Episode 5

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Published on:

3rd Mar 2025

Mike Sullivan on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Cooling

The latest Nomad Futurist podcast features Mike Sullivan, CEO and Co-Founder of Air2O, alongside co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. From his roots in Manchester to pioneering sustainable cooling solutions, Mike Sullivan's career embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation in the technology industry. Drawing from his extensive experience, beginning with his family's business, Sullivan provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Early on in his career, Sullivan started a business with his father providing mechanical and design solutions for existing industrial infrastructure. He credits his entrepreneurial spirit to early experiences and his parents' unwavering support, stressing the need to question established practices:

"The one sentence, which I really hate is, we've always done it this way. Just because we've done something one way for a hundred years doesn't mean there's not an alternative."

Showcasing his proactive approach to identifying and implementing sustainable technologies, Sullivan was inspired to build his own legacy, going on to found Air2O, a leading provider of innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. He explains:

“What I wanted to do was really start a company, which from the ground up allowed us to effectively provide engineered solutions in a competitive manner. So the idea of Air2O was permeating for quite a few years.”


Emphasizing the enduring impact of family values and the continuation of an entrepreneurial tradition, Sullivan proudly shares how his family's legacy is being furthered in the HVAC sector through his son’s involvement with Air2O. He notes:


"Tom, my eldest son, left the military when we started Air2O. And was essentially a co-founder within Air2O. He joined us here in Arizona and he's certainly carrying that torch."


Mike Sullivan's story exemplifies how a willingness to think outside the box and embrace one’s roots can lead to impactful innovation within a dynamic industry.


Stay connected with Sullivan on LinkedIn to learn more.

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About the Podcast

Nomad Futurist
The #nomadfuturist show is a true tech podcast phenomenon. The two hosts are technologists and futurists, so they really know their stuff, and following their in-depth conversations feels like you have a backstage pass to a gathering of the best of the
The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry.

For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature.

With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.