The TechEd Podcast

Is creativity the most underrated skill in machining?

This week, Matt dives deep into the world of Swiss machining with George Media, Vice President of Operations for Tsugami America. They explore how this innovative machining method, originally designed for crafting intricate watch parts, has evolved into a versatile tool for manufacturing precision components in medical, aerospace, and beyond. George shares insights on the role of creativity, the growing demand for Swiss machining expertise, and how technical education programs can adapt to meet industry needs.

Listen to learn:

• The surprising role of creativity in this highly-technical, precise, logical industry
• The mission behind the machine: why knowing a part's purpose can incentivize higher-quality workmanship
• The skills no machinist can ever life without - even in a high-tech, AI-driven world
• Where CNC education is falling short - and how to bring programs into 2025 and beyond

Quotable Moments:

"If you get into medical or aerospace, it's kind of interesting that you're making a part for the fuel systems, or you're making a part that's going to be in the human body somewhere, and I think that helps add a little bit more pride into your workmanship. If you understand what the part is used for, you can make better decisions on how to machine it.

"I think every good machinist is very creative person. They think differently. They think outside the box. On a Swiss machine, you can take that creativity and really flourish with it."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Creativity is a Crucial Competency in Modern Machining
The misconception that machining is purely technical is outdated; creativity is at the heart of solving manufacturing challenges. George Media highlights how machinists can program Swiss machines in multiple ways, tailoring tool paths and processes to optimize outcomes. This creative mindset not only improves efficiency but also makes machining a fulfilling and dynamic career for problem-solvers.

2. Swiss Machining Opens Doors to High-Demand, High-Earning Careers
Swiss machining is a specialized skill with increasing demand across industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive manufacturing. George notes that skilled professionals in this field can earn between $75,000 and $125,000 annually, with even greater potential in leadership roles. Despite the high-tech nature of the work, mastering the basics, like longhand programming, is key to advancing in this lucrative trade.

3. Technical Education Must Adapt to Industry’s Growing Needs
Technical education programs are moving beyond basic machining to include advanced methods like Swiss machining, which offers students a competitive edge. George emphasizes the importance of teaching not just the mechanics but also the why behind manufacturing processes, helping students connect their work to real-world applications. With transferable skills and growing opportunities, these programs prepare learners for lifelong success in manufacturing.

Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about Tsugami America, visit: tsugamiamerica.com

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From boardrooms to classrooms, AI is making waves—but what do organizational leaders really think of artificial intelligence?

In this episode, host Matt Kirchner goes beyond the buzzwords to share real data and insights from a groundbreaking research report on artificial intelligence. From industry leaders to educators, discover what people at the forefront of AI are saying about its impact—and learn what it takes to turn potential into progress. Packed with trends, challenges, and actionable takeaways, this episode is your playbook for navigating AI’s transformative era.

Listen to learn:

• Why 62% of leaders say identifying AI use cases is their biggest challenge
• The surprising sector that’s leading the way in AI adoption
• Which industries are bracing for the most disruption—and why
• The top three traits of successful AI leaders (and the one that has nothing to do with numbers, coding or data)
• 9 actionable insights to drive your AI journey forward

Quotable Moments:

“The biggest mistake you can make, in my opinion, is not getting started.”

“We didn’t have a single respondent that said their organization or market space was not going to be fundamentally changed by artificial intelligence.”

“Artificial intelligence isn’t going to take your job. Somebody using AI is going to take your job.”

“Limited use cases were their number one impediment to pushing ahead with their artificial intelligence journey. And to that, I say, are you kidding me?”

“Curiosity is the number one personality trait leaders are looking for in those who will drive AI transformation.”

Resources in this Episode:
Click here to access the State of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin report.

Other episodes mentioned:

• Mary Snapp - Microsoft
• AI Expert Panel
• Todd Wanek - Ashley Furniture
• Barbara Humpton - Siemens

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With 600,000 job openings in manufacturing, could women be the solution to closing the talent gap?

