Podcasts about Workforce

In the second episode of our Latino Forestry Workforce series, guest host Gaby Eseverri speaks with Manuel Machado, who is the Natural Resource Workforce Program Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Program. This episode was made possible with support from Rivershed SPC, and we are immensely grateful for their help in making this series happen.  Manuel works with community-based organizations across the Pacific Northwest to develop bilingual learner-centric educational materials for H-2B and immigrant forestry sector workers, while developing programming that raises awareness of the labor-intensive forest workforce. His work aims to make this work safer and more equitable, particularly through engagement with the Latine forestry workforce in Oregon. Gaby Eseverri is a journalist based in Missoula, Montana, and originally from Miami. In addition to print journalism, she also helps produce Glacier National Park's Headwaters Podcast, which we highly recommend you check out.  In this episode, Gaby and Manuel spoke about the Latine forestry workforce in the Pacific Northwest, including the workforce's history, how H-2B and immigrant status contributes to a culture of exploitation rooted in a fear of deportation, as well as the nature of forestry and fire work. Gaby and Manuel also discuss the physical, economic and systemic risks faced by this workforce, and how the model and increasing demand for forest resilience work—which includes post-fire restoration, thinning/wildfire risk reduction, and other essential forestry tasks—relies heavily on often underpaid and easily-exploited H-2B and immigrant workers.  Please note that we will be releasing a third and final episode on this topic in a few days. This final episode—also hosted by Gaby with guest Manuel— will be published in Spanish, and will focus more on the resources, training and educational materials Manuel has created and made available for the Latine workforce on Oregon and beyond.  Another note: This episode was recorded in November 2025, just a few months after the incident in Washington State when two wildland firefighters were detained by Border Patrol on an active wildfire. More information about this incident can be found at the links below.  https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/08/30/immigration-raid-at-washington-blaze-stokes-fear-in-wildfire-crews-nationwide/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/federal-agents-arrest-fire-crew-members-washington-wildfire-rcna227797   A few highlights from the conversation (full transcript can be found here):  "So a lot of the work that the Latine workforce is involved in what land management agencies refer to as forestry services. So this includes everything from planting work, hazardous fuels reduction work, tree thinning, forest restoration, pesticide application. Also, increasingly they're doing more work in fire suppression. So working on the fire line, much of that labor intensive work." "Many of these contractors are based in Southern Oregon, and although they're based here in Medford, in the Rogue Valley, and they travel all over the Pacific Northwest and the US, the workers themselves are brought primarily from Mexico and increasingly from Guatemala and Central America as h-2b visa workers. So the amount of h-2b visa workers is increasing." "The way the forest service handles contracting often awards the lowest bidder, and although this does ensure a lower price per acre, often means that the workers don't get paid as much as I believe they deserve." "With undocumented workers, you know there's that added layer of vulnerability, because they face deportation, and although they can change employers because they have specified documents which allow them that flexibility to change employers, if the employer, at any time, finds out that they are documented, they face that added risk of using that as a threat against them. Given the policies that we're seeing, there's likely to be an increase in labor violations and just less enforcement due to these policies we're seeing under the Trump administration." "It's really just an entire system that's turned on them at a time when I think their work so important, right? They are literally the ones planting trees after fire, or the ones who are fighting fire, the ones who are implementing those treatments that reduce fire risk and restore our forests." "I think a good example (of something actionable) could be for firefighters. We often hear them advocating for better pay and working conditions…but it's important for them to understand that, you know, if an increasing portion of the firefighting workforce is reliant on h-2b visa workers that don't have the same rights, well, then what can they do to build solidarity with those H-2b visa workers? A rising tide will lift all boats, so they have to really consider all of these different segments of the workforce if they want to be more effective at actively bargaining for those working conditions and better pay." "So I always ask the workers themselves, what's something that you would like the general public or policymakers or decision makers to know? What would you tell them, if you had the opportunity to speak with them? The most common responses that I've gotten is that they just want more for the important work that they do." 

Transit's future is all about people.In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort talks with Geisha Ester, Executive Director of the National Transit Institute (NTI) at Rutgers University, about why workforce development has become the industry's most important investment — and how agencies and professionals can take advantage of it right now.NTI, funded by the Federal Transit Administration, delivers no-cost training for transit professionals across the United States, helping agencies upskill their teams, strengthen succession planning, and prepare for a rapidly changing mobility landscape.Geisha shares:How you and your staff can access free, high-impact NTI coursesThe most in-demand training areas, including procurement, service planning, safety, and leadershipHow agencies are using NTI as a real succession-planning toolThree ways to partner with NTI — as a participant, host agency, or instructorWhy workforce development is central to the industry's futureShe also tells her remarkable second-generation transit story, from high-school intern and rail conductor at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to Vice President of Training and Workforce Development — and now national leadership at NTI — and offers practical advice for emerging professionals and women pursuing leadership roles in transit.

What happens when technology starts automating and augmenting the cognitive tasks that form the backbone of many professions?    The stakes are high: companies are reorganizing, workers are anxious, and major investors are pouring billions into models, chips and data centers. Meanwhile, governments face important decisions on how to minimize social disruption from AI, while maximizing economic gains.    Explore which jobs are most exposed, what factors could boost productivity gains, and the steps governments are taking to manage the transition: https://www.moodys.com/ai-insights   Host: Gabriel Agostini, Assistant Vice President, Credit Strategy and Research, Moody's Ratings   Guests: Ana Rayes, Vice President, Senior Analyst, Moody's Ratings; Elisa Parisi-Capone, Vice President, Senior Analyst, Moody's Ratings   Related Research: Artificial Intelligence – Global – AI productivity gains to hinge on demographics and occupational structures 23 Feb 2026 Artificial Intelligence – Global – AI will reshape the nature of labor, with varying social risks across economies 24 Feb 2026   © 2026 Moody's Corporation and/or its licensors and affiliates. All rights reserved. Go to www.moodys.com/pages/globaldisclaimer.aspx for complete legal terms and conditions governing use of Moody's information made available in this video. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rob Lewis, CEO, INTX Insurance Software, discusses how Chubb's aggressive automation strategy reflects deeper structural shifts in insurance technology, workforce skill demands and the growing necessity for unified, modern core systems to enable real AI-driven transformation.

The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation hosted a press conference releasing the findings of a new economic impact study.

