Workforce 4.0

Workforce 4.0

por Ann K. Wyatt
CarrerasTecnología
Temporada 9

MEPs, Labor Data & Next-Gen Manufacturing Talent (with Molly Lenty, COO of Vessel)

How do we leverage MEPs and Labor Data in helping us at accelerating the up-skilling of our manufacturing workforce? In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Molly Lenty, COO of Vessel, about the critical role of workforce development in manufacturing. They discuss the importance of labor market information, the challenges of workforce deficits, and the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to build effective training pathways. The conversation highlights the impact of re-shoring and near-shoring on local economies and the necessity of engaging youth in manufacturing careers. Molly shares insights on how Vessel is leveraging data to support manufacturers and improve workforce initiatives. When it comes to the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow, the message is clear- be relentless. In This Episode: -00:00: Workforce 4.0 Show Intro -00:30: Welcoming Molly Lenty From Vessel To Workforce 4.0 -06:00: Creating Confidence In The Manufacturing Supply Chain -08:45: The Role Of MEPs In Supporting Local Manufacturing -11:38: Understanding Labor Market Information -12:09: Creating Stronger Talent and Supply Pipelines Through LMI -17:00: Analyzing The Business of Manufacturing Suppliers -19:16: Identifying Challenges in ReShoring And Near Shoring -22:15: Success In Florida: Leveraging Data For Growth -23:35: Creating Pathways for Future Workforce -28:23: Final Takeaways: Just Be Relentless -29:39: Connecting With Molly Lenty And Vessel -30:49: Workforce 4.0 Outro More About Molly Lenty: As the COO of Vessel, Molly leverages her passion for manufacturing through her expertise in internal program development, strategic ideation, communications, leading global initiatives across an enterprise organization, managing diverse teams, data analytics to drive outcomes, directing multi-million dollar strategic investments and an extensive portfolio of external community and business leadership with experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion program design and implementation. Also serving as Chair Of The Board Of Trustees at the College of Western Idaho, Molly has a demonstrated history of working within the full continuum of education. Learn more about Molly and 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.
T9 · E3
23 jul 2025
31:04

Education On Demand: A3's Role In Workforce Development

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Josh Ebert, Curriculum Development Manager at A3 Association for Advancing Automation. Ann and Josh go in depth about the evolving landscape of educational content and its impact on workforce development. They discuss, at length, the importance of on-demand learning, the shift in perceptions around career technical education, and the need for rapid updates in educational content to keep pace with industry changes. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, the dilemma of advanced degrees versus hands-on experience, and strategies for companies to attract and retain talent through internships and real-world experience. Whether you're pursuing a career in manufacturing, or a company eager to learn more about the real ROI of developing educational content for your business, this is a must listen episode. In This Episode: -00:00: Introduction to The Workforce 4.0 Podcast -00:30: Welcoming Josh Ebert, A3, To Workforce 4.0 -08:14: An Intro To A3's Content Creation -16:15: The Call To Change Perceptions of Education -18:51: The Challenge of Recruiting Fresh Graduates -21:23: Adapting To Critical Workforce Needs Beyond Advanced Education -24:15: Navigating the Skills Gap in Manufacturing -27:02: In Manufacturing, Real Experience Matters Most -35:50: Connecting The Dots Between Future Generations And Businesses -37:16: Final Takeaway: Partnering With Companies To Invest In Our Youth -38:54: Final Thoughts And Point of Contact -39:53: Podcast Outro More About Josh Ebert Josh Ebert is the Curriculum Development Manager at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he works to create practical, engaging training for today’s rapidly evolving workforce. His unique career path—spanning media production, K–12 education, and digital workforce development—gives him a creative and well-rounded perspective on how people learn and adapt throughout their careers. Having navigated his own career transitions and picked up new skills along the way, Josh brings a personal understanding to the process of reskilling. At A3, he focuses on building accessible online programs that help employers and workers stay ahead of automation, AI, and other emerging technologies. 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.
T9 · E2
16 jul 2025
40:08