Host Matt Kirchner dives into this question with Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Mariana brings a unique global perspective to workforce development and shares her strategies for making manufacturing a more inclusive, appealing career path.

From brand transformation to mentorship and flexible work policies, Mariana explains how manufacturers can position themselves to attract and retain diverse talent—and why this mission matters now more than ever.

Listen to learn:

• Why manufacturing's workforce shortage is a branding issue, not just an HR issue
• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how to implement them in your organization
• The impact of cultural perspectives on workforce development and why diversity fuels innovation

Quotable Moments:
On the difference between mentorship and sponsorship:
“Mentorship, it's much more the art of teaching, sharing, guiding… you are sharing what you know, the experiences that you had in the past… Sponsorship is when you actually take an active role on making sure that that person's career actually develops… you might be even using your political capital…to make sure that that person's career really makes it to the next level.”

Advice to her younger self:
"Be patient, be caring, be sweet to yourself. It's going to be hard work, and you have to work hard, but if you combine it with that patience and love for yourself, things are going to work out fine."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Manufacturing’s workforce shortage is a branding problem as much as an HR issue: With 3 million women seeking work in the U.S., manufacturing needs to rebrand itself as an industry that's not just "heavy lifting," but has high-tech, interesting and career-supporting roles across all departments. Companies need to rebrand manufacturing as a flexible, well-paying career with opportunities for growth to attract a wider talent pool, especially those women.
2. Women need more than mentors - they need sponsors who will advocate for their career advancement: Many organizations ensure new employees have a mentor who can onboard, train and help them learn their role. Sponsorship goes further than mentorship by actively advocating for that individual's promotion and involvement in key projects, which strengthens their paths to leadership. In manufacturing, Mariana encourages both men and women to sponsor women on their path to leadership.
3. Diverse perspectives are critical to fostering innovation in manufacturing: Mariana shares that women bring unique qualities, such as collaboration and patience, that enhance team dynamics and drive innovation. Her own multicultural background shapes her approach to workforce development, highlighting how cultural sensitivity and inclusion lead to stronger, more adaptive teams.

Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, visit: hexagon.com

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Additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping industries from aerospace to consumer goods with unprecedented speed. Dayton Horvath, Director of Emerging Technology at AMT, joins us to break down the key trends, market shifts, and cutting-edge technologies that are defining AM today. What’s fueling the industry’s rapid evolution, and where are the biggest opportunities? Dayton has answers—and insight you won’t want to miss.

In this episode...

• The role of application-focused companies in driving additive’s next phase of growth
• Emerging hybrid manufacturing models that combine additive with traditional methods for advanced production capabilities
• Current challenges and opportunities in funding for AM technologies
• How AMT’s unique data services help businesses keep a competitive edge in the AM market
• Future applications for additive manufacturing in consumer goods, healthcare, and beyond

Quotable Moments:

On the shift to application-focused investment:
“More and more investment in the last two, two and a half years, has shifted...towards these application companies, because they recognize that there’s value in the productization...of the additive capabilities.”

On hybrid manufacturing:
“Hybrid manufacturing, which is loosely defined as additive manufacturing combined with subtractive manufacturing in the same motion control platform… has opportunities for short to medium run production.”

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Application-focused growth is driving additive manufacturing’s evolution: AM is transitioning from tech-focused development to applications that integrate seamlessly into specific industries, like aerospace and automotive. Investors are prioritizing companies that apply additive tech to real-world solutions, expanding the impact and utility of AM.
2. Hybrid manufacturing is the next phase in the growth of AM: By combining additive and subtractive processes on the same platform, hybrid manufacturing is enabling greater precision and efficiency. Companies leveraging these mixed methods can cut costs and improve product quality, making AM a more accessible solution for diverse industries.
3. Additive manufacturing offers unique advantages for small and midsize manufacturers: Dayton highlights how AM can help smaller companies compete by reducing lead times and improving production flexibility. With additive processes, they can explore new market opportunities and tailor products to specific industries without the high upfront costs typically associated with traditional manufacturing.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the Association for Manufacturing Technology, visit: amtonline.org

Connect with AMT Online:

LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

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What if the future of work isn’t about replacing people, but amplifying their potential? 

