DisruptED

The healthcare sector has been going through a significant period of disruption, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of healthcare workers have had to adapt to new technologies and workflows, while simultaneously dealing with the direct impacts of the pandemic. In all, the healthcare workforce has greatly been impacted. With an industry that employs over 22 million people in the U.S. alone, the stakes are incredibly high.

So, what does this mean for the healthcare workforce, and how are industry professionals coping with the changes? This critical question forms the basis for a fascinating new conversation in the inaugural episode of "DisruptEd: Healthcare Edition.”

In the debut episode, host Ron Stefanski discusses the impacts of disruption in the healthcare workforce with co-host Larry Yuhasz, the Principal at LS Yuhasz Consulting, as they unveil a new perspective on the adaptability and future of the healthcare industry.

Many know the great work and achievements of the Special Olympics. They may not be aware of the Special Olympics’ vital role in providing educational opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.

In the wake of the global pandemic, the world’s reevaluated many aspects of society, including education. One area that has come under scrutiny is the educational opportunities available to Indigenous people, particularly in the context of the Special Olympics. It’s crucial to ensure that these communities are not left behind. According to the National American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Collaboration Office, Native populations are about 50% more likely to have a disability than the national average, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives.

So, how can the U.S. ensure that Indigenous communities have access to the educational opportunities they need and deserve? One recent positive news comes from Special Olympics Washington, where they were awarded $3.6 million in grant funding from the Dan Thompson Memorial Development Disabilities Community Services Account. These grants can go a long way toward establishing programs benefiting underserved communities.

In this episode of DisruptED: Education and Upskilling Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanski and Dr. Cesar, they sat down with Rebecca Ralston, Senior Director of Early Education and Initiatives in Health, with the Special Olympics International. Their enlightening conversation highlights the role of the Special Olympics in providing educational opportunities for Indigenous people, the importance of respecting and incorporating Indigenous cultures into these initiatives, and the impact of these programs on the communities they serve.

Their conversation includes the following:

• The importance of gross motor skills development in early education and how the Special Olympics is helping children with intellectual disabilities develop these skills

• The role of local games, stories, and languages in creating a comprehensive program that respects and incorporates Indigenous cultures

• The challenges and opportunities of working in tribal communities and the importance of building programs in collaboration with these communities

Rebecca Ralston is a seasoned professional in early education and health initiatives. She has dedicated her career to Special Olympics International, where she works to create inclusive and supportive environments for children with intellectual disabilities. Her work with Indigenous communities has been instrumental in bringing about positive change and providing much-needed educational opportunities.

Females make up close to half of the U.S. workforce, yet only one-third of manufacturing jobs are held by women, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In an industry that is male-dominant, it can be intimidating for some women to try to rise to executive leadership roles.

How can women in manufacturing, such as the glass industry, promote themselves and take advantage of the opportunities they have to enter the leadership realm? 

On today’s episode of DisruptED, Manufacturing Edition, host Ron J. Stefanski and Cohost  Kelly Ireland of cbtechinc, speak with Syndi Sim, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Diamon-Fusion International, to talk about women in the manufacturing industry, her experience in the executive space, and what other women in manufacturing can do to gain leadership experience.  

For almost every industry, networking is an essential piece to rising to leadership roles and entering the executive space. And that’s no exception for women looking to become leaders in the glass industry.

“Networking is absolutely part of the business acumen, and I think that women are starting to do a better job of really ensuring that they get invited or just showing up,” Sim explained.

Stefanski, Ireland, and Sim also discussed…

• How the glass industry has prioritized opportunities for female leadership

• Why it’s critical for women to “show up at the table” when invited to leadership opportunities

• What the National Glass Association does to educate and inspire high schoolers to enter the industry

“You have to make the uncomfortable step to get noticed. You have to make the uncomfortable step to be a woman at the C-suite and be a player in the industry and you have to make motion to get there,” Sim explained. She later added, “In the glass industry, women are really starting to showcase what they have to offer.”

Syndi Sim is a business development and marketing leader with more than two decades of experience. Currently, she is Vice President, Marketing and Business Development at Diamon-Fusion International and has held roles such as Director of Marketing at Lexipol, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Penco Engineering, and Director of Business Development and Marketing at New Century Mortgage. She attended California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a BA in Sociology, Criminology as well as August Volmer University, where she earned an MA in Criminology. Sim also holds a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

The same part of the brain that is stimulated when one is hungry also experiences activation when we crave social interactions. The bottom line: we need socialization and human interactions. And that’s important not only for day-to-day relationships, but it is also a critical piece of connecting with customers for business marketing.

How are those in the manufacturing sector, such as the glass industry, disrupting their own marketing tactics from the last ten years? And in such a digitized world, how can there be a balance between human connections and technology?

On today’s episode of DisruptED, Manufacturing Edition, host Ron J. Stefanski and cohost Kelly Ireland of cbtechinc, speak with Syndi Sim, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Diamon-Fusion International, to discuss the disruption of traditional marketing methods in the glass industry and how the industry is balancing humanness with technology use.

