EECO Asks Why Podcast

"I like to connect people to what it is they need so they can accomplish what it is that they set out to do." - Ayoka Gay

That quote summarizes the powerful conversation we had with our hero Ayoka Gay.  She is driven to serve others and help them understand the many options that exist for the future.  Her story is amazing and began at Lockheed Martin where she was an integral part of the F-35 project.  She shares the feeling of watching the blood, sweat and tears come to fruition when she witnessed the first flight of the F-35 alongside her amazing colleagues.

These days Ayoka is making a huge impact in industry and is taking a proactive approach to supporting the next generation in their development.  She sees the looming skills gap with a glass half full mindset as the opportunity that lies ahead is huge for so many. 

She shares advice on how to get started by forging your own path and also the importance of seeking wise mentors that will provide much needed counsel.  Ayoka's energy is contagious and she will leave you energized and smiling due to her optimistic outlook on life.  She is doing amazing things and you will quickly hear why she is our hero! 

Guest: Ayoka Gay - Agile Office Leader  at Schneider Electric

Resources:
Daring Greatly
Unlocking Us Podcast
Start with Why

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Nothing should get in the way where an operator has to make a decision that could lead them to throwing away a batch of product.  Especially when it comes to the OT network.  Jonathan Noren breaks down the idea of how OT owners prioritize decision making and the impact that can have on business.

He digs deep into the language barrier that exists between the IT and OT groups.  In a perfect scenario a translator would step in and bridge the gap to create alignment.  To get those skills he unpacks several paths you can take to provide great value to any organization.  Think Rosetta Stone for networking professionals!

Jonathan takes time to explain how the most robust networks today have developed a defense in depth strategy.  There are several avenues to consider here and he does a masterful job of highlighting areas to consider to ensure your network is safe and secure.  The industrial world is a prime target and having the right strategy in place is crucial.

As industry evolves maintaining security and implementing defense in depth strategies are vital to success.  It is these types of conversations that open eyes to the risks that exist and the actions you can take to protect your people and your business.

Remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: Jonathan Noren - Business & Industrial IT Group Manager at RoviSys

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Does your curiosity lead you to wondering how to make things around you better?

Our hero Amanda Prochaska is driven by her personal curiosity and forged an amazing path that she shares in this fun conversation.  When Amanda is serving others she is completely in her happy place!

She has a passion for procurement and that world has evolved greatly over the years.  When she decided to take the entrepreneurial leap she found her stride and the value that Wonder Services delivers is incredible. 

We had some fun debunking misconceptions around procurement and she gives wonderful advice for those wanting to learn more about the professional procurement world and action you can take to begin your own journey down that path.

Amanda loves to hit hiking trails and has a wonderful family.  Her faith is not just something she talks about but it truly is who she.  We love her energy and there is tons of wisdom and insight from her amazing hero journey!

Guest: Amanda Prochaska -  Founder & Chief Wonder Officer @ Wonder Services

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Ovens, tomato sauce, crusts, cheeses, meats, veggies and even fruit - these are all components to making an amazing pizza!  Knowing how to arrange these items to make perfect pie is a visualization of manufacturing. 

Now - what if you wanted the best pizza available how do you do it?  Prabhjot Singh breaks down how you can analyze the manufacturing process and make the adjustments that will leave Digiorno in the dust!

He has dedicated his career in helping manufacturers better understand their processes and make improvements that truly make an impact.  He is a proponent of crawl, walk and run thinking.  The great part of his expertise is he has end users sprinting past their competitors in no time.  

Some of the areas explored are:

• Understanding the different types of data sources
• How to select the KPI's that matter 
• Defining what a happy path in manufacturing looks like
• Utilizing root cause analysis to rearchitect workflows

As we strive to serve those in manufacturing with the ideas that make an impact it is conversations like these that move the needle.  There is a ton of wisdom and insight that can be applied in your operation today.  Huge thank you to Prabhjot and for the great team at Pyze for how they are serving industry. 

Remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: Prabhjot Singh - CEO at Pyze

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

When you utilize your gifts and talents the impact is huge.  David Friedman does that everyday as he loves to teach business leaders how to build amazing cultures.  His journey started in the insurance industry and after having incredible success there he found himself with a unique opportunity ahead.

He began speaking at Vistage Leadership meetings all over the country and specifically taught about how culture has such an impact on everything in business.  With over 600 Vistage talks under his belt the message is powerful and David finds great fulfillment in helping others see the opportunities that lie ahead.

David shares about his amazing family and how his passion for fitness drives him with incredibly healthy habits that make each day meaningful.  David is a true hero of industry and his personal journey is full of wisdom and insight that we can all learn from.

Enjoy and remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: David J. Friedman - Founder/CEO at CultureWise

David's Resources:
 Website
Culture By Design
Fundamentally Different


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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Data is not a cost - it is an asset!

The surge of data available to industrial manufacturing has been moving at an exponential rate.  Industrial 4.0, smart manufacturing and IIoT can make the best engineers feel like they are drinking from a fire hydrant.  Robert Cooke is on a mission to help people connect with data in a meaningful way.

