Retail 301: The Science Behind the Shelf with Leon Nicholas

In this episode, retail strategist Leon Nicholas—VP of Retail Insights & Solutions at Smurfit WestRock—breaks down the forces reshaping modern commerce. Leon explains why smart packaging, AI, automation, and shifting consumer behavior are transforming everything from supply chains to in-store experiences. He reveals how retailers can stay relevant, why “everything will be tagged,” and how small chains can now punch above their weight. A fast, insightful look at retail’s future.Leon’s Top 3 Songs:“Aqualung” by Jethro Tull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4zPu3ISCGs“Copacabana” by Barry Manilow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYvyzg3KtpY“Endless Love” by Diana Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubrfaD9DIusMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products  with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we talk with Lawrence Richenstein, Founder and CEO of WePower Technologies, about how kinetic energy harvesting is powering the next wave of battery-free IoT devices. Lawrence shares WePower’s journey from startup rescue to innovation leader, unveiling self-powered sensors and switches that generate energy from motion—redefining sustainability, reliability, and the future of ambient IoT.Lawrence’s Most Meaningful Songs:“In My Room” by The Beach Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l71pbhqnvNM“Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” by Led Zeppelin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZitPJMh60A“Positive Vibration” by Bob Marley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0DU5uhoq-4Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, José Cantera from the IOTA Foundation explains how IOTA’s distributed ledger technology is transforming global supply chains. We discuss the Tangle, the Twin project in Africa and the UK, and Europe’s Digital Product Passport, showing how open-source, energy-efficient infrastructure is building trust, transparency, and sustainability across industries — turning blockchain theory into real-world impact.Jose’ Favorite Songs:“It’s The End Of The World” by R.E.M.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY“Chariots Of Fire” by Vangelis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a-HfNE3EIo“Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2DtNW79sQMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we unpack Avery Dennison & Wiliot’s latest partnership, share lessons from coding with AI tools like Cursor, and explore Amazon’s Alexa+ upgrade. Then, we sit down with Ersan Günes, SVP IoT & Head of AI at Inpixon, to discuss Chirp technology, AI-powered tools like Ask Pixie, and how IoT and AI are converging to reshape factories, logistics, and smart environments.Ersan’s Favorite Songs:“Lose Yourself” by Eminem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYQQPAOz7Y“In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkADj0TPrJA“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgMMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Qualcomm’s new Dragon Wing Q6690 chip, bringing RFID to smartphones—a long-promised shift for auto-ID and IoT. We also speak with Jason Wu, CEO of InPlay, about the $1 Bluetooth beacon and how InPlay’s NanoBeacon technology lowers costs, simplifies deployment, and opens new markets from smart labels to cold chain monitoring. A timely look at IoT’s evolving economics and ecosystem.Jason’s Favorite Song:“Tian Mi Mi” by Teresa Teng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc2tW0jFHPo&t=3sMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we welcome back Amir Khoshniyati, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Wiliot. Amir shares insights on Gen 3 battery-free Bluetooth tags, why they’re a breakthrough for scaling ambient IoT, and how partnerships are key to success. We explore real-world use cases in retail, food, and logistics, plus Wiliot’s evolving ecosystem and vision for a connected, sustainable future.Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Mr. Beacon, we welcome back Giampaolo Marino of Energous to discuss the company’s new battery-free Bluetooth sensor and software platform, e-Compass. We’ll explore how ambient IoT is transforming cold chain, logistics, and asset tracking by reducing waste and cutting costs. From energy harvesting breakthroughs to defining what ambient IoT really means, this episode dives deep into the future of always-on visibility and the business opportunities it unlocks.Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Jérôme Vernet, VP of Sales at Dracula Technologies, reveals how inkjet-printed organic photovoltaics harvest energy from ambient light—even indoors—to power IoT devices without batteries. From smart building sensors to asset trackers, learn how this customizable, sustainable technology reduces maintenance, improves design flexibility, and even works in moonlight, opening new possibilities for the ambient IoT revolution.Jerome’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ8ixdXRCOo“My Lady Blue” by Eric Serra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWlqFFAQ4Vk “Un Homme Heureux” by William Sheller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiZh-_JlofkMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Adhithi Aji, CEO of Adrich, shares how her company’s smart labels turn everyday products into connected devices that track usage and auto-replenish—no app needed. Discover how Adrich is driving ROI, sustainability, and consumer engagement through ambient IoT and AI. With 97% accuracy and real-world use cases from Clorox to olive oil, this is a conversation about technology, impact, and human resilience.Adhithi’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Waka Waka” by Shakira: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9YyEeHSC4U“Happy” by Pharrell Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv-pYB0Qw9AMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Sze Wong—Co-Founder of Zenith Venture Studio—shares his journey from startup failures to building a venture studio that offers more than just funding. Learn how Sze helps non-technical founders turn deep industry knowledge into successful businesses, why boring problems are big opportunities, and how hands-on support beats traditional VC models. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators alike.Sze’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Unknown” (Listen on the podcast to try and guess what song this is)“I Believe” by Shin Seung Hun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNBnPvsufvk“Tong Hua” by Michael Wong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBTmypxD2mUMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI assistant that connects people to places, products and the brands behind them. For brands AmbientGPT represents a way to go beyond optimizing your business with AI to securing a place in the new AI purchasing paradigm.Our sponsor Identiv’s https://www.identiv.com IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also proud to be sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.