Podcasts about Systems engineering

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Jane: If something goes poorly, I'm like, okay, how can we fix this?Rob: I don't really accept constraints... I want to always find a way around the issue.Imagine a drive-thru where you can order your favorite coffee with a single app click, arrive at the pickup spot, and leave in seconds—no line, no waiting, no tipping. This seamless experience is the vision of Jane Lo and Rob Whitten, co-founders of p!ng, a fully automated drive-thru system designed to solve the inefficiencies of traditional drive-thrus.The idea was born out of frustration. Rob, a robotics expert and father of three, described how bad drive-thru experiences with his daughters inspired the project. “My three daughters made me go through a bunch of drive-throughs. It was a terrible experience, and Jane told me to stop complaining one day and just fix it,” he shared. Jane, a marketing and customer experience expert, immediately saw the potential. Together, they combined their skills to create what Rob calls “the nerd's revenge for bad drive-throughs.”The technology behind p!ng is as impressive as its simplicity. Customers use an app to place their orders, which are prepared only when they approach the pickup location. Sensors and geofencing track vehicles, ensuring orders are ready precisely when needed. Rob explained, “We wanted you to leave p!ng feeling victorious and like you're living in the future. It's nice and simple on the surface, but underneath, there's a bunch of really cool tech happening.”Jane and Rob's innovative system is already making waves among consumers, who appreciate the speed and ease of the experience. “Our customers were like, ‘This is amazing. Why doesn't this already exist?'” Jane said. Yet, traditional venture capitalists often didn't understand the scope of the problem. “If you're someone wealthier, you probably have an assistant or a fancy espresso machine. You're not likely to be in that drive-thru lane,” she explained.To fund their vision of revolutionizing drive-thru convenience, the pair turned to regulated investment crowdfunding on Wefunder, where everyday people can invest in their mission. “It's awesome because good customers make great investors and vice versa,” Rob noted.By combining cutting-edge robotics with a deep understanding of customer needs, Jane and Rob aren't just solving a problem—they're creating an entirely new experience. p!ng shows how innovation and impact can work hand in hand to redefine convenience.tl;dr:Jane Lo and Rob Whitten founded p!ng to create a frictionless, fully automated drive-thru experience.They combined expertise in robotics and customer experience to revolutionize how people get coffee.Traditional VCs didn't see the problem, so they turned to crowdfunding to fund their vision.Jane's adaptability and Rob's determination to overcome constraints drive their ability to innovate.p!ng's technology simplifies the customer experience while showcasing the potential of robotics.How to Develop Adaptability and Problem Solving As a SuperpowerJane and Rob's superpowers center on adaptability and a refusal to accept limits. Jane describes herself as an “adapter,” someone who embraces change and thrives in uncertain situations. “If something goes poorly, I'm like, okay, how can we fix this?” she explained. Rob, on the other hand, described his ability to challenge constraints: “I don't really accept constraints... I want to always find a way around the issue.” Together, these superpowers enable them to tackle challenges head-on and innovate in ways others might overlook.When Jane was recovering from hip replacement surgery, she adapted by learning to solder at home so she could contribute to p!ng's pilot project. “We made like a hundred of them or something,” she said, referring to the wiring components she assembled. Meanwhile, Rob shared his story of running a two-football-field-long hose to solve a water shortage during a robotics test at Amazon, demonstrating his determination to overcome obstacles quickly and creatively.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Push your boundaries by tackling things you fear or find uncomfortable.Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than something to avoid.Interrogate constraints instead of accepting them—ask “how can I solve this?” rather than “can I?”Use AI tools creatively to brainstorm and find out-of-the-box solutions.Focus on the next step instead of dwelling on failures or setbacks.By following Jane and Rob's example and advice, you can make adaptability and problem solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Invest in Ending Organ Shortages!Guest ProfileJane Lo (she/her):Co-founder, p!ngAbout p!ng: p!ng is the fastest autonomous coffee drive-thru in the galaxy — a compact, robotics and AI-powered pod that serves premium specialty drinks in under a minute with virtually no wait and a radically better customer experience. Designed by veterans of Amazon Robotics, iRobot, and SharkNinja, p!ng delivers the speed, consistency, and convenience today's on-the-go consumers crave, whether that's during the chaotic morning rush or afternoon beverage side quest.Website: pingthru.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/pingthrucoffeeCompany Instagram Handle: @pingthrucoffee Other URL: wefunder.com/pingBiographical Information: I grew up in the Bay Area and after graduating from UC Berkeley, began my career in healthcare consulting and biotech. These experiences made one thing clear: I wanted to work as close to the end consumer as possible. I returned to school to earn my MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, then moved into product marketing, brand marketing, and media production for consumer brands including Samsonite and SharkNinja. I met Rob, my co-founder, at SharkNinja, working on the same kitchen appliances development team. I found my true passion in Customer Experience analytics at Forrester Research, heading up a team of analysts and working as an advisor to Fortune 500 executives. I used data to show companies how well they are delivering for customers (or not), and what they could do to improve. Over time, I realized that even with good intentions and well-resourced teams, many companies struggle to create real change. Today, I use my love of working with and understanding customers to build joy-inducing experiences that make everyday life better.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jane-lo-pingRob Whitten (he/him)Co-founder, p!ngBiographical Information: Rob Whitten is the co‑founder of p!ng, the wicked fast robotic coffee drive‑thru. Raised in Loudon, NH, he attended West Point and served as an Army infantry officer before settling in Billerica, MA in 2004.With a degree in Systems Engineering and a Master's in Program Management, Rob has spent his career solving complex problems across defense, consumer electronics, and e‑commerce. He has led high‑performing teams at BAE Systems, iRobot, SharkNinja, and Amazon Robotics, working on projects including autonomous manipulation, robotics sortation, and grocery automation.In 2023, frustrated by long drive‑thru experiences with his daughters, he co‑founded p!ng to reinvent the model through automation.Outside of work, Rob enjoys riding his Harley with Jane, competing in triathlons, skiing, hiking, traveling, cooking, and crafting epic Star Wars lawn decorations.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-whitten-pingthruInvest in Career Success!Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include rHealth, Frontier Bio, and Rise Up at Work. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – Private Investor Session: Immediately following the March 17, 2026, live broadcast at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, investors are invited to join an exclusive private Zoom session to engage directly with the presenting founders—BRG Therapeutics (Dale Walker), GigaWatt (Deep Patel), My Diabetes Health (Dr. Prem Sahasranam), and rHEALTH (Eugene Chan). 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Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour March: This month, Devin Thorpe will explore how investors can align profit with purpose in a powerful session titled “Why You Should Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding.” As CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., Devin will share practical insights on generating financial returns while driving measurable social and environmental impact through regulated investment crowdfunding. Register free to get all the details. March 18th at Noon ET/9:00 PT.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Nominate your MedTech, BioTech or Life Sciences company for the prestigious TAG Awards. The deadline is quickly approaching! Apply before March 13! Use the discount code SUPERPOWER to save 20%!Save the Date! 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Right after his keynote at the Applied Ergonomics Conference, we had a chance to sit down with Cassini Nazir, an interaction designer and professor at the University of North Texas. In his talk, Cassini encouraged ergonomics professionals to think more intentionally about curiosity and how asking better questions and designing with empathy can improve the systems and experiences people rely on every day.And as it happened, his friend Mike Courtney was there too. Mike is a futurist who actually delivered the keynote at last year's conference, so we talked with him about something many professionals are dealing with right now - the rapid pace of technological change and how to make decisions when things are evolving so quickly.Two quick conversations, both recorded at the Applied Ergonomics Conference, about curiosity, design, and navigating a changing world.This bonus episode was recorded live at the Applied Ergonomics Conference as part of Problem Solved LIVE.Every great solution is a story worth telling.Applied Ergonomics Conference sponsored by Applied Ergonomics SocietyLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Have you streamed this episode yet?In this special keynote spotlight episode of Problem Solved, IISE's Frank Reddy sits down with Dr. Mark Benden, researcher, inventor of nearly 30 patents, and longtime leader in ergonomics innovation. With more than four decades of experience across military service, industry, and academia, Dr. Benden has helped generate over $2.5 billion in economic impact through human-centered design and workplace innovation.In this conversation, he shares:Join us for this inside look at one of AEC's keynote voices. And don't miss Problem Solved LIVE on-site at AEC, where we'll be capturing insights from innovators shaping the future of ergonomics.Applied Ergonomics Conference sponsored by Applied Ergonomics SocietyLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

