Best Financial tech talks LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Leadership at the Core: Building Trust, Systems, and People with Kyra Tillman, 486 46:24

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1d ago46:24

46:24

Leadership is more than a buzzword—it’s the backbone of every successful machine shop. In this episode of MakingChips—Machine Shop MBA, hosts Paul Van Metre and Jen Dubose sit down with Kyra Tillman, owner of BTM Industries, to explore what real leadership looks like on the shop floor and in the front office. Kyra inherited a decades-old family sho…

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Energy Management as a Key Leadership Principle with Pat Mooney, VP at Wakefern 45:50

9d ago45:50

45:50

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Pat Mooney, Vice President of Health & Beauty Care and Non-Foods at Wakefern Food Corp.—the $21B retailer many consumers haven’t heard of, but whose unique business model has shaped regional retail in the Northeast for decades. Pat shares insights from his 16-year career journey, …

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Strategic Growth & Vision: Building a High-Performing Machine Shop with Peter Doyle, 485 51:18

8d ago51:18

51:18

In this special MakingChips Machine Shop MBA episode, we sit down with Peter Doyle—CEO of Hirsh Precision—to unpack what it takes to grow and transform a machine shop with purpose. From his roots as an Air Force officer to leading a former Top Shops award winner, Peter has blended strategy, structure, and heart into a roadmap any shop leader can le…

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Requirements Review: How Paperless Parts’ is Making Sure You Never Miss a Critical Detail, 484 50:49

13d ago50:49

50:49

If you’ve ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how sho…

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Building a Winning Team: Matt Wardle’s Blueprint for Machine Shop Success, 483 53:10

15d ago53:10

53:10

Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person …

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From Finance Aspirations to Supply Chain Transformation: How Jackie Doyle is Driving Strategic Growth at fairlife, LLC 30:38

21d ago30:38

30:38

When your company is growing fast—and your supply chain needs to grow faster—how do you build the structure, strategy, and team to keep up? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn speaks with Jackie Doyle, Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Transformation at fairlife, about what it really means to future-proof operations w…

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Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 46:00

22d ago46:00

46:00

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has…

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The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 51:32

29d ago51:32

51:32

Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips—it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ran…

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Embracing Tech in Retail: Parag Shah of Think Blue on AI, E-Commerce & Customer Experience 42:38

1M ago42:38

42:38

What does it take to transform legacy retail systems into future-ready strategies—without losing sight of what matters most? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Parag Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Think Blue, to explore his journey from grocery store aisles to executive boardrooms—and now to reimaginin…

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What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn’t just the parts it produces—it’s the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. A…

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Inventory Management Strategies Every Machine Shop Should Steal, 479 59:54

1M ago59:54

59:54

Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it’s the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance. From raw…

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Navigating Corporate Politics & Building Executive Presence: How to Climb the Corporate Ladder with Andrea Wasserman of The Executive Express 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

Do you feel like you’re excelling in your role but can’t really figure out how to crack the code to get to that next level? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Andrea Wasserman, Executive Coach and Founder of The Executive Express, whose career spans leadership roles at Nordstrom, Yahoo, Verizon, and more in VP and C…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works (Part II), 478 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we’re getting tactical.…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works, 477 48:28

2M ago48:28

48:28

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing…

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From Mopping Café Floors to Leading National Brands: How Candace Pappas Built a Bold Career in Beverage, Retail, and CPG 46:19

2M ago46:19

46:19

Ever wonder how someone goes from mopping café floors to leading at the executive level for two powerhouse brands? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Candace Pappas, SVP of Marketing at Blake’s Beverage Company and Blake Farms, for a no-fluff, straight-talking conversation about rising through the ranks, leading in …

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SWIT the Details: How Top Shops Nail Quality Control, 476 41:18

2M ago41:18

41:18

Let’s be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That’s a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control. From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shippin…

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Programming Smarter: How Hexagon’s ESPRIT EDGE Transforms Your CAM Workflow, 475 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon’s Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops s…

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The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474 1:02:18

