The Interface

A conversation with Stephen Lillyman, Technical Marketing Manager for Amphenol Fiber Optic Products. Stephen has been with Amphenol for eight years and is based in Seoul, South Korea. We talk about his role that started as a marketing and graphic design intern and morphed into various product management and business development roles before his current position. We talk about taking advantage of his endless curiosity to learn about fiber optic products and feel confident talking with customers. We talk about his current project of working in the IT/Datacom space, and his relationship with AI has helped him both personally and professionally. We talk about his well-traveled past, including living in Chicago, Nebraska, England, Australia, and South Korea, where he worked on an apple farm. We talk about spending time with his family when he's not working. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Julianne Inzana, Global MarCom Coordinator for Amphenol Advanced Sensors. Julianne has been with Amphenol for three years and is based in St. Marys, PA. We talk about her role as the leader of marketing communications efforts within the Advanced Sensors businesses and how her skills in project management help her be successful. We talk not only about the wide range of sensor types she has to promote but also the many mediums with which to promote sensor products, including her favorite--trade shows. We talk about growing up in the St. Marys area, why she enjoys living there so much, and how Amphenol has been the perfect fit for her. We talk about her desire to perform on stage, which started at a young age, and how she still loves the magic of Disney theme parks as an adult. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Damien Chow, Director of Sales in the Asia Pacific region for the Amphenol Global Interconnect Systems Group. Damien is based in Singapore and has been with Amphenol for over 12 years. We talk about his role leading a sales team spread across a large region, working with customers on value-add solutions from the diverse AGIS group. We talk about the exciting and unique challenge of selling products and technologies in a wide variety of markets--from renewable energy to heavy equipment to IT datacom. We talk about being raised in Singapore, a little of the island state's history, and what makes it such a special place. We talk about his successful early career with a local company when he volunteered to move to San Jose because no one else raised their hand. We talk about his and his family's love of playing basketball together, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Brent McMurray, Director of Strategy, specifically for AT&T, for the Amphenol RF, Optics, and Broadband Group. Brent has been with Amphenol for a little over a year and is based in the Dallas area. We talk about his unique role, treating it as being an architect and serving as a conduit between the customer's roadmap and our product development teams. We talk about diving into data analysis to find the trends that will help him be successful. We talk about his efforts with the BEAD initiative to help expand high-speed internet access to rural areas. We talk about growing up in Southern California but moving to Texas as he started working and raising a family--and never left. We talk about his formative years in the telecom industry and dealing with pager and early cell phone technology. We talk about playing golf and doting on his granddaughters, and we discuss his Desert Island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Dan Barrett, General Manager of Amphenol Custom Cable. Dan is based in Tampa, FL, and has been with Amphenol for 26 years. We talk about his business of building custom cables, mainly for the IT and Datacom markets, how they're different from most Amphenol businesses, and their capabilities to satisfy their customer base. We talk about the business's unique service side and the challenges and rewards of installing their products in a wide range of locations--from shopping malls and amusement parks to hotels and sports stadiums. We talk about starting at Teradyne Systems in the late 1990s, working his way up to a GM position, his evolution in the role over the years, and how much he's learned from long-time Teradyne mentors who are still active within Amphenol. We talk about spending time with his family on the weekends, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Kyle Christoffersen, the new marketing director for Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney, NY. Kyle has been with Amphenol for 11 years, mainly in manufacturing and quality roles. We talk about his transition from the operations side of the business to leading the marketing team at the front end of the business with a unique perspective he can bring to his new team. We talk about his different operational roles- from quality and molding to plating and head of materials. We talk about growing up in the Binghamton, NY area, doing well in math, and how a visit to a BAE factory started his fascination with manufacturing. We talk about starting a landscaping business in high school and DJing local events to pay for college before settling into work life after graduation. We discuss his enjoyment of working on projects around the house. And we discuss his well-themed desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Greg Walz, Director of Product Marketing for High-Speed I/O Cables for the Amphenol Communications Solutions Division. Greg has been with Amphenol for four years and is based in Nashua, NH. We talk about his product line's place in the rapidly expanding AI market and how fast the massive amounts of data are being transferred. We talk about meeting the product development and operational needs of the market, where products are designed, used, and then replaced with the next generation in just 18-24 months. We talk about being a bit of an introvert growing up and how college unlocked his confidence in front of people, as well as his love of leadership. We talk about how an HP calculator got him excited about the electronics industry and led to his electrical engineering degree. We talk giving up the corporate life to run his own business and why he came back to work for Amphenol. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Gavin Gant, Global Controller for Amphenol Antenna Solutions. Gavin has been with Amphenol for 17 years and is based in England. We talk about the job of a controller and how it allows him to take the day-to-day financial data and turn it into something useful to support the GMs and businesses. We talk about his role in helping the AAS business units, including recently-acquired RFS Technologies, to continue taking market share in the global antenna market by having them ask, "What would Gavin do?" We talk about his unique path to accounting by starting as an accounts assistant who showed enough potential to have his education funded by his employer, and ended up being the fourth-ranked accountant in the world...sort of. We talk about his love of football, or soccer, his Liverpool fandom, and playing semi-professionally. We talk about picking up golf recently, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Gabriel Rivera, Operations Director for the Amphenol Alden facility in Hermosillo, Mexico. Gabriel has been with Amphenol for six years. We talk about his role at the Hermosillo facility, leading a team that builds connectors and cable assemblies for the medical industry. We talk about never having a boring day at work while he stresses the importance of their products' quality with the slogan, "We're not doctors, but we save lives." We talk about starting his career as a quality engineer, then switching roles after his now wife sent his resume to another company, and he got the job. We talk about moving his young family to Connecticut for a year to be a plant manager and the massive differences between Connecticut and Mexico. We talk about following the sport of boxing, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Cecilia Hernandez, Global Continuous Improvement Manager at Amphenol Advanced Sensors. Cecilia has been with Amphenol for six years and is based in Tijuana, Mexico. We talk about her unique and challenging role working with the gas, moisture, and temperature sensor teams to find inefficiencies and improve their businesses. We talk about the importance of statistics, data analytics, Six Sigma, the potential of AI, and using tacos as an example for explaining the importance of continuous improvement. We talk about living in the Tijuana area since birth, finding a path in industrial engineering, and then taking a break from work to backpack around Europe and Africa for six months after only planning on three weeks. We talk about spending plenty of time with her extended family in her free time and we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Ryan Flis, Director of Channel Sales for the Amphenol RF, Optics and Broadband Group. Ryan has been with Amphenol for one year and is based in Baltimore, MD. We talk about her new role for the RFOB group in developing a distribution strategy to help them maximize their coverage, especially at Tier 1 accounts. We talk about being new to Amphenol but not new to the telecommunications industry and how great it is to be able to provide the complete Amphenol solution to their customers. We talk about designing a strategy that's relevant not only for the RFOB group but also for individual businesses. We talk about growing up in Baltimore, going to college for psychology, and working at a psychiatric hospital before a radical shift to the distribution world. We talk about her love of live music and we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Karen Robinson, Business Development Director for the Amphenol Automotive Products Group. Karen has been with Amphenol for over 30 years. We talk about her current role in helping the automotive group by utilizing her years of prior experience as the general manager of Amphenol Adronics. We talk about the recent technological changes in the automotive world and how a car is now a computer on wheels. We talk about her taking over the family business at Adronics prior to being acquired by Amphenol and extending what was meant to be a 3-month stint into a career. We talk about following the Grateful Dead on tour after college for six weeks and what she learned from that. We talk about her love of riding horses, especially her horse Jersey, and how riding provides her with a much-needed mental break. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Dave Geer, Principal Engineer for Amphenol Advanced Sensors. Dave is based in St. Marys, PA, and has been with the company for 45 years. We talk about his focus on temperature sensors, their intricacies, and the growing number of applications where these are being designed. We talk about the evolution of the sensor business in St. Marys, the many changes that have occurred, and the great position they're in now as part of Amphenol for the last ten years. We talk about his place within the sensor organization of being a mentor to many of the young engineers just beginning their careers. We talk about growing up outside St. Mary's, enjoying the outdoors, and building his own forge to make knives in his free time. We talk about enjoying every inch of life and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Don Marchesi, Global Director of Sales for Amphenol Alden. Don is based in New Hampshire and has been with Amphenol for 12 years. We talk about Amphenol Alden's product focus in the medical field and how his personal experience with Alden's connectors gives him unique insight into how important they are to their customers. We talk about the complexity associated with designing and building medical cables and connectors, knowing that someone's life could be saved by their products. We talk about growing up wanting to be a cop or a fireman and how helping people, especially those who may struggle to help themselves, gives him a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction. We talk about his love of dogs and his offer to dog-sit anyone's pets when they go on vacation. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Raul Cortez, Operations Manager for Amphenol DC Electronics in Nogales, MX. Raul has been with Amphenol for 14 years. We talk about his work overseeing cable assembly manufacturing for industrial and medical applications. We talk about how much he stresses the importance of the Amphenolian culture with his workers and how the work that they're doing is critically important in saving lives. We talk about constantly being in learning mode and being open to getting better with our work every day. We talk about growing up 70 miles south of Nogales, studying international business administration, then going to the University of Arizona for a year to learn English and the unique struggles that came with that. We talk about finding a job in Nogales, then working for Amphenol Printed Circuits before DC Electronics. We discuss his focus on relaxing with his family in his free time, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Jacky Liu, Field Applications Engineer for the Amphenol Communications Solutions Division. Jacky has been with Amphenol for two years and is based in Santa Clara, CA. We talk about his role in the IT/datacom world and how what he does straddles the line between being an engineer and being a salesperson. We talk about being into computers at a young age, building his own for many years, and how, despite the incredible power, speed, and complexity of the systems he works with in his job, the principles are still the same as what he learned when he was young. We talk about growing up in the Bay Area when social media platforms were exploding, the intense competition within that community, and how working for Amphenol gives him a unique chance to be a part of all of it. We talk about spending time outdoors and playing basketball in his free time. And, after some coaxing, we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Barbara Calderon, Manager of the Advanced Materials and Technology Team for the Amphenol Communications Solutions Division. Barbara has been with Amphenol for almost five years and is based in Nashua, NH. We talk about her new role in managing the research and evaluation of innovative materials for the next generation of connectors and cables, which is trying to achieve higher data rates. We talk about how much work goes into matching a material's required mechanical and electrical properties with its manufacturability to find the best solution. We talk about how much she's learned working with other Amphenol businesses in the RF and sensors groups. We talk about growing up in Venezuela, studying materials engineering, and following her fascination with plastics engineering to move to the U.S. for her Ph. D. We talk about being physically active and preparing for bodybuilding competitions in her free time. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Vince Morreale, Strategic Account Leader for the Amphenol RF, Optics, and Broadband group, part of the Amphenol Communications Solutions Division. Vince has been with Amphenol for 18 months and is based in New Jersey. We talk about his role in coordinating activities across all business units with his key customers as part of creating a One Amphenol strategy. We talk about being a part of the telecommunications industry for 40 years and being aware of Amphenol but not realizing the full potential and scope of technology and capabilities options until joining the company. We talk about the early part of his sales career after college "carrying a bag" for AT&T, then advancing through several leadership and executive positions before finding Amphenol. We talk about growing up in Northern New Jersey, being a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, and witnessing some amazing games and concerts as a stadium usher. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Greta Martikainen-Watcke, Talent Acquisition Manager for the Amphenol Communications Solutions division. Greta has been with Amphenol for over two years and is based in Nashua, NH. We talk about her role in finding technical people for Amphenol during this major migration towards AI and machine learning technologies. We talk about attracting that talent to come to Amphenol where they can work with many of the key prime industry leaders versus only working for one. We talk about growing up as an active kid in a small town in Pennsylvania, doing well in school, and developing a lifelong love of reading. We talk about finishing college, pursuing a dream to become an author, and completing her first book. We talk about getting into the human resources career through a job at a college that eventually led to Amphenol. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Marc Smith, General Manager of Amphenol XMA, in Manchester, NH. XMA is one of the newest Amphenol acquisitions, and Marc has been with the company since 2013. We talk about the origins of XMA with their focus on passive RF technology. We talk about some of the markets XMA serves, including quantum computing and the extreme conditions their cryogenic products must withstand to perform correctly. We talk about graduating with a political science degree and working in the public sector, then changing directions at the suggestion of a mentor to get into the RF industry. We talk about owning a working farm and why he finds the manual labor on a farm so therapeutic. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Alan Yang, General Manager of Amphenol Assembletech. Alan is based in China and has been with Amphenol for 20 years. We talk about Assembletech's high-speed products in the IT/Datacom market and how their locations in China, the U.S., Vietnam, and the Amphenol brand name help them succeed. We talk about the massive growth of the business in his 20 years and how picking the right team has made a world of difference. We talk about how people from wildly diverse backgrounds can succeed in Amphenol if they're naturally curious, work hard, and take pride in sharing achievements across the organization. We talk about spending in North America learning to work for a multi-national company in various roles before Amphenol found him and how his initial four-year plan turned into 20 years. We talk about spending quality time with his family, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Mike Polley, Head of IT for the Amphenol International Military Group in the UK. Mike has been with Amphenol for nearly five years and is based in Whitstable. We talk about his role managing the IT team for three different businesses -- Amphenol Limited, Martec Solutions, and Cablescan -- and the challenges that come with it. We talk about how he manages the hardware side of IT with the applications side to help run the businesses more efficiently, all while using his creativity to streamline key systems. We talk about the current and future implementation of AI and how this revolutionary technology can change the way his businesses work. We talk about being fascinated by computer technology at a young age and using discarded parts to learn how they work. We talk about his love of travel, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Mike Comer, Director of Business Development and Product Marketing for Amphenol RF. Mike is based outside Los Angeles and has been with Amphenol since 2007. We talk about Amphenol RF's long history as one of the original core Amphenol businesses and how they've evolved to offer world-class coaxial solutions for RF, microwave, and data transmissions in every market Amphenol supports. We talk about his product and business development teams and how they promote Amphenol RF's product through multiple partners. We talk about being born and raised in southeast Pennsylvania and learning the value of hard work by observing his parents running the family store. We talk about his desire to escape the Northeast winters, journeying to southern California, and falling in love with the area where he's remained ever since. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Nicholas Diamandas, Managing Director of Amphenol Conec North America based in Toronto, Canada. Nicholas has been with Conec for 20 years. We talk about Conec's business, its product portfolio, and its vision as it expands into newer markets and products. We talk about being part of the larger Conec and Amphenol families' unique capabilities they bring to their customers. We talk about his progression from sales director to managing director and how his long-time sales experience helps him in his current role. We talk about being a first-generation Canadian whose parents are from Greece and who instilled the values of hard work in him at a young age. We talk about how his interest in old TV commercials translated into studying marketing and advertising. We talk about Toronto professional sports, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Kevin Truman, Business Development Manager for Amphenol Nexus Technologies in Stamford, CT. Kevin has been with Nexus for a year and a half. We talk about Nexus's business supplying ruggedized audio and soldier-worn connectors to the military and aerospace industries. We talk about Nexus's origins with building telephone plugs and jacks and push-button switches to today's micro-miniature, harsh-environment connectors. We talk about the ups and downs of his career in pharmaceutical sales before moving to Amphenol and how the goal of helping people, regardless of industry, was his focus. We talk about how spending much of his free time in the outdoors, whether it be fishing, hunting, or searching for artifacts, is his form of therapy. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Ashley Smith-Heine, Director of Sales & Marketing for Amphenol TPC Wire & Cable, one of the newest members of the Amphenol family. Amphenol TPC is headquartered in the Cleveland, OH area, and Ashley is based in Philadelphia. We talk about their 45-year history, mainly in the harsh environment industrial wire and cable industry, and some of the technological capabilities that make them stand out. We talk about recently becoming part of Amphenol, being pleasantly overwhelmed at a recent sales meeting, and excited to work more closely with their fellow Amphenolians. We talk about growing up in Philadelphia and pretending to be a businessperson even at a young age. We talk about spending time with her daughters, which includes Sunday afternoons at Philadelphia Phillies games. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Marcos Wrobel, Sales Director for Amphenol Antenna Solutions. Marcos has been with Amphenol, including pre-acquisition, for 17 years and is based in Madrid. We talk about his history in the antenna market and how Amphenol's diverse manufacturing locations are a huge benefit in a competitive market. We talk about quickly adapting to the rapidly changing technology while always focusing on establishing strong relationships. We talk about his days climbing antennas and working on huge sporting events like the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, both in Brazil. We talk about inheriting a love of electronics from his father who used to bring spare parts home that he could tinker with. We talk about using the sport of padel to build customer relationships. And we discuss his desert island album, book, movie, and meal. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Jamie McBride, Global Business Development Director for Amphenol Energy Technologies. Jamie is UK-based and has been with Amphenol for over four years. We talk about his exciting work with the AET team of businesses and how they're creating solutions for the energy, power generation, and oil and gas industry. We talk about his efforts in alternative energy markets like solar and hydrogen and how, at the end of the day, product solutions must effectively transition energy regardless of the environment. We talk about growing up as a naturally curious tinkerer and his 20+ years of experience in this field. We talk about his love of soccer and cricket and how he continues to enjoy sports by helping coach his kids. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Melissa Steward, Unit Controller for Amphenol Custom Cable in Tampa, FL. Melissa has been with Custom Cable for eight years. We talk about Custom Cable's business of making cable assemblies for the telecommunications and IT/Datacom industries. We talk about the challenges for her managing a quick-turn supply chain and helping the team sell the value of their business to their customers. We talk about the satisfaction she feels when she implements specific accounting systems to help the business's health in all areas. We talk about her highly successful college basketball career and how being the team captain came naturally to her. We talk about her work progression from Build-A-Bear to Wells Fargo and eventually to Custom Cable. We talk about enjoying outdoor activities in the Tampa area. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

On this 200th episode -- A conversation with Amphenol's President and CEO, Adam Norwitt. We talk about his recent visit to China to visit factories and people he hasn't seen in quite some time. We talk about some of the companies Amphenol acquired in 2023 and how they fit into Amphenol's entrepreneurial spirit. We talk about his upcoming 15th anniversary as CEO and how his most important job is to preserve and scale the unique Amphenolian culture. We talk about the emergence of AI over the past year, how he interacts with it, and how Amphenol enables the technology. We talk about how Taylor Swift would make a great Amphenolian, and we discuss his ambitious personal goal for 2023 that he's close to completing. Finally, Adam closes by wishing all Amphenol employees, family, friends, customers, and partners a Happy Holidays. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Jay Sandidge, General Manager of Positronic in Springfield, MO. Jay has been GM for five months but has been with Positronic for nearly 20 years. We talk about Positronic's product portfolio, market focus, and desire to work closely with their customers on customized parts. We talk about being part of the 2021 acquisition by Amphenol and now understanding, three years later, why Amphenol was attracted to their business. We talk about the "generalist" part of being a general manager and how he focuses on creating a comfortable working environment for his team. We talk about moving around as a kid -- Belgium, Houston, Oklahoma, and Virginia Beach -- before settling in Springfield. We talk about his time as a drummer in a band in the early 2000s and opening for Tonic and the Goo Goo Dolls. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Elizabeth Matus, Distribution Specialist for Amphenol Aerospace. Elizabeth is now based in Sidney, NY after spending her first seven years with the company in the Nogales, Mexico facility. We talk about her role in distribution, working with high-service distributors, and why they're such an essential part of Amphenol's business. We talk about her recent move from Nogales to Sidney to help advance her career and what her first couple of months have been like, both personally and professionally. We talk about being born and raised in Mexico, being a troublemaker as a little girl, moving to California for a few years, and finally returning to Mexico. We talk about using this new career opportunity to explore and visit new places. And we discuss her desert island album, movie, and book, including her favorite passage from the book. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Craig Higginson, General Manager of Q Microwave in San Diego, CA. Q Microwave, founded by Craig and his business partner in 1998, is one of the newest acquisitions to join Amphenol just a few months ago. We talk about designing and manufacturing microwave and RF filter products for use in the wireless and military industries. We talk about old-school filter needs from the early cell phone era and some current real-world applications for what their filter connectors can do. We talk about growing up in the Bay Area in California, getting into computers from his father and brothers, and meeting some of the most famous legends of the early days of Silicon Valley. We talk about the days before being acquired by Amphenol where he would live on the edge and use his house as collateral to make huge investments in his business. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Natalie Emerson, Product Specialist for Amphenol PCD in Beverly, MA. Natalie has been with Amphenol for close to a year. We talk about being the channel-to-market for Amphenol Socapex's products from France into the North American market. We talk about the outstanding support she gets from the French and U.S. engineering teams to help with customers. We talk about focusing on product education, not just for her customers, but for the sales teams and distribution partners. We talk about being raised in the greater Boston area and striving for greatness academically and in the many sports she participated in. We talk about her unique first few jobs before learning about Amphenol while being picked up in a bar. We talk about her love of cooking in her free time, and we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

This is an episode you won't want to miss -- A conversation with Vi Quach, Senior Operations Manager for Amphenol Fiber Optic Products. Vi has been with Amphenol since 2017. We spend the entire episode discussing his remarkable recovery from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We talk about the incredible journey from being told he had weeks to live to waking up every day with a smile, ready to get after whatever life has in store for him. We talk about how returning to work in April has been the best thing for him as it allows him to continue to share his story with others and tell people that there is no such thing as "impossible." We talk about how surviving cancer has changed his outlook on life, focusing on what matters and enjoying every second. And, of course, we discuss his very relevant desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Kevin Rauer, General Manager of Bernd Richter, in Germany. Kevin has been with Amphenol and Bernd since 2009. We talk about his business, which focuses on custom, high-quality cables and connectors, mainly for the medical and defense industries. We talk about becoming general manager nine months ago and some of the things he's learned as he goes through his first year in the role. We talk about leaning on his fellow general managers, especially in similar industries, to offer advice and guidance. We talk about growing up in East Germany before reunification and some differences between now and then. We talk about taking a break from school and work for six months and traveling through Australia. We talk about raising two young boys, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Lisa Locascio, Project Leader for the Amphenol Industrial Products Group. Lisa is based in Chicago and has been with Amphenol for over 30 years. We talk about the group's future as it expands into more manufacturing locations to support demanding markets like the solar industry. We talk about being there at the beginning of Amphenol Industrial becoming its own business and how much it's evolved. We talk about working for the former Pyle National in Chicago in an operations role before Amphenol acquired them and taking a leap of faith that the opportunity to change jobs would pay off. We talk about why her unique skill set, inherited mainly from her father, makes her the perfect person to run projects across multiple businesses for the Industrial group. We talk about being a former gym rat, continuing to stay active, but avoiding the dangers of downhill skiing. And we discuss her desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Dan Blaney, Group Director of Operations for Amphenol's High Technology Industrial Group. Dan has been with Amphenol, mainly with Amphenol Alden, since 2000. We talk about his new group role, which utilizes his vast knowledge and operations experience to help other AHTI businesses. We talk about being re-energized in this new role towards the tail end of his 46-year career as it allows him to mentor the next generation of operations experts and leave Amphenol in a better place once he retires. We talk about how important it is to effectively communicate how we're doing within our organizations and with our customers. We talk about getting into the manufacturing world through teaching tennis lessons as a young man. We use a few sports analogies, primarily related to coaching and football, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Keyon Keshtgar, Senior Design and Engineering Manager for Onanon in Milpitas, CA. Keyon has been getting things done with Onanon for seven years. We talk about Onanon's focus on designing and manufacturing connectors and cable assemblies, mainly