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with J. Craig McAtee, CEO and Executive Director of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC).

Craig, a national thought leader in technical education, discusses why amplifying human skills is the future of workforce development and why industry-education partnerships are more critical than ever. Broadcasting from NCATC's annual conference, they explore how today's tech leaders are investing in the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.

Will AI narrow the skills gap or make it wider?

And, in an era of rapid innovation, can education keep up?

In this episode...

• How AI and automation are amplifying—not replacing—human skills in advanced manufacturing
• Craig’s bold philosophy: “If it ain’t broke, break it”—and how it’s reshaping education
• Why the BILT model is a better alternative to advisory boards to create true industry-education partnerships
• The 7-2-1 ratio that proves why technicians are so important

Quotable Moments:

"If it ain’t broke, break it. Continuous improvement is essential, and in this fast-paced world, we can’t afford to stay still.”

“We’re amplifying human skills with AI and automation, not replacing them. These tools are here to make us smarter, more efficient, and ready for future challenges.”

"For every PhD in R&D, we need two engineers and seven technicians. That’s where the workforce needs are, and that’s where technical education has to focus."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. AI is here to amplify human skills, not replace them. Craig emphasizes that AI and automation serve as tools to enhance what humans can accomplish in the workplace, not to replace their roles. This approach allows technicians and engineers to operate at a higher level, adapting alongside emerging technologies rather than competing against them.
2. Strong industry-education partnerships are essential for closing the talent gap. Craig argues that educators must view industry as their primary customer, aligning curricula with the real-world skills employers need. This approach shifts the traditional model to a collaborative partnership that ensures students are job-ready for the high-demand fields of AI and automation.
3. Continuous improvement is the only way forward in technical education. Adopting his “if it ain’t broke, break it” philosophy, Craig pushes educators and industry leaders alike to embrace change and constantly seek better ways to prepare the workforce. In a world where technology evolves rapidly, those who fail to innovate risk being left behind.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), visit: ncatc.org

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What’s driving AI transformation in industries like healthcare, finance, and marketing? In this live panel, top AI leaders reveal the use cases that are making the biggest impact, the data challenges they’re overcoming, and the workforce shifts we can’t ignore.

Recorded live at an AI and the Workforce event, this panel discussion brings together AI experts from sectors that are leading the charge in AI adoption. From predictive healthcare algorithms to AI-powered marketing solutions and finance industry safeguards, our panelists share early wins and actionable insights that every business leader needs to hear.

But AI isn’t just about automation and efficiency. It’s about data governance, privacy, and preparing the workforce for the future. Hear how these leaders are upskilling their teams, managing concerns about job displacement, and navigating the ethical landscape of AI integration. If your company is exploring AI, this episode is a must-listen for practical strategies and real-world lessons.

Panelists:

• Dr. Brian Kay, Chief Strategy Officer, Rogers Behavioral Health
• George Forge, SVP Client Technology and Product Development, Quad
• Nathan Lasnoski, Chief Technology Officer, Concurrency
• Sarah Grooms, Chief Administrative Officer, Wintrust

Special thanks to the WOW Works Workforce Development Board for hosting this event and panel discussion.

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What does the future of manufacturing look like? Just ask the U.S. CEO of the #1 automation provider in the world.

In this high-profile episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, joins us to discuss the latest innovations shaping global manufacturing. Siemens, a leader in automation and digital technologies, is driving advancements through digital twins, AI, and more. Barbara shares how these technologies are revolutionizing industries today—not tomorrow—and making manufacturing more accessible and efficient.

We also dive into "Glocal" innovation, where global tech is applied locally to help small and mid-sized manufacturers thrive. Barbara offers key insights on workforce challenges, including the gender gap and the importance of flexible work. Her leadership vision for the future is clear: a more connected, innovative, and inclusive manufacturing world.

