Betts on the Future

Redefining Critical Metals Refining with Nth Cycle's CEO Megan O'Connor | Betts on the Future

In this episode of Betts on the Future, host Jennifer welcomes Megan O'Connor, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Nth Cycle, a company revolutionizing the critical metals refining industry through innovative electro-extraction technology. Megan discusses how Nth Cycle enables sustainable domestic production of essential metals like nickel and cobalt, which are crucial for U.S. technological advancement. She shares her journey from environmental chemistry to co-founding Nth Cycle, the significance of critical minerals in various sectors including clean energy and defense, and the challenges and successes along the way. Megan also elaborates on the importance of a resilient domestic supply chain and the impact of Nth Cycle’s commercial system in Ohio. Tune in to learn more about the vital role of critical minerals and Megan's inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:26 Meet Megan O'Connor: Pioneering Metal Refining

02:07 The Journey to Nth Cycle

05:09 Challenges and Innovations in Metal Refining

16:00 Nth Cycle's Impact on Military and National Security

19:26 Modularity and Mobility in Metal Refining

29:11 Building a Resilient Supply Chain

33:05 Transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship

36:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

38:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Exploring Career Paths in the Metals Industry: An In-Depth Conversation with Nicole Sweet | Betts on the Future

Join Jennifer Betts, a veteran in the metals industry, as she dives into the diverse career paths within the electrifying world of metals, with a special focus on women who are making significant strides in the field. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Nicole Sweet, the head of end-to-end recycling for North America at RHI Magnesita, during the Women in Steel conference in Pittsburgh. Nicole shares her journey from starting in the steel industry at 18, to becoming a leader in refractory recycling. Learn about Nicole's career milestones, the importance of refractory in steel making, and the exciting advancements in the industry. Gain insights into the realities of working in metals, the value of non-traditional career paths, and the crucial role of recycling in the future of the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:22 Live from the Women in Steel Conference

00:45 Meet Nicole Sweet: A Journey in Steel

01:11 Nicole's Early Career and Growth

04:27 Understanding Refractory and Its Importance

11:11 The Future of Refractory Recycling

18:08 Advice for Current and Future Industry Professionals

24:29 The Value of Diverse Career Paths

25:19 Encouraging Hard Work and Dedication

25:40 The Importance of Trade Skills

26:19 Flexibility in Career Choices

27:09 Navigating Job Insecurity

31:18 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

36:49 Advice for Future Generations

39:29 Promoting Inclusivity in the Industry

44:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Exploring the World of Metals Journalism with Rijuta Dey

Join Jennifer Betts on Betts on the Future as she dives into the electrifying world of metals with seasoned journalist, Rijuta Dey. With a background spanning across three countries and extensive experience in metals reporting, Rijuta shares her unique journey from her small hometown in India to becoming a senior reporter in the U.S. for FastMarkets. Gain insights into the niche field of price reporting, understand the importance of objectivity in journalism, and discover how the metals industry is evolving with new trends like decarbonization. Don't miss this fascinating episode filled with career advice and industry knowledge.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:43 Meet Rijuta Dey: A Journey from India to the Metals Industry

08:21 The Role of a Price Reporter in the Metals Industry

14:46 The Importance of Price Reporting Agencies

19:25 Challenges and Opportunities in the Metals Industry

23:08 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

This week Jennifer is joined by Fastmarkets Senior Price Reporter Rijuta Dey. Listen as Rijuta shares her passion for journalism, her journey into the metals market, and her thoughts on why PRAs are so important to the. Produced by Recycled Media.

Exploring Sustainability in the Metals Industry with Maddie Carlson | Betts on the Future

In this episode of Betts on the Future, host Jennifer Betts interviews Maddie Carlson, a sustainability consultant at Shapiro. Maddie shares insights into the world of metals recycling and sustainability, discussing her background, the importance of combining environmental studies with economics, and the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability consulting field. The conversation touches on topics from the impact of greenwashing to the fascinating processes behind metals recycling and the role of sustainability in the metals industry. Tune in to learn more about innovative approaches to recycling, the importance of sustainability in business, and the evolving demographics of the environmental sector.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:25 Meet Maddie Carlson: Sustainability Consultant

01:38 Maddie's Journey into Sustainability

04:00 The Intersection of Economics and Sustainability

06:46 Understanding the Metals Recycling Industry

11:03 Challenges and Innovations in Recycling

21:14 Greenwashing in the Environmental Sector

32:06 Women in Sustainability and Metals Industry

37:00 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

39:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Women in the Metals Industry | Betts on the Future Episode 

