Workforce 4.0

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews Travis Miller, President of Miller Resource Group. They discuss Travis's unexpected journey from broadcast journalism to leading a family-owned executive search firm specializing in industrial technology, manufacturing, robotics, and automation. Travis shares insights on workforce development, rebranding manufacturing careers, the importance of networking, and the critical skills required in recruiting. They explore strategies for attracting younger generations to manufacturing, the impact of new technologies on the industry, and the importance of creating value for employees. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to move quickly in the hiring process and adapt to technological changes to remain competitive.

In This Episode:

-01:28: Travis Miller's Journey from Journalism to Recruiting

-06:20: The Value of Networking in Recruiting

-15:49: Rebranding Manufacturing for the Younger Generation

-24:15: Excitement for Robotics and Legos

-26:56: Introducing Robotics to Kids

-30:44: Creating Urgency in Recruitment

-38:44: The Future of Work and Technology

-40:11: Embracing AI in Recruitment

-46:17: Conclusion and Contact Information

About Travis Miller:

Recruiting has been a part of who Travis Miller is. As President of Miller Resource Group, Travis has always loved talking with people; hearing their stories about where they’ve been, where do they want to go, and how do they want to get there. Travis still gets to do that every day while helping companies do great things by bringing tremendously talented individuals to their organization. Learn more about Travis and connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt welcomes Soren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. They delve into Soren's background, from IT to robotics, and discuss the importance of making technology accessible and mainstream in the manufacturing industry. Soren shares insights on community building in manufacturing, workforce development, and the future impact of technology on work. He also emphasizes the need for simpler adoption processes and training programs to ease the transition for workers. Join them for an engaging conversation on the future of automation and workforce transformation.

In This Episode:

-07:38: Building Community in Manufacturing

-21:48: Leadership and Thought Leadership in Robotics

-26:38: Humane Aspects of AI and Robotics

-26:51: Debating Practicality and Ethics in Robotics

-28:21: Factory Insights: The Importance of Windows

-30:12: Leadership and Responsibility

-34:30: The Future of Work with Technology

-40:11: Workforce Development and Automation

-47:56: Adoption and Accessibility of Robotics

About Soren Peters:

Søren Peters is the founder and co-CEO of the global automation advisory and market platform, HowToRobot, providing vendor-independent guidance to businesses looking to automate. A serial entrepreneur, Søren has previously founded, led, and successfully exited a series of companies in the IT industry. Søren was born and raised in Denmark where he founded HowToRobot. Today, he is spearheading HowToRobot’s expansion in the United States and Europe, helping local manufacturers succeed in automation and find the right solutions and suppliers. Learn more about Soren and connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Paul Ryznar, CEO and Founder of Light Guide. They discuss the transformative impact of projection-based augmented reality technology in manufacturing. Paul shares his journey and insights into how technology can enhance productivity and quality on factory floors. Topics include the role of AI in manufacturing, the benefits of connected worker technology, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Paul also touches on the future of work and how innovative tools can empower workers and reduce stress- ultimately giving a higher quality of life to workforces around the world. Tune in to learn about the exciting advancements shaping the manufacturing industry.

In This Episode:

-01:29: The Magic of Light Guide Technology

-04:01: Connected Worker Technology and Manufacturing Challenges

-06:57: The Eureka Moment and Founding of Light Guide

-09:14: Impact of Light Guide in Medical and Manufacturing Industries

-10:11: Empowering the Workforce with Technology

-22:06: The Future of Work: AI and AR in Manufacturing

-36:16: Leadership and Community Impact

More About Paul Ryznar:

Engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur Paul Ryznar is the Founder, President, and CEO of Wixom, Mich.-based LightGuide, Inc. The technology uses proprietary software and high-powered projector systems to guide and confirm the completion of complex manual tasks from assembly to quality control to training. Prior to LightGuide’s invention in 2005, he held senior management roles including Vice President of Operations positions at Detroit Diesel, Bosch, and Energy Conversion Devices—more than 30 years of manufacturing experience. To learn more about Paul, connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

