Workforce 4.0

Workforce 4.0

por Ann K. Wyatt
Temporada 8

The Power of Partnerships (with Scott Silknitter, Motion Controls Robotics Inc.)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Scott Silknitter, VP of Strategy at Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. about the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of positivity, and navigating the changing landscape of manufacturing. They discuss strategies for near-shoring and re-shoring, the significance of building partnerships, and the need for tailored training to address the skills gap in the workforce. Scott emphasizes the importance of attitude in both personal and professional settings, and the need for companies to adapt to the evolving employment landscape. In this conversation, Scott Silknitter discusses the importance of strategic growth planning for companies, emphasizing the need for automation and technology, particularly AI, to enhance workforce efficiency and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. He highlights the significance of company culture and employee engagement, offering valuable advice for the new generation entering the workforce. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI innovations in supply chain management and the necessity of maintaining a positive outlook in the workplace. In This Episode: -00:00: Introduction to Scott Silknitter and Workforce 4.0 -03:06: The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Challenges -06:00: The Importance of Attitude in Karaoke and Life -09:07: Navigating Economic Changes in Manufacturing -11:46: Proactive Strategies for Near-shoring and Re-shoring -15:02: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Manufacturing -18:02: Addressing the Skills Gap in the Workforce -20:55: Tailored Training for Workforce Development -23:52: The Future of Employment and Employee Retention -25:26: Strategic Growth Planning for Companies -26:50: The Role of Automation in Workforce Efficiency -32:31: Predictive Maintenance and Its Impact -36:35: AI Innovations in Supply Chain Management -41:51: Advice for the New Workforce More About Scott: With over 25 years of diverse industry experience in Enterprise Business Development, Sales Management, Marketing and Operations, Scott is a patent holding, entrepreneurial leader who can formulate, implement, coach and drive strategies to achieve growth. Scott has diverse industry experience in robot automation, contract manufacturing, distribution, e-learning, and capital equipment sales and product development. Currently the VP of Strategic Development with Motion Controls Robotics, Scott's mission is to help his company and his company partners reach their full potential and deliver value to the industry at scale. Learn more about Scott here. The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi: Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.

From Individualism To Altruism: A New Perspective On Workforce (with Mark Peters, Butterball)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball, about the evolving landscape of workforce development. Mark emphasizes the significance of understanding employees' personal challenges and passions, advocating for a shift from an enterprise-centric to a people-centric mindset. The conversation also highlights the impact of nonprofits in supporting workforce stability and engagement. In this conversation, Mark discusses the evolving landscape of employee benefits, particularly the importance of investing in ongoing education for employees. He emphasizes the need for companies to be open to employee mobility and to create networks that support talent development, even if it means employees leave for other opportunities. Mark also introduces his upcoming book, 'The Retention Trap,' which challenges traditional views on talent retention and advocates for a more people-centric approach. In This Episode: -02:07: Navigating Business Growth Post-COVID -06:04: The Importance of Team Bonding and Culture -07:14: Building a Sustainable Workforce -12:45: Shifting from Individualism to Community Focus -21:53: The Role of Nonprofits in Workforce Development -25:24: Creating Symbiotic Relationships with Employees -28:27: Investing in Employee Education -33:59: Building Sustainable Workforce Networks -36:42: The Retention Trap: A New Perspective -42:41: Engaging Communities in Manufacturing -47:07: The Story Behind Every Product -51:19: Connecting with Mark Peters More About Mark: Mark Peters is the CEO of Butterball Farms, founder of i-3 Leadership and Author of ‘The Source’. Mark is passionate about inspiring other leaders and entrepreneurs through his experience and insight into positively impacting people's lives. He has over 30 years of experience in providing solutions and innovation to customers as America’s leading producer of value-added, culinary butter flavor solutions. Butterball Farms is a second-generation family business that began over sixty years ago. Mark took over the family business in 1995, and has dedicated his career to positively impacting the lives of those who work for him and his company. His book, ‘The Source’, uses the power of collaboration to stabilize your workforce, impact communities and address today’s most pressing business challenges. To learn more about Mark, 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.
Temporada 7

The Future of Industry: Sweat, Grit and The Desire To Build Great Things (with Filip Aronshtein, Dirac)

