Selected 018 - Chris O'Brien

This podcast episode was recorded onsite at JEC World.The Chemistry of Composites: Driving Industry EvolutionChris Skinner's transformation from a chemist to a visionary leader in strategic marketing at Owens Corning is a tale of the composites industry's evolution."We're at the forefront of merging material science with market demands, a testament to our dedication to innovation in composite materials," he states.This integration of science into commercial success embodies the progress and adaptability at the heart of the composites industry.Collaborative Innovation: Revolutionizing R&D in the Composites IndustryThe research and development landscape in the composite industry is undergoing a significant transformation. "The era of solo achievements is evolving into a time of collaborative efforts," Chris Skinner notes.He emphasizes that in this industry, success hinges on merging diverse talents to drive innovation. This evolution highlights a crucial trend: teamwork is becoming increasingly indispensable for advancing composite technology trends and material conversion strategies.The Startup Booster: Igniting Innovation in Composite MaterialsThe Startup Booster Competition in JEC world stands as a testament to Owens Corning's commitment to innovation. It's not merely a contest; it's a visionary platform where emerging technologies gain momentum."We're crafting an ecosystem ripe for transformation," Skinner asserts, "where cutting-edge ideas meet opportunity and scalable solutions emerge."The Pink Panther Effect: Strategic Branding in Composite MaterialsOpting to color Owens Corning’s fiberglass pink and aligning it with the Pink Panther wasn’t just about looks.Skinner explains, “We’ve crafted a story that changes how customers interact with our products. This move has made them not only noticeable but also more engaging and memorable.”He highlights how this approach isn’t just branding ; it’s storytelling that resonates emotionally with users, adding a unique and lasting impact.This strategy shows the effective use of narrative in creating a deep, lasting connection with customers.Effective Branding in the Composite Industry: The Power of NowSkinner highlights a crucial shift in marketing philosophy—focusing on the present benefits that resonate with consumers."We're living in a time when the immediate application and advantage of a product take precedence," he says. Skinner encourages a marketing approach that emphasizes instant satisfaction, thus fostering an immediate connection between the product and its user.Want more from Sesamers&Jec?2 more podcast episodes from JEC World with startup founders and other industry experts: Blanca Garro, Stephan SavareseJEC World 2024 RecapJEC Startup Booster: the premier startup competition at JEC World, where 20 finalists gather in the Startup Booster Village to showcase their innovations, network, and engage with potential investors over three dynamic days.Be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to be the first to listen to the new episodes.

Embracing a Non-linear Path to Impactful InnovationCecilia Tham's journey to the helm of Futurity Systems is anything but traditional. From Hong Kong to the U.S., and then to Barcelona, her path is a testament to the power of embracing non-linear career trajectories."I went from starting a co-working space to opening a fab cafe and then a school for women in tech," Cecilia shares. This diverse background laid the foundation for her current role, where she scales impact through innovative technology.Learning from Alpha Telefonica's Moonshot Approach: Advancing Exponential Tech DevelopmentCecilia’s experience at Alpha Telefonica was a turning point, where she immersed herself in future-thinking methodologies. "It was a moonshot factory," she explains, revealing how such initiatives push boundaries to create technologies with exponential impact.This experience not only refined her vision but also underscored the importance of patient capital and proprietary technology in shaping the future.The Art of Anticipating the Unpredictable in Future-Thinking InnovationThe core of Cecilia’s work revolves around preparing for the unseen and making the unpredictable tangible. "By the time you think you need to be resilient for the future, it's already too late," she asserts.Her focus is on weaving stories that help people understand and value the future before it becomes the present, especially in realms like AI.Applied Futurism in Tech: Bridging Historical Insights and Future TechnologiesCecilia identifies herself as an "applied futurist," emphasizing a hands-on approach to futurism."Futures have a lot to do with the past," she states, highlighting the importance of collective memory in shaping what's to come. This perspective is crucial in developing strategies and solutions that are grounded in reality yet forward-thinking.The Impact of Storytelling in FuturismFinally, Cecilia touches on the significance of public speaking in her field. It's a vital tool for sharing her vision and connecting with potential collaborators. "It's a conversation with the audience," she says, highlighting the importance of engagement and storytelling in conveying complex ideas about the future.

