The Manufacturing Executive

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 Despite their importance in passing expertise from veterans to new hires, most work instructions are outdated, manual, and hard to keep current – often putting entire production lines at risk.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 today’s conversation, you'll hear from CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Pete Connolly. Pete has spent over 40 years navigating the manufacturing landscape – from running divisions at a global defense company to leading a statewide organization dedicated to empowering small and midsize manufacturers. He’ll break down what the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network actually does, and why it’s so critical – especially in the face of workforce shortages, shifting supply chains and the ongoing challenge of keeping manufacturing jobs close to home. You’ll also hear how creative workforce programs, hands-on training tours, and targeted support are shaping the next generation of industry talent.

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.

In today’s conversation, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, John Loyack, will use the success of his home state to illustrate what it takes to become a thriving manufacturing hub today. You’ll hear why the workforce itself must be treated as critical infrastructure – every bit as important as roads or utilities. We'll dig into what’s driving major companies to choose certain locations over others, and how customized training solutions and leadership development programs arecontributing to those decisions. And for those unsure of where to start, you’ll get practical advice for tapping into state-level support you might not even know exists.

From a global pandemic to kick off this decade to the tariff rollercoaster of 2025, recent history has created plenty of reasons for American manufacturers to assemble a base of credible, responsive suppliers right here in North America. In today's conversation, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, Mike Wynn, will discuss why purchasing teams – often accustomed to low-cost overseas sourcing – find themselves navigating this unfamiliar territory in today's manufacturing environment. He'll share details about his organization's process for rapidly identifying and vetting potential suppliers, explain why understanding stakeholder needs up front is critical, and spell out some of the characteristics that makes a supplier truly stand out (or get quickly weeded out).

Mark Reich, a senior coach at Lean Enterprise Institute and a former Toyota expert, delves into Hoshin Kanri, a strategic planning method for fostering alignment in organizations. He shares his insights on the disconnect between strategy and reality, highlighting the pitfalls companies face. The conversation emphasizes the need for transforming company culture and developing accountability among leaders. Reich illustrates how empowering teams and maintaining open communication can drive genuine change, transforming stagnant company visions into actionable goals.