Sneak peak into this episode:

• How Siemens is using digital twins and AI in manufacturing
• "Glocal" manufacturing: global innovation; local implementation
• Want to close the gender gap in manufacturing? Here's how.
• From “not executive material” to CEO: Barbara’s journey proves why leadership is about breaking the mold.
• If you want to work in tech, come to manufacturing. Discover why Microsoft, NVIDIA, Sony, Salesforce and other tech giants want to partner with manufacturing as the next big opportunity.

Quotable Moments:

"If you’ve got curiosity and initiative, the world is yours."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Digital twins and AI are transforming manufacturing today.
   Siemens’ digital twins allow manufacturers to simulate entire production lines, identify bottlenecks, and perfect processes—all before they’re built. Barbara highlights that this tech can prevent costly errors, like a battery manufacturer’s $1M mistake, by catching issues in the digital world first.
2. “Glocal” innovation is giving small manufacturers access to big technology.
   Barbara shares how Siemens is combining global-scale technologies like automation and AI with local implementation, empowering smaller manufacturers to compete on a new level. Through flexible models like automation-as-a-service and cloud-based platforms, they can adopt advanced tools without the heavy capital investment.
3. Closing the gender gap could solve the manufacturing talent shortage.
   Barbara believes attracting more women could fill the projected 3.8 million open manufacturing roles by 2033. Flexible work arrangements, such as asynchronous shifts enabled by Industry 4.0, could attract more women by making manufacturing careers fit their lives.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about Siemens USA, visit: www.siemens.com/

Listen to Barbara's podcast, Optimistic Outlook

Connect with Siemens Online:

LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X

Follow Barbara on LinkedIn

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In this episode, we're talking to you—educators and employers—about how to engage and inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent. Manufacturing doesn’t just need workers; it needs what Drew Crowe calls “blue collar ballers”—young people who see the industry as more than a job, but a mission worth pursuing.

Drew "The MFG" Crowe is making waves in the manufacturing world. With a fresh, modern perspective, he’s bringing a whole new energy to the industry, inspiring young people to see manufacturing as the future. As someone with deep experience both in the classroom and on the shop floor, Drew knows how to connect with Gen Z through the platforms and language they understand. In this episode, he shares how you can meet young talent where they are, communicate the value of a manufacturing career, and keep them motivated for the long term.

Drew also shares why retention starts with culture. You’ll learn how to create an environment that not only attracts talent but keeps them around—by giving them real opportunities for growth and a sense of belonging in your organization.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your company culture might be the reason you can’t find great workers, and how “hell week” could be driving them away.
• Is manufacturing's talent shortage because of an image problem, or a communication problem?
• How social media-savvy "screenagers" are learning advanced manufacturing faster than ever—and what you can do to meet them there.

3 Big Takeaways:

1. The key to attracting Gen Z is offering a mission, not just a job.
   Drew emphasizes that today’s youth are looking for more than a paycheck—they want purpose and a role in something bigger. By framing manufacturing as a mission and showing young people how they can make a difference, employers can create a more engaged and motivated workforce.
2. Retention, not attraction, is the real challenge in manufacturing today.
   While companies can bring in new talent, keeping them is another story. Drew explains that to retain workers, companies need to build a culture that invests in people’s growth, ensuring they have the tools and motivation to stay​ in the industry.
3. Communication is crucial in showing the value of manufacturing careers.
   Manufacturing doesn’t just have an image problem—it has a communication problem. Employers and educators need to show students not only what manufacturing is, but why it matters and how they can play a part in its future.

Resources:

To learn more about Drew and The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, visit: drewcrowemfg.com

• The Manufacturing Renaissance Starter Kit: Revolutionize Your Workforce (free ebook for manufacturers)
• The MFG Hustle: How To Become A Blue Collar Baller...Or Bosslady! (free ebook for job seekers and stuents)

Connect with Drew online:

LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Instagram

https://techedpodcast.com/crowe/

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"Why not me?" is a question every woman in manufacturing should be asking—and this episode gives them the answer.

Join Matt Kirchner as he sits down with Allison Roberts Grealis, Founder and President of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), for a conversation about breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women at every stage of their manufacturing career. Whether you’re an entry-level operator or a CEO, WiM is committed to helping you thrive in this dynamic industry.