When disaster strikes, how do we rebuild...and do we do it differently? The answer might start with something simpler than we think: listening to the people already living with risk. In this episode, we chat with Ben Raschnock, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University, whose work sits at the intersection of civil engineering, operations research, and real-world decision-making. Ben studies how disasters don't just destroy things. They cut people off from what they need most. Floodwaters block roads. Power outages shutter grocery stores. A preferred doctor becomes unreachable. His research reframes community resilience through one powerful lens: access to essential services. We also dive into the bigger picture of aging infrastructure, climate surprises that break models, and why the most valuable data in disaster research might already exist in the community conversations.

In this special keynote spotlight episode of Problem Solved, IISE's Frank Reddy sits down with Dr. Mark Benden, researcher, inventor of nearly 30 patents, and longtime leader in ergonomics innovation. With more than four decades of experience across military service, industry, and academia, Dr. Benden has helped generate over $2.5 billion in economic impact through human-centered design and workplace innovation.In this conversation, he shares:How everyday frustration becomes inventionWhy “nuisance is the father of invention”How AI, motion capture, and wearables are transforming worker healthThe shift from injury response to real-time preventionAnd how to take ergonomic improvements from idea, to protection, to commercializationJoin us for this inside look at one of AEC's keynote voices. And don't miss Problem Solved LIVE on-site at AEC, where we'll be capturing insights from innovators shaping the future of ergonomics.Applied Ergonomics Conference sponsored by Applied Ergonomics SocietyLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

HSPI QuickTakes SessionsThis episode of Problem Solved was recorded live at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement (HSPI) Conference, straight from the Problem Solved LIVE booth!Throughout the week, we spoke with healthcare engineers, executives, students, researchers, exhibitors, and improvement leaders about what's shaping the future of healthcare systems.You'll hear:·       Why AI dominated this year's conversations·       How improvement professionals are bridging technology and human factors·       Why mentorship and student engagement matter more than ever·       How cross-industry thinking (manufacturing, energy, data science) is influencing healthcare·       What attendees are taking back to their organizations immediately·       And what's already in motion for HSPI next yearOne theme was clear: Technology is accelerating. But people - leadership, trust, change management, human-centered design - remain at the core.If you couldn't attend HSPI this year, this episode brings the conference floor to you. If you were there, you might just hear your own voice!Subscribe so you never miss what's next.Every great solution is a story worth telling. HSPI Conference sponsored by Society for Health SystemsLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

If you haven't streamed the full episode yet, make sure you don't miss it.Optimizing for Meaning: What Industrial Engineering Teaches Us About Balance and BurnoutIn this thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation, Aly Kamel, an industrial and management engineering student at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, explores how core industrial engineering principles like input-process-output, value-added analysis, and constraint management can be applied to something far more personal: balance, burnout, and sustainable ambition.Aly challenges the idea that success means maximizing output at all costs. Instead, he reframes burnout not as a personal failure, but as a predictable system outcome, and one that can be redesigned.Industrial engineering isn't just about factories and supply chains. It's a mindset for designing systems that last.And the most important system you'll ever design… might be yourself.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on Instagram

Podcast: Hack the Plant (LS 35 · TOP 3% what is this?)Episode: Systems Engineering for Survival: A Physician's Guide to Emergency ManagementPub date: 2026-02-17Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationOur host Bryson Bort welcomes Dr. Natalie Sullivan, Medical Director of the Emergency Response Medical Group and an emergency medicine physician at a D.C. area hospital. Trained in EMS and disaster and operational medicine, Natalie turned her attention to the critical intersection of clinical medicine, patient safety, and cybersecurity resilience after experiencing a prolonged ransomware attack on a major hospital. Dr. Sullivan lays out the disaster preparedness cycle, and the many vectors of risks for hospitals. How does a cyberattack on one hospital lead to increased cardiac arrest mortality at the hospital three blocks away? Why is a generation of "digital native" doctors a hidden vulnerability in an analog emergency? And what happens when a hospital's reliance on these "tightly coupled" systems—like water, power, and the Medical IoT—collapses during a ransomware event?“We are critical infrastructure, but we're deeply, deeply dependent on the surrounding critical infrastructure,” Dr. Sullivan said. Join us for this and more on this episode of Hack the Plan[e]t. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast represent those of the speaker, and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of their employers. Hack the Plant is brought to you by ICS Village and the Institute for Security and Technology. The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Bryson Bort, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Optimizing for Meaning: What Industrial Engineering Teaches Us About Balance and BurnoutWe talk a lot on Problem Solved about optimizing systems, improving processes, and designing better organizations.But what happens when the system you're trying to design… is your own life?In this thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation, Aly Kamel, an industrial and management engineering student at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, explores how core industrial engineering principles like input-process-output, value-added analysis, and constraint management can be applied to something far more personal: balance, burnout, and sustainable ambition.Aly challenges the idea that success means maximizing output at all costs. Instead, he reframes burnout not as a personal failure, but as a predictable system outcome, and one that can be redesigned.Together, we discuss:Why high achievers are especially prone to burnoutHow “value-added” thinking applies to your daily lifeThe difference between intensity and sustainabilityWhy constraints should be treated as design inputs, not weaknessesAnd how to optimize for meaning — not just productivityIndustrial engineering isn't just about factories and supply chains. It's a mindset for designing systems that last.And the most important system you'll ever design… might be yourself.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

The latest episode of the best podcast in higher education features the newest assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Want to learn how systems are measured and how those measurements shape final system design? Hit up Casey Eaton and you'll be just fine.

This week's episode is a special bonus preview of what's coming next on Problem Solved.We're heading to the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference with Problem Solved LIVE, where we'll have an onsite booth. We'll be capturing real-time insights from attendees, speakers, and leaders across healthcare systems engineering.Hear what's coming up at HSPI, how you can get involved, and details about our live interviews and social media giveaway.If you're attending HSPI, stop by the Problem Solved LIVE booth and be part of the conversation. If you're not, follow along as we bring the conference experience directly to you. Follow Problem Solved on Instagram and YouTube now!

