Best Reindustrialization Podcasts (2025)

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253: Rapid Execution in Industrial Automation: From FEED Study to Recommissioning in Five Months featuring Cassy Gardner and Chris Schleich of E Tech Group 35:48

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1h ago35:48

35:48

Manufacturers know that automation is table stakes in 2025, and yet it’s still a bit of an afterthought for some. You'd think something that can make or break a facility would be everyone’s number one priority. And as you'll hear in this episode, overlooking automation can sometimes have disastrous consequences. In this episode, we sit down with Ca…

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252: Adaptive Production, Resilient Manufacturing, and "Lightbulb Moments" in AI featuring Chris Stevens, SVP and GM of US Automation Business, Siemens Digital Industries 46:18

8d ago46:18

46:18

Manufacturers (not just the guys on the shop floor, but the C-suite behind them) are on a race to the finish line when it comes to automation. Most of us by now are pretty familiar with how AI and automation can play a role in manufacturing. But it looks like we’re heading to the next stage… In this episode, we hear from Chris Stevens, the SVP & GM…

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The O.H.I.O. Fund — Origins and Ambitions 1:01:48

6d ago1:01:48

1:01:48

On this special episode of The O.H.I.O. Fund Report, I’m joined—for the first time—by the two co-founders of The O.H.I.O. Fund, Mark Kvamme and Ray Leach, as well as the fund’s two founding partners, Jill Meyer and Mike Venerable, to share the inside story of how a bold idea became reality. We explore the inspiration and origins behind a first-of-i…

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251: What is a Corporate Venture Studio? An Interview with Joel Reed, President of Premier Labs 33:11

9d ago33:11

33:11

We just can’t stay away from Pittsburgh’s robotics scene! So we’re back, this time turning the spotlight on the business and startup angle with Premier Labs. Premier Labs is a corporate venture studio, a relatively new model that changes how technology comes to market. President Joel Reed joins the episode to give real examples and explanations abo…

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【Taiwanology Ep.51】Why is Nuclear Power Back on Taiwan’s Agenda? 32:52

13d ago32:52

32:52

Taiwan is at an energy crossroads. After decades of debate, a recent referendum revealed that over 70% favor restarting its last nuclear power plant. What does this shift mean for Taiwan’s energy security? We sit down with Danny Chang, former chairman of Star Buck Power Corp, to unpack Taiwan’s nuclear dilemma and why the island is rethinking its p…

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250: How to Uncover Your "Hidden Factory" and Extract More Value from the Plant Floor featuring Tri Tech Automation 51:15

14d ago51:15

51:15

As manufacturers are under pressure to do more with less and somehow fill roles in an increasingly smaller talent pool, unlocking your “hidden factory” could be the solution. To celebrate episode 250, Chris Luecke returns home to St. Louis to meet with some of his early career mentors from Rockwell Automation – now heading up Tri Tech Automation. R…

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BONUS: How is the Manufacturing Industry Doing Halfway through 2025? Recorded at Hexagon LIVE 2025 28:05

1M ago28:05

28:05

What happens when you put five podcasters in a room together at one of the biggest events of the year for innovative industrial tech? A super broad view of what’s happening in the industry and what we’ve got to look forward to. Recorded live from Hexagon’s 2025 event, we welcomed four friends of Manufacturing Happy Hour, returning to the show to ta…

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Reindustrializing in 2025 — AI, Scale, and the Future of U.S. Manufacturing with MIT’s Liz Reynolds 22:36

1M ago22:36

22:36

In this bonus episode, our guest is Liz Reynolds, manufacturing and workforce expert at MIT and strategic advisor to Tulip.. Fresh from Detroit's Reindustrialize conference, Liz and Natan share key insights on America's urgent push to bring manufacturing back home. They explore the "Spring of momentum" in reindustrialization efforts, from AI moving…

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249: Why Pittsburgh has been Successful Commercializing Robotics with Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network 49:23

29d ago49:23

49:23

Pittsburgh’s success in the robotics space didn’t happen overnight. It’s been over 40 years in the making, with education, business, and new innovations all coming together to make the city one of the big robotics hubs alongside Boston and San Francisco. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has been a key player in that success, giving individuals, comp…

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The State of Robotics in 2025: Live from the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

What will it take to get humanoid robots out of the experimental phase and into our daily lives? A lot of us always dreamed of having our own C-3PO at the ready, but how close are we really? Well, it’s a little more complicated than simply getting them on a production line. If we want robots to make an appearance not just in the manufacturing space…

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ExactCare: From Pharmacist to Building a Billion-Dollar Pharmacy Care Company with Dale Wollschleger 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Dale Wollschleger is the Founder and former CEO of Cleveland-based ExactCare Pharmacy and the developer of the ExactPack™—a patient-specific medication packaging system designed to simplify complex medication regimens. This conversation with Jeffrey Stern (Principal at The O.H.I.O. Fund) and Dale dives into the unlikely journey of a pharmacist-turn…

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248: Reindustrialization and Building in the Midwest with Chris Nolte, Co-Founder of Bloom 55:14

1M ago55:14

55:14

The reindustrialization movement is fully underway, and cities like Detroit are leading the charge. But how do we accelerate the timescale it takes to get America back to the ‘golden days’ of manufacturing? The key, as you’ll hear in this episode, isn’t to keep looking back at the past. It’s to use the tools and resources we have today with a healt…

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247: Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur: Mark DeSantis on Startups, Robotics, and Commercializing Tech 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

What if accepting failure was the key to entrepreneurial success? Mark DeSantis has built and sold multiple companies over the years and like any entrepreneurial journey, it’s been a mixture of ups and downs, failures and successes. But in this episode, we hear that acknowledging the possibility of failure is what gave him the courage to keep on go…

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【Taiwanology Ep.50】What Taiwan’s Largest Drills Reveal About Its Defense Strategy 29:43

2M ago29:43

29:43

Taiwan’s largest military exercise, the Han Kuang drills, now includes a supermarket chain helping with evacuation plans. With China’s military pressure near-constant, Taiwan is expanding its defense strategy to include asymmetric warfare, civil defense, and psychological readiness. Silva Shih, CommonWealth Magazine's defense reporter, joins us to …

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246: automatica 2025: Exploring Innovation, Robotics, and Startups Across Bavaria, Germany, and Europe 1:24:30

2M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

You’ll want to grab yourself a pilsner for this episode. Manufacturing Happy Hour heads overseas to sample some fine German beer in the city of Munich…and we also headed to automatica 2025 while we were there. Europe’s biggest AI and automation event is a must-visit if you can get over there. But if not, this episode has you covered. Between event …

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Leading Authentically in a Fractured World with Christopher & David Gergen 55:27

2M ago55:27

55:27

What does authentic leadership look like in today’s divided world? In this intimate conversation, Moving the Needle co-host Christopher Gergen sits down with his father, legendary advisor and commentator David Gergen, to explore the values that shape courageous, service-driven leadership. From growing up in Durham to navigating the halls of power, …

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245: A Grassroots Approach to Shaping the Future of American Industry with Bret Boyd, CEO of Sustainment 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

You might be surprised to learn what the biggest challenge manufacturers say they’re facing right now. The talent gap comes up a lot on this podcast, but early survey findings from the New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA), show that “access to capital” is really what holds most mid-market manufacturers back. In this episode, we sit down with the…

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Debt, Dignity, and Disruption: Financing a New Future for Higher Ed with Dr. Mark Anthony Brown 51:57

3M ago51:57

51:57

As the first alumnus to serve as President of Tuskegee University, Dr. Mark Brown brings a powerful blend of personal experience, military leadership, and policy innovation to the future of higher education. In this episode, he reflects on his journey—from growing up with limited means to overseeing a $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio. Dr. Brown…

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244: Automate LIVE 2025: Warehousing Innovations, AI at the Edge, and Interoperability 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

“The hardest part of robotics isn't actually doing robotics. It's providing a solution that solves a real customer problem.” Melonee Wise’s quote from this episode is a good summary of what we talk about in this episode – practical, real-world applications of the technology we see hyped. Robotics, AMRs, humanoid robots, automation, AI – all of thes…

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243: Inside Automate 2025: Robotics, Automation Trends, and Expert Insights from Automate LIVE 41:44

3M ago41:44

41:44

Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part Automate 2025 recap series. In this episode, we dive into current trends in automation and robotics, including cobots, open operating systems, and more. The interviews were recorded as part of A3's Automate LIVE series of interviews and include insights from the following industry leaders: Jerry Perez, FANUC Americ…

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From Corporate Ladder to Capital Ownership: One Man’s Wealth-Building Journey with Robert Jones 1:13:08

3M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

With roots in West Virginia and Detroit, Robert Jones rose through the ranks of corporate America—then turned his attention to closing the racial wealth gap. In this episode, he shares how a growth mindset, powerful mentors, and unwavering family support helped him transition from earning income to owning capital. Now an angel investor with Realm C…

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242: Industrial History and the Low-Carbon Economy of the Future with Ted Fertik, VP of Manufacturing & Industrial Policy at BlueGreen Alliance 50:57

3M ago50:57

50:57

When we talk about building a more productive and competitive manufacturing industry, talk of AI, automation, and other new tech usually crops up. But let’s not forget the basics – the way we power, staff, and build sustainable practices. That stuff’s also important. We’re in an era of transformation right now, but it’s definitely not the first tim…

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【Taiwanology Ep.49】How Taiwan's Mass Recall Movement Is Reshaping Politics 37:52

3M ago37:52

37:52

In 2025, Taiwan is witnessing an unprecedented wave of citizen-led recall campaigns targeting lawmakers—mostly from the opposition Kuomintang. Branded the “mass recall” movement, it raises a question: is this a genuine expression of civic outrage, or a politically driven power play? To unpack the roots and implications of this political upheaval, w…

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Redefining Wealth: The Blueprint for Black Venture Capital with Kwame Anku 1:05:14

3M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

As founder of the Black Star Fund, Kwame Anku is investing in the future of Black innovation—one transformative founder at a time. In this episode, he shares how his upbringing as a first-generation Ghanaian American gave him a dual lens on American opportunity and systemic barriers. From answering Prince’s provocative question—“Where are the Black…

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BONUS: Automatica 2025 Preview: Inside Germany’s Premier Automation & Robotics Showcase 15:07

3M ago15:07

15:07

Get ready for a front-row seat to Europe’s biggest automation event! In this bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Luecke and Jake Hall – The Manufacturing Millennial – share their excitement and preview what’s ahead at Automatica 2025, taking place June 24–27 in Munich, Germany. Chris and Jake discuss: What makes German manufacturi…

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Remote Vans: Building The Best Adventure Vans in America With Tony Alexander & Daryn Hillhouse 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

Remote Vans: Building The Best Adventure Vans in America With Tony Alexander & Daryn Hillhouse The O.H.I.O. Fund Report's second episode features Tony Alexander and Daryn Hillhouse, co-founders of Remote Vans — a Cincinnati-based company redefining the premium adventure van category by blending high-quality craftsmanship with the technology and des…

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AI, Agility, and Enterprise Architecture – Reflections on Season 5 of Augmented Ops 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

This week marks the final episode of Season 5 of Augmented Ops! Natan and Erik look back and share their biggest takeaways from conversations with CEOs, frontline engineers, and operations leaders. They unpack marketing hype vs. the current state of AI on the shop floor, the rise of citizen developers, and why “digital transformation” needs a serio…

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241: How NVIDIA and AI Agents Are Transforming Industrial Automation with Alvin Clark 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

We’re seeing a huge leap in potential when it comes to what AI can accomplish in industrial settings. Not only can it catch errors, it can provide intelligent insights to prevent them in the first place, reduce waste, save costs, and improve processes. Recorded live from Automate 2025, we sat down with Alvin Clark, Senior AI Engineer at NVIDIA, to …

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Place, Power, and Possibility: How Cities Can Ride the Reindustrialization Wave with Bruce Katz 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

Bruce Katz has spent decades shaping policy at the intersection of cities, innovation, and inclusive growth. In this episode, he unpacks why now is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for communities to reclaim their place in a reindustrializing America. From reshoring and decarbonization to supply chains and federal investments, Katz shares why int…

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240: How AI Agents are Revolutionizing Safety and Operations in Manufacturing with Dunchadhn Lyons of Spot AI 24:04

3M ago24:04

24:04

Imagine having a tireless teammate watching your back 24/7, never missing a beat when it comes to keeping you safe. That’s exactly what AI agents in manufacturing are capable of today. Spot AI uses cameras and AI agents to spot safety issues, send alerts, and collect data that can improve safety training in the future. Yes, a human could do all tha…

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From C Student to CEO: Redefining Success with Felecia Hatcher 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

Felecia Hatcher’s journey—from a self-described “C student” to CEO of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition—is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. In this episode, she shares how her early experiences, entrepreneurial hustle, and commitment to building Black startup ecosystems shaped her mission. From launching Code Fever and Black Tech Week t…

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The Future of Quality and Validation with AstraZeneca’s Bob Buhlmann 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

This week’s guest is Bob Buhlmann, Head of Quality Digital and Computer Strategy at AstraZeneca. Bob shares how technology has evolved over the course of his 35+ years in the pharma industry, the hurdles pharma companies often face when adopting emerging technology, and the future of quality management. He also takes a deep dive into validation, th…

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239: How to Build a "Customer Advisory Board" and Create a Frictionless Customer Experience with Mandy Dwight (Dwight & Co.) and Anthony Leo (IPR Robotics) 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

Without customer buy-in, even the most innovative robotics automation products can fall flat. But the approach most manufacturers take with new products is to build them first, then get feedback. In this episode, you’ll hear how one company flipped the script and did robotics product development the other way around. Joining this episode is Anthony…

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Future-Focused, People-Driven: Designing Inclusive Economic Strategies With Tracye McDaniel 35:45

4M ago35:45

35:45

Tracye McDaniel brings three decades of expertise to this conversation on the future of economic development. As President of TIP Strategies, she explores the power of foresight, data, and place-based investment in creating inclusive growth. From AI and workforce shifts to underutilized community assets and the untapped role of faith-based institut…

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238: Scaling Smart: Warehouse Automation and Calculated Growth at Startups with Adi Dalvi, VP of Sales at OSARO 39:45

4M ago39:45

39:45

How does a startup scale? It all starts with a great product that solves a real problem. And sometimes that means taking the slow and steady road to startup success. Recorded at Trillium Brewing in Boston, we sit down with Adi Dalvi, the VP of Sales at OSARO, a company that specializes in robot piece-picking and machine learning solutions to automa…

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【Taiwanology Ep.48】Molecules of Resilience: Can Taiwan Power a Hydrogen Economy? 28:34

4M ago28:34

28:34

As global powers pour billions into the hydrogen economy, Taiwan is just getting started. In this episode, we ask: Is Taiwan ready for the hydrogen economy? Could hydrogen be Taiwan’s next move for energy security and net-zero goals? We explore what it will take for Taiwan to catch up, from industrial policy to infrastructure. - 03:30 From flour to…

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Reviving the Motor City: Detroit’s Comeback and the Power of Inclusive Growth with Kevin Johnson 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

Detroit’s comeback is one of the most remarkable economic stories in America—and Kevin Johnson has been at the heart of it. As President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, he shares how the city has gone from bankruptcy to boom, with $5 billion in active investment and a renewed focus on equity. From attracting global companies to …

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The Rise of the Frontline Engineer: Driving Digital Transformation on the Shop Floor 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

This week’s guests are Ryan Infantozi of VEKA, Esmeralda Gonzalez of Stanley Black & Decker, and Cuyler Monahan of Agility EMS. The three represent a new generation of frontline engineers—dedicated shop floor problem solvers applying digital technology to tackle the diverse set of challenges each of their operations face on a daily basis. The three…

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237: How Higher Education Is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with MIT's Dr. John Liu 52:47

4M ago52:47

52:47

What role does higher ed play in making sure manufacturing thrives? Universities and other higher ed hubs are playing a leading role in shaping the future of this industry. And MIT is a prime example of this, with specialist courses to help graduates and professionals get the skills they need to bring new innovations to life. We’re joined by the Pr…

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From Education to Economic Opportunity: Leading with Purpose in Pinellas County With Dr. Cynthia Johnson 29:49

4M ago29:49

29:49

Dr. Cynthia Johnson brings a unique perspective to economic development, rooted in education and driven by equity. She shares how Pinellas County, Florida, responds to disruption through collaboration, innovation, and people-centered strategy. From launching an $11.2M business incubator to building a unified workforce system, Dr. Johnson outlines h…

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Eagle Electronics: Onshoring America's Critical Technologies with TJ Dembinksi 46:38

4M ago46:38

46:38

TJ Dembinski, Eagle Electronics: Onshoring America's Critical Technologies The O.H.I.O. Fund Report's first episode features TJ Dembinski, co-founder and CEO of Eagle Electronics — dedicated to on-shoring America’s critical technology supply chain, starting with the IoT and automotive-grade cellular modules — and Jeffrey Stern, Principal at The O.H…

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236: The Power of Decisive Leadership in Modern Manufacturing with Paperless Parts' Co-Founder & CEO Jason T. Ray 59:47

4M ago59:47

59:47

Sometimes indecision costs more than a wrong decision. Making decisions is a leader’s bread and butter, but during times of uncertainty or crisis, they often become more cautious and hesitant. The danger here is getting left behind while more confident, proactive leaders charge ahead. Jason T. Ray, Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, is a regula…

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The People's Project: Equity, Growth, and the Atlanta BeltLine With Clyde Higgs 30:40

4M ago30:40

30:40

In this episode, Clyde Higgs dives into the $4.5 billion Atlanta BeltLine—a transformative infrastructure project reconnecting 45 neighborhoods while driving job creation, transit access, and affordable housing. Higgs shares how public-private partnerships, inclusive zoning, and land banking are helping ensure long-time residents and legacy busines…

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235: How to Find Automation Talent Anywhere with Kyle Mahan, VP & GM of Wauseon Machine 30:02

4M ago30:02

30:02

What does it take to find the best talent in the manufacturing industry these days? When it comes to automation, you can use location (or lack of location) to your advantage. In this episode, Kyle Mahan of Ohio-based Wauseon Machine takes us through their approach to securing the best automation talent. We'll also hear some history on the organizat…

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Lighthouses, Lean, and the Human Factor in Digital Transformation with AstraZeneca’s Jim Fox 24:49

5M ago24:49

24:49

This week’s guest is Jim Fox, SVP of Americas Supply Operations at AstraZeneca. Jim explains how digital manufacturing in pharma has evolved over his nearly 3 decades in the industry, from basic automation and data collection to advanced predictive modeling and integrated digital ecosystems—and why having humans in-the-loop continues to be critical…

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234: From Pro Football to Craft Beer with Katie and Brandon Fields of Inside the Five Brewing Co. 28:56

4M ago28:56

28:56

It’s not every day that a former NFL player joins the podcast. And it’s not every day you see one make such a dramatic career pivot from pro football to craft brewing and small business ownership. But that’s exactly what Brandon Fields did. When he was winding down his football career, he found his passion in brewing, starting out with a home brewi…

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Meeting the Moment: Redefining Leadership in Economic Development with Nathan Ohle 24:57

4M ago24:57

24:57

Recorded live at the IEDC Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., this special kickoff episode features Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. Nathan joins co-host Johnathan Holifield to reflect on the Summit’s theme—“Meeting the Moment”—and what it means for the future of economic development. From building inclusive, resilient economies to equippin…

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233: Manufacturing 101, On-The-Job Training, and Finding Fulfillment in Engineering Featuring Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence 46:32

5M ago46:32

46:32

Manufacturing and engineering are full of talented, passionate people. Just listen to literally any of these episodes for proof of that. But what is it that keeps people in this space motivated and fulfilled? Ask 10 different people, and you’d likely get 10 very different answers. For this episode, we posed the question to three guests – Steve Ilmr…

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【Taiwanology Ep.47】Can America Reindustrialize? Lessons from Taiwan’s Manufacturing Playbook 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

With Trump's return, the push for tariffs, reshoring, and a "great manufacturing renaissance" is gaining momentum. But what does reindustrialization actually look like—and where does Taiwan fit into this vision? Our guest, Jack Hou, COO of Universal Cement, shares insights from both sides of the Pacific, including how he helped turn around his fami…

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Rethinking Governance, eBR, and the CIO Role from the Ground Up with NextPharma’s Joel Fidalgo 29:04

5M ago29:04

29:04

This week’s guest is Joel Fidalgo, CIO of NextPharma. Joel shares how NextPharma is bridging IT and operations to lead digital transformation across a decentralized CDMO network, and taking a modular, app-based approach to MES and eBR. He also explores the changing role of the CIO in driving innovation on the shop floor, the importance of cross-fun…