Manufacturing is back and according to this week's podcast guest, Filip Aronshtein, CoFounder of Dirac, it's time to get back to building great things. On this season finale of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Fil to discuss the future of American manufacturing and Fil's mission to revolutionize the way that we leverage CAD. Fil shares his journey from electrical engineering and robotics at Northrop Grumman to founding Dirac, a company that automates assembly work instructions for manufacturing with the help of AI. The conversation delves into the importance of preserving tribal knowledge, the role of technology in augmenting human labor, and the cultural shift needed to make manufacturing appealing to younger generations. Fil provides actionable steps to close the skills gap and emphasizes the need to change the public perception of manufacturing jobs. -00:35: Special Guest: Fil from Dirac -01:07: Fil's Background and Dirac's Mission -02:36: Challenges and Evolution in Manufacturing -04:42: The Empire State Building: A Symbol of American Greatness -06:36: Karaoke and Company Culture -07:52: The Future of Work and Technology's Role -15:10: Automation and Tribal Knowledge in Manufacturing -28:34: The Challenge of Training Others -29:38: The Potential For Partnerships Between Guilds and Labor Unions -31:59: The Stigma Around Skilled Trades -32:45: Personal Anecdotes and Career Paths -38:28: The Importance of Tribal Knowledge -43:08: Actionable Steps to Close the Skill Gap -47:48: The Bus Factor Concept -51:03: Making Manufacturing Cool Again -54:51: Contact Information and Conclusion More About Filip: Filip Aronshtein is an avid believer that the foundation of the West was forged upon its capacity to build. And as the Founder and CEO 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. 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.

Launching The Home of MFG (with Chris Stevens, Manufacturing Media)

Wouldn't it be great to have a central point of reference for Manufacturing Events and Manufacturing Voices in a decentralized world? Chris Stevens, Founder of Manufacturing Media certainly thought so and in this episode of Workforce 4.0, Chris sits down with host Ann Wyatt to share his new platform with other manufacturing leaders. During this episode, Chris also share his journey from high school shop floors to becoming a leader in medical manufacturing. The conversation continues as Chris and Ann also delve into the importance of automation, the role of problem-solving skills, and the value of trade shows for industry collaboration. Chris also announces his new initiative, 'The Home of Manufacturing,' a comprehensive list of trade shows and 'Voices of Manufacturing,' aimed at amplifying influential voices in the sector. Lastly, they discuss the future of work, the significance of having a plan, and the evolution of skills necessary for the next generation. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the advancements and challenges in the manufacturing world. In This Episode: -00:35: Meet Chris Stevens: A Manufacturing Innovator -04:12: The Evolution of Automation in Manufacturing -09:42: Future Skills and AI in Manufacturing -16:47: Launching the Home of Manufacturing -20:21: The Importance of Trade Shows in Manufacturing -22:19: The Power of Online Communities -23:01: Future of Manufacturing: Knowledge Sharing -25:25: Voices of Manufacturing: Building a Community -30:27: Skills for the Future Workforce -34:44: Innovations During COVID-19 -37:43: Planning for Future Disruptions -40:05: Connecting with Chris: Building Networks More About Chris Stevens: With a career spanning multiple manufacturing roles, Chris is a tenured professional dedicated to operational and business growth. A builder at heart and a strategist by nature, Chris has helped companies innovate, streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive sustainable success.Through a deep understanding of industry challenges and opportunities, Chris is committed to advancing manufacturing, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of the industry. Learn more about Chris here and be sure to check out all of the events and voices at the Home of MFG 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.

Training The Next Gen Of Leadership (with Craig Coyle, Operation Lead)

What does piloting Apache helicopters and the future of work have in common? On this episode of Workforce 4.0, your host, Ann Wyatt sits down with former military Pilot and now Founder, Craig Coyle to discuss how his experience in the military is shaping the way that we engage the frontline workforce. Craig shares his extensive background, from flying Apaches in the U.S. Army to working in aerospace and defense. They discuss the importance of structured leadership development and the evolving role of frontline leaders in an increasingly automated landscape. The conversation also touches on the significance of community and mentorship, the challenges of transitioning from the military to corporate roles, and strategies for engaging younger generations and improving retention in the manufacturing industry. In This Episode: -00:35: Meet Craig Coyle: From Military Pilot to Workforce Innovator -01:01: Craig's Journey and Insights on Leadership -07:50: The Importance of Mission and Leadership in Manufacturing -14:04: Operation Lead: Empowering Frontline Leaders -14:31: The Future of Workforce and Technology -25:18: Training vs. Hiring: Building Effective Leaders -32:53: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders -38:52: Conclusion and How to Connect with Craig About Craig Coyle: A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and former U.S. Army Apache Pilot, Craig is no stranger to leadership in complex and demanding environments. After many years of active-duty service spanning across the globe, he transitioned to the corporate world where he quickly realized many similar leader development challenges existed. His passion for leadership and developing leaders led him to leave his job and found Operation Lead. Now he helps organizations discover the keys to engaged workforces and unlocked organizational potential through developing new leaders that thrive and win. Learn more and connect with Craig 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.