This week on The Business of Healthcare Podcast, we're joined by Dr Neil Modha from Thistlemoor Medical Centre. Neil shares his insights on how primary care practices can identify opportunities, innovate services, and work collaboratively with hospitals to create sustainable, patient-focused solutions.       In this episode, we cover: Turning opportunities into action - How Neil transformed unused space into an endoscopy unit in partnership with a hospital. Stacking services for impact - Using one facility to support multiple services, including health & fitness, smoking cessation, and staff well-being. Workforce integration - Sharing staff between pharmacy and medical center to build community and enhance skills. Patient-focused innovation - Creating small group programs tailored to patient needs using a population health management approach. Networking and relationships - Why being active in your system and meeting the right people opens doors for new services.     Neil also shares his personal approach to health and fitness, and how leading by example helps inspire both staff and patients.     This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to innovate in primary care or create collaborative, community-focused healthcare solutions.     Listen back to Neil Modha's previous features on The Business of Healthcare Podcast below; The key ingredients of General Practice Getting rid of the Us & Them from General Practice  Tackling Health Inequalities and Transforming Patient Care      Connect with Dr Neil Modha here.

Some experts predict AI will eliminate 50% of entry level white collar jobs in one to five years.

The data center industry is racing into the AI era with bigger campuses, tighter timelines, and unprecedented infrastructure complexity. But in this episode of The Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, 7x24 Exchange International founding member and Mission Critical Global Alliance (MCGA) board member Dennis Cronin argues the industry's biggest constraint may be the one it talks about least: people. Cronin's message is direct: the “talent cliff” isn't coming; it's already here. Based on recent research into open roles, he estimates 467,000 to 498,000 openings in core data center positions (facilities and ops leadership, electrical, generator/UPS, HVAC, controls), plus another ~514,000 emerging roles tied to AI infrastructure, sustainability, and cyber-physical security—bringing the total to roughly one million jobs the industry needs to fill. A major driver is what Cronin calls the “five-year experience trap”: employers require five years of experience even for entry-level roles, but newcomers can't get experience without being hired. The result is widespread talent poaching, involving workers jumping from site to site for 10–20% raises, without expanding the overall labor pool. Cronin also highlights a frequently missed reality in public policy debates: the job multiplier effect. While data centers may have lean direct staffing, they support a much larger ecosystem of contractors, service providers, and manufacturers, from generator and UPS technicians to security integrators and the electrical/mechanical supply chain, many of whom are already scrambling to hire. On training, Cronin explains why company-run programs and commercial training aren't enough on their own. Internal academies often produce siloed specialists trained for a single operator's environment, while commercial courses, often ~$1,000 per day per person, are typically designed to upskill people already in the industry, not onboard new entrants. MCGA's strategy focuses on community colleges as the most scalable on-ramp: affordable programs, scholarships, and hands-on labs that can produce strong technicians in two-year degrees. Cronin cites programs at Cleveland Community College (NC), Northern Virginia Community College, and Southside Community College (VA), noting that dozens of schools are exploring data center curricula but funding remains a barrier. Cronin's proposed solution is a true workforce ecosystem: outreach, standardized curriculum, certification labs, structured apprenticeships, and employer commitments. He also advocates replacing the “five years” requirement with an entry-level certification that proves foundational knowledge, i.e. acronyms and language, reading one-lines, SOPs/MOPs, and crucially, safety and situational awareness in electrical and mechanical environments. Finally, Cronin tackles the money question. With $60B in data centers announced this year, he says the industry needs a major, shared investment across operators, vendors, contractors, and manufacturers to fund training and scholarships at scale. The stakes are operational: in an era of gigawatt AI facilities and shrinking margins for error, workforce readiness is now a mission-critical issue.

The February 25 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued a powerful two-part discussion on the growing crisis in California trucking, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill again welcomed Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express. Their message was urgent: without meaningful policy changes, the trucking industry that agriculture depends on may not survive. Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet in Kings County, detailed the mounting pressures squeezing freight companies from every direction. New truck prices have climbed close to $200,000 per unit, with 2027 models expected to increase another $15,000 to $25,000 due to additional emissions requirements and new technology mandates. Meanwhile, repair costs at dealership service centers can exceed $240 per hour — and trucks often sit for days or weeks waiting for qualified technicians. The biggest concern, Woods emphasized, isn't engine reliability. Modern engines remain durable. Instead, nearly every mechanical issue stems from emissions systems, sensors, and regulatory compliance components. Diesel exhaust systems, filters, and electronic sensors frequently trigger downtime, leaving trucks parked while payments, insurance, and payroll continue. For many small and mid-sized fleets, there is no margin for extended downtime. Unlike major corporations with large reserves, independent operators cannot afford long-term research and development risks on unproven equipment. As Woods explained, trucking companies don't need government assistance — they need government to step aside and allow them to operate efficiently. Insurance premiums remain another heavy burden. Companies invest in AI-driven safety systems, in-cab cameras, and electronic logging devices to protect drivers and limit liability. Yet insurance rates continue rising, especially in California's increasingly litigious environment. A single accident can jeopardize both a driver's commercial license and a company's financial stability. Fuel costs add further uncertainty. With refinery closures on the horizon, concerns about diesel availability and potential price spikes loom large. If fuel prices rise dramatically, every product transported — from fertilizer and bee hives to finished almonds and fresh produce — becomes more expensive. As Papagni noted, freight touches every step of the agricultural supply chain. Workforce retention remains steady for Wildwood Express, but compliance enforcement and licensing scrutiny create additional hurdles. Meanwhile, deteriorating highway conditions, especially along Highway 99, accelerate wear and tear on already expensive equipment. The takeaway from the conversation was clear: trucking is not optional infrastructure. It is the backbone of agriculture and the broader economy. Without freight, food does not move. As Woods put it, the industry must stand united and demand practical solutions before more companies disappear.

Coming out of the pandemic almost every company started hiring globally, giving rise to the EOR (Employer of Record) market. An EOR enables companies of any size to easily hire, manage, pay, and reward employees in any country, and today more than 40% of all global employers use an EOR. One of the leaders in this market is Oyster, a fast-growing company founded as a B-Corp, dedicated with a mission to make global employment a single, seamless marketplace. The founder of Oyster, Tony Jamous, is a fascinating entrepreneur who has a unique way of describing global employment. In this podcast I interviewed Tony so he can explain some of the strategic issues in building a global company of any size. I think you'll find Oyster a high value solution provider that combines world-class technology with a strong culture of global advice, support, and regulatory compliance to help companies grow. (FYI we are partners with Oyster in Galileo: Oyster's extensive global employment practices database is embedded in Galileo to assist you with many strategic HR policies around the world.) Like this podcast? Rate us on Spotify or Apple or YouTube. Additional Information 2026 Imperatives for Enterprise AI: The Road Ahead The Definitive Guide to Corporate Learning Oyster Announces Intelligent Global Employment – Redefining EOR Market Get Galileo, The AI Agent for Everything HR Chapters (00:00:00) - Interview with Tony Jamis(00:00:25) - Oyster's mission to reduce wealth inequality(00:05:52) - Will Our Platform Become a Strategic Workforce Partner?(00:10:15) - The Human Capital Challenge(00:13:24) - Have We Thrived as a Global Company?(00:16:09) - WSJD Live: Should HR Companies Integrate With HCM Prov(00:17:23) - What's the role of AI in the Workforce?(00:19:05) - Oyster HR: Going global with technology(00:20:51) - EOR Provider Takeaways

