Episodes

  • Bridging Hardware & Software for Integrated Solutions

    Bridging Hardware & Software for Integrated Solutions
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus shifts from vision and leadership to real-world applications, highlighting the seamless integration of hardware and software in imaging technology.
    COO Ian Gauger explores how Circle Optics is solving the complex challenges of bridging optics and AI, ensuring high-performance solutions for defense, GIS, and AR/VR applications.
    Zak Niazi discusses how this integration enhances user experience, making advanced imaging more intuitive and impactful. Together, they break down the technical and strategic innovations that set Circle Optics apart. The episode concludes with Ian’s forward-looking perspective on the future of hardware-software synergy and how Circle Optics is poised to lead the next wave of imaging transformation.
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    11 mins
  • Grit, Policy & the Future of Autonomy: A Conversation with Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI

    Grit, Policy & the Future of Autonomy: A Conversation with Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI
    Apr 7 2025
    Michael Robbins is the President & CEO of AUVSI, the world’s largest association dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics across defense, civil, and commercial domains. A seasoned leader in government affairs and public policy, Michael has been instrumental in advocating for critical regulatory updates such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. With decades of experience across Capitol Hill, trade associations, and as a Navy Reservist, his leadership bridges national defense, aviation safety, and emerging technology. He has successfully launched strategic initiatives like the Trusted Cyber Program and Green UAS to accelerate industry innovation. Robbins is passionate about aligning policy with the pace of technology to ensure U.S. leadership in autonomy and aerospace.
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    30 mins
  • Leadership Lessons from High-Tech Innovation

    Leadership Lessons from High-Tech Innovation
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead a deep-tech company in an industry as complex as optics. They discuss the toughest challenges they've faced, from navigating uncertainty to making high-stakes strategic decisions. Niazi shares insights on steering innovation while staying ahead of the market, while Ian explores the leadership qualities essential for balancing technical breakthroughs with operational execution. This conversation humanizes the brand, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and vision that drive Circle Optics forward. The episode concludes with personal reflections from Niazi and Gauger on what leadership means to them and what makes the Circle Optics team truly special.
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    9 mins
  • Pegasus & Hydra — The Engineering Breakthroughs Powering the Future

    Pegasus & Hydra — The Engineering Breakthroughs Powering the Future
    Mar 4 2025
    In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger dive into the groundbreaking technology behind Pegasus and Hydra. They break down what sets these systems apart from anything else on the market, highlighting the engineering breakthroughs that make true stitchless imaging a reality. Niazi explores the competitive advantage of these technologies, while Ian shares insights into the complex challenges the team overcame to bring them to life. Together, they discuss how Pegasus and Hydra are meeting critical market needs in defense, AI, and GIS applications. The episode closes with a powerful call to action, inviting industry leaders to explore how these innovations can transform their operations.
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    10 mins
  • Revolutionizing Infrastructure: How AI and Drones Are Transforming Inspections with Gavin Snyder

    Revolutionizing Infrastructure: How AI and Drones Are Transforming Inspections with Gavin Snyder
    Feb 20 2025
    This episode of 360° Pulse welcomes Gavin Snyder, CEO of Imagie Aeriall, to discuss how drones and AI are transforming infrastructure assessment. With over 30 years of experience in architecture, Snyder shares his journey from design to developing technology that accelerates inspections from months to days. The conversation explores the challenges facing U.S. infrastructure and the shift from reactive to predictive maintenance.
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    25 mins
  • 2025 Vision — The Future of Panoramic Imaging

    2025 Vision — The Future of Panoramic Imaging
    Feb 18 2025
    In this inaugural episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger set the stage for the future of panoramic imaging in 2025. They explore the company’s vision, the impact of stitchless imaging technology, and why it matters now more than ever. Niazi discusses the industries poised for transformation, from defense and aerospace to immersive training and beyond, while Ian delves into Circle Optics’ strategy for leading this shift. They address key challenges in adoption, technical innovation, and market positioning, offering insights into how the company’s roadmap is shaping the future. The episode closes with a call to action, inviting viewers to engage, follow, and be part of the journey as Circle Optics redefines high-fidelity panoramic imaging.
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    11 mins
  • Angel Investor and Advisor Don Golini: Insights on Innovation and Customer Discovery

    Angel Investor and Advisor Don Golini: Insights on Innovation and Customer Discovery
    Jan 9 2025
    Don Golini is a visionary leader in precision optics and a champion for early-stage innovation. With over two decades of experience in developing, managing, and commercializing cutting-edge technologies, Don serves as Chairman of Luminate and a valued member of the Circle Optics Advisory Board. In this episode of the 360 Pulse Podcast, he shares invaluable insights on the importance of gaining real-world corporate experience before launching a startup and the transformative impact of customer discovery. An angel investor and inventor with seven U.S. patents, Don is committed to advancing precision optics manufacturing and empowering emerging companies through mentorship and strategic guidance.
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    29 mins
  • From Combat to Climate: Don Berchoff's Approach to the Art of Weather

    From Combat to Climate: Don Berchoff's Approach to the Art of Weather
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of 360° Pulse, Circle Optics' welcomed Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions, as a guest. With over 40 years of experience in the weather and aviation industries, Don brought a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. His impressive career includes 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he played a key role in refining weather operations, leveraging emerging technologies, and applying weather risk management principles to improve mission readiness and efficiency.
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    26 mins