From the creation of WiM to its impact on women in leadership, apprenticeships, and manufacturing careers, Allison shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities women face. This episode offers inspiration, advice, and tangible takeaways for women—and their allies—looking to make their mark in advanced manufacturing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why "Why Not Me?" is more than just a question—it's a call to action
• How WiM supports women in manufacturing at all career levels
• The biggest barriers women face in manufacturing—and how they’re being overcome
• How women can build confidence and apply their skills, no matter their role
• Real-life success stories of women advancing their careers in manufacturing

Quotable Moments:

"I think first and foremost a challenge is getting women into the industry. I think once women are in the industry, one of the challenges is for them to see pathways for progress... Manufacturing still is very male-dominated, and obviously that landscape is changing, but women need to see the opportunities to rise."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Women are increasingly entering and succeeding in manufacturing.
   The percentage of women in the manufacturing workforce has grown from 22-24% to almost 30%, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like WiM. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in leadership representation and career advancement opportunities.
2. Direct feedback and mentorship are essential for women’s advancement in manufacturing.
   Allison highlights the need for leadership allies to provide women with the same honest feedback given to their male counterparts. Without this support, women may miss critical opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers.
3. WiM supports women at every stage of their career, from entry-level to leadership.
   WiM’s resources are designed to meet women where they are, whether they’re just starting out as apprentices or seeking executive leadership roles. The organization provides networking, mentorship, and leadership programs that help women build confidence and pursue their career goals.

Resources in this Episode:

• To learn more about Women in Manufacturing, become a member, find a local chapter, or access their resources, visit their website: womeninmanufacturing.org

Connect with Women in Manufacturing:

LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Facebook

More notes & resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/grealis/

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Get an inside look at NASA’s plans to return to the Moon, build a sustainable presence, and prepare for the first human mission to Mars—powered by the most advanced rocket technology ever created.

This week we sat down with Dr. Sharon Cobb, Associate Program Manager for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), to discover NASA's next endeavors in space exploration. As NASA embarks on its Artemis program, Dr. Cobb shares how this monumental initiative will pave the way for sustained lunar presence and the eventual mission to Mars.

NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the moon, establishing the groundwork for long-term exploration and setting the stage for human missions to Mars. Dr. Cobb explains how advanced materials, 3D printing, and digital twins are revolutionizing rocket design, making space travel safer and more efficient. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and innovations powering NASA’s journey from the Moon to the Red Planet.

Inside this episode:

• How NASA’s Artemis program will establish the first human colony on the Moon, and what it means for future Mars exploration.
• The role advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, plays in building the next generation of space rockets.
• Why material science is a critical component of space engineering and how NASA is innovating with composites and lightweight materials.
• The unexpected challenges and breakthroughs in building the most powerful rocket ever constructed.
• How diversity and inclusion are shaping NASA’s most ambitious missions, including plans to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon.

Quotable Moments:

"The generation that's out there today is the Artemis generation. They're going to be a part of making this happen... The more we can engage a large number of people from different backgrounds, the more we can solve problems better."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. The Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, paving the way for future Mars exploration.
   The Artemis missions will focus on sending both crew and equipment to the Moon, where humans will learn to live and work on another planetary surface. This knowledge will be crucial for overcoming the longer, more complex journey to Mars.
2. Advanced manufacturing, particularly additive manufacturing, is revolutionizing space technology.
   NASA is using 3D printing to significantly reduce costs and time, like reducing the welds on a critical engine part from 127 to just four. This innovation is enabling faster, more efficient production of rockets and spacecraft components.
3. The next generation, known as the "Artemis generation," will play a pivotal role in space exploration.
   Dr. Cobb believes that today’s young people will be the ones to drive forward NASA’s long-term goals of lunar habitation and Mars colonization. Engaging people from diverse backgrounds will help solve the complex challenges that come with space exploration.

Resources in this Episode:

• NASA Artemis Program
• Resources for educators

More notes & resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/cobb/

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