Currently, my "primary job" is serving as Managing Director of Silicon Valley Connect [which I mention in an attempt to help you decipher my profile, since as you will see there are a number of other roles that I play whether as a board member, advisor, or investor]. Additionally, I am an active investor in and advisor to several dozen startup companies.Each of my roles has in one way or the other involved being the "interface" between groups thinking about the future of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation: the technical and non-technical communities; the VC and the entrepreneur; the industry and academia. My interest in pursuing technology and innovation-related issues on a global scale comes from a wide range of experiences: while working in startups, large companies, venture capital, research labs and universities.Generally speaking, my current areas of interest include all things related to professional social networking, "social productivity" and the "consumerization of enterprise" as well as evaluating, assessing, and developing new models for innovation within and between individuals and organizations. A lot of those interests come together in my focus on the "Future of Work": skills/training, making quality education available at scale, needs of displaced unemployed populations, and unique business models and programs being developed to work on some of the most pressing challenges.Specialties: New technology research, strategy, partnering, M&A, early business plan development, innovation efforts within organizations (especially in adopting new technologies and practices), converting basic research ideas into business innovation opportunities.