Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings: Smarter Problem Solving for Complex Manufacturing w/ Radhika Dutt
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.
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AI Agents and Humans: The Future of Factory Teams w/ Karan Talati
Imagine a factory floor where specialized AI agents tackle real manufacturing roles – from inventory planning to quality inspection, each with their own set of tasks and responsibilities.
Today, CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance, Karan Talati, will dig into the practical side of agentic AI: how these intelligent systems are moving beyond theory to fill very specific job functions inside modern factories.
You’ll hear concrete examples of how AI agents can streamline workflows, reduce costly errors, and even help human teams focus on higher value work.
We’ll also look ahead at what it means to build, deploy, and organize a factory workforce increasingly made up of both people and purpose-built artificial intelligence.
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MEP Impact: Empowering Small Manufacturers with Training, Partnerships and Advocacy w/ Pete Connolly
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.
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How Soft Skills Drive High-Impact Engineering Teams w/ Aaron Moncur
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.
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Agentic AI and the Future of Asset Lifecycle Management w/ Kendra DeKeyrel
In today's conversation, Vice President, Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, Kendra DeKeyrel, shares how AI is already making a difference on factory floors – from visual inspections that spot defects in real time to smart software that optimizes field service and work orders.
But what happens when AI can act autonomously, as an agent, linking workflows and amplifying productivity?
Kendra will share practical steps manufacturers can take to break through data and tool barriers, and offer a glimpse at a future where agentic AI and asset lifecycle management work seamlessly together.
On The Manufacturing Executive podcast, we’ll explore the strategies and experiences that are driving midsized manufacturers forward. You’ll hear conversations with passionate manufacturing leaders who have compelling stories to share about their successes and struggles. You’ll also hear interviews with B2B Sales and Marketing experts about what’s working on the business development front and how to make these ideas actionable. Episodes will feature topics related to industrial marketing and lead generation, manufacturing sales strategy, technology, and industrial sector innovation.
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