In this episode, Barry Render and Misty speak with Bryan Hartling, Senior Program and Project Manager at Verizon, about how artificial intelligence is transforming business operations. Bryan shares insights into Verizon's AI initiatives, including machine learning applications, procurement automation, business intelligence modernization, and the evolving role of AI in decision-making. The conversation also explores the future impact of AI on jobs, software services, and organizational innovation.

OM Podcast #52: Renewable Natural Gas & Heavy-Duty Transportation by Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Dr. Satinder Singh, Medical Director at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Jefferson Health.

They discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, from reducing administrative tasks to improving the doctor–patient relationship. Dr. Singh also shares insights on AI reliability and the importance of strong clinical foundations when adopting new technologies.

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Kyle Stephens, Senior Director at General Dynamics IT (GDIT), about how artificial intelligence is reshaping work in mission‑critical and national security environments. Kyle discusses how he uses AI to accelerate analysis and improve decision‑making, as well as the implications for workforce upskilling. The conversation also explores why AI security in defense goes far beyond cybersecurity and how AI is being deployed by both the U.S. and its adversaries.

In this episode of the Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast, Barry Render speaks with Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, about why semiconductors have become a critical issue for U.S. competitiveness. Their conversation explores advanced semiconductor packaging, supply‑chain risk, and the role universities, industry, and government can play in reshoring key capabilities. Ron also shares how Florida is building a specialized ecosystem focused on high‑reliability applications in space, healthcare, and defense.

In this episode of the OM Podcast, Barry Render and Misty Blessley speak with David Aschenbrand of Newmark about the evolving role of cold storage and temperature‑controlled facilities in today’s supply chains. The conversation explores facility design, labor challenges, automation and AI, and what the Cold Chain Index reveals about the future of operations management.

In this episode, Barry Render interviews continuous improvement expert and author John Dyer to explore what real operational excellence looks like. John shares insights from 40+ years in manufacturing and consulting, discussing why continuous improvement efforts often stall, how leaders can transition from managers to coaches, and how AI will reshape team‑based problem solving.

For a transcript of this podcast, visit the blog: https://operationsmanagementblog.com/category/podcast/

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Harry Ziff, VP of Corporate Logistics at East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s largest lead battery producers. Harry shares insights from his 37‑year supply chain career, discusses East Penn’s broad range of battery applications, and explains how the company’s deep vertical integration and closed‑loop recycling system create efficiency, sustainability, and competitive advantage. The conversation also explores East Penn’s private fleet strategy and the intentionality behind every operational decision.

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Donna Schweibenz, former Senior Director of Purchasing at Temple University, who brings more than 26 years of experience in higher‑education procurement. Donna shares what it takes to manage a centralized purchasing operation responsible for everything from scientific equipment and IT to construction projects and even medical cadavers. She offers insights into purchasing alliances, vendor management, compliance challenges, and why even simple purchases can become surprisingly complex in a university environment. A great listen for anyone interested in procurement, operations, or the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps universities running.

Barry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Dr. Anna Johnson, VP of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at U.S. Cold Storage, about the critical role of temperature-controlled logistics in the food supply chain. From sustainability initiatives to AI, robotics, and digital twins, this episode explores how technology and innovation are reshaping cold storage operations and creating new opportunities for the workforce.