Future Skills For The Future of Work (with Vladimir Romanov, JolTek)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Vlad Romanoff, co-host of Manufacturing Hub and Managing Partner of JolTek, to discuss the evolving landscape of manufacturing careers. Vlad shares his journey from electrical engineering to content creation, emphasizing the importance of technical education and networking. Throughout this episode, Ann and Vlad delve into the challenges facing the manufacturing industry, including workforce shortages and the increasing complexity of technology. Vlad also shares personal anecdotes about overcoming workforce challenges and underscores the importance of maintaining professional relationships. The conversation highlights the critical role of technical content in up-skilling and supporting the future workforce. In This Episode: -00:32: Meet Vlad Romanoff: Manufacturing Expert -12:50: The Importance of Networking in Career Development -19:38: Overcoming Challenges in Technical Projects -23:11: Handling Key Personnel Departures -23:55: Building and Maintaining Relationships -27:07: The Future of Work and Manufacturing -32:49: Challenges in Talent Acquisition -39:40: Encouraging the Next Generation -43:15: Conclusion and Contact Information More About Vlad: Vladimir is the founder and managing partner of Joltek. With over a decade of experience in some of the largest manufacturers followed by start-up experience, he's an expert in manufacturing excellence, digital transformation, IT / OT convergence, and more. With over a decade of experience in some of the largest manufacturers followed by start-up experience, he's an expert in manufacturing excellence, digital transformation, IT / OT convergence, and more. Vlad also co-hosts the popular industry centric podcast called "Manufacturing Hub." To learn more about Vlad, 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.

Thunderstruck: The Evolution Of An Industry (with Luis Narvaez, Siemens)

The future of work is electric! And in this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt welcomes Luis Narvaez, Factory Automation Marketing Specialist at Siemens, to discuss the latest advancements in industrial automation technology. Luis delves into the release of the new S7 1200 Gen 2 PLC from Siemens with enhanced features focused on safety, flexibility, and ease of use. Most importantly, Ann and Luis also unpack its impact on addressing the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. Luis also shares insights from his own career journey, underscoring the importance of networking, continued education, and curiosity. These two even manage to takl about rollercoasters, too! Tune in to learn more about how Siemens is innovating to make frontline manufacturing work more efficient and satisfying. In This Episode: -00:35: Meet Louis Narvaez from Siemens -01:21: Challenges in Workforce Development -02:52: The Role of PLCs in Manufacturing -08:54: The Evolution of PLC Technology -15:36: Addressing the Skills Gap -20:01: Introducing the S7 1200 G2 PLC -28:06: Introduction to Product Goals -28:24: Scalability and Engineering Tools -29:45: Training and Performance Enhancements -31:27: Safety Features and Flexibility -36:42: Innovative NFC Technology -39:26: Cybersecurity Considerations -41:23: Career Journey and Advice -55:11: Conclusion and Contact Information More About Luis Narvaez: Luis Narvaez is passionate about the technology that is advancing manufacturing. Whether it is IIoT-related, Cybersecurity, robotics or the latest simulation and modeling tools he is always interested in exploring how technology is improving the lives of people in manufacturing. Luis is currently the Product Manager with Siemens and a graduate of the University of Central Florida. To learn more about Luis, 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.

Your Story Is Rad And So Is Your Brand (with Emily Wilkins, Marketing Metal)

What makes a brand memorable? And what does that have to do with not only selling a product- but recruiting top talent? On this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Emily Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal to discuss actionable ways that manufacturing companies can reach their target audience and their targeted talent. This conversation also touches on the importance and defining brand integrity in business, the value of networking, modern marketing strategies and even tips on how company's can leverage tools like Chat GPT for best business practices. Tune into this fun and enlightening conversation on how modern marketing strategies are not only here to tell your story, but share how rad your brand is to your customers and to talent, alike. In This Episode: -00:30: Meet Emily Wilkins- Marketing Rockstar -02:33: The Importance of Brand Integrity -06:05: Adventures at IMTS: Networking and Fun -08:50: Marketing Strategies for Small Manufacturers -12:36: Recruitment as a Marketing Function -16:33: Engaging the Next Generation Workforce -20:21: Client Interviews and Employee Stories -21:16: Ownership and Employee Satisfaction -22:32: Recruitment Marketing Strategies -25:23: Leveraging Technology in Recruitment -32:00: ADHD and Personal Productivity -34:15: Marketing Systems and Processes -35:25: Podcast and Trade Show Highlights -37:37: Conclusion and Contact Information More About Emily Wilkins Emily is the Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal and she's on a mission to help job shops crush their marketing by building them a Radical brand that’s authentic to who they are and magnetic to those they want to attract. Her process empowers them to market their businesses simply and effectively without spending a fortune or wasting countless hours on social media. Emily uses her shiny disposition and sharp wit to help manufacturers source and shape their METAL–the stuff that makes their shop magnetic to the kinds of humans that they want to have around them. She asks hard questions and goes deep with her customers so that she can not only build them a Radical brand but help them OWN it and recognize their own Radicalness. To learn more about Emily, connect with her here. Grab your free download of her "Blueprint For A Radical Brand Message," as mentioned in this episode 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.