Adapting marketing strategies is key to any business’s success. Why? Marketing drives consumer engagement, relationship development, a business’s reputation, sales success, and can help companies make informed decisions.

“When I started, there was not a lot of marketing. Generally, the glass industry has not been very good marketers, and it’s not really a surprise. It’s a lot of just built on relationships, it’s a lot of referral business, it’s a lot of loyalty, it’s a lot of family-run businesses. You just got the business.” Sim explained. She added, “Over the course of the past ten years, it has significantly shifted to being much more marketing savvy.”

Stefanski, Ireland, and Sim also discussed…

1. How her arm of the business has branched out in their marketing strategies for the glass industry

2. How trade shows play a role in the glass industry’s marketing tactics

3. The balance between technology and human interaction in business relationships

“When I decided during the pandemic to open up more about myself, open up more about the company, people really reacted positively...up until COVID, I was always professional. There was nothing ever that was not professional. And to open up that side of myself—it actually allowed me to be more confident and allowed me to garner more business relationships and show a part of myself I probably never would have done...it’s so wonderful to have the human interaction.”

Syndi Sim is a business development and marketing leader with more than two decades of experience. Currently, she is Vice President, Marketing and Business Development at Diamon-Fusion International and has held roles such as Director of Marketing at Lexipol, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Penco Engineering, and Director of Business Development and Marketing at New Century Mortgage. She attended California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a BA in Sociology, Criminology as well as August Volmer University, where she earned an MA in Criminology. Sim also holds a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

Effective salesmanship is the cornerstone of success in the competitive business world, where understanding one’s customers makes the difference between a pitch and a sale. By utilizing various tools and strategies, businesses can identify customer needs and position themselves as the ultimate solution to these problems. This process is critical to maintaining positive relationships with existing customers through improved services, communication channels, and customer appreciation initiatives Businesses should not avoid adopting unique strategies and leveraging technology to stay relevant, set trends, and ultimately achieve their primary goal - increasing sales. But getting there requires a top-notch sales team.

How can a business spot effective salesmanship in a potential employee and avoid the inherent risks of hiring someone who isn’t the right fit?

On this episode of DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski spoke once more with guest William Gilchrist, CEO and Founder of Konsyg, on tips for how to spot effective salesmanship, a valuable skill to have but a tricky one to learn. Previously, Stefanski and Gilchrist discussed how sales business founders can boost their numbers and strategies for selling and customer engagement.

Stefanski and Gilchrist’s conversation on effective salesmanship includes:

• The unique background an employee should bring to a company

• The value of being invested in present goals versus future goals

• Why looking for sales employees in multiple fields is smart

William Gilchrist is the CEO and Founder of Konsyg, founded in 2017. Gilchrist has many years of experience in sales, including being the head of sales or sales manager for several companies, including Google and TradeGecko.

One area that continues to redefine possibilities in technology is IoT disruption. With an estimated 30 billion IoT devices expected to be in use by 2025, the stakes are high, and the potential for transformation is immense. However, with this surge in IoT adoption, there’s a growing concern about the successful implementation of these technologies, with studies suggesting that up to 75% of IoT projects fail. So, how can businesses navigate this complex terrain and harness the power of IoT effectively? Who are the disrupters willing to go beyond the norm?

Phoenix Contact, an electrical engineering and automation solutions provider, is one company leading in IoT disruption. Phoenix Contact received the 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence (GAEE) for its innovative rooftop solar project. The award, presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, recognizes the company's 961-kilowatt solar array that caters to about 30% of the energy needs at its U.S. headquarters. And it is that blend of providing solutions with sustainability in mind that disrupts the industry and creates positive new trends.

In the latest episode of DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski engaged with Dave Eifert, Senior Business Development Manager at Phoenix Contact USA, to talk about the challenges and opportunities inherent in the world of IoT, with a focus on the industrial application of these technologies.

Key points from the episode include:

• The importance of starting small with IoT projects, focusing on well-defined processes or issues, and using IoT as a toolbox to solve specific business problems

• The potential of IoT data to provide unexpected insights and benefits when viewed from different perspectives, highlighting the importance of data sharing

• The critical role of sustainability in the context of IoT, with a focus on the need for cross-functional, open, shared data sources

Dave Eifert, an engineering and management graduate, has spent his entire career in tech. Over the years, he has worked in various roles at Phoenix Contact, including product sales engineer and automation sales, before transitioning into his current role as the business development manager for IIoT. With a keen interest in high-tech, cutting-edge technologies, Eifert brings knowledge and experience to the dynamic world of IoT.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the technological disruption we face is inescapable, particularly with the Internet of Things (IoT) at the core of the conversation. IoT promises innovation and optimization, but the reality is that it's a vast landscape that is constantly evolving and often misunderstood. To understand its potential and challenges, DisruptED host, Ron Stefanski, sits down with an expert on the subject, Dave Eifert, Senior Business Development Manager at Phoenix Contact USA.

