Black History In The Making: Padraic McFreen, Founder and CEO of Linked Inclusion™ Corporation
We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams come true! And in our Black History In The Making interview series, we’ll show you just how accurate that statement is. During Black History Month, we will be highlighting change-makers, way-showers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of #BlackExcellence.
To close out Black History Month, we talk to none other than Padraic McFreen, the Founder and CEO of Linked Inclusion. How many narratives have we heard about Black inventors, creatives, and entrepreneurs having their ideas and intellectual property stolen? And how many stories have we heard of CEOs being removed from their own companies? (Steve Jobs, anyone?) Unfortunately, in the corporate world, it is a tale as old as time—and Mr. McFreen’s is another one.
Padraic McFreen is a lifelong inventor and innovator in what we now know as the smart technology space. Here, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, reveals how smart technology really started, and shares how he combats racism.
LH | Linked Inclusion
How did you get started? What or who inspired you?
PM
My first startup was MiVu® Corporation, launched September 1, 2000, 04:44 a.m., in Overland Park, Kansas. After years of success in broadcasting, and then leaving law school, I launched MiVu based on my novel portfolio of first-of-their-kind Internet information and entertainment network technologies, algorithms, business methods, and designs. This was a huge leap of faith, because I had walked away from two successful career paths to bring MiVu to market. MiVu was launched, creating anytime, anywhere, and any device personalized information and entertainment experiences.
My great grandfather inspired me. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work for him on his mineral water farm. During our time together, he shared with me the need for Black men to master several disciplines, and to invent new ways of “mixing things up,” because based on his lived experiences, the world wasn’t going to give us a chance. His most important advice to me was “No matter what you do, always be creating something new.”
LH | Linked Inclusion
There is no such thing as an overnight success. How long has it taken you to reach to this point? What have been some of your struggles along the way?
PM
It has taken more than 20 years to reach this point. When I launched MiVu, I met with Microsoft, BlockBuster Video, Nortell Networks, AMC Theatres, Activision, Warner Brothers, Oprah, and many others. Some were supportive, while others flat out kicked me out of their building for suggesting that consumers would rent videos via the Internet and watch them on their computers. In September of 2000, everything that the public takes for granted today was in my business plan—but the changes I proposed were definitely not welcomed at the time.
Though slow adoption was expected, one bright spot was my early partnership with Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs (Nokia today). I had already completed the ideation and design phases of my business plan and partnered with Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs for implementation. This partnership led to the intelligent (smart) networks, devices and technologies in use today; however, being a relatively unknown innovator of a new industry, I was essentially boxed out of my own business. Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs proceeded with the implementation of MiVu, but cut me out entirely. New industries emerged as a result, while MiVu Corporation stalled.
LH | Linked Inclusion
How do you keep going when you hit roadblocks?
PM
I hear my great grandfather’s voice telling me to “always be creating something new.” For example, when MiVu Corporation stalled, I began working on related technologies. I created a radio frequency, personal communication system and global positioning system device set, and an object tracing mapping system that I named MiChildLocator, or MiCL. I pitched the MiVu MiCL to Syncom, McDonalds, and Disney. They all passed on MiCL; however, Disney did later build MiCL for its properties. Today, Disney refers to MiCL as MagicBand.
The key for me is to continue innovating, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Even though I have already experienced significant roadblocks with bringing Linked Inclusion to fruition, I focus on the long game and the broad vision. That keeps me motivated.
LH | Linked Inclusion
Have you encountered racism in your career, and if so, how have you dealt with it?
PM
Yes. As a Black man, innovator, inventor, and entrepreneur, “ongoing navigation of racism” should be included in my CV as a strength. Racism speaks more to the other person or group more so than it does to me. I face it. I continue to deliver excellence in everything that I do. The intent of my work is to benefit everyone. Coming to the realization that industries deem my innovations and inventions indispensable, while simultaneously excluding me from these same industries, did take some personal work on my part. Despite racism, I continue to innovate for everyone.
LH | Linked Inclusion
What are your proudest achievements so far, personally and professionally?
PM
I made a personal decision to do this work and am proud of my most recent Anthem Awards for Linked Inclusion Corporation, the Edison Institute’s Electric Utility of The Year Award (KCP&L), my MiVu network technologies and intelligent devices in use globally, regardless of the discrimination, my State of California Energy Efficiency, Demand Response and HVAC industry transformation achievements, and so many more. I have been blessed to have my work touch, improve, and advance communities globally. I am truly grateful.
LH | Linked Inclusion
What do you consider to be your biggest contribution to the culture?
PM
When I launched MIVu, my intent was to create technical opportunities for those of us who have been excluded from industries. The exclusion process, in many instances, begins during middle and senior high school. My technology was designed to meet these students where they were. If they were able to work at McDonalds, they could work at MiVu. Touchscreens, apps, marketplaces, and single point access were some of the innovations designed specifically for the culture. These innovations were brought to market by big brands like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Apple, Nokia and others. The creation of these entry-level tech opportunities is my biggest contribution.
LH | Linked Inclusion
Name someone from Black history and culture who inspires you.
PM
George Washington Carver. Mr. Carver represents the best in cross-disciplinary innovation that has had a lasting impact on humanity. As a scientist and innovator, he partnered with industry while maintaining his commitment to his community. His blending of both personal and professional life was punctuated by the friendship and several industry firsts that he achieved with Henry Ford.
LH | Linked Inclusion
Have you ever felt like you are our ancestors’ wildest dreams come true? Tell us more.
PM
Not yet. I believe the work continues. I feel like our ancestors would like to see me continue to make advances in technology, as well as humanity. I believe our ancestors would say to me “Good start; now on to the next.” In my view, it’s a relay race, and the obstacles that have been set out to slow our advances are being removed. Soon, our ancestors will say to me “Now run. Run. Run. Run.”
LH | Linked Inclusion
What is some advice that you wish someone had shared with you when you were starting out?
PM
Follow your passion.
LH | Linked Inclusion
Why would you consider yourself and your achievements to be Black History In the Making?
PM
MiVu® and Linked Inclusion™ are Black-founded startups that have changed, and will change, the world. I am proof positive that my Black History is American History.
Padraic McFreen is the Founder and CEO of Linked Inclusion™, the professional social change management media platform that provides Diversity, Equity, Inclusion +Wellness resources for organizations and individuals worldwide, and an “Official Safe Space” social media platform.
As an innovator, McFreen is known for throwing conventional wisdom out the door andstarting with a clean page, and asking the simple question – “why not?” He continues to prepare for the future by designing it. No stranger to solving the problems of the world through technology, Padraic McFreen is bringing his thought leadership to solve for X, one of humanity’s most challenging social issues of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and adding + Wellness. Linked Inclusion™, is challenging conventional thinking and using technology to re-tune, reframe, and deliver socially managed change to a new DEI + Wellness space.
You can connect with Padraic on Linked Inclusion, on Instagram @linked_inclusion, or on LinkedIn Padraic McFreen.
Lisa Hurley is a writer, speaker, and activist whose work focuses on anti-racism, texturism, and destigmatizing introversion. She is the Editor-At-Large of Linked Inclusion™.
Where necessary, content has been edited for clarity and readability.
© Linked Inclusion Corporation, 2022. Linked Inclusion™ provides resources to serve people who have been historically excluded. Our goal is to solve for DEI + W: Diversity Equity, Inclusion + Wellness. Visit us online at www.linkedinclusion.com, and join the professional social change management community at www.linkedinclusion.us.
"Replace exclusion with inclusion. We are stronger, faster, smarter, together."