Industry Ignited Podcast

What if the future of aviation could combine vertical takeoff, turbine-powered endurance, and the flexibility to serve both military and civilian missions?

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with James Thurman, Founder and CEO of Portal Aircraft Company, to explore his vision for the next generation of VTOL aircraft. Drawing on his experience as a naval aviator, aerospace engineer, professor, aircraft owner, and defense industry professional, James shares how real-world aviation challenges inspired him to develop a different approach to vertical flight.

The conversation explores Portal Aircraft’s turbine-powered architecture, the limitations of battery-electric VTOL platforms, and the potential advantages of greater range, endurance, payload capacity, and rapid refueling. James also discusses why Portal is entering the market through unmanned aircraft, the growing importance of drones in modern military operations, and the company’s long-term vision of expanding its technology into manned aircraft and civilian mobility.

From building prototypes and securing early support to gaining credibility in a capital-intensive industry, James also shares valuable lessons for engineers and entrepreneurs pursuing ambitious ideas.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-t-thurman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/portal-aircraft-company/

#podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #jamesthurman #aerospace #aviation #innovation #technology

What does it really take to bring a life-saving medical breakthrough to patients? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Dr. Michael Weickert, CEO of Pacylex Pharmaceuticals and FE Pharmaceuticals, to discuss the realities of building first-in-class therapies in oncology and infectious disease. From the challenges of securing funding for breakthrough innovations to navigating clinical development and investor skepticism, Dr. Weickert shares decades of experience leading biotech companies focused on transforming patient care.

The conversation explores the future of cancer treatment, groundbreaking approaches to combating antibiotic resistance, and why some of the most promising medical discoveries struggle to gain traction. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into the science, strategy, and persistence required to bring revolutionary therapies to life.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐭
https://www.linkedin.com/in/weickert/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacylex-pharma/

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #drmichaelweickert #biotechnology #innovation #healthcare

What if one of the biggest opportunities to improve surgical safety and operating room efficiency has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leanne Aguilar sits down with Will Crawford, CEO and Co-Founder of Smart Step Surgical, to discuss how a simple observation in the operating room led to the creation of an innovative medical device that is transforming surgical ergonomics and workflow.

Will shares his journey from a successful career in spine surgery sales to launching a MedTech startup, the challenges of commercializing a medical device, and the lessons he learned about entrepreneurship, regulatory compliance, quality systems, and hospital adoption. Discover how the Surge Step platform is addressing a decades-old problem with traditional stacked step stools while improving safety, efficiency, and the experience of surgical teams. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, medical devices, entrepreneurship, or the future of surgery, this conversation offers valuable insights into bringing meaningful innovation to the operating room.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝
https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-crawford-bb1715b/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-step-surgical-llc/posts/?feedView=all

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #willcrawford #innovation #technology #healthcare

What does it take to build technology that keeps critical systems operating when reliability matters most? In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Omer Sharar, CEO and Founder of infiniDOME Solutions, for an engaging discussion on the future of GPS protection, resilient navigation, and the innovations driving next-generation autonomous systems. Omer shares the story behind his company's mission to develop practical, scalable solutions that help organizations navigate increasingly complex operational environments.

The conversation explores the evolution of navigation technology, the challenges of launching a hardware startup in the defense sector, and the importance of building products that are both highly capable and widely accessible. Omer also shares his leadership philosophy, explaining why transparency, adaptability, and a strong belief in solving meaningful problems have been essential to Infinidome's growth. His experience offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and innovators working to create lasting impact.

If you're curious about the future of drones, aerospace, defense innovation, or autonomous technology, this episode is packed with insights that extend far beyond engineering. Join Dr. Leeanne Aguilar and Omer Sharar as they discuss the technologies shaping tomorrow and the vision required to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions. Be sure to subscribe to Industry Ignited for more conversations with the executives, founders, and innovators leading the future of industry.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐫
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-sharar/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gps-dome-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #omersharar #innovation #technology

What separates companies that simply survive from those that continue to grow for decades? In this thought-provoking episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Emir Avdic, President and CEO of Sebright Products Inc., for an in-depth conversation about leadership, innovation, employee ownership, and building organizations where people genuinely care about the company's success. Emir explains how international experience, strategic thinking, and a people-first mindset have helped transform Seabright into a stronger, more connected business while tackling some of the world's biggest recycling and sustainability challenges.

Throughout the episode, you'll learn why communication is every leader's greatest tool, how hiring for adaptability can outperform hiring for experience, and why empowering employees to think like owners creates stronger teams and better business results. From AI and predictive maintenance to company culture and long-term strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for leaders in every industry. Watch until the end to discover actionable leadership lessons that can help you build a business and a team that lasts.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐯𝐝𝐢𝐜
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiravdic/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sebright-products-inc-/

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #emiravdic #manufacturing #innovation #leadership

What if one breakthrough could dramatically improve the efficiency of electric vehicles, data centers, renewable energy systems, and the power grid? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd., to explore the innovation behind zero-voltage switching and why it has the potential to change how electricity is converted and delivered across multiple industries. Discover why engineers, manufacturers, and energy leaders are paying close attention to this emerging technology.

Beyond the technology, Don reveals the mindset that helped him navigate uncertainty, pivot from fossil fuels to clean energy, and build a company focused on solving one of electrification's biggest challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, investor, or simply curious about where the future of energy is headed, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the next generation of power technology. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with industry leaders shaping tomorrow.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐃𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞
https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-currie-2a3333108/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillcrest-energy-technologies/posts/?feedView=all

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #doncurrie #innovation #technology

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Ayesha Ibrahim, CEO of Honey Corn, to explore how one natural ingredient, honey, became the foundation of an award-winning ethical skincare brand. What started as a personal search for relief from postpartum eczema evolved into a global entrepreneurial journey driven by sustainability, innovation, and a passion for creating products that work. Ayesha shares how ancient knowledge, scientific research, and a commitment to natural ingredients inspired Honey Corn's unique approach to skincare while challenging traditional beauty industry norms.

Beyond skincare, this conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood with business, overcoming obstacles like Brexit, expanding into international markets, and building a purpose-driven company that supports both people and the planet. Whether you're an entrepreneur, skincare enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable innovation, this inspiring episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and creating a business with lasting impact. Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with industry leaders who are shaping the future.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐀𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐈𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-i-4aa74415/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/honey-corn/

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #ayeshibrahim #entrepreneurship #leadership

Why Reliability Wins Missions isn't just a statement; it's the philosophy behind the next generation of autonomous aircraft. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Mark Strauss, Founder and CEO of Wave Aerospace, to discuss how his company is redefining UAV performance with aircraft designed to succeed when conventional drones can't. Discover how innovative engineering, intelligent power management, and mission-focused design enable these systems to operate in extreme environments where failure simply isn't an option. 

Throughout the conversation, Mark explains why reliability must be built into every component, how edge computing and AI are transforming autonomous flight, and what it takes to earn the trust of military, law enforcement, and commercial operators. Whether you're interested in aerospace engineering, drone technology, defense innovation, or entrepreneurship, this episode delivers valuable insights into why dependable technology is the foundation of every successful mission. Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Industry Ignited for more interviews with today's most innovative industry leaders. 

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐬
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mestrauss/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/waveaerospace/

#podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #markstrauss #manufacturing #technology #aerospace

What does it take to build successful companies across multiple industries and then apply those lessons to one of the biggest challenges in commercial energy? In this episode, Andrew Stock joins Dr. Leeanne Aguilar to discuss the future of solar, energy storage, geothermal power, and the critical role of financing in helping projects get built. Andrew explains why many solar companies struggle, how outdated distribution models inflate costs, and why the next wave of innovation will come from improving efficiency across the entire supply chain.

The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, operational systems, and the mindset required to identify opportunities before the market catches on. Whether you're a business owner, investor, energy professional, or simply curious about the future of renewable energy, you'll gain valuable insights into the trends reshaping the industry and the strategies that separate long-term winners from everyone else.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstock/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-raven-inc/

#podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #andrewstock #solarenergy #innovation

What separates a successful battery company from one that runs out of money before reaching scale? In this episode, Mark Hagedorn shares the operational playbook behind building and growing battery energy storage businesses, including lessons learned from startups, manufacturing facilities, supply chains, and large-scale energy projects. He explains why great technology alone isn't enough and how strong operations, financial planning, and customer focus ultimately determine long-term success.

From domestic content requirements and battery controls to ERP systems, quality management, and scaling manufacturing capacity, this discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the energy storage industry. If you're interested in clean energy, battery technology, entrepreneurship, or industrial leadership, this episode provides practical strategies and real-world experience from someone who has spent decades turning complex challenges into scalable solutions.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited
𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐧
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhagedorn/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-bess-corp/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/viridi-inc/

#podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #markhagedorn #innovation #energy #CleanEnergy