Tom Driscoll on Clear Communication and Innovation in Tech

Tom Driscoll, founder and chief technology officer of the Seattle-based firm Echoydne, emphasizes the critical importance of clear communication in the technology sector. With a PhD in physics from the University of California, San Diego, Driscoll leads a company that specializes in using metamaterials to develop advanced radar technology for both commercial and defense applications. His experience as the former managing director of the Metamaterials Commercialization Center at the technology incubator Intellectual Ventures has shaped his views on effective communication in complex fields.

Driscoll acknowledges the often-overlooked challenges of conveying technical information clearly, especially within large teams. He states, “It’s under-appreciated how difficult it is to communicate clearly – especially on technical topics or across large teams.” He believes that as teams grow, the complexities of communication increase, making it essential for leaders to dedicate time to this aspect of their work.

In his role at Echoydne, Driscoll not only prioritizes his own communication efforts but also actively encourages his team to do the same. He sees each task as a valuable contribution to a larger goal: creating a safer world in the face of rising threats from autonomous weapons.

The collaborative environment at Echoydne is another source of satisfaction for Driscoll. He describes his colleagues as “dedicated, intelligent, and each exemplary in their own unique ways.” This dynamic fosters innovation and enhances the company’s ability to tackle complex challenges.

Despite his enthusiasm for the work, Driscoll has a candid perspective on some aspects of business communication. He expresses frustration with PowerPoint, calling it “the least effective and most time-consuming ways of communicating ever created.” Yet, he acknowledges the necessity of accommodating customer preferences, even if it means using tools he finds less effective.

Reflecting on the journey of building a hardware startup, Driscoll highlights the misconception that product development takes only a few years. “Anyone who believes a hardware start-up will only take three or four years to develop a product has to be kidding,” he remarks. He emphasizes that the learning process is often more valuable than the knowledge itself, stating, “The past 11 years have been an amazing journey of learning.”

If given the chance, Driscoll would consider adjusting his early decisions, but he would not want to bypass the invaluable lessons learned along the way. His insights underscore the reality that in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, communication and collaboration are key to driving success and innovation.