Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Podcast Description
Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail.Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation.Pour yourself a glass and join us.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes centered on smart building innovations, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fault Managed Power (FMP), AI, and quantum computing. Specific episode topics include the transformative impact of FMP on modern infrastructure, insights into the convergence of PoE and FMP, and an exploration of the evolution of smart buildings from traditional to advanced electrification, with examples such as Ronna Davis discussing safe energy delivery and Andrew Lu dissecting the economic drivers behind electrification.
Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail.
Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation.
Pour yourself a glass and join us.
🧊 Overview:
In this episode of Distilled Building Tech, Jason and AK welcome Giovanni Frezza, Head of Smart Building at Molex. What starts with a tasting and history of grappa quickly evolves into a compelling discussion on the future of smart buildings, AI-driven optimization, IT/OT convergence, and the changing role of facilities management.
From physics labs in Rome to the forefront of digital infrastructure, Giovanni brings a unique, data-informed perspective to how we shape the built environment.
🍇 Grappa & Origins
- Giovanni shares his love for grappa, Italy’s post-wine distilled spirit.
- AK and Jason scramble to find their best substitutes.
- Discussion of varietals, aging, and cultural context.
🧪 From Physics to Facilities
- Giovanni’s early career in theoretical physics and neural networks (studied under Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi).
- Transition to semiconductors and leading Molex’s Smart Building division.
🏢 The Smart Building Imperative
- Origin of Molex’s CoreSync platform and early collaboration with Cisco.
- Four core value drivers:
Energy efficiency & carbon neutrality
Predictive maintenance
Occupant wellness & comfort
Data-driven optimization
🤖 AI & Automation in the Built World
- LLMs help simplify complex building systems for FMs and stakeholders.
- Edge ML enables behavior modeling and real-time insights.
- Comparison to autonomous vehicles—buildings are becoming adaptive, not just automated.
🧑💼 New Roles, New Realities
- The rise of the AI-native facility manager.
- Skills shift as experienced FMs retire and systems grow more complex.
- AI as a tool—not a replacement—for human decision-making.
🌐 IT/OT Convergence
- Why networked power (PoE) is key to infrastructure design.
- Successful projects require early collaboration between IT, OT, HR, and real estate.
- The future is unified racks, segmented networks—like the evolution from legacy telephony to VoIP.
🔗 Learn More:
- Visit molexcs.com to explore the CoreSync platform.
- Connect with Giovanni Frezza on LinkedIn.
🥃 Final Sip:
From aged spirits to adaptive systems, Giovanni reminds us that the smartest buildings are the ones designed for people, powered by data, and driven by purpose.
Disclaimer
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