In this episode, Laura and Kevin sit down with Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President of the Americas for Axis Communications, to talk about the intersection of surveillance technology, cybersecurity, and ethical innovation.

Fredrik reflects on his rare 30-year tenure with Axis, explaining how a strong company culture and a constant focus on innovation have kept him committed. He shares his journey from Sweden to the U.S., noting how working in both regions has influenced his leadership style, bringing together Sweden’s emphasis on collaboration with the U.S. drive for growth and execution.

For listeners unfamiliar with Axis, Fredrik explains that the company pioneered the shift from analog CCTV to digital network video and continues to lead by developing open, scalable, and secure surveillance solutions. What sets Axis apart, he says, is their long-term approach to partnerships, transparency, and quality, plus a strong emphasis on ethical technology use. Looking ahead, Fredrik is excited about how AI and machine learning are transforming surveillance, not just for traditional security purposes but across sectors like retail, healthcare, and transportation. He shares how Axis is applying analytics in creative ways, from optimizing store layouts to improving patient safety in hospitals.

The conversation also tackles serious topics around cybersecurity and privacy. Fredrik acknowledges the tension between advancing surveillance capabilities and the risks they can bring. He discusses Axis’ approach to building trust with customers, through transparency, strict data handling policies, and a focus on responsible AI use. In the face of increasing threats like state-sponsored cyberattacks and deepfakes, Axis is investing heavily in secure systems and client education.

And, as a lighter note, Laura kicks things off by sharing her unique connection to Sweden: buying wildlife calendars on Kickstarter from a guy who photographs animals in his yard.

Vice President of the Americas for Axis Communications, Fredrik Nilsson oversees the company’s operations in North and South America and serves on the global management team. In his 25+ year’s at Axis, he has undertaken various roles in both Sweden and the United States and has been instrumental in leading the surveillance industry shift from analog closed-circuit television to network video. Since assuming responsibility for the Americas in 2003, revenues in the region have grown from $20M to $1B, due in part to a focus on increasing Axis' presence in the market by opening more than sixteen Axis Experience Centers throughout the region.

This week on the pod, Laura and Kevin discuss what’s shaping up to be the biggest Bitcoin event of the year: Bitcoin 2025, happening May 27–29 at The Venetian in Las Vegas. With over 30,000 attendees and 400+ speakers, it’s more than a conference - it’s a full-on Bitcoin takeover.

We are joined by Justin Doochin, one of the conference organizer. He says to expect a mix of Bitcoiners, developers, investors, policymakers, and curious newcomers. People come to network, share ideas, and get a pulse on where Bitcoin is headed. This year’s “Code & Country” track kicks off Industry Day, focusing on the intersection of policy, technology, and innovation. Laura asks if Trump will show, Justin shares that while President Donald Trump isn't on the speaker list, his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are confirmed to speak about capitalism, Bitcoin, and economic sovereignty. Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, will make his first public appearance since being released from prison earlier this year. He’s set to speak at the conference, marking a significant moment for many in the Bitcoin community.

The conference aims to set a Guinness World Record for the most Bitcoin point-of-sale transactions in eight hours. It’s a bold move to showcase Bitcoin’s potential as a daily-use currency. This year's event is set to be high-energy, with a mix of serious discussions and celebratory moments. It’s a place where ideas are exchanged, and the future of Bitcoin is debated and envisioned. Laura also speculates if Bitcoin Hit $150K or $200K in 2025.

Justin is offering our listeners a 30% discount on all Bitcoin 2025 passes. Use the code: TECHPOD30 at checkout: https://bm.b.tc/TECHPOD30.

For more details and to register for the conference, visit the official conference site: https://b.tc/conference/2025.

In this week's episode, Laura and Kevin sit down with Susana Cabrera, Global Head of Channel and Alliances at Parsec Automation Corp., for a conversation that bridges manufacturing, technology, and strategic leadership. With a career spanning tech giants like SAP and CISCO, Susana shares how her path led to Parsec and why the company’s mission to modernize manufacturing resonated with her.

Susana breaks down what Parsec does to empower manufacturers through digital transformation and explores why innovation in this space is not just necessary - it’s overdue. She goes into the real-world applications of AI in industrial settings, separating the hype from the real opportunities. For a deeper dive on that topic, check out Parsec’s blog post: What AI Can Do for Manufacturers Right Now.

The episode also tackles big-picture topics like global supply chain disruptions, shifting manufacturing strategies, and the technologies that will reshape partner ecosystems in the years ahead. Plus, the we discuss the controversial topic of bagged olives (spoiler: Susana’s a fan), and the conversation wraps with a powerful message: let technology be an enabler, not a barrier—just don’t forget that humans still drive the business.

As Parsec's Global Head of Channel and Alliances, Susana Cabrera leverages her nearly 30 years of experience in business development, channel teams, and professional services to drive growth and innovation. Having previously worked at companies like SAP and CISCO, Susana excels at aligning partner strategies with customer needs, ensuring that clear communication and collaboration lead to measurable business outcomes. Driven by a passion for strategy, execution, and delivering business outcomes, Susana thrives at the intersection of partner-led growth, innovation, and operational excellence.