Power In The Process: Horn USA's Journey To Industry 4.0 (with Michael Maxwell, Horn USA)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews Michael Maxwell, the operations manager at Horn USA. They discuss the unique digital processes that enable Horn as a major player in customized tooling manufacturing and provide a blueprint for moving forward in Industry 4.0. They also discuss the origin story of Horn GmbH and Horn USA, the importance of open source solutions to process ownership, and the unique way that digitizing processes like their ERP system has led to better customer insights and customer service. Michael shares insights on the future of work, workforce development, and the role of technology in enhancing manufacturing efficiency. In This Episode: -00:00: Welcoming Horn To Workforce 4.0 -02:16: The Origin Story of Horn GmbH -06:08: Horn USA's Innovation Through Industry 4.0 -12:45: Providing Customized Solutions -15:22: Technology Days: Showcasing Digital Transformation -16:50: The ROI of Industry 4.0 -18:22: The Industry 4.0 Blueprint -24:41: Adopting Technology At Scale -28:47: Shaping The Future of Work -39:17: The Future of Horn USA -43:57: Conclusion And Contacting Horn USA More About Michael Maxwell And Horn USA Michael Maxwell currently serves as the Operations Manager for Horn USA based in Franklin, TN. After transitioning out of his career in IT consulting, Michael joined Horn USA and has been instrumental in developing key processes that have remained critical to driving quality and production for Horn's increasing line of customized tooling parts. To date, Paul Horn GmbH is In 70 countries on all continents, companies in the automotive, chemicals, aerospace, medical and tool and mould making industries manufacture using precision tools from Paul Horn GmbH. Their core competences are based on four pillars: their own research and development department, their own coating technology, their own carbide production and their own manufacturing technologies. To learn more about Michael, connect with him here. To learn more about Horn USA, check their page out here.
T9 · E1
9 jul 2025
47:51

Lessons Learned From Horn USA (with Phoenix Wyatt)

Bonus
Do you ever wish you could go back in time and be 8 years old again? Or even relive your first plant tour? In this engaging episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews her son Phoenix, who shares his experiences and insights about his recent visit to Horn USA. The conversation covers Phoenix's interests, his impressions of the manufacturing world, and the importance of safety and quality in the industry. Through a light-hearted and informative dialogue, listeners gain a unique perspective on manufacturing from a child's viewpoint, highlighting the significance of education and curiosity in understanding complex topics. In This Episode: -00:00: Workforce 4.0 Intro -00:30: Welcoming Phoenix Wyatt On Workforce 4.0 -07:02: Phoenix's Trip To Horn USA In Franklin, TN -09:05: "This Is Not A Warehouse": Phoenix's First Impression -10:17: Manufacturing Principles: Additive V Subtractive Manufacturing -11:02: Kid Friendly Lessons In Additive Manufacturing -12:15: imagining The Future Of Work With Robots -13:34: Manufacturing 101: Discussing Safety First -15:49: Exploring Parts Made Through Machining -17:08: Introduction Into Engineering Principles -18:23: Quality and The Manufacturing Supply Chain -19:47: Phoenix's Future Goals -22:34: Final Thoughts -22:55: Workforce 4.0 Outro About Phoenix Wyatt: Phoenix Wyatt is the 8 year old son of podcast host Ann Wyatt. Phoenix is a self proclaimed "nerd" with interests ranging to favorite franchises such as Star Wars and Bottle Bots to robotics and tinkering with his 3D printer. He loves music and playing with his friends. Above all, Phoenix is one of many representatives and voices of the future of work. 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.
T9
3 sept 2025
23:10
Temporada 8

Automate 2025 Recap: Conversations On Workforce (with Dirac, LightGuide and Fanuc)

Welcome to a special episode of Workforce 4.0 as your host, Ann Wyatt shares conversations from behind the scenes of the 2025 Automate Show in Detroit, MI. This conversation explores the critical themes of workforce development in manufacturing, the impact of technology and automation, gender dynamics in STEM fields, and the future of work. Ann Wyatt meets this week's special guests to discuss the importance of training and education in bridging the skills gap, the role of technological innovations in enhancing manufacturing processes, and the need for greater female representation in engineering and technical roles. The dialogue emphasizes the shift towards a more human-centric approach in manufacturing, where robots handle dangerous and tedious tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity and problem-solving. In This Episode: 00:00: Introduction to This Week's Episode 01:43: Dirac's New Partnerships and Industry Focus 03:11: Empowering the Frontline Workforce with Technology 07:20: Introduction to Light Guide AR/VR Solution 07:46: Demonstration of AR/VR in Manufacturing 11:56: Benefits of AR/VR for Operators 12:16: Introduction to Fanuc's Workforce Development Initiatives 14:19: Opportunities in Manufacturing Careers 16:39: The Importance of Hands-On Learning 19:38: Gender Dynamics in STEM Fields 20:48: The Future of Work and Automation 26:00: Wrap-Up of Automate Show Interviews 26:51: Looking Ahead to Season Nine More About This Week's Guests: Filip Aronshtein, Dirac: A previous Workforce 4.0 alum, Filip Aronshtein is an avid believer that the foundation of the West was forged upon its capacity to build. And as the Founder of Dirac, Fil is a firm believer that empowering engineers with digital tools and combining digital work instructions with CAD will get us closer to building. To learn more about Fil and his mission, connect with him here. Marina Fietsam, LightGuide: Marina is currently serving as an Account Executive for LightGuide. LightGuide's CEO, Paul Ryznar was also featured on the podcast as part of Season 5 Episode 5. You can revisit Paul's full episode on his passion for people and technology here. Joe Baldiga, Fanuc: Joe currently serves as the National Account Manager for CNC Education and Workforce Development with FANUC. To learn more about Joe and the educational solutions provided by Fanuc, connect with Joe 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.
T8 · E8
11 jun 2025
27:36

The Business Behind HR (with Bryan Clardy, Assa Abloy)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with longtime mentor and client, Bryan Clarity, VP of HR at Assa Abloy Entrance Systems. They discuss the importance of Human Resources in manufacturing, the impact of technology and automation on job roles, challenges in workforce training and development, and effective recruitment strategies in a competitive labor market. Bryan shares insights on creating a positive workplace culture and the significance of employee engagement in attracting and retaining talent. Most importantly, these two analyze the true potential for collaboration between Human Resources and Operations that build world renowned manufacturing cultures and drive business succession initiatives. In This Episode: -1:24: The Role of HR in Manufacturing -05:28: Technology and Job Automation in HR -13:29: Training and Workforce Development Challenges -18:06: Recruitment Strategies in a Competitive Market -22:37: Conclusion and Future Connections More About Bryan Clardy: With 25 years of HR experience in various industries, including heavy manufacturing, pet food, and packaging, Bryan has successfully executed multiple M&A projects, both as a buyer and a seller, working closely with private equity firms and other stakeholders. Bryan is passionate about creating high-performance work systems that foster employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation, while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and quality. 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.
T8 · E7
4 jun 2025
24:54

Scaling Smart With Accessible Robotics (with Ken Macken, Workr Labs)

In this conversation, Ann Wyatt interviews Ken Macken, founder of Worker Labs, discussing the evolution of manufacturing, the challenges of workforce recruitment, and the future of jobs in the industry. Ken shares insights on the need for engaging work, the importance of technology in removing mundane tasks, and the vision behind his company aimed at making robotics more accessible. He emphasizes the significance of understanding customer needs and creating products that solve real problems, while also addressing the barriers to technology adoption in manufacturing. In this conversation, Ken and Ann discuss the transformative potential of robotics and automation in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces that require no prior training. They explore the need for a more engaged workforce and the opportunities that arise from making technology accessible to a broader audience. The discussion also highlights the significance of community collaboration and networking in driving innovation and change within the industry. In This Episode: -05:05: The Evolution of Manufacturing and Robotics -10:01: Workforce Challenges and Recruitment in Manufacturing -14:58: The Future of Jobs in Manufacturing -19:58: Overcoming Technology Adoption Barriers -24:50: The Vision Behind Worker Labs -30:09: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Manufacturing -38:59: Empowering Robotics Through User-Friendly Interfaces -41:06: Revolutionizing Workforce Engagement in Manufacturing More About Ken: Born and raised in Australia, Ken Macken has called the United States his home for some time now. As a degreed Mechanical Engineer, Ken started out in machining in manufacturing and over the past 20 years has sought to bring real solutions to manufacturing companies struggling to implement technology. That is why Ken and his CoFounder Ric started their company, Workr Labs. Workr Labs, is building Manufacturing AI that gives industrial robots the ability to learn new tasks in minutes—no coding, no cloud, just powerful software enabling smarter hardware that enables manufacturers to compete globally. To learn more about Ken, 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.
T8 · E6
7 may 2025
43:59

The Role Of AI: Empowering The Future Of Work (with Kence Anderson, Composabl)