In this thought provoking conversation Robert shares how he founded 3 Forge with the idea of building a full stack platform that puts the most important information in front of people when they need it the most.  He shares how there are three ways to engage with data: asking, reacting and inputting. 

Robert unpacks a ton of insight into how Complex Event Processing engines interact with multiple streams of data to create screens that make sense to the users in the moment.  For those wanting to learn how to begin a career in this sector he shares impactful advice on the programs and classes that will put you on the best path.  Hint - if you love math pay attention as that will be a huge factor for success.

As you think about the data at your facility consider how it is being utilized.  For most there is an opportunity to optimize and through solutions like 3Forge that reality is hitting the plant floor. 

Grab a notebook and sit back as Robert connects the dots between people and data in this powerful idea episode.

Enjoy and keep asking why! 

Guest: Robert Cooke - CTO and Founder at 3Forge

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Chris Roche forged an amazing path that started with his love of soccer.  Starting back in his elementary days in England he always found himself pursuing an entrepreneurial journey. Since coming to the US he has taken on some incredible challenges and currently is the CEO of Catalyst Consulting.

His knowledge of marketing and demand generation put him at the forefront of helping SaaS and B2B companies connect better with their customers.  Marketing is a long-run game and he emphasizes the importance of how investments today are critical for impact in the future.

His advice for those wanting to enter the world of marketing is spot on.  Too often others are waiting to get everything "perfect" before taking action. He advocates for making something happen now and adjust based off what you learn. 

In regards to learning and mentorship his take on both topics is full of wisdom. One-step ahead - find someone one step ahead, learn, apply and keep moving forward.

This hero conversation had it all and there was so much that can be applied to any career to grow.  Chris gave us a peak behind the curtain during the lightning round including his favorite movie - hey if you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball!

We highly encourage others to connect with Chris and check out the great things he and the team at Catalyst Consulting are doing.  Enjoy learning from this hero and remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Christopher Roche - Chief Executive Officer at Catalyst Consulting

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Electric motors are the lifeblood of industry and knowing how to properly select them is critical.  It is easy to get overwhelmed if you have never sourced an electric motor before and this conversation will take all the stress away.

Mike Rathbun is an expert in all things power related and electric motors is one of his specialties.  He shares practical tips that everyone needs to know to make the best decisions when it comes to electric motors.  Mike reviews:

• Nameplate basics (what matters most)
• Operating environment considerations
• Motor nomenclature 
• Reliability 101

This episode is packed with insight that you can implement right now to make an impact.  Stop being confused by electric motors as we close the knowledge gap on this critical area of industry. 

Enjoy and remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: Mike Rathbun - Power & Control Solution Architecture Manager @ EECO

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Joe Sullivan is making a huge impact on the world of manufacturing and it was an honor to have him share his amazing story.  He unpacks how his love of marketing led him down several paths that ultimately opened the door to the industrial manufacturing sector. 

He is helping manufactures amplify their voice and combat the lies that manufacturing is dark, dirty and dangerous.  He and his amazing team at Gorilla 76 are pouring light onto the new and exciting world of smart manufacturing that so many are simply not aware of. 

Joe founded The Manufacturing Executive Podcast in 2020 and each week brings tons of wisdom and insight from the brightest minds in industry. He speaks to the impact the show makes on their business and how it has led to numerous opportunities.

We got a peek behind the curtain at who Joe is away from the office including spending time with his amazing family. There are a few fun facts he shares including his love for ping pong and his favorite podcasts!

This was a great conversation full of insight and if you are considering a career in marketing or manufacturing our hero Joe Sullivan is someone to follow as he is leading the way and making a significant impact!

Remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: Joe Sullivan - Thinker & Founder @ Gorilla 76

Joe's Recourses:
Gorilla 76 Industrial Marketing Learning Center
The Manufacturing Executive Podcast
They Ask You Answer
New Sales Simplified 

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Close your eyes and picture your dream career.  What are you doing?  Where are you finding joy?  While that exercise is fun the reality is that to land that dream job you will need to sharpen your skills around interviewing.  In this powerful conversation Vic Parangelo unpacks ten areas that everyone can take, learn and apply that are guaranteed to help you in the next interview.  

Vic unpacks in detail the following areas:

1. Desire - why do you want this? 
2. Resume - it is not to be taken lightly
3. Research - homework starts before the interview
4. Sales 101 - no matter the role you are always selling "Yourself"
5. Bi-Directional Negotiation - mastering 2 way conversation
6. Comfortable Confidence - balancing the line between confident and cocky
7. Control the Meeting - remember the power of asking questions
8. Defense Strategy - slow down and recognize what you do not understand
9. Checklist - define the process and follow through
10. Close - the classic line Always Be Closing is true in interviews as well

Vic also uncovers red flags that we all should be aware of and the power of soft skills.  He even reviews how the landscape has changed for remote workers and the best way to show up for success in a virtual interview. 

This is an episode that you will need a notepad to keep up.  If you are preparing for an interview or if you know someone who is there is a ton of value in the tips shared.  Huge thank you to Vic for sharing his secret sauce to interviewing for success!

Remember to keep asking why! 

Guest: Vic Parangelo - Regional Manager at ProSoft Technology

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Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower