Workforce 4.0

di Ann K. Wyatt

Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as closing the talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufactur ... 

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Episodi del podcast

  • Stagione 8

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

    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.

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

    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)

    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.

  • Stagione 7

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

    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)

    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.