In this conversation, Kence Anderson, Founder and CEO of Composable sits down with host, Ann Wyatt, to discusses the critical role of AI in manufacturing. From the looming retirement crisis to the critical need for preserving tribal knowledge, Kence shares why AI, machine teaching, and innovative workforce training are more essential than ever. He highlights how manufacturers can empower engineers and operators, ensure business continuity, and build a future-ready workforce. Kence shares insights on overcoming talent challenges and offers advice for tenured manufacturing executives on the best ways they can leverage AI for the future of work and advice for early career professionals navigating their paths in the industry, alike. In This Episode: -00:00: Introduction to Kence Anderson and Composable -02:51: The Importance of Preserving Tribal Knowledge -06:42: Empowering Engineers and Workforce Development -10:40: AI in Manufacturing: Bridging the Skills Gap -18:34: Business Continuity and Legacy in Manufacturing -22:29: Machine Teaching: A New Approach to Training -29:01: Overcoming Talent Challenges in Manufacturing -36:28: Kence's Journey and Advice for Early Career Professionals More About Kence: As our CEO and Founder of Composabl, Kence is a pioneering autonomous AI leveraging his deep expertise in the industrial sector. With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for teaching, Kence has authored the book, "Designing Autonomous AI," along with having developed courses for the University of Washington and the Association for Advancing Automation. Previously the Director of Autonomous AI Adoption at Microsoft and the lead customer engineer for Bonsai (acquired by Microsoft), Anderson has spearheaded the creation of over 200 autonomous AI systems for commercial applications. Anderson's unparalleled talent lies in integrating human expertise with AI principles, exemplified by the innovative multi-agent orchestration platform he has developed with the Machine Teaching Methodology as the foundation of the platform architecture. Motivated by the desire to empower the 100M industry machine engineers, Anderson and the Composabl team developed a groundbreaking no-code production-ready AI Agent Builder tool kit. This enables operators and engineers to build "Intelligent Agents" that the engineer can teach to solve nuanced and real-world problems that supersede the current capabilities of manufacturing floor automation. To learn more about Kence, 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.
T8 · E5
30 abr 2025
34:20

Rewiring Workforce Development (with John Robison, Bits To Atoms)

In this conversation, Ann Wyatt interviews John Robinson, founder of Bits To Atoms, about the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly in talent acquisition and the impact of automation. John shares insights on the skills needed in the industry, the disconnect between education and workforce requirements, and innovative training solutions that align with market needs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of human talent in an increasingly automated world and the need for educational institutions to adapt to the evolving job landscape. In this conversation, John Robison discusses the disconnect between education and employment, emphasizing the need for a more seamless transition for students entering the workforce. He highlights innovative hiring campaigns, such as those by Anduril, and the importance of conveying a company's mission to attract talent. John shares his personal journey in founding Bits To Atoms, driven by the challenges he observed in the manufacturing sector. The discussion also covers the necessity of up-skilling the workforce through training programs and bootcamps to meet the demands of the evolving job market. In This Episode: -00:00: Introduction and Event Connections -02:32: John Robinson's Background and Company Overview -09:00: Skills in Demand Amidst Automation -16:18: The Skills Gap in Education and Workforce -20:54: Innovative Training Solutions for Employers -27:12: Bridging the Gap: Education and Employment -30:36: Innovative Hiring Campaigns: Lessons from Anduril -34:03: The Importance of Mission-Driven Work -37:44: Inspiration Behind Standard Data: A Personal Journey -46:51: Training for the Future: Upskilling the Workforce -54:42: Building a New Model: Bootcamps for Skills Development More About John: As a Gen Z entrepreneur, John Robison values mission driven companies that are pushing the frontier of technology forward and accelerating the commercialization of scientific progress. In founding Bits To Atoms, John's goal is to to provide more people with the skills necessary to get roles with manufacturing companies that are accelerating the rebuilding of the U.S. Manufacturing capacity. To learn more about John, 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.
T8 · E4
23 abr 2025
49:10

Voices From The Future Of Work (with Peyton and Aiden, #TheJrBoardOfDirectors)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Anne Wyatt engages with the junior board of directors, Peyton and Aiden, discussing their experiences and excitement for the upcoming Automate 2025 event. The conversation explores their interests in robotics, 3D printing, and their aspirations in welding, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in manufacturing and STEM fields. In this engaging conversation, the girls discuss the importance of encouraging young talent- especially women, in the trades and manufacturing industries. They explore the excitement surrounding careers in electricity and automation, emphasizing safety and preparedness. The conversation highlights the bright futures of the younger generation in manufacturing, the significance of community and networking, and the need for more women in trades. You don't want to miss this special edition of Workforce 4.0. In This Episode: -00:00: Introduction to the Junior Board of Directors -07:01: Excitement for Automate 2025 -12:49: Exploring 3D Printing and Creativity -20:01: Future Aspirations and Welding Dreams -22:40: Celebrating Young Talent in Trades -23:58: The Future of Women in Trades -26:33: Safety and Preparedness in Industrial Work -29:26: Bright Futures in Manufacturing -34:41: Encouraging Women in the Trades -36:37: Networking and Community in Automation -41:51: Inspiring the Next Generation -46:41: Looking Forward to Automate 2025 More About #TheJrBoardOfDirectors: Peyton (age 11) and Aiden (age 10) are already thinking about the future of work today. These manufacturing sisters currently reside in Canada under the care of Hank Pruim. Already experimenting with their 3D Printer that they saved up money for and advancing their robotics and welding skills, both Peyton and Aiden have captured the hearts of many in the manufacturing community. To learn more about these two bright and upcoming rockstars, connect with Hank Pruim 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.
T8 · E3
16 abr 2025
33:30
3 de 9