On this edition of the Blacks In Technology #BITTechTalk podcast we are joined by tech entrepreneur/startup founder/CEO of LISNR, Rodney Williams.

Rodney Williams, Founder/CEO of LISNR, leads one of the hottest companies in the IoT space that intends to disrupt the mobile industry with a new communication protocol that is the most efficient way to connect any device with a speaker or microphone. Fresh out of the R/GA Accelerator powered by Techstars, and a recent Upstart 100 honoree, Williams is an innovative and out-of-the-box strategic thinker who is always looking for new ways for brands to have the greatest impact on their consumers.

LISNR is a new communication standard between devices that connects any device with a speaker or microphone using high frequency “data over audio”. Called “Smart Tones”, these silent audio files can broadcast from television, live events, radio, or any standard speaker and then interact with LISNR’s coder base (SDK, API, Java, etc). Client and strategic partners include, Roc Nation, Red Bull Media House, AT&T, The Dallas Cowboys and Kao Brands.

Prior to LISNR, Williams spent over 4 years at Procter & Gamble leading a number of brand management, digital, and point of entry media efforts, most noted for being the first marketer to co-write digital patents. Williams was selected for AdAge and Jet Magazine’s top 40 marketers under 40 in 2013. In 2014, LISNR received notable recognition as a Webby Honoree, TIECON Hot Startup & the Business Courier’s 2014 Marketing Innovation Award winner. Williams holds an M.B.A. from Howard University along with three additional degrees which include a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications, a B.A. in Economics and B.B.A. in Finance.