Workforce 4.0

Welcome to a special episode of Workforce 4.0 as your host, Ann Wyatt shares conversations from behind the scenes of the 2025 Automate Show in Detroit, MI. This conversation explores the critical themes of workforce development in manufacturing, the impact of technology and automation, gender dynamics in STEM fields, and the future of work. Ann Wyatt meets this week's special guests to discuss the...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with longtime mentor and client, Bryan Clarity, VP of HR at Assa Abloy Entrance Systems. They discuss the importance of Human Resources in manufacturing, the impact of technology and automation on job roles, challenges in workforce training and development, and effective recruitment strategies in a competitive labor market. Bryan shares in...

In this conversation, Ann Wyatt interviews Ken Macken, founder of Worker Labs, discussing the evolution of manufacturing, the challenges of workforce recruitment, and the future of jobs in the industry. Ken shares insights on the need for engaging work, the importance of technology in removing mundane tasks, and the vision behind his company aimed at making robotics more accessible. He emphasizes...

In this conversation, Kence Anderson, Founder and CEO of Composable sits down with host, Ann Wyatt, to discusses the critical role of AI in manufacturing. From the looming retirement crisis to the critical need for preserving tribal knowledge, Kence shares why AI, machine teaching, and innovative workforce training are more essential than ever. He highlights how manufacturers can empower engineers...

In this conversation, Ann Wyatt interviews John Robinson, founder of Bits To Atoms, about the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly in talent acquisition and the impact of automation. John shares insights on the skills needed in the industry, the disconnect between education and workforce requirements, and innovative training solutions that align with market needs....

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Anne Wyatt engages with the junior board of directors, Peyton and Aiden, discussing their experiences and excitement for the upcoming Automate 2025 event. The conversation explores their interests in robotics, 3D printing, and their aspirations in welding, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in manufacturing and STEM fields. In this engaging conv...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Scott Silknitter, VP of Strategy at Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. about the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of positivity, and navigating the changing landscape of manufacturing. They discuss strategies for near-shoring and re-shoring, the significance of building partnerships, and the need for tailored training to address the sk...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball, about the evolving landscape of workforce development. Mark emphasizes the significance of understanding employees' personal challenges and passions, advocating for a shift from an enterprise-centric to a people-centric mindset. The conversation also highlights the impact of nonprofits in supporting workfo...

Manufacturing is back and according to this week's podcast guest, Filip Aronshtein, CoFounder of Dirac, it's time to get back to building great things. On this season finale of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Fil to discuss the future of American manufacturing and Fil's mission to revolutionize the way that we leverage CAD. Fil shares his journey from electrical engineering and roboti...

Wouldn't it be great to have a central point of reference for Manufacturing Events and Manufacturing Voices in a decentralized world? Chris Stevens, Founder of Manufacturing Media certainly thought so and in this episode of Workforce 4.0, Chris sits down with host Ann Wyatt to share his new platform with other manufacturing leaders. During this episode, Chris also share his journey from high schoo...

What does piloting Apache helicopters and the future of work have in common? On this episode of Workforce 4.0, your host, Ann Wyatt sits down with former military Pilot and now Founder, Craig Coyle to discuss how his experience in the military is shaping the way that we engage the frontline workforce. Craig shares his extensive background, from flying Apaches in the U.S. Army to working in aerospa...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Vlad Romanoff, co-host of Manufacturing Hub and Managing Partner of JolTek, to discuss the evolving landscape of manufacturing careers. Vlad shares his journey from electrical engineering to content creation, emphasizing the importance of technical education and networking. Throughout this episode, Ann and Vlad delve into the challeng...

The future of work is electric! And in this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt welcomes Luis Narvaez, Factory Automation Marketing Specialist at Siemens, to discuss the latest advancements in industrial automation technology. Luis delves into the release of the new S7 1200 Gen 2 PLC from Siemens with enhanced features focused on safety, flexibility, and ease of use. Most importantly, Ann and...

What makes a brand memorable? And what does that have to do with not only selling a product- but recruiting top talent? On this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Emily Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal to discuss actionable ways that manufacturing companies can reach their target audience and their targeted talent. This conversation also touches on the importance an...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0 , host Ann Wyatt converses with Mark Beckmann, Director of Manufacturing Industry Solutions at Microsoft, to explore the evolving role of AI in manufacturing and its transformative potential. This episode offers some great insight into practical applications of AI with a special emphasis on the concept of AI Agency as a growing trend for companies heading into 2025...

In this highly anticipated season opener of Workforce 4.0 , host Ann Wyatt sits down with Kevin Bowers, Vice President of Research at AMT, to explore the years hottest trends shaping the manufacturing landscape in 2025. This insightful discussion provides valuable perspectives for anyone in the manufacturing industry seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Join us as Kevin shares his...

In this season finale episode of Workforce 4.0, join your host, Ann Wyatt as she sits down with Co-Founder of TW Controls, Amber Wilborne. During this light hearted and inspiring conversation, Amber shares her journey of being a bona fide girl boss and reflects on critical ways that the manufacturing industry has evolved over the past few decades. Amber also shares some impactful lessons and insig...

Raise your hand if you've ever felt victimized by job boards and boring job descriptions! We know a certain recruiter that sure has and on this episode of Workforce 4.0, join Ann Wyatt as she sits down with Alison Danielsen, CEO of Tallo , to discuss the platform's innovative approach to connecting job seekers and students with career opportunities. They delve into the unique data structure of Tal...

What valuable insights can be gained from "people data?" In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host, Ann Wyatt, sits down with the DE&I and Cultural Strategist of Philly Shipyard, Sophie Bierly, to take a closer look at how diversity in manufacturing is effecting everything from the products that we make to the people that buy them. Join them as they discuss the challenges of capturing and leverag...

From working his way up in a machine shop out of high school to advising companies on the best methods for training their workforce for the era of Industry 4.0, this week's guest on Workforce 4.0 has done it all! Join host, Ann Wyatt, as she sits down with the Executive Director of NIMS, Montez King to share his passion for workforce development in manufacturing. During this interview, Montez shar...

How do we make technology more accessible to our frontline manufacturing workforce? In this episode of Workforce 4.0, your host Ann Wyatt sits down with the Founder of Team Engine, Carlos Del Pozo as they talk shop on the importance of enabling and empowering your frontline workforce through technology. As the Founder of a small business and former military veteran, Carlos and Ann take a deep dive...

If there is one person in the manufacturing influencing community that knows how to make some noise- it's certainly Eddie Saunders! As one of the most authentic people on your social feeds, Eddie catches up with friend (and show host), Ann Wyatt during a truly fun conversation about the impact of authenticity. For years, Eddie has acted as a Creative Director and now owns his own marketing firm, S...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews prominent manufacturing leader, Ashleigh Walters on lessons discovered through Ashleigh's book, "Leading with Grit and Grace." As these two southern girls unpack what it means to simultaneously "have grit and lead with grace," listeners of the show will learn more about the powerful impact that thoughtful leadership has on key topics such...

As a former tennis instructor, Devin Leonard never imagined pre-pandemic that he would be working for a major systems integrator in the manufacturing industry. Fast forward to 2024, Devin now oversees Sales for the entire Southeastern United States for Igus Inc. In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt sits down with Devin to talk about his own career journey and how Igus is providing prev...

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt interviews Travis Miller, President of Miller Resource Group. They discuss Travis's unexpected journey from broadcast journalism to leading a family-owned executive search firm specializing in industrial technology, manufacturing, robotics, and automation. Travis shares insights on workforce development, rebranding manufacturing careers, the importa...