3M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

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How Julian Semer Went from Finance to Shaping the Future of Retail Media at Albertsons 38:25

3M ago38:25

38:25

What does it really take to build a business inside a business? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Julian Semer, Director of In-Store Media at Albertsons, to unpack how a finance background, entrepreneurial drive, and deep curiosity led him to one of the most innovative and fast-evolving areas in retail. Julian shar…

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Engineering Attention: Hüseyin Kılıç shares How Storytelling Can Grow Your Shop, 473 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly “get” why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılıç, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTu…

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From Microns to Megastructures: Machining at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum, 472 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They’re both precision-machined, but that’s where the similarities end. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a …

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The Real Bitcoin Payments with Lightning and Stablecoins - Graham Krizek 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

Episode Topic: Graham Krizek, Founder of Voltage, joins PayPod to discuss how the Lightning Network is transforming Bitcoin from a slow and expensive currency into a scalable, real-time payment solution. He explains how Voltage helps businesses adopt Lightning infrastructure easily, and how trends like AI and stablecoins are pushing Bitcoin into ma…

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From Physical Therapy to Executive Leadership in Grocery Retail: Kendra Shaw’s Career Journey at Sprouts Farmers Market 34:21

3M ago34:21

34:21

What if the career you thought you’d never pursue turned out to be exactly where you were meant to lead? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Kendra Shaw, District Director of Operations at Sprouts Farmers Market, to explore the unexpected turns, defining moments, and leadership lessons that shaped her 20+ year career…

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How the Digital Wallet Will Replace KYC - Jarek Sygitowicz 25:51

3M ago25:51

25:51

Episode Topic:Jarek Sygitowicz, co-founder of Authologic, joins PayPod to discuss how digital identity is being reinvented. From legacy systems to identity wallets and AI-enhanced security, Jarek maps out how businesses can stay compliant, secure, and conversion-optimized in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Lessons You’ll Learn: Why traditiona…

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Shop Floor Greatness Starts at the Top: Inside the Top Shops Culture at Major Tool, 471 51:23

3M ago51:23

51:23

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn’t just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space an…

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How the $11 Trillion Check Problem Ends – Baxter Lanius 30:18

3M ago30:18

30:18

Episode Topic: Baxter Lanius, CEO of Alternative Payments, joins PayPod to discuss the slow adoption of modern payment methods in the B2B sector, the role of AI in speeding up invoicing, and how alternative payment solutions can help businesses get paid faster. Baxter also explores the intersection of fintech and industries like construction and lo…

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Turning Bitcoin into the Future of Finance - Willem Schroé 21:59

3M ago21:59

21:59

Episode Topic: Willem Schroé, founder of Botanix Labs, joins PayPod to reveal how Bitcoin is becoming the foundation for a decentralized financial future. Learn how Ethereum-style smart contracts and DeFi applications are now possible on Bitcoin via the Spiderchain—without giving up Bitcoin’s security or decentralization. Lessons You’ll Learn: How …

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Managing Orders From Setup to Shipment—Without Losing Control, 470 48:48

3M ago48:48

48:48

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don’t match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We’ve seen i…

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How Financial Teams Automate SEC Compliance Workflows – Daniel Schalla 31:41

4M ago31:41

31:41

Episode Topic: Daniel Schalla from Mattermost joins PayPod to discuss how financial institutions can better prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents. With tools designed for secure collaboration and workflow management, Mattermost helps companies meet regulatory demands while ensuring that they remain in control of their data. Lessons You…

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From Banking to Ecomm Boss: Roadmapping & Real Leadership with Brooke Chambers 35:24

4M ago35:24

35:24

What does it take to break into digital commerce and lead one of the fastest-moving segments in retail without a traditional background? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Brooke Chambers—Ecommerce Director, Kroger —to unpack her unconventional path into retail, and the lessons that have defined her leadership ever …

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Managing Orders: Planning for Precision on the Shop Floor, 469 50:55