Unplanned Encounters: From a Casual Meetup to a Tech Event InfluencerWhile some paths are meticulously planned, Zivile’s entrance into the tech event space was as spontaneous as it gets. Ben recalls how Zivile transitioned from a casual encounter at an event to a prominent contributor on the Sesamers blog.Zivile remarks, “It was an accident... but sometimes the best opportunities in life are not the ones you look for, but those that find you.”Embracing Failures: The Resilience Behind Tech Event SuccessZivile's story is a testament to the importance of embracing failure and change. Her attempt at launching a social media platform didn’t go as planned, but this setback served as a catalyst for her eventual success. “I was still very young, very naive,” she says, and sometimes “burned out.”But through these experiences, she found her way into the Danish startup ecosystem and discovered her passion for tech events.The Early Bird Takes the Mic: Leveraging Unusual ExperiencesInterestingly, Zivile's flair for hosting events started at the tender age of eight with a TV gig in Lithuania.“If you start telling me about advertising studies and working, that's kind of boring,” Ben playfully notes, emphasizing how unique experiences often make the most captivating stories.Pioneering Through Pandemics: Finding Opportunity in AdversityThe global lockdown posed significant challenges for the events industry, but Zivile saw it as an opportunity to innovate.“I jumped straight into the hackathon,” she says, demonstrating her ability to pivot and thrive even during difficult times. This period of adversity proved to be a catalyst for her growth and further involvement in the tech event space.The Art of Authenticity: Crafting Stories Through Perception ParadoxZivile’s journey culminates in the creation of her podcast, Perception Paradox, which she describes as a channel to share inspiring founder stories that otherwise might remain untold.It underscores her belief in the power of authenticity and storytelling. “I've realized also how important it is to have a good host and MC because it's someone who sets the energy,” she shares. 

The Inception and Evolution of Bootstrap EuropeFourteen years ago, Fatou Diagne, along with her co-founder, Stephanie, embarked on a journey that would significantly impact the tech and life science sectors in Europe. Bootstrap Europe, born out of their vision, diverged from the traditional equity-based investment model, opting for venture debt – an alternative Fatou passionately advocates for. "We invest in venture... not with equity, but with venture debt," Fatou explains, highlighting the unique approach of their firm in supporting burgeoning technologies and startups.Venture Debt Europe: A Game Changer in Startup FundingFatou reflects on the early days of Bootstrap Europe, recalling a pivotal moment when they realized the potential of venture debt. It began with a Swedish AI startup's struggle to find suitable loan terms in Europe, leading them to an American venture lender. This encounter opened Fatou's eyes to the benefits of venture debt, both in terms of saving equity dilution and as a lucrative investment avenue. "It saved us a lot of dilution... but we also thought that it was a great investment," she notes, underscoring the dual advantages for investors and founders alike.When to Seek Venture Debt: Timing and GrowthNavigating the complex world of startup financing can be daunting. Fatou simplifies this by outlining the ideal stage for a startup to consider venture debt. It's not for the early days but for those who have achieved product-market fit and have a clear growth trajectory. "You don’t take it before you get a product market fit... you need to know your unit economics," Fatou advises, emphasizing the importance of a startup's maturity in considering debt financing.The Impact of Silicon Valley Bank’s Exit on Venture Debt in EuropeThe recent shakeup in the venture debt landscape, particularly with the exit of Silicon Valley Bank from Europe, presents both challenges and opportunities. Fatou sees this as a pivotal moment for venture debt in Europe, noting the significant gap left behind. "Silicon Valley Bank... was providing something like 700 million just in the UK per year," she points out, illustrating the vast demand for venture debt solutions in the European market.Bootstrap Europe’s Approach to Deep Tech InvestmentsFatou shares her enthusiasm for deep tech investments, an area where Bootstrap Europe has carved its niche. These investments, often complex and requiring substantial capital, align well with their venture debt model. Fatou explains, "We like the nerdy stuff because they tend to create a massive step change in the way we live," highlighting their focus on transformative technologies that promise significant returns and advancements.

