Ctrl+Listen Podcast

The electronics supply chain has never been more volatile — and the companies that ignore AI risk getting left behind entirely. In this episode of the Ctrl+Listen Podcast, host James sits down with Matthew Haber (CEO) and Phillip Gulley (CSO), co-founders of Cofactr, for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is fundamentally reshaping hardware procurement, component sourcing, and supply chain management. From their unexpected origin story — building tours for Coachella acts and escape rooms for The Walking Dead — to solving year-long lead times for autonomous vehicle pioneer Zoox, Matt and Phil reveal how frustration with electronics supply chain chaos led them to build Cofactr from the ground up.Cofactr is now transforming how hardware teams go from bill of materials to kitted components delivered on schedule — with a free platform tier that removes friction for manufacturers of all sizes. Tune in to hear how AI handles everything from scrubbing supplier quotes to warehouse receiving verification, why 5 procurement professionals at Cofactr can do the work of 50, and why supply chain volatility isn't going away anytime soon. Whether you're a startup engineer or a Fortune 10 procurement manager, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today's unpredictable electronics market.Resources from this Episode: Connect with MatthewConnect with PhillipLearn more about CofactrBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Discover how Partsimony is transforming the manufacturing landscape by bridging the critical gap between engineering and supply chain management. In this compelling conversation, CEO Rich Mokuolu shares how their AI-powered software optimizes supply chain structures directly from design files, enabling companies to scale production more effectively in an era of tariffs, regional conflicts, and reshoring initiatives. Rich discusses the fundamental disconnect that has long plagued the industry—where supply chain managers negotiate pricing while engineers see opportunities for design optimization that could dramatically improve yield, pricing, and lead times. He explains how Partsimony's technology analyzes designs to unlock new supply chain possibilities, whether that means finding local Brooklyn manufacturers to retool for ventilator production or identifying emerging manufacturing hubs in Vietnam, India, and Mexico. Resources from this Episode: - Connect with Rich on LinkedIn- Check out Partsimony- Browse Partsimony's Blog- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News#SupplyChain #Manufacturing #AI

Firmware and embedded engineers face a unique challenge: bridging the gap between hardware design and software implementation while working under tight constraints and mission-critical requirements. In this episode of the Ctrl+Listen Podcast, Ryan Eppley (CEO) and Samarpita Chowdhury (CTO) of Root Access explain how their AI-native platform Hideout is transforming the embedded systems workflow. From generating accurate drivers directly from datasheets to eliminating tedious configuration work, discover how this New York-based startup is helping engineers go from schematics to field testing in days instead of months.The conversation explores what makes embedded engineering so challenging, why traditional AI coding tools fall short for low-level programming, and how Root Access is partnering with Altium and Octopart to create a seamless development environment. - Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-eppley/ - Connect with Samarpita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarpita-chowdhury/ - Root Access on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-access-ai/ - Root Access on X: https://x.com/root_access_ - Learn More about Root Access: https://rootaccess.ai/- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News: https://octopart.com/#Podcast #EmbeddedSystems #FirmwareEngineering #AIDeveloperTools

Explore India's hardware community with Srinivasan M, founder of PCB Cupid. Explore the vibrant yet fragmented hardware community in India, the challenges of electronics product development, and the mission to create open-source hardware solutions that accelerate innovation.In this exclusive Control Listen podcast interview, Srinivasan shares insights into: - The origins of PCB Cupid and its educational mission- Challenges in India's electronics and hardware ecosystem- The importance of open-source hardware and documentation- Supply chain complexities and opportunities for local manufacturing Resources from this Episode: - PCB Cupid- Connect with Srinivasan M - Check out @pcbcupid on YouTube #PCBDesign #IndianTech #ElectronicsEngineering #MakeInIndia

Dive into the world of B2B technology marketing with Mike Maynard, Chairman of Napier Partnership Limited. In this fascinating CTRL+Listen podcast episode, Mike shares his remarkable journey from electronics engineering to leading a successful marketing agency, offering unique insights into tech marketing strategies.Explore the critical differences in selling to engineers versus consumers, the evolving landscape of generative AI, and how technical companies can effectively communicate their value proposition. Mike discusses Napier's innovative approach to helping tech clients grow their sales and navigate the changing digital marketing ecosystem. Resources from this Episode: - Connect with Mike- Learn More about Mike- Learn More about Napier- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Dive deep into the world of cutting-edge antenna technology with Bülent Solan, co-founder of Quarterwave. Discover how innovative engineering is transforming antenna design from bulky components to intelligent, compact solutions that connect our modern world. In this fascinating CTRL+LISTEN episode, explore the evolution of antennas, breakthrough design techniques, and the future of connectivity. Learn how Quarterwave is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in antenna technology. Resources from this Episode: - Learn More about Quarterwave - Connect with Bülent Solan