According to this week's guest on Workforce 4.0, James Soto, sharing stories across the manufacturing industry isn't only mandatory for good marketing, it's mandatory for building a lasting workforce. This week, Ann Wyatt sits down with James (CEO of Industrial Strength Marketing) to learn more about how manufacturing companies can leverage the power of story telling to boost their recruitment initiatives and their legacy and impact that they can have on the future of work. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, we also learn more about Jame's story from his time growing up around manufacturing to the origins of Manufacturing Day and his purpose behind founding Nashville Made.

In This Episode:

-01:27: James Soto's Journey in Manufacturing

-03:05: The Impact of Manufacturing Day

-04:42: The Importance of Manufacturing in Education

-08:54: Leadership and Trends in Manufacturing

-21:37: The Role of Makers in Modern Manufacturing

-27:11: The Impact of Community Investment

-36:51: The Importance of Core Values

-43:02: Building a Career Tribe

More About James Soto:

With over 20 years of experience as the founder and CEO of Industrial Strength Marketing James is passionate about helping industrial companies transition from traditional to technology marketing. James leads an integrated marketing agency that specializes in the industrial sector, creating omnichannel storytelling that engages and inspires industrial audiences. James also founded INDUSTRIAL STUDIOS, a video-first studio that redefines what a manufacturing video can be and how it can impact perceptions of manufacturing. As a co-founder and board member of Nashville Made, James continues to support the growth and development of local manufacturing companies and makers, providing them with programming, education, event strategy, and connections to key stakeholders. James also works directly with them on community engagement, diversity, workforce development, and job training programs. To learn more about James, connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

How does Mission Design and Automation take the lead on retaining fresh talent for their growing workforce? On this episode of Workforce 4.0,, host Ann Wyatt interviews Ryan Lillibridge, (Vice President of the organization) as he shares best practices for fostering a collaborative work culture and Mission's key philosophy on taking care of each other (as well as the customer).

Ryan also delves into his own extensive career in automation, what it's like to cover industries from aerospace to agriculture and the significance of curiosity, mentorship and continuous learning for career growth. Lastly, Ryan talks in depth on the role of technology in enhancing the employee experience and the future of manufacturing.

In This Episode:

-02:13: Company Philosophy: Taking Care of Each Other and the Customer

-03:31: A Tour of Mission Design and Automation

-07:06: Innovation and Leadership at Mission

-13:43:: Building a Creative and Collaborative Company Culture

-16:15: Ryan's Career Journey and Advice for Young Professionals

-19:39: Fostering a Successful Environment for Interns

-25:28: Technology's Impact on Employee Experience

-32:23: Future Goals and Industry Impact

More About Ryan Lillibridge:

Ryan has over 19 years of experience in the automation industry, In his role as VP of Mission Design and Automation, Ryan oversees the business development, sales, and engineering teams, and ensures that they deliver high-quality and innovative products that meet their clients' needs and expectations. Ryan is passionate about creating solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in different industries, and he is always eager to learn new technologies and trends. Ryan values teamwork, collaboration, and diversity, and he strives to create a positive and inclusive work environment for Mission Design and Automation staff and stakeholders. Learn more about Ryan or connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

From building machines to building Apple iPhones, Roman Piszcz (Founder of Quotebeam) has a lot of experience in creating products and helping businesses find real solutions. It was from his personal passion for creating a better way for companies to purchase products. This week on Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Roman and Nikki Gonzales to discuss in more detail about his passion for entrepreneurship, what it means to hire "intraprenuers" and how start up companies can leverage the interviewing process to identify and hire leading talent. Roman and Nikki also share their unique perspectives on the benefits of remote work, how automation and machine learning apps empower people to focus on more meaningful work and why providing tools for ownership is crucial to organizational success in the digital era.