The Space Show Presents Marc Berte & Paul Jaffe of the Overview Energy Co. Friday, 2-6-26Quick SummaryThe Space Show hosted a discussion about space solar power with Marc Berte, CEO of Overview Energy, and Paul Jaffe, Vice President of Systems Engineering at Overview. The conversation focused on Overview's innovative approach to space solar power, which involves beaming near-infrared light from geosynchronous orbit to existing large-scale solar projects on Earth. Marc explained how their system could potentially provide utility-scale power at a lower cost than other space solar concepts, with a target of delivering the first megawatt to the grid by 2030 and a gigawatt by the mid-2030s. The discussion covered technical details such as efficiency, launch costs, and regulatory considerations, with Marc emphasizing that their approach could complement rather than replace existing energy sources. The conversation also touched on potential challenges like debris impact and maintenance in space, with Marc noting that the distributed nature of their satellite constellation would make the system more resilient.Detailed Summary:The Space Show team with our two guests discussed a new space solar power technology that uses existing solar panels to collect energy beamed via infrared/near-infrared radiation. David expressed skepticism about the logistics and regulatory challenges, particularly regarding the potential to bypass utility companies like PG&E. The conversation then shifted to introducing both Marc Berte a nuclear engineer from MIT who is now involved with the space show, along with Dr. Paul Jaffe. Marc and Paul discussed space solar power and Marc's company's work on building space energy for delivery to Earth.Marc presented the Overview Energy innovative approach to space solar energy, focusing on wide-beam near-infrared energy transmission from geosynchronous orbit to existing large-scale utility solar projects. He explained that the system requires no modifications to existing solar panels, as it uses near-infrared light matched to the bandgap of common PV materials, achieving up to 60% efficiency compared to 20% with sunlight. Marc addressed regulatory concerns by highlighting that the system operates within Class 1 laser safety regulations worldwide, making it passively safe and compliant with FAA, OSHA, and FDA standards. David inquired about the feasibility of weaponizing the beam, to which Marc responded that it is physically impossible due to the spatially incoherent nature of the laser light used.The Wisdom Team discussed space solar power systems, with Marc explaining that cloud cover only slightly affects beam availability due to site diversity across different geographical locations. Paul shared his experience at NRL researching various power beaming methods, including microwave and optical systems, before transitioning to commercial projects. The discussion clarified that the satellite system uses geosynchronous orbit (GEO) rather than geostationary orbit (GSO), with each satellite having a 200-meter array capable of delivering about a megawatt of power. Marc noted that while the system is not designed for small, mobile military applications, it could potentially support large military installations like Anderson Air Force Base on Guam.The discussion focused on the economic and technical considerations of space solar energy, particularly the challenges of small-scale expeditionary power systems. Marc explained that while small, logistically constrained units may not be ideal customers due to concerns about being laser-designated from space, larger bases and power distribution systems are more promising markets. The conversation also covered power density considerations, with Paul and Marc emphasizing that moving vehicles require higher power density than stationary applications, and that Overview's approach of using existing solar farms offers advantages in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. Marc concluded that space solar energy, along with other methods like fission, fusion, and terrestrial solar plus storage, will be needed to meet the world's growing energy demands over the next 25 years.Marc explained the concept of using solar power satellites to beam energy to Earth, addressing questions about safety, intensity, and market viability. He clarified that each satellite delivers about a megawatt of power, with multiple beamlets aggregated to focus on specific targets, ensuring safe and efficient energy delivery. The system aims to provide a stable power source by filling in energy gaps caused by clouds, night, and seasonal variations, potentially reducing reliance on peak power plants and backup power. Marc also discussed the economic model, noting that contracts would be based on megawatt photons, and the system could reduce overall electricity costs by optimizing power distribution across different regions and times of day.Marc talked about plans for a satellite constellation plan for global solar power distribution, explaining how the system would use ground-based beacons to direct satellites to specific locations for energy transmission. He outlined a timeline with a low Earth orbit test scheduled for January 2028 and first megawatt deployment in 2030, with TRL levels ranging from 4 to 6 across different system components. When asked about timeline acceleration with increased funding, Marc explained that while some aspects could be accelerated by a year or two, space development involves serial negative learning that makes rapid scaling challenging.Our guest explained how his company's space-based solar power system could complement terrestrial solar installations by providing peak power when needed, without the need for storage. He discussed the economics of launching satellites into orbit, noting that with current technology and pricing, they could be profitable at launch costs of $800 to $1,000 per kilogram. Phil raised concerns about the efficiency of the system, particularly the conversion of solar photons to electricity, but Marc claimed their DC-to-DC efficiency was better than 20-25%. The discussion also touched on the potential for using electric propulsion to move satellites from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit.Our conversation zeroed in on the technical and economic aspects of space-based solar power systems. Marc discussed the efficiency of solar panels and lasers, emphasizing that while efficiency is important, cost per watt is the critical factor. He encouraged participants to research the DARPA Sheds program and look up published efficiencies of diode and fiber-coupled pump lasers. The group also discussed the impact of debris on satellite systems and the need for latitude-adjusted panel angles. Paul, representing Overview, highlighted the importance of economics in space solar power projects and noted the need for collaboration between the space and energy industries.We also talked about space solar power technologies, with Paul explaining their approach of deploying large satellites (200 meters) that can self-deploy without in-space assembly. The conversation covered the trade-offs between multi-junction cells and silicon-based cells, with Paul noting that while multi-junction cells are more efficient, they are too expensive for ground-based applications. The group discussed the challenges of solar power beaming, including the need to track the beam over long distances and the potential variations in solar cell performance across different wavelengths. David emphasized that while the theoretical business case exists, it remains unproven until operational demonstrations are completed.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4501 Zoom Dr. Scott Solomon | Sunday 08 Feb 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Scott SolomonZoom: Settlement, humans in space, reproduction and more Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

