The 'Perfect Storm' in Semiconductor's Supply Chains
Channel: Towards3Z
Date: 2021-11-09

A conversation with Michael Knight from TTI (episode towards3z - 5)

In In today's show, I sat down with Michael Knight to discuss current supply chains dynamics of the electronic component industry, and general technological trends aligned to the 3zs of the show - towards zero emissions, zero downtime and zero waste.

Michael Knight is President of the Exponential Technology Group and Corporate Senior Vice President of business development at TTI Inc, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. 
Prior to joining TTI in 2004, Knight worked for several electronic component distributors and manufacturers and was a founder of an advanced semiconductor substrate manufacturing company. 

Michael currently sources and leads TTI's acquisition efforts, aimed at diversifying its business, and manages the Exponential Technology Group which is comprised of five businesses that specialize in contract electronic product design (with a heavy focus on IoT) and leading-edge semiconductor distribution for the communications, automotive, IoT and industrial market segments.

Watch the interview to learn more on:
- The influence of serendipity over many professional careers, including ours!
- How we use the analogy of a massive storm to discuss current trends and challenges regarding the supply chain. Spoiler alert… if you've not read Sebastian Junger's book, watch the 'Perfect Storm' movie with George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.
- Michael's view on Moore's law as well as the link between evolving technologies and the skyrocketing demand for electronic components.
- How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the seminconductor industry and the needs to build resilient supply chains.
- The potential of green energy in the near future along with Michael's take on additive manufacturing, biology and emerging technology.
- Useful tips for start-up founders. Michael considers them 'old-fashioned', but in fact they are very current