In This Episode:

-03:06 Roman's Journey and QuoteBeam's Origin

-18:03 Exploring The Spirit of Entrepreneurship

-29:59 Evaluating Candidates Via An Interviewing Question About Climate Change

-31:03 Unlocking Interview Tactics To Assess Critical Thinking

-31:56 Hiring Fresh Graduates: A Unique Approach

-36:05 The Future of Workforce and Technology

-38:57 The Evolution of Communication

-55:47 Building and Retaining High-Performing Teams

More About Roman Piszcz:

Throughout his career, Roman always designed machines using two principles: simplicity and performance. These two principles brought about the inception of Quotebeam. Although the machines he was designing were using state-of-the-art technologies, Roman realized that the process of designing them was extremely fragmented and inefficient. Recognizing these engineering and procurement gaps in parts search, sourcing, and vendor collaboration marked his first efforts in automating these processes. During the five years before taking Quotebeam full time in early 2021, Roman led a team at Apple’s iPhone & Core Technologies manufacturing operations. That experience amplified his belief of the importance of data transparency and supplier collaboration, and led to the beginning of Quotebeam as a company. Learn more and connect with Roman here.

About Nikki Gonzales:

Nikki has a unique mix of skills including growing SaaS startups and direct experience as a field Sales Engineer in industrial automation for Festo and Keyence. After a series of meetings over a few years from Silicon Valley to Seattle, a couple of babies, a global pandemic, and a move to Texas, finally the stars aligned for Nikki to join Quotebeam full time! She’s always loved problem solving and building things, so it led to a career in engineering sales spanning technologies such as Machine Vision, Pneumatics & Mechatronics, Computational Electromagnetics, and AI & Data Analytics, to name a few. Learn more and connect with Nikki here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

In this season 5 opener of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Jeff Kondel, Founder and Executive Director of ROOTS Education Company. They discuss Jeff's journey into robotics and his dedication to integrating advanced automation and robotics into educational systems, spanning from elementary schools to universities. Jeff shares insights on how Roots Education is bridging the gap between technology and meaningful work for students. Jeff also highlights impactful projects, like the use of robotics in health care and other applications for robotics beyond industrial use cases. Lastly, we hear more on career advice from Jeff for aspiring roboticist and engineers, alike.

In This Episode:

-03:51: The Origin Story of ROOTS Education

-14:48 Robotics Applications Outside of Industrial Manufacturing

-25:59 Collaboration in Workforce Development

-27:13 Automation vs. Human Resources

-34:50 Success Stories in Automation

More About Jeffrey Kondel:

With over 20 years of experience in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics including Automotive, Medical Device and Food/Beverage, Jeff is passionate about bringing robotics training to all ages and assists manufacturers in achieving their goals to build efficient, data driven manufacturing operations. To serve the specific needs of Academia, ROOTS Engineering has created a product and curriculum to advance industrial skills in manufacturing using automation, with the goal of bridging the gap between local industry and the competencies of our future workforce. ROOTS Engineering works to bridge that gap by placing collaborative robots and training into academia, from middle school to advanced technical programs which help filter and prepare students for their future interests. To learn more about Jeff, connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

Is it truly the end of document as we know it? Bryan Bauw, COO of Pico MES thinks so and on this episode of Workforce 4.0, Ann Wyatt is in conversation on Bryan on how the future of work is being drastically changed through the adaption of technology for the dreaded documentation process. Bryan also shares his journey from starting as an industrial engineer to becoming a prominent figure on the manufacturing scene, the evolution and digitalization of manufacturing and the role of AI in the future of our favorite industry sector.