The Agency Era of AI (with Mark Beckmann, Microsoft)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt converses with Mark Beckmann, Director of Manufacturing Industry Solutions at Microsoft, to explore the evolving role of AI in manufacturing and its transformative potential. This episode offers some great insight into practical applications of AI with a special emphasis on the concept of AI Agency as a growing trend for companies heading into 2025. Mark also discusses other big ideas such as AI democratization and adoption, AI skills for the future workforce and concerns about the longterm impact that AI will have on our everyday lives and the future of work for humans. In This Episode: -00:29: Mark Beckmann's Background and Role at Microsoft -03:14: Diving into AI and Future Trends -04:04: AI in Manufacturing and Task Automation -07:45: AI in HR and Performance Reviews -10:13: Career Opportunities and Skills in AI -12:54: Prompt Engineering Explained -17:00: AI Democratization and Business Impact -20:34: The Ubiquity of AI in Our Lives -21:31: AI in Manufacturing: Enhancing Efficiency -23:25: AI's Impact Beyond Manufacturing -26:35: AI in Healthcare: Transforming Patient Care -28:14: The Future of AI: Opportunities and Concerns -32:58: AI and Labor: A Symbiotic Relationship -34:57: Agriculture and AI: Feeding the Future -35:53: Conclusion and Contact Information More About Mark Beckmann: As a Director, Manufacturing Industry Solutions at Microsoft, Mark works with all manufacturers to consult with them on their Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Initiatives. In particular, helping them transform their innovation, operational excellence, supply chain, field and dealer management services to fuel their ability to grow and compete in the face of advances in technology and disruption. Mark frequently engages with and advises manufacturers on innovations related to the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Manufacturing, Connected Products, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and the application of these technologies to address their manufacturing challenges. Mark frequently speaks at conferences and industry events on topics in manufacturing and leads Microsoft work with the Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute. Mark has worked in the Information Technology field for 38 years as a consultant, partner manager, sales and sales management positions. To learn more about Mark, 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.

Now Trending: Top Influences of 2025 For Manufacturing (with Kevin Bowers, AMT)

In this highly anticipated season opener of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Kevin Bowers, Vice President of Research at AMT, to explore the years hottest trends shaping the manufacturing landscape in 2025. This insightful discussion provides valuable perspectives for anyone in the manufacturing industry seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Join us as Kevin shares his hot takes on the impact of the CHIPS Act, the growing influence of Big Tech, sustainability in manufacturing and the potential impact that Trump era tariffs could bring to the industry at scale. In This Episode: -00:35: Meet Kevin Bowers from AMT -03:53: Kevin's Career Journey -05:52: The Role of AMT and Its Team -11:47: Manufacturing Trends and Insights -16:30: Leveraging Government Initiatives -19:30: AI and Automation for SMEs -26:01: Future of Work in Manufacturing -30:32: Top Trends Recap for 2025 -34:48: Conclusion and Contact Information About Kevin Bowers: Kevin is the association's Vice President of Research: With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing across sales, operations, training, and support, he understands all aspects of our members' businesses. He also led research for industrial equipment and field services at the Technology & Services Industry Association, where they focused on benchmarking, advisory, and consulting to improve members' business outcomes. Kevin's deep-rooted industry knowledge and technical expertise, combined with his experience in actionable research, make him uniquely qualified to take our Research and Consulting team at AMT to the next level. He also serves on the board of NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills). Kevin graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Japanese and spent several years living and working in Japan. To connect with Kevin, please do so here. Also be sure the check out the amazing research that AMT is doing through their AMT Research Services and as a special bonus, we're including the link to the specific article mentioned into today's episode, "Tariffs: They're A Big Deal." 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.
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