Tony Fadell is most notable as the co-inventor of the iPhone, a mobile phone which has become a true market leader. While working as the Senior Vice President of the iPod division at Apple in 2001, he led the development of the hardware, accessories and hardware, which produced the iconic iPod which we all know and love. As a motivational speaker, Tony discusses the process he went through to create the iPod, offering an insight into Apple's business success.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1991, Tony started work for General Magic. In this role, he collaborated with the likes of Sony, Philips, Matsushita and Toshiba, to improve the quality of handheld electronics. With extensive experience as a diagnostics engineer, Tony can suggest methods for improving the technological standard of your business as a speaker. Moving to Philips in 1995, Tony was their Chief Technology Officer and Director of Engineering. Continuing with handheld services, he produced investment portfolios and business models. It was in this role that Tony imagined the potential for a small hard disk-based music player and an online music store.
Tony spent 5 years at Apple, from 2001 to 2006. During this period, he personally designed the iPod as well as developed Apple's audio products, two iconic aspects of the business. Having firmly positioned himself as a highly respectable designer, Tony was then promoted to Vice President of iPod engineering, before replacing the former Senior Vice President of the iPod Division in 2006.
After spotting a gap in the market for energy-saving, interactive thermostats, Tony co-founded Nest. The company continues to create cost-effective, smart thermostats, that redesigned the traditional, "old fashioned" method of regulating house temperatures. As a testament to his impact on the technological landscape, Tony has been credited with a number of awards. Describing him as the "next great serial inventor", Tony was awarded the Alva Award in 2012. From being listed on Vanity Fair's 2012 Next Establishment List to Business Insider's Top 75 Designers in Technology, Tony continues to be the recipient of countless prominent awards. In 2015, Tony hosted the TEDtalk, The First Secret of Design Is...Noticing, which has been viewed millions of times.
