We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyrell Junius. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyrell below.

Tyrell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was to take on the role of a mentor and father figure. This individual went above and beyond, guiding me towards success and personal growth. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, many of us lacked father figures, a reality that thankfully is gradually changing. My journey has been profoundly shaped by the successful Black men who invested in my development, both personally and professionally.

Raised by my grandmother, who, despite her immense love and care, wasn’t fully equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world, I found myself relying on the wisdom and guidance of a broader community. These mentors shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights, helping me chart a path forward. Initially, I often wondered, “Why me? Why am I so fortunate?” Many of my friends did not have similar opportunities, which felt unfair at times.

Reflecting on this, I realize that having a mentor and father figure was an invaluable advantage. It was a launching pad I didn’t know I needed. Their support and belief in my potential provided me with the confidence and skills to pursue my goals. This mentorship not only shaped my career but also instilled in me the importance of giving back and helping others find their way. It has been a cornerstone of my success and a testament to the power of community and support.

Tyrell, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

With a decade of experience in international affairs, I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations like the United States Peace Corps, the United Nations World Food Programme, and the Atlantic Council. Early on, I realized the critical importance of building alliances and investing in people to create lasting value. Despite the billions of dollars funneled into developing economies through aid each year, the transformation into sustainable economic development is often elusive. This gap inspired my journey into leveraging technology for tangible impact.

I saw a unique opportunity when I applied for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Foundry Accelerator. The program connects entrepreneurs across the U.S. with cutting-edge technologies to address both commercial and government challenges. This was a perfect fit for my background in business and international affairs. My business partner and I founded Tiami Networks Inc. after successfully completing the accelerator in April 2022. Since then, we’ve grown our team to ten full-time members, all dedicated to solving critical wireless technology challenges for mobile network operators, original equipment manufacturers, and government clients.

Our flagship product, trademarked as PolyEdge, is set for release in early 2025. PolyEdge utilizes sensing, AI, and ambient 5G/WiFi signals to detect and track people, vehicles, and objects—without the need for cameras. Imagine it as a sophisticated sensor network that can “see” through walls using existing wireless signals, enhancing security and operational efficiency across industries like enterprise, defense, telecom, and autonomous systems.

What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and our holistic approach to problem-solving. We’re not just creating products; we’re developing solutions that integrate seamlessly into our clients’ operations, providing real-time insights and actionable data without compromising privacy.

I am particularly proud of our journey from a nascent idea to a burgeoning company poised to make a significant impact. For our potential clients and followers, I want you to know that Tiami Networks is here to push the boundaries of what wireless technology can achieve. We’re excited about the future and the innovations we will bring to the table, always with the goal of creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team effectively starts with building the right foundation, which means hiring great people who align with your mission, vision, and values. When you prioritize cultural fit and shared goals from the beginning, you set your team up for success and save yourself time and resources in the long run. At Tiami Networks, we’ve made this a cornerstone of our hiring process, ensuring that every team member is not only skilled but also passionate about our collective purpose.

To maintain high morale, consistent and transparent communication is key. We regularly share the big picture behind our projects and product decisions so that everyone understands how their work contributes to our overall mission. This sense of purpose and connection to the larger goals fosters a more motivated and engaged team.

Additionally, we believe in the power of team bonding and recognition. We organize team outings and encourage attendance at special events to foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging. We also recognize and reward outstanding performance with incentives like cash bonuses, which not only acknowledges hard work but also encourages ongoing excellence. Creating an environment where team members feel valued and appreciated goes a long way in maintaining high morale.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Innovation in our industry is a constant, and staying ahead requires a mindset that embraces creativity and unconventional thinking. One resource that has profoundly influenced my approach is “The Art of Creative Thinking: 89 Ways to See Things Differently” by Rod Judkins. This book offers a treasure trove of practical examples and techniques that can be applied both in business and in personal life.

Judkins’ insights encourage you to break free from traditional thought patterns and explore new perspectives. Whether it’s finding unique solutions to complex problems or simply approaching everyday challenges with a fresh outlook, the principles in this book have helped shape my entrepreneurial and management philosophy.

Another valuable resource is Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Start With Why.” It emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating the core purpose behind what you do. This has been instrumental in how we operate at Tiami Networks, as it aligns closely with our practice of sharing the big picture with our team. By focusing on the “why,” we inspire greater commitment and drive among our team members.

Overall, these resources highlight the importance of creativity, purpose, and continuous learning in achieving success and fostering a dynamic, innovative work environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiaminetworks.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiami-networks/

Image Credits

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