Workforce 4.0

Veterans are a valuable and often overlooked talent pipeline in manufacturing. Yet, when it comes to hiring strategic thinkers that are focused on taking action on completing a plan, veterans oftentimes know how to get things done. In this episode, Bobby Cain, CIO of Schneider Electric North America, shares insights on veteran hiring, workforce development, and building inclusive corporate culture...

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...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0 host, Ann Wyatt, interviews friend, Matt Puchalski, founder of Bucket Robotics. Since launching his robotics start up, Bucket Robotics in 2024, Matt has been on a personal mission to give quality operators more time to focus on production challenges and less time inspecting for defects. Join these two as they discuss Matt's journey in the robotics and manufacturing...

In this episode of the Workforce 4.0 podcast, host Ann Wyatt interviews Suzanne Soper and Doug Beck from Schneider Electric at the 2025 Schneider Innovation Summit. They discuss the importance of technology for the future of work, but also on the importance of hiring veterans, career pathing in the tech industry, and the significance of building a strong company culture. The guests share insights...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Mark Yahiro, Vice President of Business Development from RealSense about the intersection of AI, robotics, and the future of work. They discuss the importance of understanding the true costs of automation, the role of safety in robotics, and how AI can enhance efficiency in manufacturing. Mark shares innovative use cases of RealSense tec...

If there is anyone passionate about automation and people in this industry, it has to be the Vice President of FerRobotics, Michael Haas. And in this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Michael about the transformative impact of automation on the manufacturing industry. They discuss the evolution (and history) of automation technology, the importance of workforce education, and th...

Welcome to Season 11 of Workforce 4.0 and this week we are ringing the new year in with a bang as host Ann Wyatt speaks with Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director or the Manufacturing Institute. This week, Carolyn and Ann discuss the current state of the manufacturing workforce, the impact of technology, and the importance of bridging the skills gap. They also share experiences and the pow...

In this special bonus episode of Workforce 4.0, Ann Wyatt interviews Agustin Lopez Diaz, a Senior leader at Schneider Electric, discussing the future of work, the role of AI in supply chain management, and the importance of resilience and flexibility in today's manufacturing landscape. They explore how technology is transforming the supply chain, the challenges smaller companies face in adopting A...

In this week's season 10 finale, Ann Wyatt sits down with , Patrick Tobin, President of Han-Tek, for a conversation that shares insights about his journey in the automation industry, the importance of company culture, and the role of technology in enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. Patrick emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals with the right attitude and aptitude, adapting to c...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer at the ARM Institute about the critical role of workforce development in the robotics and manufacturing sectors. They discuss innovative training platforms, the importance of aligning skills with job market needs, and the challenges of bridging the skills gap. Lisa shares insights on how job see...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, Ann Wyatt interviews Hendrik Stoltz, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics (or AIR). They discuss Hendrik's journey from South Africa to the USA, his experiences in the robotics industry, and the importance of cultural transformation within organizations. The conversation delves into the challenges of acquisitions, the significance of employee retention, and the fu...

In this episode, Ann Wyatt and Kevin Bowers discuss the current challenges facing the manufacturing industry, particularly the impact of tariffs and other economic factors during the fourth quarter of 2025. They explore the importance of data collection through surveys, the implications of Section 232 tariffs, and the ongoing job losses in manufacturing. The conversation emphasizes the need for sm...

Have you ever walked into a store and wondered "how is this store out of of the product that I need?" In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Jaimie Horstman, Director of Demand and Forecasting at Procter & Gamble. They discuss the critical role of data in supply chain management, consumer behavior during crises, and the importance of predictive insights. Jaimie shares her...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Frank Gibson from the North Central Ohio Region Manufacturing Workforce Alliance about the intricacies of workforce development. They discuss the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, the evolution of workforce strategies, and the critical role of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce. Frank shares insights on...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Christelle Keefer from ABB about the critical role of education in preparing the next generation for careers in robotics and automation. They discuss the importance of teachers, the challenges in robotics education, and the need for hands-on experiences for students. Christelle shares inspiring stories of students and emphasizes the need...

In this conversation, Ann Wyatt and Jeremiah Llewellyn discuss the multifaceted aspects of working at Horn USA, focusing on marketing, technology, and the importance of people in the business. They explore how technology enhances workforce collaboration, the unique skills developed at Horn, and the significance of passing down knowledge in the manufacturing industry. Additionally, they highlight t...

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and be 8 years old again? Or even relive your first plant tour? In this engaging episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews her son Phoenix, who shares his experiences and insights about his recent visit to Horn USA. The conversation covers Phoenix's interests, his impressions of the manufacturing world, and the importance of safety and quality i...

In this episode, Ann Wyatt interviews John Piller, a seasoned expert in automation and controls, who shares his journey from working in a corporate environment to starting his own consulting business. The conversation delves into the importance of workforce development, the role of Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) in supporting small manufacturers, and John's passion for teaching the ne...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Scott Gauvin, an operations and strategy consultant with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing. They discuss the importance of respect for people in improving company culture, the challenges organizations face in cultural transformation, and the psychological principles that underpin effective workplace interactions. Scott shares...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Clay Martin, founder of Isla Talent , a recruiting company focused on connecting job seekers from Puerto Rico with manufacturing companies in need of labor. They discuss the challenges of labor shortages, the importance of bridging cultural gaps, and the evolving landscape of recruitment in the manufacturing sector. Clay shares insights...

This conversation delves into the innovative manufacturing processes at Horn, highlighting the importance of collaboration, customer relationships, and adaptability in the tooling industry. The speakers share their experiences and insights on how Horn's commitment to quality and rapid delivery sets them apart in a competitive market. They discuss the significance of continuous improvement and the...

In this episode of the Workforce 4.0 podcast, host Ann Wyatt interviews Carrie Giles, National President of ACTE, about the critical work in pipeline talent development. They discuss the importance of bridging the skills gap in the manufacturing industry, the significance of soft skills, and how partnerships between employers and educational institutions can enhance career and technical education...

How do we leverage MEPs and Labor Data in helping us at accelerating the up-skilling of our manufacturing workforce? In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Molly Lenty, COO of Vessel, about the critical role of workforce development in manufacturing. They discuss the importance of labor market information, the challenges of workforce deficits, and the need for collaboration a...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Josh Ebert, Curriculum Development Manager at A3 Association for Advancing Automation. Ann and Josh go in depth about the evolving landscape of educational content and its impact on workforce development. They discuss, at length, the importance of on-demand learning, the shift in perceptions around career technical education, and the nee...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews Michael Maxwell, the operations manager at Horn USA. They discuss the unique digital processes that enable Horn as a major player in customized tooling manufacturing and provide a blueprint for moving forward in Industry 4.0. They also discuss the origin story of Horn GmbH and Horn USA, the importance of open source solutions to process o...