As experienced facility professionals retire and workforce demographics shift, the FM industry is approaching what many are calling a demographic cliff. In today's episode, host Wayne Whitzell is joined by researcher and associate professor Dr. Jake Smithwick to break down the data behind shrinking labor pools, rising safety risks and productivity challenges, and why so many new technicians are entering the field without hands-on experience. They explore the growing gap between generational work expectations, the critical role mentorship plays in knowledge transfer and retention, and how AI can act as a powerful support tool. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction01:37 Meet Dr. Jake Smithwick01:56 Jake's Background and Experience03:46 The Role of IFMA in Jake's Career07:23 The Impact of Demographic Shifts12:06 COVID-19 and Workforce Changes17:48 Generational Differences in the Workforce21:16 Building Relationships with Experienced Colleagues21:36 The Urgency of Knowledge Transfer in FM22:18 IFMA's Facility Fusion Conference22:58 Opportunities for Young Professionals23:14 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace26:32 The Impact of AI on Mentoring and Workforce27:21 Augmented Intelligence: A New Perspective on AI29:26 The Future of AI in the Workforce30:43 Mentoring: A Key to Job Satisfaction36:21 IFMA's Research and Data Collection40:13 Closing Thoughts and Future OutlookResources mentioned:Interested in having Jake speak at your next component meeting? Contact him at jake.smithwick@charlotte.eduFMJ article "Building Better Leaders in FM" https://fmj.ifma.org/building-better-leaders-in-fm Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada needs to “build at speeds not seen in generations.” More than ten major projects have now been referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO). Assuming that all of the projects move forward in the next few years, will Canada have enough skilled workers to deliver them? To explore this question, our guest this week is Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada's Building Trades Unions. Canada's Building Trades Unions is the voice of the country's construction workers, representing more than 600,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada. Here are some of the questions Jackie and Peter asked Sean: What is the current situation- do we have a shortage or an excess of trade workers? How might that change if all the projects being advanced by the Major Projects Office (MPO) move into construction over the next few years? How mobile is the labour force, and are there policy changes that could improve labour mobility? Are temporary foreign workers still available if Canadian labour becomes stretched thin? What are the demographics of the current workforce? What is it like to work on industrial projects in remote regions, including both the sacrifices and the rewards? How can workforce planning be done when the number of projects that will ultimately proceed remains highly uncertain?Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

Two decades ago, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said the space agency has become too dependent on outside contractors, hollowing out some of the skills the agency needs in-house to oversee and evaluate programs. Similar concerns rose to the top when NASA kicked off its Vision 2040 project in 2018. Now it's NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's turn to pave over this well-known ground. In this week's federal report, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller writes about why this latest attempt to refocus and reinvigorate NASA's workforce may be different. Jason joins me now to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Leon Byker sit down with Peter Kruger, President of the College of Intensive Care Medicine, to unpack one of the defining issues facing healthcare today: workforce reform.Against the backdrop of national workforce reviews across Australia and New Zealand, the discussion explores the tension between aspiration and reality. Governments want equitable access, rural coverage, sustainable systems, and improved wellbeing for clinicians. Colleges want standards, safety, and meaningful careers. Trainees want jobs. Communities want hospitals. Politicians want solutions.So how do we reconcile all of it?Dr. Kruger reflects on the growing engagement between specialist colleges and government, particularly around workforce maldistribution, rural and regional care, sub-specialization versus generalism, and the moral complexity of relying on internationally trained doctors. The conversation highlights a key truth: intensive care is a hospital-based, system-dependent specialty. You cannot simply “place a doctor” in a community without the supporting infrastructure.The episode also tackles uncomfortable but necessary questions:Can there be a universal standard for ICU access across vastly different hospital settings?Should governments mandate rural placements—or can communities be strengthened from within?What role should nurse practitioners and multidisciplinary teams play?Are we protecting turf, or protecting patients?And how do we better support doctors across the entire career pipeline—from medical student to senior intensivist winding down night shifts?Throughout, the tone is candid but diplomatic. There's recognition that workforce reform is complex, long-standing, and resistant to simple solutions. Yet there is also optimism: trust, transparency, and genuine partnership between colleges and government may offer a way forward.At its core, this episode is about purpose. The shared mission between clinicians, colleges, and governments is delivering safe, effective care to the community. The challenge lies in doing so while balancing standards, sustainability, and humanity.

Many companies try to solve low morale with simple perks like wellness apps, but workers often care more about real pay and career growth. The big challenge today is keeping frontline employees happy while the world worries about AI impact and high turnover. What could be the most substantial, meaningful investments leaders can make that truly build real loyalty? In this episode, Paul Marchand, EVP and CHRO of Charter Communications, more popularly known as Spectrum, discusses how to invest in people to create a better customer experience. He explains the strategy behind helping a 95,000-person workforce through absorbing rising benefit costs and programs like frictionless, prepaid tuition reimbursement and a unique employee stock purchase plan designed to build an owner mindset. Paul shares how "open mic" sessions at Charter improve their employee retention, and the way Spectrum GPT is being used to make HR more efficient. We also explore the 'high school pathways' initiative, upcoming M&A integration with Cox Communications, and how HR role evolution is turning leaders into Chief Future of Work Officers, going far beyond traditional employee management. This episode shows CHROs how to use a people-first strategy to build a resilient and competitive workforce.