HSPI Keynote Spotlight: Inside conversations with Dr. Patterson and Lennox Wildman"In this special HSPI Keynote Spotlight episode of Problem Solved, listeners are invited inside conversations with Dr. Emily Patterson and Lennox Wildman, two leaders shaping the future of healthcare systems improvement. The episode explores how technology, workflows, and people come together to drive safer, more effective care. Through practical insights and real-world examples, these thoughtful conversations highlight how industrial and systems engineering principles are being applied to strengthen healthcare delivery and support the professionals who make it possible. Don't miss the full keynotes talks from these professionals at the HSPI Conference sponsored by Society for Health Systems!Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Elections are one of the most complex systems we rely on. They're decentralized, human-driven, time-critical, and under constant scrutiny. And while hundreds of decisions are made under the surface, most of us only see the final result.In this episode of Problem Solved, IISE's Keith Albertson sits down with Dr. Natalie Scala of Towson University to explore the systems behind the ballot and how industrial and systems engineers are strengthening elections.From polling places to poll worker support, supply chains and trust in outcomes, Dr. Scala explains how classic ISE tools are being applied to one of the most consequential systems in society all while remaining nonpartisan.This conversation goes beyond politics and into process, people, and design.https://www.drnataliescala.com/Natalie M. Scala, Ph.D., is a professor and professor and cyber fellow in the College of Business and Economics at Towson University and co-director of the Empowering Secure Elections research lab. She is a faculty affiliate at the University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security, and has shared her expertise, research and work regarding elections security in conference presentations, articles for ISE Magazine and a Season 1 episode of Problem Solved in 2020.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Elections are one of the most complex systems we rely on. They're decentralized, human-driven, time-critical, and under constant scrutiny. And while hundreds of decisions are made under the surface, most of us only see the final result.In this upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE's Keith Albertson sits down with Dr. Natalie Scala of Towson University to explore the systems behind the ballot and how industrial and systems engineers are strengthening elections.From polling places to poll worker support, supply chains and trust in outcomes, Dr. Scala explains how classic ISE tools are being applied to one of the most consequential systems in society all while remaining nonpartisan.This conversation goes beyond politics and into process, people, and design.https://www.drnataliescala.com/Natalie M. Scala, Ph.D., is a professor and professor and cyber fellow in the College of Business and Economics at Towson University and co-director of the Empowering Secure Elections research lab. She is a faculty affiliate at the University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security, and has shared her expertise, research and work regarding elections security in conference presentations, articles for ISE Magazine and a Season 1 episode of Problem Solved in 2020.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First Five YearsThe first five years of your career can feel like a crash course in the real world. One moment you're confident in your coursework, and the next you're navigating ambiguity, imposter syndrome, and expectations no syllabus ever prepared you for.In this episode of Problem Solved, we sit down with three IISE Young Professionals — Helen Siegrist, President of IISE Young Professionals, Jessica Aujla, and Gordon Quach — for an honest, roundtable conversation about what it actually looks like to transition from the classroom to the workforce.Together, they reflect on:The transition and shock of the first year out of schoolFinding your footing and earning trust in years two and threeGrowing confidence, leadership, and career direction in years four and fiveNavigating imposter syndrome, mentorship, and professional identityHow IISE and the Young Professionals community can support growth along the wayThis episode isn't about having all the answers — it's about learning through experience, community, and reflection. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or early in your professional journey, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from those who've been there.

The first five years of your career can feel confusing, unstructured, and overwhelming — even for high-performing industrial and systems engineers.In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE Young Professionals Jess Aujla, Helen Siegrist, and Gordon Quach share candid reflections on what it really feels like to move from the classroom into the workforce — from losing the structure of school, to finding confidence, setting boundaries, and learning how to grow without burning out.If you're early in your career — or mentoring someone who is — this conversation will feel familiar.

In this episode, Dr. Sebastian (Seb) Benthall joins us to discuss research from his and Andrew's paper entitled “Validity Is What You Need” for agentic AI that actually works in the real world. Our discussion connects systems engineering, mechanism design, and requirements to multi‑step AI that creates enterprise impact to achieve measurable outcomes.Defining agentic AI beyond LLM hypeLimits of scale and the need for multi‑step controlTool use, compounding errors, and guardrailsSystems engineering patterns for AI reliabilityPrincipal–agent framing for governanceMechanism design for multi‑stakeholder alignmentRequirements engineering as the crux of validityHybrid stacks: LLM interface, deterministic solversRegression testing through model swaps and driftMoving from universal copilots to fit‑for‑purpose agentsYou can also catch more of Seb's research on our podcast. Tune in to Contextual integrity and differential privacy: Theory versus application.What did you think? Let us know.Do you have a question or a discussion topic for the AI Fundamentalists? Connect with them to comment on your favorite topics: LinkedIn - Episode summaries, shares of cited articles, and more. YouTube - Was it something that we said? Good. Share your favorite quotes. Visit our page - see past episodes and submit your feedback! It continues to inspire future episodes.

With rapid advancements in technology, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for global semiconductor companies operating in China? As China steps up its efforts to boost quality consumption, how are global consumer brands adapting to this shift in demand? In this special edition, host Xu Yawen speaks with Marcus Kneifel, Senior Vice President of Systems Engineering at onsemi, and Willie Tan, CEO of Skechers China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, a global leader in lifestyle footwear and apparel. Together, the two industry leaders explore the strategies their companies are adopting in response to China's quality consumption upgrades and technological transformation, positioning themselves for a competitive edge in the market.

Top up your coaxium, pay off the portmaster, check the nava computer and try not to bounce too close to a supernova as we invite you to Start Your Engines. This episode Paul Naylor and Mark Newbold discuss Kuat Systems Engineering RZ-1 A-wing interceptor, a classic vehicle from the original trilogy that helped turn the tide of the war. From its early inception through the Galactic Civil War and beyond, we look at every aspect of this phenomenal starfighter on the latest episode of Start Your Engines. Visit Wookieepedia at https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page Remember to tune in to Good Morning Tatooine, LIVE Sunday evenings at 9.00pm UK, 4.00pm Eastern and 1.00pm Pacific on Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram and Twitch and check out our Fantha Tracks Radio Friday Night Rotation every Friday at 7.00pm UK for new episodes of The Fantha From Down Under, Planet Leia, Desert Planet Discs, Start Your Engines, Collecting Tracks, Canon Fodder and special episodes of Making Tracks, and every Tuesday at 7.00pm UK time for your weekly episode of Making Tracks. Subscribe and tune in to all of our shows at https://radio.fanthatracks.com And of course for all your Lucasfilm and Star Wars news 24/7, 365 days a year head on over to https://www.fanthatracks.com You can contact our shows and send in your listeners questions by emailing radio@fanthatracks.com or by leaving a comment on our social media feeds: https://www.instagram.com/fanthatracks https://www.facebook.com/FanthaTracks https://www.x.com/FanthaTracks https://www.threads.net/@FanthaTracks https://www.reddit.com/r/fanthatracks/ https://mastodon.social/@fanthatracks https://bsky.app/profile/fanthatracks.com https://www.pinterest.co.uk/fanthatracks/ https://fanthatracks.tumblr.com/ And be sure to check out our live streams and video content at: https://www.youtube.com/@FanthaTracksTV/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fanthatracks https://www.twitch.com/fanthatrackstv All of our links can be found at https://links.fanthatracks.com/

