills us in on Elon Musk’s presentation of the new AI technology called Neuralink, a neurotechnology that utilizes implantable brain-machine in

Whaddup Closers, it’s us again, and we’ve got an awesome interview lined up for your listening pleasure. Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to chat with Brad Hardin, the President of Diode Ventures, a start-up company that operates as an asset developer for their clients in the commercial, industrial and technology space. Are you a commercial company with sustainability goals and want to build a solar farm, but don’t know how? Diode can help with that. Are you a major tech company that needs to increase their cloud capacity to keep up your growing business? Diode has got your back. Tune in to listen about Diode’s bright future, learn about what it’s like to be involved with a start-up company, and get Brad’s insight on how a positive attitude can help you and your company be successful. “Grit alone doesn’t do it. It’s that and the persistence of your attitude, […] the consistency in which you maintain a positive frame of mind.” Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (

  Hey it's us again Closers, with our final interview from PowerGen International 2018! After Ryan and Becca give life-long Blues fan Kevin a moment to reflect on St. Louis’ history-making Stanley Cup win, the gang introduces the discussion with Tom Friend; Business Agility Consultant and founder of Ash Elements LLC, a company that utilizes the concept of block chain to capture the value of rare earth elements in coal ash as an asset. Tom dives deep into explaining block chain, and will help clarify all those burning questions that you have about cryptocurrency; what is it? How does it work? How does digital currency have value? After several riveting topics of discussion, the interview wraps up with some of Tom’s best nuggets of advice about LIFE. Listen in for some great topics of discussion for you and your friends at the next Happy Hour. Slide into our DMs on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or maybe if you just want to send us photos of your

Time for another episode, Closers, where the gang introduces an interview from PowerGen International 2018 focusing on the subject of Machine Learning and Digital Twin. Ryan and Kevin sat down with Patrick Bangert, founder and CEO of Algorithmica Technologies, a company that uses mathematics to model power plants to help prevent equipment failures, so utilities can keep your lights on and keep site employees safe. The CEO discusses his career experiences before founding the company, and how the integration of mathematics and data into the utility space is revolutionizing the industry. The guys wrap up the interview with a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence and its role in society. Does Patrick believe that the development of AI will help robots take over the world? Tune in to this episode to find out! Hit us up on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or if you just want to let us know how your day was. Prefer email? You can cont

It’s our first episode recitation here on Close of Business Podcast, and Ryan, Kevin, and Becca kick it together to have a review on Episode 26’s topic of drones. Kevin starts it off by giving us detailed intel on drone technology. In the market for your own drone? Ryan gives us the low down of what commercial and industrial drones are out there, and how much of your tax refund it’ll cost you. Next the squad discusses what real life applications of drones that has gotten the internet buzzing. Finally, Ryan, Kevin, and Becca face off in a podium of their own funny drones usage ideas, and the winner with the best concept is crowned by our awesome producer James. Who will take home the gold? Tune in to find out! Have your own original ideas on what future use drones could have? Have any comments about the episode? Have cool drone drinking game ideas? Do you just want to tell us that you love us? Hit us up through social media on Twitter or the ‘gram @cobpodcast. Prefer email? That works for us too. Send us on

Hey Closers, we’re coming back at you after a bit of a break to give you an episode all about DRONES. This episode features another stellar interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International conference with Duke Energy’s Manager of Unmanned Aerial Systems, Jacob Velky. Jacob talks about his role, the advantages of utilizing drones in the utility industry, and answers some of the guys’ burning questions about what’s next in the world of drones. The Close of Business squad also has some exciting news about what big and new things we’ve got in store for the podcast, so tune in! Slide into our DM’s with your candid feedback or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com

We’re back Closers, with Episode 25 of CoB Podcast for another awesome interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. This episode’s interview features special guest Bethany Schunn, the first female plant manager at Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The guys had the opportunity to candidly talk to Bethany about her rising through the power plant’s ranks, the day to day dealings of being a power plant manager, her experiences and perspectives on being a woman in the STEM industry, and her views on the industry’s stigmas towards Coal Fired electricity generation. Following the interview, the women of CoB unite to discuss their thoughts on the interview, and discuss their experiences on being females in a male dominated industry. Comments or questions? DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com.      

  Episode 24 of the CoB podcast debuts our first interview from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. We sat down with special guest Bob Yeager, President of Power & Water Solutions at Emerson, to discuss the future work force and how companies like Emerson are tackling the challenges of  talent acquisition and retention as well as knowledge transfer from an ever aging industry onto younger employees.

On today’s episode of the CoB podcast, we recap 2018 with a Podium of our favorite 2018 trends as well as discuss what we believe to be the best technology developments and trends of the year. We finish the episode with some predictions for 2019. Credit: ‘Backbay Lounge’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hey Closers! Welcome to Episode 21, a follow up on our series breaking down the basics about our electrical grid in the US. In the past episodes we looked at the past/present of our electrical grid, now we're looking to future and we knew from the beginning we'd need to seek expert help. From the dynamic duo that brought you the world-famous kumquat analogy in Episode 19, the COB team is joined again by Jason Abiecunas (AVP and Director of Distributed Energy Resources) to discuss the future of our electrical grid and the period of unprecedented change we are experiencing with respect to energy. If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com.