4M ago50:55

50:55

Once the PO comes in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just get it done.” But if we don’t manage orders with intention and clarity, we’re setting ourselves—and our teams—up for chaos. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it really takes to run a smooth, efficient production floor. This isn’t just about buying softwa…

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Transforming Private Equity With Blockchain Rails - Joris Delanoue 24:50

4M ago24:50

24:50

Episode Topic: Joris Delanoue, co-founder and CEO of Fairmint, joins PayPod to explain how blockchain is disrupting private equity and fundraising. With cap tables becoming programmable, Fairmint is helping founders, investors, and communities escape legacy systems and embrace decentralized, on-chain ownership. Lessons You’ll Learn: Why today’s pri…

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Stablecoin Payroll Replaces Banks for Crypto Startups – Megan Knab 30:25

4M ago30:25

30:25

Episode Topic: Megan Knab, CEO of Franklin Payroll, joins PayPod to talk about the evolution of payroll and payments in a crypto-native world. From overcoming debanking to leveraging programmable payroll, Megan outlines a clear vision for a decentralized financial infrastructure powered by stablecoins and blockchain. Lessons You’ll Learn: How deban…

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The Tech Behind MoviePass and Government Payouts - Louis Hoch 22:00

4M ago22:00

22:00

Episode Topic: Louis Hoch, CEO of Usio, joins PayPod to discuss the future of payments, including embedded payment solutions, real-time payments, and the intersection of biometrics and AI in transforming the payments landscape. He shares how flexibility, customer-centricity, and innovation will drive the next wave of payment systems. Lessons You’ll…

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ck AI Value Without Rebuilding Your Stack - Ken Stott 24:58

4M ago24:58

24:58

Episode Topic: Ken Stott, Field CTO at Hasura, joins PayPod to explore how modern fintech leaders can navigate trust, regulation, decentralization, and AI in today’s data landscape. He explains how intelligent agents, semantic layers, and universal data access are shaping the next generation of financial data architecture. Lessons You’ll Learn: Lea…

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Profit Starts with the Quote: Estimating Smarter for a Stronger Shop, 468 56:42

4M ago56:42

56:42

Are you losing money before the job even hits the floor? If your quotes are based on outdated spreadsheets, rough guesses, or a “that’s what we’ve always charged” mindset, you might be setting your shop up to fail—before the first chip falls. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) problems in m…

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How to Win the Jump Balls in Business - Build a Career You Love with Ashleigh Gage of Kellanova 40:17

4M ago40:17

40:17

What does it take to lead a high-performing team in the fast-paced world of CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) while staying grounded, authentic, and purpose-driven? In this powerful episode of Candid with Candidates, host Jenn Hahn sits down with Ashleigh Gage, Senior Director of Portfolio Development at Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company), to unpack …

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From Military background to President & CEO: Gabe Disbrow discusses the way answering the UNASKED QUESTIONS set him up for success. 43:07

4M ago43:07

43:07

What if your non-traditional background is the very thing that sets you apart? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, host Jenn Hahn sits down with Gabe Disbrow, President & CEO of Leever’s Supermarkets, for an open and energizing conversation about leadership, ownership, and the power of showing up with purpose, especially when the path isn't …

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From a Part-time Job at Sixteen, to Divisional VP. Curiosity, Courage, and Career Pivots with Kathy Sweigert of Giant 32:23

4M ago32:23

32:23

In this very first episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Kathy Sweigert, Mid-Atlantic Division Vice President at The Giant Company, for an unfiltered conversation about where she started, navigating career pivots, and building a team in a culture of CARE. Kathy shares how she went from bagging groceries at 16 to overseeing 100…

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Modernizing B2B Payments With Virtual Cards – Andrew Jamison 30:59

4M ago30:59

30:59

Episode Topic: Andrew Jamison, CEO of Extend, joins PayPod to explore the revolution of B2B payments through virtual cards. From legacy system hurdles to modern API solutions, Andrew discusses how businesses can embed smarter, safer, and more efficient payments without a full tech overhaul. Lessons You’ll Learn: Why embedded finance is the future, …

Financial Tech Talks LLC Podcasts