Most enterprises have roadmaps stretching 3-5 years out. What if you could compress that to 1-2 years? Brian Elliot is the Co-Founder and CEO of Blitzy, an enterprise-focused autonomous software development platform tackling one of technology's toughest problems: how do you modernize 20-100 million lines of legacy code when the developers who wrote it retired 15 years ago?In this episode, Brian explores:Why orchestrated AI agents can handle 80% of transformation work autonomously (and why humans still matter for the other 20%)The realities of enterprise buying cycles and why embedded on-site teams accelerate change managementWhy documentation and test coverage are the unsexy first steps that make everything else possibleAbout the Guest: Brian Elliott is CEO and Co-founder of Blitzy. A serial entrepreneur, former Infantry Officer with the 1st Ranger Battalion, and West Point graduate in Systems Engineering with a Harvard MBA, Brian brings a unique blend of military precision, engineering expertise, and entrepreneurial vision to transforming enterprise software development.As CEO, Brian leads Blitzy's mission to empower systematic AI adoption across enterprises, transforming traditional development lifecycles into AI-native workflows. Under his leadership, Blitzy has developed an agentic platform where thousands of specialized AI Agents cooperate at inference to autonomously deliver enterprise-scale code that is tested, validated, and compiled.Focused on operational deployment at scale, Brian architected the company's proven Agentic SDLC Accelerator—a structured methodology that systematically guides engineering organizations from technical validation to full-scale enterprise adoption. This framework unlocks autonomous capabilities across the complete software development lifecycle.Timestamps:01:25 – Understanding Blitzy's AI Capabilities03:25 – Challenges and Solutions in Enterprise Software06:00 – The Genesis of Blitzy07:30 – Insights from Nvidia and AI Development11:00 – Implementing AI in Enterprise Systems18:00 – Change Management and Customer Collaboration20:30 – Understanding Enterprise Security Needs25:10 – Improving Code Quality and Test Coverage28:15 – Blitzy's Mission and Market Direction30:10 – Challenges and Opportunities in Enterprise SoftwareGuest Highlight:"Code is beautiful in that it's verifiable. We're following enterprise best practices—everything goes to a dev branch where a human can look at it, review it, go through a typical QA process. The first thing we're gonna do is document their code so they know what's going on, then add test cases, then develop software at scale that's highly verifiable."Get Connected:Brian Elliot on LinkedInYousuf Kahn on LinkedInIan Faison on LinkedInHungry for more tech talk? Check out past episodes at ciopod.com: Ep 62 - Running IT Like a Growth EngineEp 61 - What Manufacturing Can Teach You About Scaling Enterprise AIEp 60 - Why the Smartest CIOs Are Becoming Business StrategistsLearn more about Caspian Studios: caspianstudios.comOur Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Blitzy, the Enterprise Autonomous Software Development Platform with Infinite Code Context. Blitzy uses thousands of specialized AI agents that think for hours to understand enterprise scale codebases with millions of lines of code.Enterprise Engineering leaders start every development sprint with the Blitzy platform, bringing in their development requirements. The Blitzy platform provides a plan, then generates and pre-compiles code for each task. Blitzy delivers 80%+ of the development work autonomously, while providing a guide for the final 20% of human development work required to complete the sprint.Public companies are achieving a 5x engineering velocity increase when incorporating Blitzy as their Pre-IDE development tool, pairing it with their coding co-pilot of choice to bring an AI-Native SDLC into their org.Visit Blitzy.com and press book demo to learn how Blitzy transforms your SDLC from AI Assisted to AI Native. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Professor Terlaky is the director of the Quantum Computing and Optimization Laboratory (QCOL). He served as the Chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lehigh University, 2008 – 2017. Prior to his appointment at Lehigh U., Prof. Terlaky has taught at Eötvös U., Budapest, Hungary; Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands; McMaster U., ON, Canada. At McMaster he also served as the founding Director of the School of Computational Engineering and Science. Prof. Terlaky has published four books, edited over ten books and journal special issues and published over 220 research papers. Topics include theoretical and algorithmic foundations of operations research (e.g., invention of the criss-cross method), design and analysis of large classes of interior point methods, computational optimization, worst case examples of the central path, nuclear reactor core reloading optimization, oil refinery and VLSI design optimization and robust radiation therapy treatment optimization. Further, his research interest includes high performance optimization methods, optimization modeling, optimization problems in engineering sciences, and Quantum Computing Optimization. Prof. Terlaky is Founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Optimization and Engineering, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications . He has served as associate editor of ten journals and has served as conference chair, conference organizer, and distinguished invited speaker at conferences all over the world. He was general Chair of the INFORMS 2015 Annual Meeting, a former Chair of INFORMS' Optimization Society, Chair of the ICCOPT Steering Committee of the Mathematical Optimization Society, Chair of the SIAM Activity Groupon Optimization. He received: the MITACS Mentorship Award for his distinguished Ph.D. student supervisory record; the Egerváry Award of the Hungarian Operations Research Society; the Award of Merit of the Canadian Operations Research Society; The Wagner Prize of INFORMS; The Outstanding Innovation in Service Science Engineering Award of IISE. Prof. Terlaky is Fellow of the Fields Institute, Fellow of INFORMS, Fellow of SIAM, Fellow of IFORS, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Across industries, teams are solving massive, complex challenges — but too often, those breakthroughs stay hidden inside their organizations. The IISE Innovation Cup, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Knoxville, changes that. It gives teams a global stage to showcase measurable results, real-world impact, and the power of industrial and systems engineering in action.In this episode of Problem Solved, we take you inside the Innovation Cup- what it is, why it matters, and what great innovation truly looks like.You'll hear from: • Tom Mazzone, Innovation Cup committee member, on why the Cup exists and how it elevates ISE work • Aniket Ramekar (Mayo Clinic), on the digital door-sign project that transformed clinical workflows • Rishabh Bhandawat (Smurfit WestRock), on optimizing spare-parts inventory • Bill Harrington, Innovation Cup committee member, on the criteria that separate a good project from a great oneWhether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, aerospace, or continuous improvement, this episode will inspire you to look at your systems in a new way — and maybe even submit your own project.Submissions for the IISE Innovation Cup are now open.Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup.Bill Harrington's unedited interview on IISE Innovation Cup judging criteria:https://youtu.be/fHlwnq74HqwMake sure you subscribe to Problem Solved so you never miss an episode!Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

How do you break a massive system down into manageable parts—and make sure it all still works together in the end? Much of this responsibility falls to the systems engineer, a vital if underdiscussed position in the major programme ecosystem. In this episode, Jared Theriault joins Riccardo to demystify systems engineering and clarify why it's an essential discipline in any construction undertaking. Four years ago, Jared graduated from Queens University with a degree in electrical engineering and signal processing. His transition into systems engineering was unexpected, but today he is a passionate proponent for future progress in the practice. Jared's role involves ensuring every component of an infrastructure project—communications, controls, safety plans, and more—is accounted for, integrated, and doing what it's supposed to do. Together, he and Riccardo explore the specialized tools and processes that keep long-term projects on the rails. It's a data-heavy role, and AI and LLMs can't be ignored. The two take a look at what the future holds for this multifaceted component so essential to the design, construction, and validation of infrastructure.Key TakeawaysThe many-pronged approach to systems management;The similarities between systems data management and social media networks;The distinction between relational and graph databases;How robust database software keeps long-term projects organized and efficient;How AI and automation are reshaping the role of systems engineers and the industry as a whole.Quote:“That was one of the cooler things I had done. Gathering all the requirements in one place, seeing how many we actually did have at the end. And yeah, I think it was in the tens of thousands, easily.” - Jared TheriaultThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Further your understanding of graph databases: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-doors-data-mastery-graph-databases-systems-riccardo-cosentino-wtikc/Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Jared Theriault on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-theriault-7851361b3/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

John Helveston of George Washington University discusses why a U.S. pullback from China on EVs is risky, and why engagement could strengthen America’s auto industry. --- China has rapidly become the center of global EV innovation, producing cars that are cheaper, faster to develop, and increasingly competitive in international markets. The United States, by contrast, is pulling back, eliminating incentives and pursuing policies that distance the country from China just as the global EV transition accelerates. George Washington University’s John Helveston, whose work focuses on global EV markets and China’s manufacturing system, argues that this course risks sidelining the U.S. from the technologies and supply chains shaping the automotive future. On the podcast, he explains why a more pragmatic approach that protects national security and workers while engaging with China’s central role in the EV ecosystem may be essential for America’s long-term position in the global auto industry. John Helveston is an associate professor in the department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at George Washington University. Related Content Electric Vehicle Penetration and Urban Spatial Restructuring: A Case Study of Beijing with Geospatial Machine Learning https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/electric-vehicle-penetration-and-urban-spatial-restructuring-a-case-study-of-beijing-with-geospatial-machine-learning/ Battling for Batteries: Li-Ion Policy and Supply Chain Dynamics in the U.S. and China https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/battling-for-batteries-li-ion-policy-and-supply-chain-dynamics-in-the-u-s-and-china/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go behind the scenes of the IISE Innovation Cup, one of the most impactful showcases of industrial and systems engineering innovation. Hear from: • Tom Mazzone – Why the Cup exists • Aniket Ramekar – Gold Award winner • Rishabh Bhandawat – Silver Award winner • Bill Harrington – What judges look forDiscover how teams across industries are solving complex challenges — and what it takes to stand out.Make sure you subscribe to Problem Solved so you never miss an episode!Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Large language models aren't just improving — they're transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions. In this upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE's David Brandt talks with Bucknell University's Dr. Joe Wilck about the true state of LLMs after the first 1,000 days: what's gotten better, what's still broken, and why critical thinking matters more than ever.Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Autodesk FlexSimhttps://www.autodesk.com/https://www.flexsim.com/Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