Join us as Sasan Hashemi, Co-Founder and CEO of Tset, reveals how manufacturers are revolutionizing product cost management through AI-driven carbon reduction strategies. Discover how companies across aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors are achieving 17% cost savings while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint through advanced data modeling and automation.Learn about the evolution from Excel-based cost tracking to sophisticated AI platforms that model entire supply chains, predict manufacturing costs, and calculate carbon emissions with unprecedented accuracy. Sasan shares real case studies including multi-million dollar savings and insights into how global events are shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.Resources from this episode: Connect with Sasan Learn more about TsetBrowse Octopart for Parts & More

Join host James Sweetlove as he sits down with Loreta Tarozaite, Founder & CEO of Loreta Today and Head of Global Corporate Communications and Marketing at Phison Electronics. In this powerful episode, Loreta shares her extraordinary journey through the tech industry, revealing the strategies, challenges, and insights that have shaped her remarkable career.Discover the unique perspective of a global marketing leader who has successfully navigated the complex landscape of technology and corporate communications. Loreta Tarozaite breaks down the essential skills, mindset, and strategic thinking required to excel in today's competitive business environment. From her entrepreneurial ventures to her pivotal role at Phison Electronics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to build a truly impactful marketing career in the fast-evolving tech industry. Episode Links: Connect with Loreta on LinkedIn Check out Loreta Today Check out Phison ElectronicsBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Discover how AI-powered smart glasses are impacting accessibility and independence for people with visual impairments, the elderly, and those with cognitive disabilities. In this episode, Karthik Kannan, Founder and CTO of Envision, returns to the show to share the incredible journey of developing Ally—an AI assistant that works hands-free through affordable smart glasses at just $399. Learn about the evolution of wearable technology, conversational AI, and how this breakthrough is making advanced technology accessible to everyone who needs it most.From reading menus at restaurants to navigating train stations independently, these AI glasses are transforming daily life for millions. Karthik discusses partnerships, the future of conversational AI, and why smart glasses are the perfect form factor for AI applications. Resources from this Episode:Learn More about EnvisionLearn More about AllyConnect with Karthik #AIGlasses #AssistiveTechnology #WearableTech #Podcast #TechPodcast

Discover why most AI implementations fail from a user experience perspective in this revealing conversation with UX design expert Makoto Kern, founder of IIIMPACT. Learn how companies are repeating the same mistakes from the dot-com era by prioritizing flashy AI features over actual user needs, and why user-centered design remains your competitive moat in an AI-driven world.Makoto shares insider stories from major enterprise clients, revealing how proper UX strategy can turn around failing products. From oil and gas software to robotics interfaces, discover the critical alignment process that prevents costly product failures and accelerates time-to-market with less risk.Resources from this episode: - Connect with Makoto - Watch IIIMPACT on YouTube - Learn more about IIIMPACT

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing supply chain management in electronics manufacturing. Everett Frank, CEO of DigiSource, shares practical strategies for implementing AI tools like ChatGPT and custom GPTs to automate critical processes from BOM scrubs to real-time lead time monitoring. Learn how to integrate Octopart APIs, create intelligent AI actions, and stay ahead in an industry where AI adoption separates leaders from followers.This conversation explores the shift from traditional supply chain management to AI-driven automation, covering everything from cross-reference generation to predictive supply chain resilience. Whether you're an electronics professional, supply chain manager, or industry leader, discover actionable insights for leveraging AI to transform your operations and competitive advantage.Resources from this episode: Connect with EverettX-refs WebsiteDigiSource Website

Discover how modern hardware teams are abandoning Excel spreadsheets for cloud-native PLM solutions that streamline product development from design to manufacturing. Michael Corr, Founder and CEO of Duro Labs, shares insights from his 20-year engineering career and explains how AI-powered product lifecycle management is transforming the hardware industry.Learn why traditional PLM systems have been considered a "four-letter word" among engineers and how new-generation solutions are changing that perception. This episode covers supply chain integration, the cultural shift happening in hardware development, and practical strategies for implementing PLM workflows that actually work for fast-moving teams. Connect with MichaelLearn More about Duro LabsBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Keith Hartley, CEO and Board Member of LevaData, as he reveals how AI is revolutionizing direct material sourcing and supply chain management. Discover how LevaData's innovative platform helps companies break free from the "decision abyss" - the gap between fragmented data systems and smart procurement decisions.Keith shares fascinating insights on autonomous supply chains, the shift from spreadsheet-driven processes to AI-powered sourcing, and how companies can achieve 6-10% annual savings while de-risking their supply chains. Learn about the critical role of direct material sourcing in everything from smartphones to automobiles, and why the COVID pandemic became the greatest accelerator for supply chain innovation.Resources from this Episode: Connect with Keith on LinkedIn Check out Keith's SubstackLearn more about LevaDataBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jon Barrett, Managing Editor at Electronic Sourcing, as he shares his 40 years of experience in the electronics industry. Discover how artificial intelligence, robotics, and Industry 4.0 are revolutionizing manufacturing and supply chain management in ways we never imagined possible.In this episode of the CTRL+,Listen Podcast Jon reveals fascinating trends reshaping the electronics sector, from AI-powered circuit design tools that can create prototypes from simple descriptions to autonomous maintenance robots wandering factory floors. Learn about the circular economy's impact on manufacturing, the rise of product-as-a-service business models, and how digital twins are transforming industrial processes. Whether you're in electronics procurement, manufacturing, or just curious about the future of industry, this conversation offers valuable insights into where technology is heading.Resources from this episode: Jon on Electronics Sourcing's SiteJon's LinkedInBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News #podcast #techpodcast #supplychain #AI #robotics

