From Cool Tech to Real Change: Grounding Innovation in Reality

Sep 3, 2025

30:37

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What does it take to bring true innovation into one of the world’s most risk-averse industries?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd and Ryan unpack how to move from breakthrough technology to real-world adoption. The discussion explores why being honest about where you really are matters more than hype, how simplicity often beats complexity, and why economics ultimately drive scalability. If you’ve ever wondered how sustainable solutions can shift from pilot projects to global impact, this conversation delivers a grounded look at making change stick. Ryan shares insights on the significance of cement in climate change, the evolution of tech adoption in the industry, and the future of construction. He emphasizes the need for collaboration with traditional cement producers and the importance of financial mechanisms to support innovation.

MEET OUR GUEST

Ryan Gilliam is co-founder and CEO of Fortera, a low-carbon cement manufacturer focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. Gilliam is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to solving climate issues. Specifically, Gilliam has focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement, energy, and petrochemicals. He has over 100 granted patents focused on electrochemical, chemical, and materials technologies for the beneficial reuse of carbon emissions, green hydrogen production, and more environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing. In addition to his role at Fortera, Gilliam also serves on the Board of Directors of Verdagy, a company he founded that is innovating advanced electrolysis technology for the large-scale production of green hydrogen.

TODD TAKES Be Honest About Where You Really Are

True innovation starts with being brutally honest about your current reality. Don’t oversell the data or the promise—know exactly where you stand and what’s realistically possible.

Grounded in Reality Beats Cool Tech

Shiny technology isn’t enough. What actually gets adopted is what’s practical, scalable, and simple to integrate. Sometimes the smartest move is choosing simplicity over complexity.

Economics Drive Scalability

Change doesn’t scale because it’s exciting—it scales because the economics work. For any new process or product to truly take off, it has to compete on cost as much as on performance.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Cement Innovation

00:54 Ryan's Journey into Climate Sustainability

02:36 Lessons Learned from Early Ventures

04:42 Navigating Risk Aversion in the Cement Industry

06:43 The Importance of Cement in Climate Change

08:50 Transforming Ideas into Reality

11:00 Collaborating with Traditional Cement Producers

12:38 Simplifying Technology for Adoption

16:05 Balancing Innovation and Practicality

17:27 Key Levers for Low Carbon Cement Adoption

19:17 Evolution of Mindset in Tech Adoption