On this episode of Reliability Radio, hosts Jonathan Guiney and Brendan Russ welcome Michael Bigelow, Systems Engineering, Energy and Water Efficiency lead at Seattle Children's Hospital, to discuss the extreme measures taken to ensure the reliability of critical assets, specifically patient transport elevators. In a facility where vertical transportation is essential for safety, accessibility, and the core mission, Michael details their holistic strategy: Defining Criticality: How a deep survey of patient experience, including the helicopter landing pad and emergency department access, drives their criticality analysis. The Performance Contract: A revolutionary approach to vendor management where financial incentives and penalties are tied directly to performance metrics like Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and callback rates. Data and Buy-In: The extensive process of aligning legal, sourcing, and frontline staff through the CMMS to ensure clean data and a unified understanding of the maintenance strategy, driven by the "why." The Future: Plans to deploy IoT telemetry to move from reactive tracking to anticipatory maintenance and optimize planned downtime. This is a masterclass in how reliability principles are applied when asset failure has significant life-or-death implications.

In this conversation, Brent Sadler discusses the critical importance of maritime issues in relation to national security and economic stability. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated maritime advisor to the president and highlights the current gaps in leadership within the Navy's shipbuilding sector. The conversation underscores the necessity of interagency coordination to ensure timely delivery of warships and the overall revival of American maritime strength.Brent Sadler joined Heritage Foundation after a 26-year Navy career with numerous operational tours on nuclear powered submarines, personal staffs of senior Defense Department leaders, and as a military diplomat in Asia. As a Senior Research Fellow, Brent's focus is on maritime security and the technologies shaping our future maritime forces, especially the Navy.Brent is a 1994 graduate with honors of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering (robotics) and a minor in Japanese. As a 2004 Olmsted Scholar in Tokyo, Japan, he studied at Keio University, Jochi University and the United Nations University. He has a master of arts from Jochi University and master of science from National War College, where he graduated with distinction in 2011 and received several writing and research awards.In 2011, he established the Navy Asia Pacific Advisory Group (NAPAG), providing regionally informed advice directly to Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO). He again served on the CNO's personal staff in 2015-2016, playing a key role in developing the Defense Department's Third Offset. At Pacific Command from 2012-2015, he held numerous key positions. As lead for Maritime Strategy and Policy, he incorporated all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the first regional maritime domain awareness forum and was instrumental in the eventual passage of the $500 million-dollar Maritime Security Initiative. As Special Advisor on Japan, and a Council of Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in Tokyo, he played a key role in revising the U.S. and Japan Defense Guidelines. As Deputy Director Strategic Synchronization Group, he oversaw a think-tank like body of over 30 advisors and analysts. Brent led the Commander's Rebalance Task Force coordinating execution of the President's Defense Strategic Guidance—Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific resulting in over $12 billion USD of additional monies budgeted in fiscal years 2013 through 2015 during a time of fiscal austerity.Following his final tour on CNO's staff, Brent returned to Asia as Senior Defense Official, Defense and Naval Attaché in Malaysia. During his tenure he played a key role in coordinating responses to the USS McCain collision in August 2017, opened several politically sensitive ports and airfields to U.S. forces, oversaw unprecedented expansion of U.S. military relations, and steadied relations during the historic May 2018 national elections ushering in an opposition party for the first time since independence.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Process, People, and Purpose: Operations the Chick-fil-A WayBehind every lightning-fast drive-thru order at Chick-fil-A is a carefully designed system supported by real people who care — and continuous improvement that never stops. In this episode of Problem Solved, Elizabeth Grimes talks with Sam Hartman, multi-location Owner/Operator, and Matt Riley, VP of Enterprise Solutions, to uncover how Chick-fil-A balances efficiency with genuine hospitality. They discuss:Why the right people + thoughtful training matter more than any processHow simple operational tweaks — even moving the cups — can save seconds that scale to hoursWhy “my pleasure” is more than a catchphrase — it's a cultural mindsetHow Chick-fil-A uses data, observation, and feedback loops to refine systems every dayWhat leaders can learn about feedback culture, hands-on leadership, and developing talentThis conversation reveals what truly drives Chick-fil-A's reputation: not just speed, but purpose, consistency, and care.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Did you miss us? Don't worry, we're back with all-new episodes to close out the year. First up is Tara Shifflett, chief of technology for the MAGS (Missiles, Aviation and Ground Systems) division of KBR's Defense and Technology Solutions business unit. Listen as Tara discusses the ins and outs of systems engineering, how KBR experts are using it to accelerate critical projects and democratize data and decision-making, and what's on the horizon in this exciting and game-changing field.

Here's the problem — running a restaurant that serves thousands with consistency and care isn't easy. At Chick-fil-A, every second counts, and every process is engineered for excellence.In this Problem Solved trailer, Chick-fil-A owner Sam Hartman and Matt Riley, VP of Enterprise Solutions, share how they build systems that balance speed, quality, and human connection.

Here's the problem: Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most organizations can keep up — and the risks of falling behind are real.In this episode, futurist and ethnographer Mike Courtney, CEO of Aperio Insights, joins IISE's David Brandt to unpack how AI is reshaping the way we work, think, and lead. Together they explore:Why AI can solve problems at scale — and create them at scaleHow industrial and systems engineers can lead responsibly through the AI revolutionThe paradox of innovation: moving fast without losing the human touchWhat “humans in the loop” really means for the future of workFrom dark factories and automation to collaboration, creativity, and behavioral change, Courtney sheds light on how to balance speed, ethics, and adaptability in an AI-driven world.

Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) shares his remarks to the Bank of England on critical vulnerabilities in financial infrastructure. Drawing from the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage which brought down teller systems at major US banks, Patrick discusses how regulatory guidance inadvertently created dangerous software monocultures. He also examines the stablecoin market, its impressive growth, and the elephant tethered to the room. He also delivers a message from Silicon Valley to other centers of power on the urgent necessity of waking up regarding AI, which almost the entire world currently far underrates.–Full transcript available here: www.complexsystemspodcast.com/talking-to-the-bank-of-england/–Sponsor: MercuryThis episode is brought to you by Mercury, the fintech trusted by 200K+ companies — from first milestones to running complex systems. Mercury offers banking that truly understands startups and scales with them. Start today at Mercury.comMercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC.–Links:The Bank of England: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/ Bits about Money, Why the CrowdStrike bug hit banks hard: https://www.bitsaboutmoney.com/archive/crowdstrike-bug-hit-banks-hard/ Scaling Laws for Neural Language Models" by Kaplan et al: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2001.08361 Stripe Annual Letter 2024: https://stripe.com/annual-updates/2024 –Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:48) The importance of implementation-level understanding(03:00) Single points of failure(04:25) Can a 22-year-old engineer close all the banks?(05:18) The CrowdStrike incident: A case study(08:34) The culture of "shut up and shuffle"(09:54) Blameless postmortems(12:25) What actually happened during CrowdStrike(18:01) Five whys: Root cause analysis(19:03) How software monocultures are created(22:54) Understanding endpoint monitoring software(25:25) Distributed systems and the nature of CrowdStrike(31:22) The economics of software monocultures(33:29) Why wasn't there defense in depth?(37:05) Why was recovery so difficult?(40:32) The domino effect across financial institutions(43:36) What went right: Electronic systems remained up(45:10) This was a near miss(49:29) Potential policy responses(54:03) Switching gears: Stablecoins(01:01:37) The elephant in the room: Tether(01:15:32) Who loses if Tether implodes?(01:16:59) AI and the future of trading(01:26:47) AI risks in the trading space(01:30:41) Closing

Aaron Palermo is a Senior Solutions Architect, DevOps engineer, and all-around cybersecurity expert. He works for a global cybersecurity services company, Appgate. Aaron was last on the show in episode 196, sharing about Zero Trust Networking.   Topics of Discussion: [3:20] Aaron shares his excitement for learning new things and solving innovative challenges, which keep him engaged in the field. [3:30] Aaron explains his current role at Appgate, a zero-trust network access company. [4:25] The importance of direct-routed solutions for federal customers who want to own and manage their infrastructure. [6:27] Aaron recounts how he applied insights from previous ADP guests Scott Hunter, Burke Holland, and Greg Leonardo. [7:56] He explains the process of querying the Appgate API with natural language and the insights gained from the AI agent's code generation. [8:24] Testing an Integration in the Lab. [11:05] Jeffrey and Aaron discuss the benefits of using open-source tools and the flexibility of Proxmox for network testing. [14:47] VS Code and Copilot Integration, and what's next. [19:39] Aaron introduces n8n.io as a low or no-code automation platform that integrates with AI agents and APIs for workflow orchestration. [21:15] Integrating simple automation examples, such as weather-based watering systems and data-driven decisions without sensors. [28:09] OpenWRT's flexibility and customization. [30:01] What are some of the scenarios where a software-defined network might be the right tool? [33:26] Know what you want, and write from a purpose.   Mentioned in this Episode: Clear Measure Way Architect Forum Software Engineer Forum Ep 196 with Aaron Palermo n8n AppGate   Want to Learn More? Visit AzureDevOps.Show for show notes and additional episodes.

Are you stuck in survival mode, powering through your days just to keep up? In this episode, Lori sits down with Courtney from the Working Moms Movement to talk about what it really takes for working moms to go from burnout to balance—and start truly thriving again.After years in corporate consulting and 80-hour workweeks, Courtney hit her breaking point. Instead of staying stuck, she used her background in Industrial and Systems Engineering and culture change to design a life that actually works. Now, she helps ambitious moms do the same—by creating systems, setting boundaries, and realigning their lives with what they value most.We're diving into: ✨ The mindset shift that started Courtney's transformation ✨ How to problem-solve your life like an engineer ✨ The truth about guilt, perfectionism, and the “B-minus season” of motherhood ✨ How to set (and actually keep) boundaries that protect your energyIf you've ever felt overwhelmed, overworked, or guilty for wanting more balance, this conversation will remind you that you can choose change.

What happens when an athlete applies industrial and systems engineering principles to her training?In this inspiring bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, Anwaar Zyoud shares how she earned her black belt in just one month, rose to the national team of Jordan, and competed on international stages all while discovering the power of ISE.By recording, analyzing, and optimizing her performance just like an engineer would, Anwaar transformed challenges into victories and carried that mindset into her professional career. Today, she serves in the office of His Majesty King Abdullah II.Her story is proof that ISE can open doors everywhere from the arena to the workplace.Anwaar Zyoud's video, How ISE Wins FightsHannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving PictureAll top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmBISE Impact - Short Video Contest DetailsLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

What do food security, taekwondo, and industrial engineering have in common?They're all part of the stories featured in the ISE Impact Short Video Contest—a creative initiative inviting students and professionals to explain the value of industrial and systems engineering (ISE) in just one minute.In this episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we speak with with Dr. Ana Muriel from UMass Amherst, who helped to spearhead the contest, along with contest winners Hannah Brooks, a nursing student who tackled food security through animated storytelling, and Anwaar Zyoud, an industrial engineer from Jordan who used ISE methods to improve her taekwondo performance.You'll hear how these short videos are helping prospective students and the public better understand the power of ISE—and how this field impacts nearly every industry imaginable.Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious about the hidden role of engineering in everyday life, this episode will challenge you to explore and expand your view of what ISE can do.

Mallory Holland, a senior in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, is Auburn's new Miss Homecoming. Find out why — and other things — on the latest episode of the best podcast in higher education. 

The future belongs to organizations that engineer ecosystems with spacecraft-level precision. Carol Erikson reveals the breakthrough: applying aerospace systems engineering to organizational transformation unlocks exponential performance gains across speed, cost, and effectiveness.After 30 years leading aerospace missions and digital transformation at Northrop Grumman, Erikson discovered the paradigm that will define next-generation ecosystems: simultaneous execution of seemingly contradictory strategies. Aerospace-grade systems thinking creates adaptive networks that thrive under pressure, delivering breakthrough results while traditional approaches stagnate.Paradigm Shifts:→ Vision as Gravitational Force: Common vision doesn't just align - it functions as engineered gravity in human systems. Erikson reveals how aerospace teams design a "gravitational pull" that keeps ecosystem components in an orbital relationship, even when individual motivations diverge.→ The Common Good Framework Revolution: Notre Dame researchers are developing the first systematic merger of DARPA's decades-proven AI "Common Test Framework" with ethics and trust mechanisms. This could become the universal operating system for human-AI ecosystem governance.→ Systematic Insensitivity Protocol: Mission-critical ecosystems engineer deliberate "noise immunity" - systematic insensitivity to geopolitical chaos while maintaining collaborative urgency. Organizations that master this protocol gain a significant advantage during periods of fragmentation.→ Big Rocks/Little Rocks Simultaneity: The counter-intuitive discovery that breakthrough transformation requires engineering for massive multi-year "big rock" changes AND rapid "little rock" wins simultaneously - with mathematical precision about which rocks to move when in the system architecture of change itself.Ecosystem Impact:→ Competition as Engineered Energy Source: Erikson reveals how to design "healthy competition" as a system component - transforming competitive dynamics from problem to managed energy that accelerates ecosystem performance→ Interface Checkpoint Architecture: Human-AI collaboration designed with spacecraft-level interface specifications - measurable checkpoints, defined limits, and systematic trust mechanisms rather than hoping for organic adoption→ Duplication-of-Effort Diagnostic: When transformation pilots proliferate in isolation, it signals the need for systematic integration. Organizations can now engineer transformation rather than managing random change initiatives→ The Data-First Cascade Effect: Digital transformation follows aerospace assembly sequences - data quality and infrastructure must precede AI deployment, creating predictable transformation timelines and success metrics Innovation: Applying aerospace systems engineering methodology to organizational transformation - treating culture change, digital infrastructure, and stakeholder alignment as integrated system components with defined interfaces, requirements, and failure modes. First systematic approach to engineering human ecosystems with spacecraft-level reliability. Strategic Application: Any mission-critical ecosystem facing simultaneous pressure for speed, cost reduction, and performance improvement. Particularly powerful for regulated industries, defense contractors, healthcare systems, and infrastructure organizations where failure isn't an option.Strategic Reframe: The most adaptive ecosystems will shift from asking "How do we manage organizational change?" to engineering the question: "What are the mathematical interface specifications for human-system collaboration at ecosystem scale - and how do we systematically design predictable behavioral outcomes using aerospace-level precision rather than hoping for emergent organizational alignment?"The Hidden Revolution: Erikson reveals the birth of "Human Systems Engineering" - a new discipline treating human ecosystems as designable systems with engineered interfaces, quantifiable performance metrics, and predictable behavioral outcomes. Organizations that master this approach don't just transform faster; they engineer a sustainable competitive advantage through systematic human-system integration.Guest: Carol Erikson, Founder & President, Erikson Mission Solutions | Former VP Digital Transformation, Northrop GrummanHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-founder, Annunziata Desai AdvisorsSeries Hosts:Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA onvergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.