Rural communities across the United States are facing a sustained decline in access to primary care. Since 2017, the number of family physicians practicing in rural areas has dropped by more than 10%, according to a report published late last year. In many regions, that reduction has implications for care capacity, hospital stability and long-term workforce planning. In the second part of the conversations, host J. Carlisle Larsen speaks with Colleen Fogarty, M.D. of the University of Rochester about the structural factors shaping the rural physician workforce and what it will take to strengthen it, examining rural residency programs, medical training pipelines, immigration pathways and loan repayment incentives as policy levers aimed at stabilizing rural access to care. You can listen to the first half of the conversation here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Lauren Rogers, investor relations and acquisitions lead at Veritas Equity Partners. Lauren shares how she transitioned from a high-level career in global tech to multifamily real estate and why she chose to partner with an experienced operator instead of starting with small, hands-on deals. Drawing from Veritas' focused strategy in Washington State, she explains how their tight buy box, workforce housing thesis, and in-house property management approach create consistent, risk-adjusted returns. Lauren and Jonathan explore the realities of value-add investing in Snohomish County, why geographic discipline matters more than chasing hot markets, and how exterior improvements, operational efficiencies, and local relationships can meaningfully impact NOI. They also discuss the mindset shift required to move from active DIY investing to passive syndication, especially for high-income professionals seeking long-term wealth and cash flow. Listeners will gain insight into how syndications actually work behind the scenes—from underwriting and leverage to investor communication and trust—and why forced holding periods and conservative debt structures can protect capital over time. In this episode, you will hear: Why Lauren left global tech to build a career in multifamily real estate How Veritas defines its 20–60 unit workforce housing buy box The importance of focusing hyper-locally within Snohomish County How in-house property management can improve NOI and operational control The difference between active ownership and truly passive syndication investing Common fears new investors have about multifamily syndications Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Lauren: Website: https://veritasequitypartners.com/  Instagram: @lo.rogers17  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenrogersveritas/  Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties  YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos  Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene  Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j Bigger Pockets -  www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties  Email - info@streamlined.properties   This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

- SCOTUS Tariff Ruling Leaves Autos in Limbo - Aston Martin Sells F1 Branding Rights - Donut Lab Solid State Battery Charges in Minutes - Lamborghini Scraps Electric Supercar Plans - ZF Debt Relieved by Hybrid Demand - Lucid Motors Cuts 12% Of Workforce  - VW Leads European EV Sales Rankings - EV Owners Frustrated by Broken Chargers

- SCOTUS Tariff Ruling Leaves Autos in Limbo - Aston Martin Sells F1 Branding Rights - Donut Lab Solid State Battery Charges in Minutes - Lamborghini Scraps Electric Supercar Plans - ZF Debt Relieved by Hybrid Demand - Lucid Motors Cuts 12% Of Workforce  - VW Leads European EV Sales Rankings - EV Owners Frustrated by Broken Chargers

Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

How do you change safety culture in an organization? What style of training is most effective? Mack sits down with Rachel Housman of Ally Safety to talk about her upbringing in the industry, why safety training is so important and how to make it exciting again, what teaching styles are most effective, how to change safety culture in an organization, differences between Gen Z and boomers with their approach to safety, and more!Learn more about Ally Safety here https://allysafety.com/?srsltid=AfmBOook9G6JOCnclbqCWlE5mbrUo4Fu5o93MG_V0hFx5BaEJyi3S0_ZVisit our website https://earthmoversmedia.com/

Top firms have stopped posting jobs entirely. They found a faster path: workforce leasing connects them with verified technical experts in days, delivering premium skills without permanent headcount, administrative chaos, or budget-breaking salaries.Learn more: https://www.optimo-jobcorner.ch/ Optimo Jobcorner City: Winterthur Address: 11 Franz Burckhardt-Strasse Website: https://www.optimo-jobcorner.ch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the space industry becomes increasingly commercialized, competitive, and mission-driven, one truth remains universal: having the right people on the team is mission-critical. This issue was explored during Commercial Space Week and part of the panel, Mary Baldino, Director. of Sales/Marketing at Vaya Space, and Tahara Dawkins, Director of Policy at Astroscale US, joined us to continue the conversation.  Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Michele Szkolnicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, discusses her multi-year initiative to rebuild and stabilize the nursing workforce, achieving a zero percent vacancy in medical-surgical units, and shares how nursing can drive value, improve patient outcomes, and support hospital finances in 2026.

Alex Lawrence, Chief People Officer for the City of Boston, Massachusetts, rejoined the podcast to talk about organizational change, development, and human resources. She discussed change management and the importance of communication for human resources. She shared how her background in innovation has influenced her career. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Today on Supply Chain Now, we explore how supply chain leaders are balancing powerful new technologies with the human expertise required to make them work. Featuring insights from Jimmy Sebastian on FourKites' AI platform Loft, and what it means for real-world operations. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack the growing convergence of AI automation and workforce strategy across the supply chain landscape. From faster workflow deployment and operational agility to the evolving labor pipeline and the surge in returns fraud, this conversation highlights why success today depends on both smarter tools and stronger people strategies. The discussion emphasizes that digital transformation isn't replacing humans, it's redefining how organizations empower them.What you'll learn by tuning in:How AI workflow platforms are accelerating implementation and operational responsivenessWhy human capability building is just as critical as technology investmentWhat Gen Z's rising interest in skilled trades means for future workforce planningThe increasing business impact of fraudulent returns and how technology can help combat itPractical ways leaders can align automation with talent strategy to build resilienceIf you're a supply chain, operations, or technology leader trying to scale automation without losing the human advantage, this episode offers timely perspective and actionable insight. Tune in to understand how to turn emerging tools and workforce trends into measurable business impact.Additional Links & Resources:EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15-FEB-2026Never Normal Series: https://bit.ly/Never-Normal-Part3U.S. Bank Podcasts: supplychainnow.com/us-bank60% of Gen Zers will pursue skilled trade work this year: survey: https://bit.ly/Skilled-Trades-InterestStartup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://on.wsj.com/4tFwm5gValentine's Day sticker shock: Chocolate prices are spiking: https://bit.ly/3Oh88OxChatGPT Is Just the Beginning For Shipping: https://bit.ly/Shipping-And-LLMs-WebinarIntroducing FourKites Loft:

Prefabrication is no longer a technology conversation. It is an owner conversation. In this episode of Prefab, Unfiltered, recorded live at Advancing Prefabrication, Todd Weyandt sits down with Emily Mills Marineau to explore how owners evaluate prefab, modular construction, and offsite strategies through the lens of risk-adjusted return. The biggest misconception in prefabrication is that the value is simply cost savings. In reality, owners prioritize certainty, schedule predictability, and reduced variability across the project lifecycle. This conversation unpacks what it takes for prefabrication to move from curiosity to confidence and why the first prefab project inside any organization carries disproportionate weight. If you care about prefabrication, modular construction, owner strategy, risk management, or construction innovation, this episode offers an executive-level perspective on what truly drives adoption.   You'll Learn Why owners prioritize certainty over lowest cost in prefabrication How risk-adjusted return shapes modular construction decisions Why first prefab projects must be executed with precision The hidden impact of labor shortages on offsite construction Why documenting lessons learned is critical for scaling prefab   Meet Our Guest Emily Mills Marineau brings a strategic owner-side perspective to prefabrication and industrialized construction. With a background that includes M&A experience at Apple and leadership roles within construction innovation, she focuses on how procurement models, contracts, and risk frameworks influence prefab adoption. Her work centers on aligning executive leadership, project teams, and delivery partners around scalable prefabrication strategies that prioritize certainty, quality, and long-term performance.   Todd Takes Owners Do Not Want Cheaper. They Want Certainty. The true value of prefabrication and modular construction is not lowest cost. It is reduced variability, schedule confidence, and predictable execution. When we frame prefab around savings alone, we undersell its strategic value. The First Prefab Project Cannot Fail. Initial prefab projects shape long-term perception. If the first effort struggles, adoption stalls. Strong planning, aligned partnerships, and realistic expectations are essential for building internal confidence. Labor and Documentation Are the Quiet Barriers. Technology is advancing quickly. Workforce shortages and inconsistent knowledge capture are not. If prefabrication is going to scale across healthcare, multifamily, and commercial construction, the industry must improve both labor strategy and institutional learning.   More Resources   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd's LinkedIn Emily's LinkedIn Juno's Website   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk's Website  

In Episode 143 of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky visits Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan to explore a critical but often overlooked part of the housing conversation: workforce development. As Lake County and the broader Chicagoland region face a persistent housing shortage, rising construction costs, and a shrinking skilled trades workforce, solutions must go beyond zoning reform and financing tools. This episode examines how YouthBuild Waukegan is training the next generation of construction professionals while building affordable housing for local families. If we want more housing supply, stronger neighborhoods, and sustainable economic growth in Lake County and across the Chicagoland area, we need people who know how to build—and that's exactly what this program is doing. Aaron sits down with Executive Director Jennifer Yonan to discuss how their programming serves 16–24 year olds who are disconnected from education and employment, helping them earn their GED or diploma, gain hands-on construction experience, and prepare for registered apprenticeships and careers in the trades. The conversation covers: -How workforce training directly impacts housing supply -Building affordable homes from the ground up in Zion -Why the skilled trades are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy -The role of regional housing policy and zoning reform in Lake County -Supporting the “whole person” through education, mentorship, and life skills Youth Conservation Corps is not only training future electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—it's strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunity from within the community. Learn more or get involved at: youthconservationcorps.org Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you'd like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In the Season 8 premiere of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Dr. Zahi Atallah, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williston State College, to discuss how the college is expanding healthcare programs to meet growing workforce needs in northwest North Dakota.From a new state-of-the-art facility to expanded nursing, EMT, and medical assistant programs, Dr. Atallah shares how partnerships, innovation, and local investment are helping train and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals right here at home.Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Tara Conway, retail strategist and co-founder of Commerce Rewired, for a wide-ranging discussion on AI in retail, digital transformation, customer experience innovation and leadership in an era of disruption. Tara's retail career spans decades — from growing up in a family general store to senior leadership roles at Blacks Photography, Toys “R” Us Canada and The Source. She shares behind-the-scenes insights from launching Toys “R” Us Canada's first e-commerce site — a testing ground for global digital strategy — and implementing early clienteling technology that connected store associates with online product data, fundamentally reshaping the omnichannel experience for new parents at Babies “R” Us. The conversation turns to artificial intelligence in retail. Tara identifies inventory optimization, assortment planning and data-driven merchandising as the most impactful AI use cases today. With thousands of SKUs across hundreds of stores, AI enables retailers to interpret complex patterns in seasonality, demand forecasting and aged inventory — decisions that humans alone struggle to process at scale. On the customer-facing side, Tara discusses the evolution of chatbots into intelligent AI assistants capable of handling low-touch service inquiries such as order tracking and product availability. Rather than replacing employees, she argues that AI should enhance workforce productivity by eliminating repetitive tasks and enabling leaders to focus on higher-value decision-making. The episode also explores the risks of retail media networks. Tara warns that retail media can quickly become a friction point if revenue generation outweighs customer experience. Success, she argues, depends on intent: using data and messaging to improve the shopper journey, not overwhelm it. Michael and Tara debate why smaller and mid-sized retailers often outpace large chains in digital agility. Without legacy systems and bureaucratic layers, emerging brands can implement rapid test-and-learn strategies that drive innovation visible to consumers. For larger retailers, shedding outdated processes and shortening decision cycles will be critical to remaining competitive. The episode closes with Tara introducing Commerce Rewired, a new media platform focused on bold debate, data-driven insights and candid conversations about the future of commerce. For retailers navigating AI adoption, workforce transformation, omnichannel strategy and digital innovation, this episode delivers both strategic clarity and practical perspective. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Today we're bringing you another special edition of the podcast--this time, Mosh sits down with The Atlantic's Josh Tyrangiel for a deep-dive into the future of AI, jobs, and the workforce. As we face the possibility of mass job displacement, what should we be worried about, and what can we do to prepare?Josh offers some important context, looking at how AI is moving faster and more broadly than other technological revolutions, why tech CEOs actively want the technology regulated--even as they're facing pressure to show AI profits--and why Congress has struggled to take meaningful action.  Plus, the political risks: the rise of populism, competition with China, and the dangers of a post-truth reality to democratic institutions.Special offer: Mo News listeners can get 25% off a subscription at ⁠TheAtlantic.com/MoNews⁠.Mosheh Oinounou (⁠@mosheh⁠) is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist. He has 20 years of experience at networks including Fox News, Bloomberg Television and CBS News, where he was the executive producer of the CBS Evening News and launched the network's 24 hour news channel. He founded the @Mosheh Oinounou Instagram news account in 2020 and the Mo News podcast and newsletter in 2022.

Is AI really eliminating jobs, or is it redefining skills? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ehren Powell, Chief Digital Officer of Marathon Petroleum Corporation, about leading digital transformation at one of America's largest and most complex industrial enterprises. Powell shares how he is building a skills-first organization—decomposing roles, augmenting capabilities with AI, and reassembling work around differentiated processes. Key topics include: Why AI should be treated as a value multiplier—not a strategy How data contextualization unlocks massive sensor environments The creation of data domain ownership across the enterprise Applying edge technology and AI to improve safety and reliability Why curiosity and reinvention define the future workforce

In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, Amanda Marlow sits down with CBIA policy chief Chris Davis to break down the start of the 2026 General Assembly Session, Gov. Ned Lamont's State of the State address, key legislative proposals, and what business leaders—especially small businesses—should be watching closely in the weeks ahead. The episode also features highlights from a conversation between Davis and a bipartisan panel of lawmakers that included Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford),  Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), Rep. Jack Fazzino (D-Berlin), and Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-East Granby) at CBIA's Jan. 29 Economic Summit + Outlook. Episode Highlights, Topics What's New in the 2026 Legislative Session Overview of early session priorities and the Lamont's budget proposals Why a proposal to extend R&D tax credits to pass-through entities could boost investment, job growth, and business retention in Connecticut Concerns about Lamont's proposal to pay for a one-time rebate for families making under $400,000 Legislative proposal eliminates the sales tax on energy costs for small businesses Support for proposals to lower healthcare costs including a renewed pus for Association Health Plans and support for tax credits tied to ICHRA health benefit accounts Efforts to expand workforce readiness and career pipeline programs Highlights from Legislative Panel Lawmakers' views on affordability: healthcare, childcare, housing, and higher education Workforce transportation including first-mile/last-mile and microtransit solutions The importance of trades, manufacturing careers, and early exposure for students Headlines You May Have Missed Environmental permitting reform proposals Labor committee bills resurfacing from past sessions New data on Connecticut's labor force and population trends The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you'd like to hear from by emailing bizcast@cbia.com.

So you're happy to see your business in a rural community expanding, BUT, where will your new employees live? For many rural communities it's not just about the cost or quality, it's about availability at all. Stephanie Hoff finds out about how some communities are approaching the challenge. John W. Miller, president and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. says they're rethinking rural housing. Miller says Wisconsin is facing significant demographic shifts and a labor shortage that hits rural areas particularly hard. Workforce development fails without a three-legged stool: a willing business, a trained employee, and a place for that employee to live. Affordable housing is identified as the single biggest hurdle to attracting and retaining residents in rural Wisconsin. Private developers struggle to get commercial loans for small-scale, low-margin projects, making state support a necessary vessel. Communities have a strong emotional attachment to old schools, banks, and libraries, making them prime targets for redevelopment and a source of pride for the town. WEDC promotes "second-story housing" to keep downtowns vital and businesses supported by nearby foot traffic. Building downtown is often more efficient because the water, sewer, and road systems are already in place, but older buildings often have "hidden surprises" and code compliance issues that make them more expensive to renovate than building new. WEDC grants provide that final push to get the projects moving. Moving seniors into smaller, accessible downtown dwellings frees up larger family homes for the incoming workforce. Winter weather advisories are back in our forecast. Stu Muck says there is a good chance we'll see an accumulation of snow by the time we get midway through the weekend. The third annual "Wisconsin Best Burger" contest is underway. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the WI Beef Council tells Pam Jahnke that she's already been fielding calls from people ready to offer up their favorites. Meanwhile her staff's organizing 4 regional direct marketing workshops for producers that want to work directly with consumers. All of the details on both events are found at beeftips.com. Paid for by Equity Cooperative Livestock. A Wisconsin farm equipment manufacturer is sharing mini versions of their real thing. Troy Meyer, from Meyer Manufacturing, said they started making toy versions of their livestock equipment in 3-D printing. Now they've moved to die-cast and he explains why they did it. Friday is the next USDA milk production report and the market is ready for some big numbers. Cody Koster, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. While there's been a little uptick in cheese prices, it's been largely driven by this week's global dairy trade. Koster says with the USDA report slated to be released on Friday after the close, Monday's open could be bloody red. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you probably know, there have been changes to how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate is calculated and many in the ag workforce say that's a good thing. But is there more?

On today's episode of the Illumination by Modern Campus podcast, podcast host Shauna Cox was joined by Keith Paul to discuss how institutions can leverage Workforce Pell as both a funding driver and marketing advantage to position short-term credentials and apprenticeships as trusted pathways to lasting career mobility.

Washington Wednesday on Marco Rubio's Munich address, World Tour on Bangladesh's general election, and America's shrinking agricultural workforce. Plus, Janie B. Cheaney on AI that writes its own code, a delivery bot miscalculates, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Dordt University, where the MSN–Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for Christ-centered, family-focused care. Dordt.eduFrom Ridge Haven Camp in North Carolina and Iowa. Summer Camp registration open now at ridgehaven.orgAnd from Pensacola Christian College. Academic excellence, biblical worldview, affordable cost. go.pcci.edu/world

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what continues to motivate Dr. Ford to make Northeast bigger and better each year. Reflecting on his many years at the college, Ford shares how he's developed a deep sense of ownership and pride in the institution and its mission. His passion stems from a clear goal — to uplift a diverse student body by ensuring success across every area of campus life. Ford explains how Northeast's strength lies in its comprehensive approach to education, from academic transfer degrees (AA) to career and technical (AAS), workforce training, and adult education programs. Each initiative is designed to help students reach their potential and prepare for the future. He also highlights Northeast's commitment to remaining an inclusive institution of higher learning, where every student feels supported and valued on their educational journey. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Show Notes In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise welcomes Andrew Ratchford, Vice President at Site Selection Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on how the role of economic developers is rapidly expanding—and what that means for communities trying to compete for investment and jobs. As a proud partner of the Site Selectors Guild, Develop This! continues its mission of connecting economic developers with the site selection profession. This episode reflects that shared commitment: helping communities better understand how projects are evaluated and what it truly takes to deliver results. Andrew explains how the pandemic accelerated a shift away from traditional economic development toward a more holistic model—one that now includes housing, childcare, workforce readiness, placemaking, sustainability, and risk management as essential components of successful projects. Rather than simply providing data and incentives, communities are now judged on their ability to execute: align stakeholders, solve infrastructure challenges, and create environments where companies and talent want to stay. Key Takeaways Economic developers' roles are expanding far beyond traditional business attraction The pandemic reshaped priorities, forcing a stronger focus on supporting existing businesses Communities are evaluated on outcomes, not just information Housing and childcare have become critical site selection factors Transportation and infrastructure gaps can derail projects if not addressed early Stakeholder alignment is essential for project success Scarcity of resources is driving innovation in economic development strategies Placemaking is key to attracting and retaining talent Workforce strategies must evolve with changing industry needs Sustainability and risk management now play a central role in project evaluations About Andrew Ratchford Andrew Ratchford is Vice President at Site Selection Group, where he specializes in evaluating sites and infrastructure for developability, capacity, and long-term improvement potential. He manages complex requests for information (RFIs), coordinates site visits with clients and community partners, and develops strategic improvement plans to help communities become more investment-ready. Before joining Site Selection Group, Andrew built a diverse real estate and planning background across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. His experience includes: Nonprofit housing development managing federal grants and affordable housing projects Community and regional planning for Greenville County, South Carolina Multifamily development with Graycliff Capital Partners Site selection advisory services with Global Location Strategies With more than 13 years of experience, Andrew now focuses primarily on industrial assets and infrastructure, with a special interest in energy and brownfield redevelopment. His client work has included organizations such as Nacero, Georgia Pacific, Tennessee Valley Authority, Wisconsin Economic Development, CSX Railroad, BNSF Railroad, and Hoosier Energy. Andrew holds an MBA from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from North Greenville University. He is skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, GIS platforms, and PowerBI. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys playing electric and bass guitar, hiking, traveling, cheering on Clemson football, and perfecting his lawn care game while spending time outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dog.  

Manufacturers do not have a data problem. They have an execution gap. The dashboards exist. The reports are generated. The KPIs are reviewed. Yet too often, action stalls between insight and impact. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Zack Sosebee, SVP of Operations & Customer Success at Redzone, to explore what changes when data moves beyond visibility and into the hands of the people closest to the work.Zack shares a clear and practical vision of the connected workforce. Not as another layer of software. Not as another reporting system. But as a system of action. By giving frontline operators simple, real-time visibility through red, yellow, and green performance signals, manufacturers create clarity in the moment decisions are being made. That clarity builds accountability. And accountability drives results.What makes this approach powerful is its simplicity. Instead of overwhelming teams with endless metrics, Redzone focuses on a few meaningful signals that operators can influence hour by hour. When teams see performance in real time, they respond in real time. Maintenance is called sooner. Problems are escalated faster. Peer-to-peer competition becomes a positive force. Execution accelerates because ownership shifts to the frontline.But technology alone does not transform a factory. Coaching does. Zack explains how culture change happens when leaders reinforce new behaviors, close feedback loops, and respond quickly to issues raised by operators. When a long-tenured employee logs a safety concern and sees it fixed the same day, trust is built. When a retiring expert captures knowledge that strengthens the next generation, pride returns to the shop floor. These are not software wins. They are human wins.This conversation is a reminder that digital transformation is not about collecting more data. It is about empowering people to act with confidence and clarity. When operators think like supervisors and supervisors think like leaders, performance improves. More importantly, culture evolves. And in today's manufacturing environment, the companies that win will be the ones that move from reporting yesterday to deciding what happens next.Themes Discussed in This EpisodeWhat “connected workforce” really means in manufacturingWhy digital transformation often stalls at dashboardsOverall Equipment Effectiveness explained in simple termsRed, yellow, green real-time visibility on the shop floorCoaching vs training in culture changeTurning skeptics into championsEliminating paper logs and manual downtime reportingUsing simplicity to accelerate adoptionTechnology as an enabler of ownership, not oversightEmpowering operators to think like leadersFeatured GuestName: Zack SosebeeTitle: SVP Operations & Customer Success, RedzoneAbout: Zack is Senior VP of Operations & Customer Success at

What does it take to grow a third-generation family machine shop into a diversified, nearly 100-person operation pushing $20 million in revenue? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Zac Overton of Overton Industries to unpack the evolution of a business that started as a 900-square-foot carbide tooling shop in 1968 and grew into a multi-division manufacturing company spanning tool & die, contract CNC machining, high-speed stamping (300 million parts per year), and advanced tube forming automation systems. Zac shares how his grandfather's "lifestyle business" became something much bigger when the second generation stepped in unexpectedly and decided scale was the only path forward. We talk about diversification, leadership development, transparency with employees, workforce pipelines, and what it really takes to evolve from tool-and-die thinking into a continuous-improvement contract machining mindset. One of the most powerful takeaways is Zac's perspective on marketing. Overton has generated nearly $10 million in new business in the last five years directly attributable to strategic marketing investments. If you think marketing doesn't apply to manufacturing, this conversation might change your mind. This episode is a masterclass in multi-generational leadership, operational transition, and intentional growth.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:48) Overview of Overton Industries: tool & die, stamping, contract machining, and tube forming systems (4:55) The evolution of the tool & die business, carbide tooling, and high-speed stamping (8:22) It's time to gear up for IMTS 2026 — will you see us there? (10:13) Company size, revenue, and scaling toward $20M (10:56) How Zac's grandfather launched the business in 1968 (12:56) Taking a deep-dive into carbine compaction tooling (15:44) From lifestyle business to growth-focused enterprise (20:15) Zac's path into the business and why he had to earn his way in (25:31) Early sales lessons: curiosity, humility, and learning before selling (27:50) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing (30:01) Workforce development strategy and building long-term talent pipelines (34:37) Partnering with high schools, technical centers, and universities (37:34) Engaging younger students and creating early awareness of manufacturing careers (41:04) Financial transparency and communicating profitability to employees (44:45) Transitioning from tool & die thinking to contract machining optimization (49:08) Continuous improvement challenges and pushing cycle time efficiency (58:00) Growing leaders internally and creating upward career paths (1:03:35) Why marketing has driven over $10M in new business (1:07:38) Qualified hires chosen by industry experts: HireMFGLeaders.com (1:08:21) Brand positioning: shifting from "Everyman" to high-tech leader (1:10:47) Where to connect with Zac and learn more about Overton Industries Resources & People Mentioned It's time to gear up for IMTS 2026 — will you see us there?  Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing Qualified hires chosen by industry experts: HireMFGLeaders.com Connect with Zac OVerton Overton Industries Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

In this episode of the Workforce 4.0 podcast, host Ann Wyatt engages with Sadiq Panjwani, SVP of Machine Vision Cameras Group at Teledyne FLIR, to discuss the transformative impact of machine vision and automation in manufacturing. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, the rise of physical AI, the importance of human-robot collaboration, and the evolving skill sets required for the future workforce. Sadiq emphasizes the need for empathy and agility in organizations to successfully integrate new technologies and retain talent. The conversation also touches on the significance of interoperability and standardization in manufacturing processes. In This Episode:-00:00: Introduction to Machine Vision and Manufacturing-00:30: Welcoming Sadiq Panjwani, Teledyne-04:51: Breaking Down The Future Of Automation And Manufacturing-09:39: The Rise Of Physical AI and Human-Robot Collaboration-14:31: AI In Manufacturing: Unpacking The Timeline Shift-19:02: Connecting The Data Dots In Real Time-28:30: Uncovering Generational Challenges For Most Legacy Manufacturers-31:37: Closing Thoughts And Point of Contact-32:30: Workforce 4.0 OutroMore About Sadiq:Sadiq Panjwani has extensive work experience in various leadership roles within prominent companies. Sadiq currently serves as the Vice President and General Manager of the Machine Vision Cameras Group at Teledyne FLIR, where he has helped lead the global business division for integrated imaging solutions. Before joining Teledyne, Sadiq worked at GE, where he held several senior positions, including the Senior Commercial Director at GE Digital. Above all, Sadiq is committed to delivering decisive action in responding to evolving customer needs, uncovering market trends and mobilizing resources to deliver best-in-class and cost-effective technology solutions. This includes designing and driving initiatives that increase productivity, competitive differentiation and customer engagement while reducing costs and creating disruptive strategies. To learn more about Sadiq, connect with him here.

"People don't leave companies. They leave their leader." Notable Moments [00:02:27] Is Customer Service Fading in Today's Workforce? [00:04:01] Why People Leave Leaders, Not Companies [00:08:56] Can You Build Service Culture During a Staffing Crisis? [00:11:18] Why Leadership Stress Is Increasing [00:13:28] The Emotional Needs of Today's Workforce Leadership is getting harder. Expectations are rising, competition is global, technology is accelerating, and employee needs are changing. In this episode, Lee Cockerell explains why great customer service starts with how leaders treat their people. Turnover, morale, and performance often trace back to one factor: leadership. If you want people to stay, perform, and care, you have to give them a reason to. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources CockerellStore.com The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Jody Maberry Travel Guidance Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.    

In this episode, Emily Moorhead, President of the Macomb Market at Henry Ford Health, shares how she is leading operational and workforce stabilization amid rapid growth and industry headwinds. She discusses financial sustainability, staff engagement, patient safety, and making disciplined decisions to support long-term access, trust, and community-centered care.

As many polytechs and private training establishments crank back into gear for the year, how is the shape of trades training changing?

In this episode, Emily Moorhead, President of the Macomb Market at Henry Ford Health, shares how she is leading operational and workforce stabilization amid rapid growth and industry headwinds. She discusses financial sustainability, staff engagement, patient safety, and making disciplined decisions to support long-term access, trust, and community-centered care.

In the first part of this two-episode series on the tombs of the tomb builders, host Stephanie Rice journeys beyond the iconic monuments of the Giza Plateau to explore the long-overlooked settlement of the pyramid workers.Often overshadowed by the Great Pyramids themselves, the massive wall known as Heit el-Ghurab, aka the “Wall of the Crow”, once concealed the remains of a thriving community. Ongoing excavations have revealed barracks, bakeries, administrative buildings, and, most importantly, carefully constructed cemeteries that challenge long-standing myths about enslaved labor or alien technologies.This episode examines the archaeological evidence for a socially stratified yet respected workforce: laborers buried in modest but well-built tombs, artisans interred higher on the hillside, and even small mastabas and pyramids constructed for workers. Through burial architecture, grave goods, and settlement remains, we uncover a story not of disposable bodies, but of skilled Egyptians who brought their regional traditions with them in life and in death.Offline Sources Cited:David, A. Rosalie (editor). 1996. The Pyramid Builders of Ancient Egypt: A Modern Investigation of Pharaoh's Workforce. Routledge, London New York.Forshaw, Roger. Trauma Care, Surgery and Remedies in Ancient Egypt: A Reassessment.Lehner, Mark. 2015. Labor and the Pyramids: The Heit El-Ghurab “Workers Town” at Giza. In , pp. 397–522.Lehner, Mark. 2023. Combinatorial Evolution and Heterogeneous Cohabitation at the Giant Pyramids. Journal of Urban Archaeology 8:21–46.Steinkeller, Piotr, and Michael Hudson. 2015. Labor in the Ancient World: A Colloquium Held at Hirschbach (Saxony), April 2005. International Scholars Conference on Ancient Near Eastern Economies No. volume 5. ISLET, Dresden.TranscriptsFor transcripts of this episode head over to: https://archpodnet.com/tpm/31LinksThe Past Macabre Research Notes on SubstackSee photos related to episode topics on InstagramLoving the macabre lore? Treat your host to a coffee!Website | The Giza Plateau Mapping ProjectWebsite | Information about the worker's cemetery at Heit al-Ghurab from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and AntiquitiesArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textIn this epsiode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Angela Carter, a board member of ABC Carolinas and a leader at Metcon Building and Infrastructure. Angela shares her 30 years of experience in construction, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, leadership, mentorship, and accountability in building successful teams. She highlights her work in business development, community partnerships, and workforce development, including the RISE Academy initiative. Angela also discusses Metcon's impressive growth under her strategic guidance, underscoring the value of intentional leadership and team engagement. Listeners are encouraged to pursue careers in construction, and Angela offers her contact information for those interested in learning more.Sponsored by: Groundbreak CarolinasSupport the show

How do you know whether your company's culture is happening by accident or being intentionally designed? That's the challenge we explore in this episode of Do Good to Lead Well, as I sit down with culture architects James D. White and Krista White, co-authors of the USA Today bestseller “Culture Design.”James and Krista share why now, more than ever, leaders can't afford to leave culture to chance. Their advice springs from decades of practical experience: culture isn't a poster on the wall—it's what people do when no one is looking.In a thought-provoking and engaging conversation, they answer timely questions from the audience including: How do you diagnose the real health of your culture? Can values become more than just “word salad?” What about the unique pressures of remote work, generational differences, or legacy cultures stuck in old patterns?Through stories and concrete examples, James and Krista reveal what organizations can actually do. They talk about running “archaeological digs” through interviews and surveys, turning employee feedback into actionable strategy, and the power of empathy. They explain how and why leaders should “listen with heart,” make time for micro-moments of connection, and value small steps over perfection.Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is that designing culture is ongoing work. It's about ensuring that how you operate matches what you say you value and having the courage to change, with empathy, when your organization needs it most.What You'll Learn- Culture is always there – whether you design it or not.- The importance of closing the “say-do” gap.- Empathy is a leadership superpower.- How to design your culture for both stability and change.- Why you want your values to be actionable and personal.- The key role of middle managers in fostering culture.- Honor the past, but don't cling to it.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - The Inspiration and Meaning Behind "Culture Design"(05:47) - Intentional Culture: Design vs. Default(07:17) - Diagnosing Organizational Culture(16:00) - The Future Back Approach in Leadership(18:37) - Values: From Performative to Impactful(22:21) - Organizational vs. Individual Resilience(25:47) - Empathy as a Leadership Foundation(33:00) - Generational and Hybrid Workforce Dynamics(43:37) - Measuring, Supporting, and Sustaining Culture ChangeKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Culture Design, Organizational Culture, Empathy, Resilience, Values, Change Management, Transformational Leadership, Inclusion, Organizational Stability, Leading with Integrity, Rituals, Future-back Methodology, Cross-generational Workforce, Remote Work, Hybrid work, Employee Engagement, AI adoption, Feedback Loops, Legacy Culture, CEO Success