Daniel Dumig's Corporate to Innovation JourneyDaniel Dumig's transition from the corporate world to the realm of innovation is a fascinating journey. He recounts his early days leading marketing for major sports lifestyle brands and how that led to the creation of the TenKan-Ten Startup Accelerator under Asics. This venture further evolved into two separate entities – The MotherTrees and U-Skale, leading to his latest project, the Venue Barcelona. "We spun off into our own companies," Daniel shares, emphasizing the seamless move from corporate to innovative entrepreneurship.The Birth of Innovative Event Planning: Venue BarcelonaThe Venue Barcelona, an upcoming innovation zone located in the city's Olympia Stadium, is poised to become a central hub for music, sports, and a variety of events. Highlighting the project's origins, Daniel explains, "Our landlord is the City of Barcelona via B:SM (Barcelona Serveis Municipals)... They had the innovative concept to transform a section of the Olympia Stadium into a dedicated innovation zone." This ambitious initiative, actively supported by the Barcelona municipality, aims to cultivate an ecosystem that further enriches Barcelona's already vibrant culture in music and sports.Driving Innovation in Music and SportsDaniel and his team are driven by a clear mission for the Venue Barcelona – to actively stimulate and support innovation in the realms of music, sports, and events. Utilizing Barcelona as their dynamic playground, the project ambitiously aims to provide a creative sandbox for testing innovative solutions, particularly in areas like fan engagement, media, and sustainability. Importantly, Daniel underscores the significance of addressing key challenges such as water consumption and overall sustainability in large-scale events, noting, "When you think about big events, there's inherently a sustainability challenge around it."Creative Event Solutions: Beyond Traditional Event FormatsThe Venue Barcelona approaches corporate-startup collaboration uniquely, steering clear of what Daniel terms 'innovation theater.' Instead, they focus on practical, value-driven partnerships. "It's actually corporate-driven," he states, emphasizing the importance of real-world application and impact. The project aims to create tangible solutions, moving beyond mere ideation to implementation and scaling.The Future of Event Organization: Vision of Venue BarcelonaLooking ahead, Daniel envisions the Venue Barcelona playing a significant role in transforming business events. Drawing from his experience with networking dinners, he aims to challenge traditional event formats and create more engaging, value-driven experiences. "We always look at the stuff and ask ourselves why people do what they do and what the result is out of it," he explains, highlighting his commitment to innovation not just in products but also in event experiences.

Journey to Leadership: Pere Duran's Evolution in the Tech Event IndustryPere Duran's journey to becoming the director of "4YFN" (Four Years From Now) is a classic tale of growth and opportunity. Starting as a sales coordinator and climbing up to the sponsorship director at Mobile World Congress, Pere's shift to a startup event was driven by a desire for new challenges. "I started being a sales coordinator, running around trying to get contracts signed," he recalls. This highlight underlines the importance of seeking new opportunities and challenges, even if it means leaving a secure position.A Decade of Tech Event Success: Celebrating Leadership and GrowthCelebrating a decade (technically 11 years, discounting the COVID interruption), 4YFN has shown remarkable growth and success. This year's event is special, marking a milestone with over 900 exhibitors. Pere reflects, "It's our 10th anniversary... we have two halls here inside Mobile World Congress, more than 900 companies." This celebration not only marks a decade of progress but also showcases the event's resilience and adaptability.Mastering Tech Event Management: A Commitment Through the YearManaging an event like 4YFN is a year-round endeavor. Pere emphasizes the continuous cycle of planning, organizing, and executing. He explains, "These four days for us are very intense because we are delivering an event, but as well, we're designing the event for next year." This takeaway highlights the perpetual motion behind successful event planning, where one event's conclusion sets the stage for the next.Scaling New Heights: Expanding and Adapting in a Post-COVID EraIn discussing growth and adaptation, Pere touches on the event's expansion and the challenges of the post-COVID era. The introduction of a new hall and an increase in exhibitors and investors signifies significant growth. Pere notes, "We've opened another hall... We increased exhibitors by 200 companies." This segment emphasizes the importance of adapting and scaling in response to changing times and challenges.Encouraging Startup Ecosystems: The Event's Leadership MissionAt its heart, 4YFN is dedicated to supporting founders and startups. Pere stresses the unique opportunity it provides for startups to connect with high-level executives and investors. "It's not that easy to be a founder and meet high-level individuals," Pere points out, underscoring the event's role in bridging this gap. This highlight reaffirms the event's commitment to fostering startup growth and providing valuable networking opportunities.