  As a follow-up to our first installment of the Engineering in the Developing World series, we bring you Part 2 of that series focused on engineering on the global scale, and how that often radically differs from a Westerner’s perspective.   In the studio for Epi 20 we have Doug Mackenzie, Electrical Engineer and avid engineering globalist. Doug takes us through his trip with the IEEE-sponsored trip into the remote Himalayan plateaus to install an electric microgrid for the village residents. Doug takes us through the journey to the plateau, interesting obstacles that arose throughout the project and a fascinating use for the heavy-duty lightbulbs that the village kids thought of.   Doug also lends critical insight/advice to any young professionals who may be considering investing time/energy into an engineering role abroad.   If our Closers have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com.

Happy Halloween Closers! Welcome to Episode 19, first in a (non-consecutive) series addressing the past, present, and future of our electrical grid in the US. In Episode 19 we focus on a quick look back at the history of our grid and a macro-snapshot of where it is now. Right in time for Halloween, we start off with another installment of our segment, The Podium, focused on the #scaries that make your COB co-hosts pulses quicken. This episode's discussion is focused on the snapshot of our grid as it stands today. Your COB co-hosts are joined by Jason Abiecunas (AVP and Director of Distributed Energy Resources) and Bill Roush (Sr. RE Consultant) to discuss what components make up our grid and some of the lesser known aspects of our grid that a lot of people are too afraid to ask. The biggest surprise of our discussion: Who would've thought the entire macro-economic picture of the electrical grid supply/demand could be summed up with kumquats?!? Jason and Bill break it down for us and give our Closers real take

Episode 18 kicks off a multi-part (but never sequential) series, because c'mon, we're engineers. This series covers engineering in the developing world and people with firsthand experience in that arena. We start with a quick feedback and updates (F/U) for some loyal Closers, then followed up with a new segment: Resume Busters. The four co-hosts bring in our college resumes and pull no punches when it comes to candid feedback and tips to our Closers who are grinding through the hiring/interview season. To kick off our engineering in the developing world, we sit down with Charles Moseley, Program Director at Black & Veatch. Charles has spent his entire life managing and executing large engineering projects in some of the most challenging countries. Charles shares his harrowing stories from his international experiences and advice for young professionals who want to broaden their horizons/experience base towards the international stage. If our Closers have any comments or questions you want us to answer, yo

We’re off to a fast start in Episode 17, not quite as fast as the Chiefs in Weeks 1-3, but we’re close! Episode 17 is chock full with a huge interview that we are excited to bring to our Closers! We start with a quick feedback/updates and a fall-installment of Can’t Lose/Must Wins. Then into our marquee for Episode 17, with the COB co-hosts sitting down with Steve Edwards, CEO of Black & Veatch. We have a very engaging discussion with Steve about his background, the day-to-day of a CEO, his day-to-day advice for young professionals and of course wrapping up with a friendly competition. Steve serves as judge and jury as the co-hosts pitch our best ideas to retain Millennials in the workplace! Take a listen to see who gets crowned champ in this gold-plated House Cup competition! If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com.

It’s Episode 16, and we’re excited to bring in Part 2 of our 21st Century Agriculture series. But before we get there, even more clutch than the Chiefs pummeling the Steelers in Week 2, the results of our COB Twitter poll are in! Listen to see who was crowned the winner of drafting the best fantasy roster of famous scientists/pioneers! This episode brings our follow-up discussion to our previous ‘agricultural innovation in academia’ discussion with a real-world ‘ag startup’ that is breaking ground in providing infrastructure solutions to rapidly expanding indoor agricultural applications. We sit down with Kim Lovan and Zack Olson, co-founders of NextGen Ag, to discuss what they are seeing in this emerging market and some hot takes on the changes happening now that are going to facilitate tectonic shifts in the food industry’s future. Wrapping up today’s episode, instead of discussing the next chapter in Elon’s biography as per our MO for Book Club, we instead provide an overview of the epic interview

Welcome to Episode 15, which is the first of a two episode series where we discuss the future of agriculture in the 21st Century. But first, with the most wonderful time of the year beginning (football season), we kick off the episode with our own version of a fantasy football draft where each co-host drafts a 5 person team of the greatest scientists, inventors, and pioneers. We will send out a twitter poll (@cobpodcast) this week where you can vote on which co-host drafted the greatest team of science pioneers! Joseph Sandt, who is currently pursuing his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) but more importantly the cousin of co-host Ryan Karlin, joins us to discuss his current research topic which involves improving the efficiency of algae farming and the possibility that algae could replace corn as a livestock feed. He also sheds light on other agricultural research topics that are currently in progress at the highest level of academia. Lastly, we discuss what it is like to be a PhD studen

It’s Episode 14 where we breakdown innovation into actual tangible techniques you can use, while skipping the self-referential, pompous jargon that plagues the ‘self-help’ aisle of your favorite bookstore. First we provide some quick Feedback/Updates (F/U) about the controversial Episode 13 debate, including a quick shout out to our new favorite Closer. Hyleme George from the Growth Accelerator sits down with us to discuss what we see as four key components of innovation and how to take your ideas through to creating something tangible. Hyleme gives us insight into his extensive experience with cultivating ideas/teams to create value. At the end of our discussion with Hyleme, we never miss an opportunity to compete with each other, and this week the challenge is a tech startup pitch challenge with Hyleme serving as judge and jury! And as always, we close out the episode with  our Elon Musk Book Club, where we discuss Chapter 8 titled “Pain, Suffering and Survival” (written by Ashlee Vance), which goes over th