The Manufacturing Executive

Friddy Hoegener, Co-founder and President of Scope Recruiting, specializes in sourcing supply chain talent. He discusses the role of AI in recruiting, emphasizing its benefits for note-taking and sourcing, while cautioning against its use in interviews where human judgment is vital. Friddy highlights common hiring pitfalls and introduces the concept of candidate scorecards to ensure alignment and effective evaluations. He underscores the complexities of culture fit and the importance of personal touch in the recruiting process.

How do you take a boring product in a declining industry and build a powerhouse business around it, all while refusing outside funding? In this conversation, Chairman and CEO of TerraSlate, Kyle Ewing talks through the gritty and sometimes unconventional principles behind his business model – from demanding prepayments, to mastering cold calls, to holding cash reserves. The result? A playbook for profitability and growth when everyone else says it can’t be done.

Relocating manufacturing operations from Asia to Mexico isn’t just about a change in location. It’s a bold strategy shift for manufacturers seeking greater control and speed. In this conversation, CEO of Tinker Tin, Matt Hannula, will explore everything from cultural differences to quality control to legal hurdles. And he'll share actionable insights for any manufacturing leaders considering the move.

Imagine assembling a complex product with only scattered notes and fading tribal knowledge to guide you. In this conversation, we're talking about manufacturing work instructions. Despite their importance in passing expertise from veterans to new hires, most work instructions are outdated, manual, and hard to keep current – often putting entire production lines at risk. My guest, Founder and President of Dirac, Fil Aronshtein, will explain why modernizing work instructions matters, and how new tools are helping manufacturers improve how they build.

A widening gap exists between industrial robot deployment in the US and China, even as American manufacturers grapple with rising labor costs and persistent worker shortages. So why does the adoption of domestic manufacturing automation adoption lag behind – especially among small and medium-sized businesses? And what are the real barriers holding them back? In this conversation, Co-Founder and CEO of Peer Robotics, Rishabh Agarwal, will discuss practical, brownfield automation solutions that don’t require massive facility overhauls. And he'll spotlight resources and new pricing models designed to lower the barriers to entry.

Today's guest, entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader Radhika Dutt, will challenge a core business belief that many of us have probably held for years – that traditional goal-setting frameworks like OKRs, KPIs, or SMART goals, are the surest path to performance and progress. In fact, she'll argue that focusing so intently on numbers and targets can actually backfire. So what instead then? In this episode, you'll learn about an alternative approach rooted in curiosity, problem-solving, and genuine learning over performance theater. This approach introduces practical ways to encourage creativity, foster real collaboration, and drive change – whether you’re leading a factory floor or reimagining what effective leadership looks like.

Karan Talati, CEO of First Resonance, shares insights on the integration of AI agents in manufacturing. He discusses the real-world applications of AI in inventory management and quality control, highlighting their ability to streamline processes and reduce errors. Talati emphasizes the importance of human-AI collaboration, revealing how this tech can free up human workers for more complex tasks. He also reflects on the transformative impact of AI in industries like aerospace, where data-driven approaches are reshaping traditional operations.

In this conversation with Pete Connolly, CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, listeners gain insight into the challenges faced by small manufacturers. With over 40 years in the industry, Pete discusses the critical role of the MEP network amid workforce shortages and regulatory hurdles. He shares innovative training initiatives and partnerships that are shaping the future workforce. Success stories highlight how targeted support can lead to substantial growth, addressing supply chain challenges while advocating for essential funding in the sector.

What separates high-performing engineering teams from the rest? In this conversation, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, Aaron Moncur, will talk about the often overlooked drivers of engineering success, from the power of clear communication to the role of psychological safety and trust within teams. He'll explain why technical expertise alone isn’t enough to thrive, and how practical things – like choosing a phone call over an email or empowering engineers to act independently – can make all the difference. We’ll also discuss how engineering education is evolving beyond traditional degrees, with innovative ways for professionals to learn, connect, and grow.

In this engaging discussion, Kendra DeKeyrel, Vice President of Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, reveals how AI is transforming manufacturing. She discusses AI's role in real-time defect detection and optimizing field service. Kendra also explores the concept of autonomous AI agents that can streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Listeners will gain practical insights on overcoming data challenges and preparing for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into asset management.