Join Jennifer Betts, a seasoned veteran in the metals industry, as she hosts Stacy Varmecky, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST), and Kelly Dallas, Senior Director of Engineering at Cleveland Cliffs. In this episode of Betts on the Future, Stacy and Kelly discuss their impressive career journeys, the evolution of AIST's Women in Steel initiative, and the growing importance of diversity and workforce development in the steel industry. They also highlight the upcoming Women in Steel conference, the role of AIST in fostering new talent, and the industry's technological advancements and safety measures. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how women are shaping the future of the metals industry.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:24 Meet Our Esteemed Guests: Stacy Varmecky and Kelly Dallas

00:45 Stacy Varmecky's Journey in the Steel Industry

02:15 Kelly Dallas' Path to Engineering Excellence

04:39 Diving into the Steel Industry: Personal Stories

09:21 Unique Office Backdrops and Industry Art

13:39 AIST: Advancing Steel Manufacturing Technology

21:32 The Future of the Steel Industry: Skills and Workforce Development

30:56 Advancing Technology and Workforce Needs

31:44 Engaging Women in Steel: The Initiative

33:15 Focus Groups and Surveys: Gathering Insights

33:56 Roundtables and Real Situations

36:37 Women's Steel Conference: Growth and Impact

37:47 Expanding Membership and Global Interest

39:32 Conference Details and Professional Development

41:16 Anticipating the 2024 Conference

57:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Exploring Non-Traditional Paths in the Metals Industry with Kelly Fairchild | Betts on the Future

In this episode of Betts on the Future, hosted by Jennifer Betts, we dive into the fascinating world of metals and the diverse career opportunities it offers. Our guest, Kelly Fairchild, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Venture Metals, shares her unique journey from technology sales to the metals industry. Kelly discusses her role in driving revenue growth, building global partnerships, and her passion for sustainability. Tune in to learn about the exciting dynamics of the metals sector, the importance of recycling, and how technology is transforming the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:23 Meet Kelly Fairchild: A Non-Traditional Path

00:51 Kelly's Role at Venture Metals

04:02 Transitioning from Tech to Metals

07:02 The Importance of Recycling and Sustainability

08:55 Challenges and Opportunities in the Metals Industry

23:58 The Future of Technology in Metals

31:58 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Exploring Women's Career Paths in the Metal Industry with AWMI Leaders

Welcome to 'Betts on the Future,' hosted by Jennifer Betts, where we explore exciting career opportunities in the metals industry through the eyes of experienced professionals. In this episode, Jennifer interviews two distinguished guests from the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI): Anna Tompkins, Non-Ferrous Commercial Director at Sims Metal and AWMI International Vice President, and Jill Donahue, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Commercial Metal Forming and AWMI California Chapter Social Media and Marketing Chair. They share their career journeys, insights on the metals industry, and the important role of AWMI in supporting and advancing women within the field. Discover how AWMI's educational events, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs are fostering leadership and inclusivity in this traditionally male-dominated sector.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:21 Meet Our Guests: Anna Tompkins and Jill Donahue

03:45 Anna Tompkins' Journey in the Metals Industry

05:59 Jill Donahue's Path to Success

08:53 The Importance of AWMI

10:11 AWMI's Growth and Mission

13:17 Benefits of Joining AWMI

16:27 AWMI Events and Networking Opportunities

35:03 Encouraging Student Memberships

35:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

Revolutionizing the Metals Industry with Technology: A Conversation with Anna Fraunfelker

In this episode of 'Betts on the Future,' host Jennifer Betts engages in an enlightening conversation with Anna Fraunfelker, a seasoned professional in the metals industry. With almost a decade of experience, Anna shares her journey from administrative roles to becoming a senior inside sales representative. They delve into the integration of technology within the metals sector, the need for modernization, and the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship. Discover how Anna's unique career path and passion for innovation are helping to propel the industry forward.

00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future

00:22 Meet Anna Fraunfelker: A Metals Industry Professional

02:26 Anna's Journey into the Metals Industry

03:21 The Fascinating U.S. Steel Training Module

07:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Metals Industry

18:12 The Future of Technology in Metals

33:43 Anna's Advice and Final Thoughts

Revolutionizing Metal Recycling with Lisa Kagan: Live from ISRI 2024

In this special live edition of 'Betts on the Future,' host Jen Betts meets entrepreneur Lisa Kagan in Las Vegas during the ISRI conference. Lisa, who recently exited her New Zealand-based metal recycling business, Endless, discusses her journey from Deloitte to founding Buddy—a metal recycling marketplace. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the scrap metal industry, emphasizing the need for technological innovation and improved data systems. Lisa also shares insights into her career growth, balancing multiple roles, and the importance of marketing in the industry. The episode highlights the significance of recycling, the industry's evolution, and the upcoming ISRI rebrand.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:29 Meet Lisa Kagan: A Journey in Metal Recycling

01:56 From Deloitte to Buddy: Lisa's Entrepreneurial Path

03:50 Challenges and Innovations in Metal Recycling

08:06 Balancing Life and Business: Lisa's Secret Sauce

13:00 The Future of the Metal Recycling Industry

24:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts