Best Aaron Moncur Podcasts (2025)

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How Soft Skills Drive High-Impact Engineering Teams w/ Aaron Moncur

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26d ago

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What separates high-performing engineering teams from the rest? In this conversation, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, Aaron Moncur, will talk about the often overlooked drivers of engineering success, from the power of clear communication to the role of psychological safety and trust within teams. He'll explain why technical expertise alo…

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The Industrial Robotics Race: Why the US Is Falling Behind China w/ Rishabh Agarwal

18m ago

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A widening gap exists between industrial robot deployment in the US and China, even as American manufacturers grapple with rising labor costs and persistent worker shortages. So why does the adoption of domestic manufacturing automation adoption lag behind – especially among small and medium-sized businesses? And what are the real barriers holding …

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S6E38 Wally Waldron | How to Successfully Exit A Manufacturing or Industrial Services Business 55:01

20m ago55:01

55:01

Send us a text Jason “Wally” Waldron is the founder and CEO of Exitology, a company dedicated to helping custom manufacturers, industrial services, and supply chain firms scale their businesses rapidly and exit with maximum value—on their own terms. With nearly two decades of experience advising business owners and engineering-driven teams, Wally s…

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Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings: Smarter Problem Solving for Complex Manufacturing w/ Radhika Dutt

22m ago

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Today's guest, entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader Radhika Dutt, will challenge a core business belief that many of us have probably held for years – that traditional goal-setting frameworks like OKRs, KPIs, or SMART goals, are the surest path to performance and progress. In fact, she'll argue that focusing so intently on numbers and targets …

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S6E37 Duann Scott | Computational Design & The Best File Format for 3D Printing 41:01

7d ago41:01

41:01

Send us a text Duann Scott is a globally recognized leader in computational design, additive manufacturing, and the emerging intersection of software and fabrication. With a background in industrial design and a PhD research foundation from the University of South Australia, Duann launched BITS to ATOMS in 2009 to explore how digital tools would re…

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AI Agents and Humans: The Future of Factory Teams w/ Karan Talati

7d ago

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Imagine a factory floor where specialized AI agents tackle real manufacturing roles – from inventory planning to quality inspection, each with their own set of tasks and responsibilities. Today, CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance, Karan Talati, will dig into the practical side of agentic AI: how these intelligent systems are moving beyond theory…

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S6E36 Tessa Axsom | Casting, Metallurgy, & Finishing with Fictiv 42:46

7d ago42:46

42:46

Send us a text Tessa Axsom blends deep mechanical engineering know‑how with the craft of product marketing. Today she serves as Product Marketing Manager – CNC at Fictiv, the on‑demand manufacturing partner known for its robust CNC resources and design guides. In this role, she translates shop‑floor realities into crisp messages, actionable guidanc…

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MEP Impact: Empowering Small Manufacturers with Training, Partnerships and Advocacy w/ Pete Connolly

7d ago

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In today’s conversation, you'll hear from CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Pete Connolly. Pete has spent over 40 years navigating the manufacturing landscape – from running divisions at a global defense company to leading a statewide organization dedicated to empowering small and midsize manufacturers. He’ll break down what th…

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S6E35 Spencer Jones | AI for Engineers, Finding Venture Capital, & Accelerating Medtech Development 57:31

11d ago57:31

57:31

Send us a text Spencer Jones began his healthcare career as a registered nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he witnessed firsthand the clinical need that sparked his first device: SafeBreak® Vascular, a patented solution to prevent IV line dislodgement. As a nursing alumnus of the University of Arkansas, Spencer led SafeBreak from idea to FDA ap…

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S6E34 John Lembke | Best Practices for Hiring Engineers 39:42

18d ago39:42

39:42

Send us a text Join us for an in-depth conversation with John Lembke, a manufacturing engineering manager with over a decade of experience in factory digitization, lean manufacturing, and ERP integrations. John shares his proven strategies for hiring high-performing engineering teams, scaling production rapidly, and building effective manufacturing…

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Agentic AI and the Future of Asset Lifecycle Management w/ Kendra DeKeyrel

29d ago

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In today's conversation, Vice President, Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, Kendra DeKeyrel, shares how AI is already making a difference on factory floors – from visual inspections that spot defects in real time to smart software that optimizes field service and work orders. But what happens when AI can act autonomously, a…

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S6E33 Bryant Foster | Design for Human Factors & User Experience 51:30

1M ago51:30

51:30

Send us a text Join us for an in-depth conversation with Bryant Foster, a human factors expert who's worked with industry giants like Google to make complex products simpler and safer. With a background in cognitive psychology, Bryant shares insights on designing user-friendly products, from surgical systems to smart thermostats, all while keeping …

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Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: Following North Carolina's Model w/ John Loyack

1M ago

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In today’s conversation, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, John Loyack, will use the success of his home state to illustrate what it takes to become a thriving manufacturing hub today. You’ll hear why the workforce itself must be treated as critical infrastructure – every bit as important as roa…

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S6E32 Josh Zarecky | How To Travel The Country While Working As A Full Time Engineer 47:01

1M ago47:01

47:01

Send us a text In this engaging episode of Being An Engineer, Josh Zarecky shares his unique journey of running an engineering business while traveling across the United States in an RV. He discusses his background in mechanical engineering, the challenges and joys of remote work, and his innovative approach to developing industrial automation solu…

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Rapid Reshoring: Building a Reliable North American Supply Chain w/ Mike Wynn

1M ago

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From a global pandemic to kick off this decade to the tariff rollercoaster of 2025, recent history has created plenty of reasons for American manufacturers to assemble a base of credible, responsive suppliers right here in North America. In today's conversation, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, Mike Wynn, will discuss why purchasing …

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S6E31 Camden Shuman | Building a Second Brain, Co-ops, & Tools for Developing Your Network 45:12

1M ago45:12

45:12

Send us a text In this episode, Camden Shuman discusses his experiences as a co-op student at Siemens Healthineers, where he has gained valuable hands-on experience in mechanical design work. He also shares insights about his entrepreneurial venture, "The Engineering Way" newsletter, which aims to help engineering students and professionals develop…

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Lessons from Toyota: Building Aligned Manufacturing Organizations w/ Mark Reich

1M ago

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In today's episode, senior coach at Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark Reich, dives into a Japanese strategic planning methodology that was born out of Toyota. Known as Hoshin Kanri, this system is focused on building alignment from the executive suite down to the shop floor, and driving meaningful action at every level. In our conversation, we'll dis…

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S6E30 Jake Whinnery | Resources for Interviewing & Landing Engineering Jobs 53:14

2M ago53:14

53:14

Send us a text Jake shares his engineering journey, insights into technical interviews, and strategies for young engineers to succeed in the hardware industry. He discusses his experiences at companies like Tesla and Relativity Space and how he created Hardware is Hard to help mechanical engineers land top-tier jobs. Main Topics: Importance of inte…

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How Manufacturers Can Engage Website Visitors in Real Human Conversations w/ Nelson Bruton

2M ago

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How can you transform a website visit from a qualified prospect into a real, human conversation? This is the question my guest, President of ManufacturingChats.com, Nelson Bruton, will be answering in today's episode. Specifically, he'll explain how a human-powered website chat function can drive that engagement. In this conversation, we'll explore…

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Last Chance for PDX Discount 2:01

2M ago2:01

2:01

Send us a text Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/ About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with…

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S6E29 Joshua Tarbutton | Lessons From the Military Applied to Engineering 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

Send us a text Joshua Tarbutton shares his journey from military service to engineering entrepreneurship, discussing how military discipline and leadership principles can transform engineering culture and workplace dynamics. Main Topics: Military influence on engineering leadership Restoring dignity in engineering workplaces Creating psychological …

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Finding the Root Causes of Success Rather Than Failure w/ George Pesansky

2M ago

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George Pesansky has spent more than 30 years driving operational excellence and performance improvement in the manufacturing sector. And his perspective turns some conventional wisdom on its head. In this episode, he’ll reveal why focusing on the root causes of SUCCESS (rather than failure), leads to breakthrough results on the shop floor and beyon…

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S6E28 Paul Vizzio | Engineering Naval Submarines, Pet Products, & Elite Sports Training Machines 50:01

2M ago50:01

50:01

Send us a text In today’s episode, Paul will explore how he scales hardware teams, builds for manufacturability, navigates supply chain complexity, mentors engineers, and embraces community‑driven innovation. Get ready for insights on leadership, prototyping, and bringing hardware to life from idea to market. Main Topics: Proteus Motion's V1 and V2…

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Why am I doing PDX? 2:02

2M ago2:02

2:02

Send us a text Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/ About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with…

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Reshaping the Homebuilding Industry with Advanced Robotics and Microfactories w/ Vikas Enti

2M ago

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Imagine a future where homes are built faster, more affordably, and with the flexibility to meet the needs of any community—all while tackling the immense challenge of climate change. Today’s conversation is centered on rethinking one of the world’s oldest industries: construction. Co-Founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, Vikas Enti, will explore why…

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What Every Engineer Should Know About Contract Manufacturers 0:55

2M ago0:55

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Send us a text Webinar: What Every Engineer Should Know About Contract Manufacturers Register here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/31-what-every-engineer-should-know-about-working-with-a-contract-manufacturer/ About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers …

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S6E27 Stephen Hinch | Lessons from HP & Disruptive Innovations 56:40

3M ago56:40

56:40

Send us a text Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Stephen Hinch about his remarkable career in innovation, discussing how companies can foster breakthrough technologies, overcome corporate innovation barriers, and create a culture that supports creative thinking. Main Topics: From Engineering to Leadership: Steve's Career Journey Turning Innovative…

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Industrial DataOps and Rise of AI Agents w/ Aron Semle

2M ago

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In this conversation, Chief Technology Officer of HighByte, Aron Semle, dives into the concept of Industrial DataOps. He talks about some of the unique challenges with collecting and managing data in manufacturing environments and the importance of contextualizing it all to drive action. Aron also touches on the the rise of AI agents. He explains h…

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S6E26 Katie Karmelek | How You Can Accelerate Med Device Development with Chamfr 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

Send us a text In this episode of the Being an Engineer podcast, host Aaron Moncur interviews Katie Karmelek, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Chamfr. Katie shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, discussing her passion for medical device innovation and how Chamfr is revolutionizing component sourcing for medical device engi…

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PDX – The Product Development Expo 2:04

3M ago2:04

2:04

Send us a text Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/ About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with…

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Fair Chance Hiring: Transforming Businesses and Lives w/ Marcus Sheanshang

3M ago

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In today's conversation, CEO of JBM Packaging, Marcus Sheanshang, will share how his company's Fair Chance Hiring program – focused on recruiting, hiring and training previously incarcerated individuals – has not only filled critical staffing gaps but created transformational second chances in their lives. From setting up training equipment inside …

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S6S25 Andy Thompson | Practical Applications of GD&T 45:30

3M ago45:30

45:30

Send us a text In this episode, Andy Thompson discussed his journey from machinist to expert in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). He highlighted the importance of understanding GD&T for effective design, manufacturing, and quality control. Thompson shared examples of how GD&T improved manufacturing processes, such as aerospace parts an…

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Stronger Relationships, Stronger Manufacturing: The Power of Trust w/ Michael Kornuta

3M ago

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In this episode, founder and CEO of NORAMARK, Michael Kornuta, shares how his experiences in design and fabrication have led him to observe a lack of connectivity among U.S. manufacturers – particularly when compared to the Chinese manufacturing ecosystem. And he'll offer a perspective on why stronger networks that are rooted in trust will be key t…

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S6E24 James Bryant | A Process For Engineers to Succeed at Home & at Work 43:40

3M ago43:40

43:40

Send us a text Dr. James Bryant shares his transformative approach to helping engineers achieve professional excellence without sacrificing personal fulfillment. He discusses his unique methodology for balancing work and home life, developing leadership skills, and creating meaningful success. Main Topics: Transitioning from engineering to coaching…

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Lessons from China: Competing on Innovation, Energy and Agility w/ Drew Allen

3M ago

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Is American manufacturing falling behind? In this episode, Drew Allen, CEO of Grace Technologies, warns that the rise of advanced manufacturing in China is creating urgency. From extensive investments in solar and nuclear power to the expansive rise of dark factories, China’s manufacturing facilities are running faster and smarter. We'll talk about…

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S6E23 Mihir Shah | Buying & Growing a High Performing Machine Shop 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

Send us a text In this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Mihir Shah, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who shares insights from his diverse career spanning Tesla, Inspect AR, and now Tomai Engineering. Mihir discusses his journey through engineering, startup growth, investment strategies, and the importance of first principles thinking. Main Topics: E…

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Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster

4M ago

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Alex Webster, Founder and CEO of SDMS Robotics, shares his unconventional journey from film school graduate to CNC machinist and ultimately to robotics entrepreneur. In this conversation, Alex pulls back the curtain on the real-world challenges facing machine shops today, from labor shortages to high operational costs of floor space. He also illust…

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S6E22 Dean Odell | Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

Send us a text Aaron Moncur sits down with Dean Odell, a distinguished mechanical engineering instructor and YouTube educator, to explore the fascinating world of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Dean shares his journey from a welder to an engineering instructor, discusses the importance of GD&T in manufacturing, and reveals insights fr…

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What Manufacturers Truly Need From an MES System w/ Graham Immerman

4M ago

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In this conversation, Chief Revenue Officer at MachineMetrics, Graham Immerman, unpacks the evolution of manufacturing software — from the early challenges of “blind” factory operations to the power and pitfalls of MES systems today. Most importantly, he breaks down what he believes manufacturers TRULY need in their production software – from downt…

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S6E21 Ron Higgs | Systems Thinking, People Skills, & Executive Leadership 50:03

4M ago50:03

50:03

Send us a text Ron Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement. Main To…

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Exit Planning for Manufacturing Leaders and How to Protect Your Legacy w/ Amy Julian and Bryan Graiff 44:02

4M ago44:02

44:02

For so many owners of midsized B2B manufacturing organizations, their companies are like children to them. For years (or often decades) they've nurtured them and watched them grow. And inevitably, the time comes to prepare for an exit from the business. It's an overwhelming prospect with so much to consider. Amy Julian and Bryan Graiff of Armanino …

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S6E20 John Martell | Mechanisms, Drones, and Excel Macros 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

Send us a text Join Aaron Moncur as he sits down with John Martell, a mechanical engineer with over 14 years of experience in aerospace, medical devices, automation, and geospatial drone services. Discover John's engineering journey, his innovative approach to mechanism design, and how he transitioned from mechanical engineering to data management.…

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Obstacles to Quickly Reshoring American Manufacturing w/ Rylan Pyciak 28:36

4M ago28:36

28:36

With the reshoring of American manufacturing all over the headlines during this first half of 2025, the question from inside the industrial sector seems to be, "How are we supposed to make that happen on such an fast timeline?" In today's conversation, Founder and President of Cleveland Automation, Rylan Pyciak, will talk about some of the obstacle…

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S6E19 Stuart Grant | MedTech Innovation 50:50

4M ago50:50

50:50

Send us a text Join host Aaron Moncur as he sits down with Dr. Stuart Grant, a seasoned med tech innovator with over 25 years of experience at industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and DePuy. Dr. Grant shares his journey from design engineering to founding his own consultancy, offering invaluable insights into medical device development, regulator…

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Planning For and Managing Successful Projects w/ Clint Padgett 42:09

4M ago42:09

42:09

When you've got five projects on your plate and a sixth one gets added, but it's not due for another year, how worried are you about getting it done? Rhetorical question of course. But my guest today will tell you why we need to change that mindset. In today's episode, Clint Padgett, CEO and President of Project Success, Inc, will talk about how to…

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S6E18 Nikolaj Kloch | Public Speaking, Career Changes, & Leading with Value 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Nikolaj Kloch shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a leading videographer specializing in content creation for public speakers. He discusses how engineering skills translate into entrepreneurship, content creation, and business development. Main Topics: Transitioning from aerospace engineering to videograp…

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Defunding of the MEPs and How YOU Can Help Stop It: A Special Episode 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

Last week I was approached by some of my manufacturing leader friends about a panel they just recorded on the MakingChips podcast about a critical issue that's likely familiar to many of you by now. And that is: Defunding of the MEPs or Manufacturing Extension Partnerships. In case you're not familiar, the MEPSs are public-private partnerships that…

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S6E17 Scott Putnam | Invention, Licensing, and Venturing 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

Send us a text Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Scott Putnam, an expert in guiding inventors through the complex journey of bringing products to market. Scott shares insights from his 15+ years of experience coaching over 500 inventors, discussing strategies for product development, licensing, and successful commercialization. Main Topics: Challe…

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Planning For a New Manufacturing Facility w/ Pat Reilly 31:35

5M ago31:35

31:35

Whether you're packing up shop and moving to a new location or you're expanding your manufacturing operation, opening up a new facility is no small deal. From planning the timeline of events to scouting a new geographic location to assuring the on-site requirements meet your needs to mitigating downtime during a move, there's a lot to account for. …

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S6E16 Jake Kennington | Engineer Yourself First, Personal Reflection, & Accepting Change 55:56

5M ago55:56

55:56

Send us a text Jake Kennington shares his transformative journey from structural engineering to personal development coaching, discussing how engineers can build meaningful lives without sacrificing their careers. He explores the importance of personal growth, embracing change, and developing a strong personal foundation. Main Topics: Transitioning…