Alessandro Araldi | Digital Thread Podcast | Momenta

Revolutionizing Building Technologies in Self Storage: A Game-Changing Approach

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Alessandro Araldi, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Janus International, a global leader in supplying solutions to the self-storage industry, with an impressive $1 billion in revenue. Alessandro's extensive career spans over two decades, marked by remarkable achievements in innovating and commercializing building technologies on a global scale.

Alessandro's journey to becoming a leading figure in the self-storage industry is inspiring. He began his career at Honeywell International, where he held leadership roles in high-growth business lines, including Honeywell Building Technologies and Honeywell Security Group. During his tenure at Honeywell, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's direction and expanding its reach in the building technology sector.

Before his time at Honeywell, Alessandro showcased his versatility and adaptability in various roles. He served as a partner at CSK Venture Capital in Tokyo, gaining valuable insights into the Asian technology landscape. Additionally, he led Product Management for a mobile microprocessor platform at Texas Instruments, demonstrating his technical expertise and leadership in the field. His consulting experience at The Boston Consulting Group, focusing on Telecom & IT, further honed his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Alessandro earned a master’s in electrical and Telecommunications Engineering from the prestigious University of Bologna, providing a solid engineering foundation for addressing complex technical challenges in the building technology sector. Furthermore, he holds an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management, renowned for its emphasis on innovation and strategic leadership education.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Alessandro about the future of building technologies in self-storage. His unique blend of expertise promises an enlightening discussion. Stay tuned for insights from a true industry pioneer!

 Discussion Points:

• What would you consider your digital thread (the one or more thematic threads that define your digital industry journey)?
• Your career path has taken you through various roles, from consulting at BCG to managing a microprocessor program at TI, serving as a Managing Partner at a ventures firm, leading Honeywell's Building Technologies business, and currently, your role at Janus. To what do you attribute this professional wanderlust? 
• Being a Venture Capital firm, I'm keen on those with VC experience. You were the Managing Partner at CSK Venture Capital in Tokyo from 2006 to 2010. What sparked your interest in VC, and what were the standout experiences and lessons from that time?
• During your nearly 12-year tenure at Honeywell, encompassing roles in Security and Building Technologies, could you briefly describe your responsibilities and highlight your proudest achievements?
• During that time, as digital innovations like Nest thermostats and Ring doorbells emerged, how did they impact building automation and change its direction?
• Let's talk about your role at Janus International in 2022. You're in charge of corporate strategy and leading NOKE, an Industrial IoT venture enhancing self-storage through digitization. Can you briefly describe your role and NOKE's focus?
• What have been some of your notable use cases and wins? 
  
• How do you know when an organization is ready to adopt your solutions, and what best practices have you seen in realizing that potential value? 
• Commercial buildings are a critical crossroads given post-COVID remote working, manufacturing reshoring, the energy transition, and labor challenges. What are the key trends you are watching relative to the future of your industry? 
• In closing, could you share where you find your inspiration and which books have inspired you most? (e.g., book recommendations, articles, podcasts, people, etc