The Manufacturing Executive

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical bottlenecks in the electrification revolution: batteries.
With the rapid explosion of AI and the data centers powering it, the strain on our power grid has never been greater.
Yet, beneath the surface, few realize just how challenging and intricate battery manufacturing really is – in a world where chemistry is king, precision is everything, and the tiniest defect can derail an entire product line.
My guest today, President and COO of Sakuu, unpacks why battery limitations dictate the lifespan of everything from EVs to smartphones, and what true innovation in manufacturing means for reshoring production and overcoming global cost barriers.

In this conversation, Founder and CEO of Vention, Etienne Lacroix, points to two fast-moving trends that are impacting manufacturing: the growth of “physical AI,” which brings autonomy to machines on the factory floor, and the real-world impact of software-defined automation.
In this episode, you’ll hear what’s actually working with these technologies, and what still falls short.
We’ll get into the specific tasks AI handles well, the practicalities of implementation and ROI and what manufacturing leaders should expect in the near future as AI adoption accelerates across production environments.

In today’s conversation, we dive into what it takes for digital adoption to take root in the manufacturing sector. More specifically, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, Bryce Carpenter, will tell you how state-level organizations like Conexus are stepping up to support manufacturers of all sizes, why simply chasing the latest technology rarely works and how we need to focus first on solving real business problems and aligning workforce for change.

President & CEO of Vista Metals, Kelly Thomas leads her manufacturing organization with a different mindset – thinking in decades rather than quarters. In this episode, she'll tell you how building for the long term impacts company culture, strengthens resilience and prepares teams for industry shocks. She’ll share real-world lessons in leading through uncertainty, from adapting to global market changes to investing in people – even in tough times.

We hear a lot about reshoring these days. But bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
In today's conversation, CEO at Parsec Automation, Eddy Azad, will talk about the real-world complexities and strategic decisions manufacturers face when considering reshoring.
He'll offer his perspective on where reshoring actually makes sense, why manufacturing leaders need to think beyond cost alone and how innovation and technology can play a crucial role.