In This Episode:

-03:27 The Evolution of Manufacturing and Technology

-07:20 Teaching and Networking in Manufacturing

-11:05 Digitization in Manufacturing: The Future is Now

-20:18 The Evolution of Automation Systems

-21:24 Exploring the Differences: Automation vs. Robotics

-22:53 AI in Manufacturing: Current and Future Applications

-28:02 Industrial Automation and Robotics: Practical Implementations

-31:46 Balancing Standardization and Innovation

More About Bryan Bauw:

Bryan Bauw is Chief Operating Officer of Pico MES, a software startup that helps manufacturers improve their productivity. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Alabama and a Strategic Advisor to venture-backed manufacturing startups. Bryan has nearly two decades of experience leading advanced manufacturing teams and product development in high-growth businesses, startups and VC investments.

Prior to joining Pico MES, Bryan was Head of Manufacturing and Partner at Prime Movers Lab, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Technology and General Manager at Collins Aerospace and held various manufacturing and business roles at GKN Aerospace. To learn more about Bryan, connect with him here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews Lori Harbour, Principal of Wipfli. Lori shares her journey into the manufacturing industry, ignited by her father, and her passion for revitalizing North American manufacturing. They discuss the importance of a strategic approach to HR, succession planning, and building a strong company culture. Lori emphasizes the role of technology and diversity in manufacturing, and the challenges of competing with other industries for talent. They also touch on the significance of community engagement and educating the younger generation about manufacturing careers. Lori highlights insights from her book, 'Tradition Meets Transformation,' and her efforts to raise awareness about the critical state of manufacturing in the U.S.

In This Episode:

-08:09 Challenges in Manufacturing and HR Integration

-14:07 Succession Planning in Manufacturing

-28:19 The Impact of Manufacturing on Local Economies

-30:27 Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector

-37:53 Building a Better Company Culture

-44:13 Promoting Diversity in Manufacturing

-49:20 Conclusion and Ways to Connect

More About Laurie Harbour

Throughout her distinguished career, Laurie has been instrumental in guiding companies through periods of transformation, leveraging her expertise in lean manufacturing, strategic planning, and organizational development to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness. Her insights into the evolving landscape of workforce management in the era of Industry 4.0 offer invaluable perspectives for businesses navigating the complexities of modern manufacturing. To date, Laurie is the Principal of Wipfli. To learn more about Laurie, connect with her here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

From rocking Warped Tour to rocking the way that we train the next generation of manufacturing talent, Peter Costa, CEO and Founder of Baltu Technologies, has always done things on his own terms. On this week's episode of Workforce 4.0, Peter sits down with Ann Wyatt to share more about how he took inspiration from YouTube and the way that he learned in a classroom setting and developed a unique training platform that is making manufacturing skills accessible for all. We also deep dive into Peter's love for music and physics and how that has shaped his concept of the evolution of the manufacturing workforce.

In This Episode:

-Peter shares his thoughts on how technology has impacted our daily lives and how the evolution of technology in manufacturing is becoming more embedded into the way that we work (~timestamp 13:05)

-Peter shares his own story of how he was inspired by video learning throughout his college career and how he hopes that his shared experience impacts hands on learners of the manufacturing workforce (~timestamp 18:31)

-Peter talks more in depth about the shrinking labor pool in manufacturing and how short term training solutions can provide a pathway for a more sustainable manufacturing workforce and local economies (~timestamp 27:59)

More About Peter:

Peter Costa is the CEO and co-founder of Baltu Technologies. He is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a passion for employing technology to solve real-world problems. Early on he was exposed to computers, science, and technology, thanks to his father's work in designing and building supercomputers. This early immersion has shaped his professional pursuits and fostered a lifelong passion for innovation. At Baltu Technologies, Peter merges his diverse experiences to accelerate the development of a skilled workforce. As a recognized thought leader, Peter has spoken at conferences across the United States, Abu Dhabi, and China. Throughout his career, Peter's love for building things has evolved into a mission to create technological solutions that better people's lives, making him a driving force in using entrepreneurship and technology to help drive positive social impact. Connect and learn more about Peter here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.