Many students have never heard of Industrial & Systems Engineering — and even fewer understand the incredible impact it has on the world. This episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast explores a creative solution to that challenge: the ISE Impact Short Video Contest, which invites students and professionals to explain ISE's value in just 60 seconds.You'll hear from:Dr. Ana Muriel, associate professor at UMass Amherst and co-creator of the contestHannah Brooks, a nursing student who used stop-motion animation to tackle global food securityAnwaar Zyoud, an industrial engineer who used ISE methods to transform her Taekwondo performanceTogether, they show how creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving can inspire the next generation of engineers.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

Scientific Sense ® by Gill Eapen: Prof. Dani Bassett is Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Neurology, and Psychiatry. They are also an external professor of the Santa Fe Institute. Bassett is most well-known for blending neural and systems engineering to identify fundamental mechanisms of cognition and disease in human brain networks. Prof. Perry Zurn is Associate Professor of Philosophy at American University. He researches primarily in political philosophy, critical theory, and has collaborated in psychology and network neuroscience. He is especially interested in the politics of inquiry and voice, material histories of resistance, poetics, and ecologies. Please subscribe to this channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/ScientificSense?sub_confirmation=1

Thanks to the introduction of new technologies and tools, paths to make systems engineering in aerospace and beyond more holistic are now open. Yet, some companies are still slow to adopt these kinds of approaches to systems engineering. Why is that, and what do companies need to ensure they get their return-on-investment? In this episode of Taking Aerospace Today, Todd Tuthill, Vice President of Aerospace, Defense, and Marine for Siemens Digital Industries Software, is back with Dale Tutt, Vice President of Industry Strategy for Siemens, to conclude their exploration of the future of systems engineering. The key to building holistic systems engineering strategies, they say, lies in building a strong foundation in digital transformation. In this episode, you will learn: Why some companies struggle to adopt systems engineering strategies The risks of not optimizing systems engineering across the product lifecycle How the comprehensive digital twin provides the foundation for holistic systems engineering How systems engineering affects all engineers in a project Learn how Siemens technology can help your organization improve cross domain collaboration, visibility and integration here. Connect with Todd Tuthill: LinkedIn Connect with Dale Tutt: LinkedIn Connect with Patty Russo: LinkedIn Resources: Siemens Aerospace & Defense website

Join us for our conversation with Tom Wujec - designer, technologist and multiple TED speaker known for his work in visual collaboration and wicked problem solving. -Why do traditional approaches often fail when problems get more complex?-Tom has shared his visual framework with Fortune 500 companies around the world, and now he shares it with us.See his visual work unfold in action by watching this episode on YouTube! Or catch it wherever you normally listen to your podcasts.Episode available on September 15, ISE Day!Special "thank you" to this episode's sponsor, IISE Performance Excellence Webinars - your chance to boost your career and expand your ISE toolkit. From leadership development, to supply chain resilience, to operational analytics, and more — these sessions help you sharpen your skills and improve your organization. Join thought leaders and practitioners from around the world. Learn more at iise.org/performance-excellence.

Get ready for Season 6 of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast! This season we're spotlighting human-centered solutions in areas like AI, leadership, and process improvement. You'll hear from TED Talk speaker and innovator, Tom Wujec, Chick-fil-A franchise leader Sam Hartman, young professionals at the start of their ISE journey, and more. The season kicks of on #ISEDay, September 15 - a global celebration of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Join us to hear how every great solution is a story worth telling!Instagram - Problem Solved LinkedIn - Problem Solvedhttps://iise.org/Home/

To tackle rising complexity and keep new aircraft and spacecraft safe to fly, systems engineering strategies aerospace and defense needs to evolve. To ensure the successful integration of new software and electronics, they need to enable more cross-domain integration and collaboration between engineering domains. Fortunately, artificial intelligence and SysML v2 are the technologies that can bring this goal to fruition. In this episode of Talking Aerospace Today, Todd Tuthill, Vice President of Aerospace, Defense, and Marine, is joined again by Dale Tutt, Vice President of Industry Strategy for Siemens, to continue their discussion of the future of systems engineering in A&D. Together, they hone in on the role of AI and SysML v2 in updating systems engineering and companies' system architectures to meet the challenges facing the industry today. In this episode, you will learn: The importance of systems engineering to ensuring product safety Where AI can improve systems engineering and engineers' workflows How SysML v2 is different from SysML v1 The benefits SysML v2 brings to A&D companies and their system architectures Connect with Todd Tuthill: LinkedIn Connect with Dale Tutt: LinkedIn Connect with Patty Russo: LinkedIn Resources: Siemens Aerospace & Defense website

A new season, a new direction. Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast is back!New executive producer, Elizabeth Grimes, and the show's creator, David Brandt take you behind the mic of Problem Solved. Hear how the podcast began and what's coming in Season 6, with new episodes beginning on September 15, ISE Day!

Software-defined products have been on the rise across industries, and aerospace and defense is no exception. Aircraft, rockets, and satellites today are integrated with cutting edge electronics and software, introducing a multitude of new functions and considerations. To account for them all, systems engineering in aerospace must become more holistic and allow for more interoperability between domains. In this episode of Talking Aerospace Today, Todd Tuthill, Vice President of Aerospace, Defense, and Marine for Siemens Digital Industries Software, is joined again by Dale Tutt, Vice President of Industry Strategy for Siemens. They continue their conversation from last time, discussing how new software-defined aircraft and spacecraft drive the need for holistic systems engineering, as well as what other industries can learn from the A&D industry's experiences with systems engineering. In this episode, you will learn: Why systems engineering must change to accommodate software-defined aerospace products Other factors in the space sector that necessitate holistic systems engineering The merits of Tang What systems engineering can look like in other industries and how they can learn from aerospace Learn how Siemens technology can help your organization improve cross-domain collaboration, visibility and integration here. Talking Aerospace Today would also like express condolences for the recent passing of Jim Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 mission, which is heavily discussed in this series of episodes, and acknowledge his many contributions to manned spaceflight.

Episode: 2483 Public Transportation and Technology: The Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority.  Today, we leave the car at home.