We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Levern Currie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Levern below.
Hi Levern, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience lies in the unyielding belief that it doesn’t rain always. This belief is what fuels my drive, passion, and dedication; it allows me to weather the storm and helps ensure that my decisions aren’t based in panic or desperation. Life is hard, and it can always get harder-but in that same vein it can, has, and does get better. It’s up to the individual to decide how they will operate with the life they have and the choices they make. What behaviors and mindsets a person engages in to help them fully realize their potential, do great things, and be a good person. It’s easy to become confused when life is hurting you-it’s another to let that feeling fuel and radicalize you to being someone that takes those feelings and transforms them into a symbol of hope for those around you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m currently working on getting my Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. I have a background in human-robot and human-computer interfaces and interaction. With my experience, I built and programmed robots to do a variety of tasks including assisting others. This background in assistive technology got me thinking about how people with communication difficulties order at the drive-thru. I looked to see if there were technologies that existed for the deaf/HOH, people who had language barriers, and other similar communication challenges. This sparked my desire to create a solution to solve this. I felt that not only was I capable enough to create the technology and build a business around it – but that it was an actual need for not only the patrons of these businesses but for the actual staff and owners of the restaurants as well. I feel that the most interesting and exciting part of what we do is creating gesture-based interfaces. It’s novel and has the potential to open up so many doors in a variety of customer-based interactions. This was how Drivingo was born and since then we have not only been pioneering gesture-based technology for customer service interactions in fast food and restaurants, but we also have created a technology that acts as a multimodal translation system that allows patrons to be who they are and be afforded the same decency that anyone else would be. I’m focused on creating a world and technology that brings us together instead of causing alienation or making people feel othered.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honesty, communication, and assertiveness are qualities that have profoundly shaped my journey. To me, honesty isn’t about sharing every aspect of yourself, but about being open and truthful. People often hide or distort the truth out of fear of potential repercussions, but the real damage comes from lies that eventually surface. In the professional world, trust is a cornerstone of your reputation, and once compromised, it’s difficult to rebuild. Being trustworthy and honest establishes a foundation that others can rely on, allowing you to cultivate meaningful relationships and sustainable growth.
Communication, particularly healthy communication, is the backbone of any relationship—personal or professional. Trust is vital, but without clear, consistent communication, engagement, and alignment become impossible. Effective communication ensures that those around you can understand, connect with, and support you. It’s essential to practice discernment in how you communicate: what you say, when you say it, and how it’s delivered all matter. Tailoring your communication to different audiences and situations can make the difference between being heard and being misunderstood.
The third pillar is assertiveness—not aggression, but the ability to express yourself clearly, confidently, and directly when needed. I’ve learned that as a business owner, a lack of assertiveness invites others to waste your time, string you along with empty promises, or take advantage of your good nature. Being assertive is about setting boundaries, standing firm, and ensuring mutual respect in interactions. Respect is a two-way street; if it isn’t reciprocated, it’s a sign that those people or situations aren’t a good fit for you.
Developing these qualities—honesty, communication, and assertiveness—requires practice and refinement. We all face moments of uncertainty, especially when support or guidance is scarce. However, I’ve found that when I focused on these skills, I was met with greater respect, taken more seriously, and granted the resources necessary for my growth as a business owner. People are often willing to help, but if you don’t communicate openly about your challenges, admit where you are in your journey, or have the strength to walk away from places where you’re not valued, you risk stifling your progress and losing sight of your purpose. One door closed is just another waiting to be opened and being bold about it ensures you are seen, heard, and supported.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At Drivingo, we are always open to partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission of transforming customer service through innovative, inclusive technology. We are particularly interested in collaborating with:
1. Fast Food Chains and Restaurants: We are seeking partners in the hospitality and food service industry who are looking to enhance their customer service experience and integrate advanced ordering solutions, such as gesture-based and multimodal translation systems. Additionally, we are eager to work with establishments interested in streamlining their operations with comprehensive back-of-house ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions that facilitate seamless order fulfillment, inventory management, and staff coordination.
2. Assistive Technology Organizations: Collaborating with entities that focus on accessibility and technology for people with disabilities would help us expand our impact and improve our offerings for individuals with communication barriers.
3. Tech and AI Innovators: We are excited to work with developers, AI specialists, and tech companies interested in exploring new ways to leverage AI, computer vision, and natural language processing in customer interactions.
4. Investors and Industry Leaders: Those who believe in the potential of next-generation customer service technology and are interested in supporting a company that prioritizes inclusivity and innovation.
5. Academic and Research Institutions: We welcome partnerships with universities and research groups to contribute to and benefit from ongoing studies in human-computer interaction, assistive technology, and related fields.
How to Connect with Us: If you’re reading this and would like to explore a partnership or collaboration with Drivingo, please reach out via our website www.drivingo.io or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to connecting with like-minded innovators and change-makers who share our vision of inclusive, future-forward customer experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drivingo.io
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leverncurrie/
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