Chief Industry Strategist, Technologist and Evangelist at Software Equity Group, Paul Lachance, believes the AI revolution we're living in belongs in the same conversation as steam power, electricity and robotics. In this episode, we explore the lessons manufacturers can learn from past eras of disruption, why some companies emerge stronger while others get left behind and how leaders can cut through the AI hype to focus on the opportunities that create real business value.

In today’s conversation, we’re exploring a shift in the plastics industry – from the old “make, use, throw away” model to a future focused on circularity. At the heart of this transformation is the rise of advanced, or chemical, recycling technologies. My guest today, President of America’s Plastic Makers, Ross Eisenberg, will tell you why these innovative processes are key to tackling plastics that traditional recycling leaves behind, and why the industry itself is leaning into this change as a path for growth rather than just regulatory compliance. He'll break down what’s driving the move, the hurdles still ahead and what real success might look like in a truly circular plastics economy.

In today’s conversation, we’re tackling a challenge manufacturing leaders know all too well: wearing too many hats. In particular, we'll be talking about the sales hat, and why taking it off is often harder than it sounds. My guest, author and sales advisor Mike Huey, will share a proven framework to help you transition from founder-led sales to a scalable, repeatable system that doesn’t depend on you. Whether your company is gearing up for growth or eyeing a future exit, this conversation offers a road map for making your business both scalable and saleable.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical bottlenecks in the electrification revolution: batteries.

With the rapid explosion of AI and the data centers powering it, the strain on our power grid has never been greater.

Yet, beneath the surface, few realize just how challenging and intricate battery manufacturing really is – in a world where chemistry is king, precision is everything, and the tiniest defect can derail an entire product line.

My guest today, President and COO of Sakuu, unpacks why battery limitations dictate the lifespan of everything from EVs to smartphones, and what true innovation in manufacturing means for reshoring production and overcoming global cost barriers.

In this conversation, Founder and CEO of Vention, Etienne Lacroix, points to two fast-moving trends that are impacting manufacturing: the growth of “physical AI,” which brings autonomy to machines on the factory floor, and the real-world impact of software-defined automation.

In this episode, you’ll hear what’s actually working with these technologies, and what still falls short.

We’ll get into the specific tasks AI handles well, the practicalities of implementation and ROI and what manufacturing leaders should expect in the near future as AI adoption accelerates across production environments.

In today’s conversation, we dive into what it takes for digital adoption to take root in the manufacturing sector. More specifically, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, Bryce Carpenter, will tell you how state-level organizations like Conexus are stepping up to support manufacturers of all sizes, why simply chasing the latest technology rarely works and how we need to focus first on solving real business problems and aligning workforce for change.

President & CEO of Vista Metals, Kelly Thomas leads her manufacturing organization with a different mindset – thinking in decades rather than quarters. In this episode, she'll tell you how building for the long term impacts company culture, strengthens resilience and prepares teams for industry shocks. She’ll share real-world lessons in leading through uncertainty, from adapting to global market changes to investing in people – even in tough times.

We hear a lot about reshoring these days. But bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.

In today's conversation, CEO at Parsec Automation, Eddy Azad, will talk about the real-world complexities and strategic decisions manufacturers face when considering reshoring.

He'll offer his perspective on where reshoring actually makes sense, why manufacturing leaders need to think beyond cost alone and how innovation and technology can play a crucial role.

In today's conversation, Founder and CEO of Axion, Daniel First, will share his observations about how data-rich manufacturing environments are transforming the roles of quality and innovation.

He'll tell you how manufacturing leaders are starting to leverage AI to turn overwhelming streams of customer, device and service data into opportunities for faster product development and smarter collaboration.

And he'll explain how quality teams are moving beyond the plant floor to become strategic partners across engineering, marketing and supply chain.