for the medical industry. We talk about some new products he's most excited about, like MagConnect and SmartConnect, that integrate active and passive components in one solution. We talk about working with the next generation of engineers at the college level and mentoring them that learning from their failures is invaluable to their development. We talk about his early interest in the biomedical field and observing various surgical procedures before focusing more on engineering. We talk about playing basketball in his free time and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Jose Estevez, Director of Marketing for Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney, NY. Jose has been with Amphenol since the beginning of the year but has been in the interconnect industry for most of his career. We talk about his first nine months on the job, managing a large marketing team across two sites and wrapping his arms around Amphenol's strategic planning process for the first time. We talk about how the collaborative efforts with the other military and aerospace businesses have helped him and his team's efforts. We talk about his excitement around new product development, starting with a customer relationship that turns into an idea and eventually a finished product that makes money. We talk about growing up in the Dominican Republic, being attracted to engineering at a young age, and starting immediately in this industry. We talk about the joys of world cuisine, and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Nathan Washburn, US Sales Director for Amphenol Procom. Nate is based out of Dallas and has been with Amphenol since January. We talk about his new, challenging role to lead Amphenol Procom's expansion outside their European stronghold and into the US and North American market. We talk about Procom's legacy antenna products and their new 5G, Internet of things, and endpoint devices, including the new ProEdge product line. We talk about how much having great Amphenol partnerships has helped open doors for him in his mission. We talk about growing up in Pennsylvania and getting into the mortgage industry at the absolute wrong time before shifting to the telecom industry. We talk about moving to Texas and working with a recruiter who had an opportunity with Amphenol -- which was just what he wanted. We talk about raising a young son and we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with S. Manimaran, Business Unit Head for Amphenol SEFEE in Bangalore, India. Mani has been with Amphenol for 11 years, all with SEFEE. We talk about the complex cable and harness assembly business he oversees and how they specialize in the commercial aerospace and rotorcraft markets. We talk about how the working relationship with the other locations in France makes the whole of SEFEE greater than the sum of its parts. We talk about how he manages his teams by utilizing the 3 F's: Firm, Flexible, and Friendly. We talk about the challenge of attracting employees locally and how using the Amphenol brand and culture has paid off for him. We talk about the intense sports competitions among the Amphenol Bangalore groups, where they battle each other in badminton, volleyball, and cricket. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with two Amphenol summer interns, Anthony Gaetano and Dylan Oliver. Anthony attends Central Connecticut State University and has been working with the Amphenol Corporation IT team in Wallingford, CT. Dylan attends California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and has been working with the Amphenol Environmental Health Safety and Sustainability team. We talk about the projects each of them has worked on this summer and how their work experiences have been contrasting. We talk about the similarities and differences between what they're studying in school and their actual work with Amphenol. We talk about their upbringing, their educational goals, and what their plans may be once they graduate. We talk about what they like to do outside of work and school. And we discuss their desert island albums, books, and movies. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with two of Amphenol's corporate MBA summer interns, Minahil Nazir and Sophie Drouin. Minahil attends the Yale School of Management and has been working with the Amphenol RF, Optics and Broadband Group, and Sophie just completed her time at INSEAD and has been working with the Amphenol Harsh Environment Solutions Division. We talk about some of the projects they've been working on this summer, how much freedom they've been given to perform, and how their work has been used in the latest strategic plans. We talk about their vastly different working experiences, but how each one is still representative of the Amphenol culture. We talk about their future education plans and what they'd like to do after completing their degrees. We talk about what they like to do outside of work and school. And we discuss their desert island albums, books, and movies. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Nickolai Belov, Engineering Manager for Amphenol Nova Sensors in Fremont, CA. Nickolai has been with Amphenol for 12 years. We talk about the fascinating manufacturing of microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, devices for Nova Sensors and other businesses in the Sensor Technology Group. We talk about his anticipation of the new products, fabrication capabilities, and multi-sensor micro systems' future. We talk about Mother Nature and her sensing capabilities for all applications as the ultimate baseline for sensor technology. We talk about moving to the US in the 1990s and working for other sensor companies and start-ups before realizing he wanted to make sensors instead of talking about them when finding Amphenol. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Zach Gallaway-Meyer, Senior Applications Engineer for Amphenol Limited in the UK. Zach has been with Amphenol for four years. We talk about his role as an applications engineer, combining his experience as a design engineer and his enjoyment of working face-to-face with customers to understand their needs first-hand. We talk about trying to learn the intricacies of Amphenol Limited's broad product portfolio but realizing it will take years to become a true expert. We talk about the satisfaction of walking around the Paris Air Show and seeing designs he worked on being displayed by some of his customers. We talk about playing rugby and soccer as a youngster, then getting into horses in his family's stable, where we learn the key to successfully competing is to simply hold on. We talk about his recent interest in running. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Serge Veld, ROE Sales Director for Amphenol's Military and Aerospace Operations. Serge is based in The Netherlands and has been with Amphenol for 19 years over two stints. We talk about his work optimizing the sales force in Europe to represent 26 different Amphenol operations better while simplifying the work for their customers. We talk about seeing the emergence of electrification and newer submarkets at the Paris Air Show. We talk about managing his team, which is spread across multiple countries and cultures, and how focusing on interpersonal communications has helped him lead more productively. We talk about his interest in martial arts during his early years and following his son when he played professional soccer. We talk about his recent interest in learning more about the brain's workings. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Deepak Surendran, Aerospace Global Business Development Manager for Amphenol Limited in the UK. Deepak has been with Amphenol for a little over a year. We talk about his time at the Paris Air Show, visiting many of his customers' displays, and enjoying seeing the wide range of Amphenol connectors on so many pieces of equipment. We talk specifically about Amphenol Limited's product portfolio emphasizing power management and distribution, especially for new markets like EVTOL. We talk about his love of math and science and how a professional assessment correctly predicted he'd make a great salesperson. We talk about the sports of squash and clay pigeon shooting and about recently becoming a first-time father. Finally, we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Vincent Anderson, Export Business Development Manager for Amphenol Socapex in France. Vincent has been with Amphenol for 12 years and Socapex for six years. We discuss his role in selling Socapex's high-performance, harsh-environment connectors worldwide to the military and commercial aerospace industries. We discuss his change from being a salesperson in South Africa, where he's from, selling all Amphenol products, to moving to France and selling for one Amphenol business. We talk about the excitement and challenges of moving to France and starting a family simultaneously. We talk about his year in London, playing music with his band around the city, and enjoying life. We talk about his young son absorbing new languages with ease. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and BBQ. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Tony Condello, Marketing Manager for Amphenol Canada. Tony is based in Toronto and has been with Amphenol for 17 years. We talk about Amphenol Canada's business designing and building various custom rectangular and filtered connectors, including their latest micro and nano connectors. We talk about his role as Marketing Manager and how it culminates many sales and engineering iterations he's had within ACC over the years. We talk about being a quiet kid growing up, skipping a couple of grades to graduate early, then finding his outgoing and jovial personality post-university. We talk about playing soccer in his free time when he's not spending time with his family. And we discuss his desert island album, book, movie, and video game. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.

A conversation with Benedikt Dahlhues, Group Controller for the Amphenol Sensor Technology Group. Benedikt has been with Amphenol for almost 13 years and is based in Germany. We talk about the role of a controller, what it entails, and its associated challenges to help the company grow profitably. We talk about the art and science of reviewing the financials of his sensor businesses and understanding their market applications, then making recommendations to help their profitability. We talk about growing up in Germany with his identical twin brother and pulling off a few swaps with teachers in their school days. We talk about studying business administration, studying abroad in India, and joining Amphenol for his first job. We talk about his young family, including his own set of twins. And we discuss his desert island album, book, and movie. This is The Interface. Hosted by Chris Cappello. Music by Square Seed. For The Interface podcast guest inquiries and suggestions, send a LinkedIn message to https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjcappello.