Next In Time

ST Tangirala

Most podcasts focus on current success stories but rarely focuses on the people of tomorrow. This show talks about how the mission and vision of a startup, small business, organization, or even an individual CAN and WILL make a strong impact in the future. It emphasizes the wonder of possibilities in the future through these interviews and how these entities can help shape the future.

  1. 4 days ago

    Episode 179: The Future of Coffee: Robotic Drive-Thrus and Automated Retail | Rob Whitten & Jane Lo, Co-Founders of P!ng

    What if your morning coffee could be ready before you even pull into the drive-thru? In this episode of The Next In Time Podcast, I sit down with Jane Lo and Rob Whitten, the co-founders of **p!ng, a venture-backed startup reimagining the drive-thru experience through robotics, automation, and intelligent customer recognition. Instead of building traditional coffee shops with large footprints, staffing challenges, and operational complexity, p!ng has developed a compact 120-square-foot robotic drive-thru that uses sensor-augmented geofencing technology to recognize customers as they arrive and begin preparing their order before they reach the pickup window. The result is a faster, more efficient customer experience that reduces waste, lowers labor requirements, and transforms underutilized parking lots into profitable retail destinations. Rob brings experience as a former Army Captain and robotics leader who understands both operational excellence and customer experience at scale. Jane previously helped build billion-dollar brands and specializes in transforming complex technologies into products people genuinely enjoy using. Together, they are building a future where automation enhances convenience without sacrificing the personal touch customers expect. In our conversation, we explore the future of automated retail, the challenges of scaling robotics businesses, lessons learned from launching a physical technology product, and how founders can bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and everyday consumer behavior. The origin story behind p!ngHow robotic drive-thrus are changing the coffee industryWhy traditional café models face growing operational challengesUsing geofencing and automation to create a seamless customer experienceBuilding hardware and software together as a startupLessons from Amazon Robotics, SharkNinja, and the militaryThe economics of automated retail and labor efficiencyWhat the future of drive-thru commerce could look like You can connect with Rob and Jane through these platforms: Website: https://pingthru.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-whitten-pingthru/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-lo-ping/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pingthrucoffee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pingthrucoffee/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pingthru Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pingthru

    30 min
  2. 6 June

    Episode 178: Combining Eco-Conscious, Non-Toxic Apparel With AI | Lacey Cadieux, Founder And CEO of Rhubia Ventures

    What if your wardrobe could help you save time, reduce waste, improve your confidence, and make better decisions every day? In this episode of The Next In Time Podcast, I sit down with Lacey Cadieux-McLean, founder and CEO of Rhubaia Ventures, a Calgary-based fashion-tech company redefining how women interact with their clothing through sustainable apparel and AI-powered technology. Raised on a ranch in Alberta and backed by a career in IT project management, entrepreneurship, and authorship, Lacey recognized a growing problem: professional women often struggle to find clothing that is healthy, functional, stylish, and environmentally responsible. Rather than accepting the status quo, she founded Rhubaia to create a smarter approach to fashion—combining eco-conscious, non-toxic professional apparel with an AI-powered virtual closet that helps users organize outfits, reduce decision fatigue, and make more intentional purchasing choices. During our conversation, we explore the intersection of fashion, sustainability, technology, and consumer behavior. Lacey shares how AI can help reduce textile waste, why healthier clothing materials matter, and how digital wardrobe tools can empower individuals to simplify their lives while making a positive impact on the environment. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, artificial intelligence, fashion innovation, or simply looking for ways to streamline your daily routine, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping one of the most personal aspects of our lives. Why Lacey founded Rhubaia VenturesThe hidden environmental and health impacts of modern clothingHow AI-powered virtual closets can reduce decision fatigueThe future of sustainable fashion and textile innovationStrategies for reducing wardrobe waste and overconsumptionBuilding a fashion-tech company from the ground upHow technology can help people make more mindful purchasing decisionsThe connection between clothing, confidence, and wellbeing You can connect with Lacey through these platforms: Website: https://rhubaia.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rhubaia/61578988922345/ X: https://x.com/rhubaia Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rhubaia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhubaia/

    26 min

About

Most podcasts focus on current success stories but rarely focuses on the people of tomorrow. This show talks about how the mission and vision of a startup, small business, organization, or even an individual CAN and WILL make a strong impact in the future. It emphasizes the wonder of possibilities in the future through these interviews and how these entities can help shape the future.