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the electronics supply chain in this in-depth interview with Sebastian Schaal, founder and managing director of Luminovo. From his journey at Stanford to building a comprehensive supply chain platform, Sebastian shares insights on automation, tariff impacts, and the future of electronics manufacturing.Learn how Luminovo is helping OEMs and EMS companies move beyond Excel spreadsheets to AI-driven solutions that provide real-time pricing, supply chain transparency, and collaborative workflows. Sebastian discusses the challenges of global supply chains, the effects of COVID-19 and recent tariffs, and why reshoring is becoming critical for resilience.From this Episode: Connect with SebastianLearn more about LuminovoBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News #podcast #techpodcast #AI #supplychain #artificialintelligence

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Andrew Ashur, CEO and founder of Lucid Bots, as he shares his remarkable journey from economics student to robotics innovator. After witnessing window washers in a life-threatening situation, Andrew dedicated his career to building robots that tackle dangerous and demanding jobs, starting with exterior cleaning drones.Discover how Lucid Bots is revolutionizing industries with their Sherpa cleaning drone and Lavo Bot pressure washing robot, while addressing critical workforce challenges in the construction and cleaning industries. Andrew discusses the future of domestic manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and how automation will transform the modern workforce.Resources from this Episode: More on Lucid BotsMore on the Sherpa DroneMore on the Lavo Bot Connect with Lucid Bots on LinkedInConnect with AndrewBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News#robotics #drones #automation #manufacturing

In this eye-opening episode of the CTRL+Listen podcast, discover why most AI projects fail before they even begin. John Hetherington, CEO of We Deliver Your Vision, reveals his controversial "Process First" philosophy that challenges the traditional "People, Process, Technology" approach that's leading businesses astray.Through compelling real-world examples—including a costly automation project that made invoice duplication worse—John demonstrates why even the most advanced AI tools become expensive failures without proper process foundation. Learn his proven RAPID framework and discover why critical thinking, not just technical skills, is what every business desperately needs in the age of AI. Resources from this episode: More about We Deliver Your Vision Connect with John Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Join James from Ctrl+Listen as he interviews Uma Subramanian, founder and CEO of The Limitless Leaders, about standing out professionally in the AI era. Uma shares her innovative HUMAN framework and practical strategies to help tech professionals differentiate themselves when AI skills have become the baseline expectation.In this insightful conversation, discover why personal branding, storytelling, and authentic human connection are more crucial than ever as AI becomes embedded in every workflow. Uma explains how professionals can leverage their unique human qualities to become sought-after leaders and thrive in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Episode Resources: Connect with Uma More about The Limitless Leaders Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News #podcast #techpodcast #AI #artificialintelligence #thoughtleadership

Explore how Vista Power is transforming commercial and industrial energy management with innovative storage solutions. In this exclusive interview, Founder and CTO Petar Matejic shares insights on their modular Voltaris system and how "behind the meter" technology is giving customers control over energy costs.Learn how Vista Power evolved from spacecraft battery technology to tackling grid constraints for data centers, hospitals, and factories. Discover how their energy-as-a-service model can save customers up to 30% on electricity bills while providing reliable backup during outages.Resources from this episode: - Connect with Petar- Vista Power's website - Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News#podcast #techpodcast #energystorage #energyasaservice

Discover how New World Wind is revolutionizing the renewable energy sector with their innovative Aeroleaf technology. In this insightful interview, CEO Luc Eric Krief explains how their micro wind turbines are designed for urban environments, bringing clean energy generation into cities without the drawbacks of traditional wind farms.Learn about New World Wind's range of products from WindBush to WindTree, and how these scalable solutions are being deployed in over 40 countries. Krief shares how their technology combines aesthetics with functionality, offering silent operation and bird-friendly design while producing energy 24/7 when paired with solar options. Resources from this Episode: - More about New World Wind- Connect with Luc EricBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News #renewableenergy #octopart #podcast #solarenergy #windenergy