In this episode, they unravel the journey of IoT, its successes, its failures, and its promise for the future. They discuss:

• The initial perception and excitement around IoT

• The subsequent disillusionment due to high failure rates of IoT initiatives

• The shift in approach to focus on specific business problems

• The pivotal role of data sharing in making IoT work

• Real-world success stories and the discovery of 'information in the shadows'.

Dave Eifert comes with an extensive background in tech. An engineering and management dual degree holder, Eifert has spent his entire career working in the electrical industry, always gravitating toward high-tech, cutting-edge developments. He joined Phoenix Contact 18 years ago and has held various roles. Eifert has spent the last 18 to 24 months as the business development manager for Phoenix Contact USA for IIoT, navigating the fascinating yet complex IoT landscape.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the manufacturing industry is undergoing a seismic shift. The advent of new technologies, coupled with the increasing demand for sustainable and equitable business practices, has disrupted traditional operations. The stakes are high: according to The World Bank, the manufacturing sector contributes approximately 16% of global GDP . But how is this industry adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world?

This brings us to the core question: How are the next generation of leaders reshaping manufacturing operations in a disrupted world? What innovative solutions are they bringing to the table, and how are they making the improbable possible?

In the this episode of DistruptED, co-host Ron Stefanski engages in a riveting conversation with Anne Partington, Managing Director at the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. The discussion delves into the transformative changes in manufacturing operations, the role of the next generation in driving these changes, and the importance of community engagement in this process.

Key points from the episode include:

The next generation's innovative and entrepreneurial mindset is driving disruption in the manufacturing industry.

Large companies are becoming more purpose-driven, driven not just by altruism but as a strategic business imperative.

Community engagement is crucial in driving sustainable and equitable changes in the industry.

Anne Partington is a seasoned professional in the field of global operations. As the Managing Director at the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, she brings together the brightest minds in operations, manufacturing, and business to address pressing industry issues. Her work is driven by a passion for inclusivity, community, and deep dialogue, making her a leading voice in the field.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D technology, is in the midst of creating a monumental shift in the industry. A pivotal move recently announced by Siemens, disclosed plans to enhance their manufacturing capacity significantly. According to a MarketWatch report, Siemens is investing a staggering 2.17 billion euros in their manufacturing operations. This enormous investment signifies an escalating commitment to the technology’s potential to revolutionize production.

So, what exactly is the future of additive manufacturing? Is the hefty investment by Siemens indicative of a trend that will revolutionize the production of goods, or is it just another tool to supplement traditional manufacturing? Moreover, how does this influence the balance of power in the manufacturing sector? These are critical questions that many industry stakeholders, investors, and innovators are asking right now.

On the first of two DisruptED Advanced Manufacturing Edition podcast episodes on this topic, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with Steve Vosmik, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens, to explore this transformative trend.

Stefanski and Vosmik’s first conversation includes the following:

Insights into how Siemens is using 3D technology to revolutionize production and what their recent multi-billion-dollar investment means for the industry

A ringside view of Steve’s unique journey from liberal art major considering law school to running a major additive manufacturing operation

Discussion on the challenges and opportunities of integrating 3D manufacturing processes into legacy systems

Steve Vosmik is a man of exceptional determination and creativity. His non-traditional path to additive manufacturing offers a unique perspective on the industry. Despite not having an engineering background, Steve has spearheaded Siemens’ efforts in additive manufacturing. His wealth of experience and keen insights into this disruptive technology make him a voice to heed in advanced manufacturing.

The bright future of additive manufacturing creates a tectonic shift in the manufacturing industry. This innovative process, which builds 3D objects layer-by-layer from a digital model, redefines how products are designed and produced and are poised to transform the very structure of industries.The stakes are high; in a recent announcement, Siemens confirmed plans to invest 2.2 billion euros into ramping up their global additive manufacturing capacities. As such, the critical question now is how companies can embrace the future of additive manufacturing as a crucial component and how they can foster the talent and skills needed to navigate this brave new world.

Additive manufacturing is the probing issue under scrutiny in the latest episode of DisruptED Advanced Manufacturing Edition, hosted by Ron J. Stefanski. In this second installment on the disruption in additive manufacturing, Steve Vosmik, the Head of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens, rejoins Stefanski to continue their conversation about the future of manufacturing and additive manufacturing's role.

Their discussion includes the following highlights:

• The impact of additive manufacturing on traditional manufacturing practices and the emerging trend of the innovation hub model
• The crucial role that talent and skills play in the age of additive manufacturing and how educational institutions and industry can work together to cultivate the necessary expertise
• The importance of passion, perseverance, and adaptability in the constantly evolving landscape of additive manufacturing

Steve Vosmik is a man of exceptional determination and creativity. His non-traditional path to additive manufacturing offers a unique perspective on the industry. Despite not having an engineering background, Steve has spearheaded Siemens’ efforts in additive manufacturing. His wealth of experience and keen insights into this disruptive technology make him a voice to heed in advanced manufacturing.

Join Stefanski and Vosmik as they delve into the potential of additive manufacturing, explore how it’s reshaping industries, and discuss the role that passionate, persistent, and tech-savvy individuals will play in this manufacturing revolution.