Orchard: Pioneering Digital Music DistributionScott Cohen’s journey into entrepreneurship began long before The Orchard's inception. In 1997, when the online world was still in its infancy, Scott and his partner foresaw the digital revolution of music. He recalls, "We saw a world where people would be creating and consuming music digitally, both on the computer and on the mobile phone." This vision led to the creation of The Orchard on Orchard Street, despite the overwhelming odds against them at a time when dial-up modems were the norm, and online stores were non-existent.Email Marketing's Early WinsCohen reminisced about the effectiveness of early internet marketing strategies. The Orchard utilized AOL message boards to connect with music enthusiasts, leading to a staggering 100% email response rate in 1995. "It was often the first email they ever received," Scott said, "and then there was an email about music and the genre they liked." This tactic provided critical insights and laid the groundwork for the company's future strategies.Jukebox's Industry GrowthJukebox is not about disruption but transformation and addition. Scott envisions Jukebox as a platform that adds new value to the music industry without taking away from it. "I'm trying to create new value on top and expand the industry, grow the industry," Scott emphasized. He sees Jukebox as a way to enhance the music ecosystem, allowing more participants to benefit from it.Revolutionizing Music RoyaltiesScott explained Jukebox's innovative approach to transforming music royalty streams into regulated securities, a concept still awaiting SEC qualification. This platform aims to allow trading of these royalty streams, thereby providing a novel investment opportunity in the music industry. "Once a song has been a hit, it continues to earn money," Scott stated, highlighting the potential of this uncorrelated asset class.Naive Optimism in StartupsScott shared his evolved perspective on entrepreneurship, advising to be naive and optimistic. He believes overanalyzing financials and business plans can deter action. "No one in their right mind would ever do whatever business you're about to start. It's impossible. You have to just go for it," he advised, advocating for taking the plunge and figuring things out along the way.

Tech-Music FusionBen Bowler's blend of music and technology led him to the founding of Aux. A jazz and funk drummer by training and a tech enthusiast by passion, Ben leveraged his unique skill set to create innovative platforms for artists and the music industry. "I started out as a musician...at the same time, I've always been interested in computers," Ben shared. This dual interest laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures, starting with Chew.tv, a live streaming platform for DJs.From ChewTV to StreamonBen's first company, ChewTV, tapped into the burgeoning live streaming market, coinciding with the rise of Twitch and YouTube Live. Despite facing challenges with music licensing fees, the company gained significant traction with half a million users and was ultimately acquired by BandLab in 2015. His second venture, Streamon, addressed the economics of live streaming more sustainably, leading to a seven-figure acquisition by Wistia.The Aux PhilosophyWith Aux, Ben Bowler is not looking for a quick fix or a simple solution. Instead, he is tackling the complex challenges faced by artists in music production and collaboration. "I embraced complexity...I wasn't going for the standard startup approach," Ben stated. By focusing on the intricate needs of musicians, Aux aims to provide comprehensive tools that rival those in other creative sectors.Direct to Fan ModelAux's sister brand, Direct.app, emerged from the realization that artists need more robust revenue streams. By acquiring a merchandise company and integrating it with Aux's services, Ben is driving not just business revenue but also empowering artists to maximize their earnings through direct fan engagement. "Merchandise is fantastically profitable for artists," Ben noted, illustrating the financial advantages of direct-to-fan sales.LoopLM: AI in MusicAux is set to launch a groundbreaking AI-powered sample library, demonstrating the untapped potential of generative AI in music. "It's trained off a data set of samples generated by human producers...as an artist, you can type the sound you want," Ben explained. This innovation could revolutionize music production by providing unique, high-quality samples, fostering creativity among artists.

Music Industry EvolutionAllen Bargfrede's eclectic career trajectory is a testament to his adaptability and foresight. As a music and technology lawyer, he has seamlessly transitioned into strategic advising and operational roles, shaping the way music companies and their investors navigate an ever-evolving industry. His work, especially with the Rethink Music initiative, has been pivotal in fostering transparency within the music industry, particularly addressing the perennial challenges of metadata. Allen recalls, "We did a lot of work on transparency in the music industry and particularly the metadata challenges that exist."Metadata: The Music Industry's Unsung HeroAllen demystifies the concept of metadata for the uninitiated, highlighting its critical role in the music ecosystem. "Metadata in the music industry is really what's... identifiers that help streaming services... so that the royalties can be properly allocated," he explains. This information is the unsung hero of the industry, ensuring artists and rights holders are fairly compensated. His initiative, Verifi Media, underscores his commitment to leveraging technology to resolve the complexities of data management in music.The Rising Trend of Investing in Music AssetsIn a fascinating observation, Allen sheds light on the growing trend of investing in music assets. He traces the origins back to the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent rise of streaming services, coupled with low-interest rates, which collectively spurred investors to consider music royalties and copyrights as viable and stable investment opportunities. "You saw very, very low, and in the case of Europe, negative interest rates. And so, uh, investors... started to look at music and say, this is an area, A, that's growing. And B, it's non-correlated to economic shocks," Allen notes, explaining the allure of the music industry to investors.Music-Tech Community FusionAllen is passionate about creating platforms that bring together professionals from various backgrounds. His efforts through Rethink Music and other smaller, more focused events have been about creating spaces where people from academia, business, and technology can cross-pollinate ideas. He believes in the power of events to foster genuine connections and inspire innovation. "Bringing this kind of diverse set of backgrounds obviously provides different perspectives to the other folks that are in the room," he reflects on the importance of collaborative environments.Envisioning Music 2030Looking ahead, Allen is excited about his latest project, Music 2030, a series of events set in the culturally rich and dynamic city of Biarritz. With a focus on the intersection of AI and music, Allen aims to explore how these technologies will shape the future of music creation, distribution, and consumption. He envisions Music 2030 as more than an event but as a continuous hub for creativity and thought leadership in the music industry. 

Career Diversity: Crafting Saudi's Music FuturePaul Pacifico's journey to becoming the CEO of the Music Commission of Saudi Arabia is a tale of diverse experiences shaping an ideal role. With a background that spans from banking to music, Paul's multifaceted career has perfectly positioned him for this unique challenge. He mentions, “It requires all of the expertise from everything I've ever done in my life. Whether that's from music or outside music,” highlighting the value of a varied career path in reaching such pivotal roles.Vision 2030: Reshaping Saudi's Cultural SceneThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a seismic shift in its cultural landscape, driven by Vision 2030. This ambitious plan aims for economic diversification and a vibrant societal overhaul. Paul elaborates, “Music pushes change, pushes the envelope, but it also brings people together.” Music's dual role in challenging norms and uniting people is at the heart of Saudi Arabia's transformative journey, making it a cornerstone of their cultural revival.Saudi Arabia: A Land of Unexpected DiversityPaul highlights the vastness and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, often surprising to many. He compares the country's size to Western Europe, emphasizing varied landscapes and a fast-growing, predominantly young population. “70 percent of the population is under 35 years of age,” he notes, pointing to a digitally enabled and ambitious generation driving change.Building a New Music Industry from ScratchThe Music Commission’s task of constructing a new music industry is both daunting and exciting. With no existing infrastructure, they are at liberty to design systems reflective of a future-facing economy. Paul delves into the complexities: “with everything we know about the history of the last 200 years and the evolution of technology from paper cards to blockchain, what would we like to do?” This blank slate approach offers a unique opportunity to innovate without legacy constraints.Human Insight: The Core of Music Industry EvolutionAmidst the discussions about technology and infrastructure, Paul underscores the importance of the human factor. He argues that technology like blockchain is not a panacea but rather a tool that needs to be used judiciously. “What you need is the data in the system,” he says, emphasizing the necessity of accurate and comprehensive data for effective management and distribution in the music industry.