Disrupted Factory

AI is making output cheaper, faster and easier. So where does human value go next? In this episode of The Disrupted Factory, I speak with Evan Schwartz about one of the most important shifts happening in business today: the move from output-based thinking to outcome-based thinking. We talked about why AI can produce more documents, more answers, more reports, more emails and more content than ever...

Why are hybrids outperforming expectations while so many automakers went all-in on EVs?  In this episode of Disrupted Factory, we unpack the biggest shifts reshaping the global automotive industry, from China’s rise and Europe’s growing pressure to India’s emergence as the next major automotive force. We explore why market value is increasingly driven by strategy, positioning, and narrative, not j...

In this conversation, Glenn Gardner joins us to unpack why so many digital transformation initiatives stall between executive dashboards and the factory floor. He explores the manufacturing strategy spectrum, from Lean pull systems to MRP-driven push environments, and explains why most plants operate somewhere in the messy middle. The discussion moves beyond theory into the practical trade-offs of...

Before the Tesla Model S redefined the industry, a team in Cape Town had already built the future. So why have you never heard of the Joule?  While Silicon Valley was in its infancy, South African engineers were solving the EV puzzle: 6-seat capacity, 180-mile range, and a modular interior designed for global export. In this episode of The Disrupted Factory, I sit down with Gerhard Swart, former C...

The Mr. Miyagi of LEAN brings his wisdom and teachings to our first LIVE podcast! In this episode of The Disrupted Factory, we sit down with Vitor Ferreira, the Mr. Miyagi of LEAN. After four decades across Michelin and Bridgestone, he’s trained more than 8,000 people and earned a reputation for cutting through noise with simple, practical truth. Vitor explains why the world’s best manufacturers,...

In this roundtable discussion at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, we unpack the future of mobility, the politics, the infrastructure challenges, and whether EV adoption makes sense for Africa right now. South Africa’s automotive component sector plays a vital role in keeping the country’s manufacturing economy moving. In this episode, we unpack the key takeaways from the NAACAM Show, where...

Right now, Africa is a dumping ground for second-hand imports, killing local industry, jobs, and growth. If every African country shut that tap tomorrow, our market could jump from 1 million to 3 million new vehicles a year — instantly. In part 2 of my conversation with Justin Barnes, we break down why Africa’s auto industry is stuck, what needs to change, and how countries like India and China bu...

In this candid and insightful episode of The Disrupted Factory, Yanesh speaks to industrial policy expert Justin Barnes about South Africa’s automotive industry, currently facing severe challenges. They discuss the consequences of weakening infrastructure, global trade shifts, and Nissan’s exit from the local market. Justin highlights gaps between government policies and industrial realities, expl...

A veteran of American manufacturing joins me in this episode of TheDisrupted Factory. Tim Stuart, founder of @VisualDecisions, takesus through how digital tools can supercharge Lean Six Sigma Withoutdrowning teams in admin work or checkbox culture. With decades of experience at Black & Decker, Cummins, andToyota, Tim shares straight-talking insights into what it really takes tomake smart manuf...

Lego, we all know what is does and have all played with it before. These basic building blocks allow ANYONE to create ANYHTING they can imagine.  Join me and Etienne Lacroix from @Vention as we discuss his “Legoify” approach to his global company. In our latest Disrupted Factory Podcast, Etienne discusses Vention’s early struggles, focusing on the need to connect the software design, material sour...

Learn how to tighten bolts so your wheels don't fall off! POWER tools are smarter than you think! In this episode of Disrupted Factory , we sit down with Jason Benford, the “Guru Of Tightening" from @Atlas Copco. Follow along as he shares his journey from automotive engineering to becoming a leading expert in bolt tightening. Discover how small changes in friction can DRAMATICALLY impact...

The Future With Manikantan NS & Tech Mahindra: From Bottom-Up Innovation to Real-World Transformation I'm thrilled to bring you this special episode that was recorded during my recent visit to India. It was truly an honour to share our India studio with Manikantan NS of tech Mahindra. He is Senior Vice President & Global Head of Manufacturing Vertical.  Manikantan is someone who has i...

Our discussion takes many interesting turns as Matthew shares his knowledge and insights on retro tech, the telecoms industry and the hot topic of cyber security. He feels quite strongly about this! Incorporating new tech into legacy hardware and machines is also his passion and I’ll be asking some controversial questions and getting his ‘European take’ on the always interesting MQTT vs OPC debate...

In this episode, we delve into the South African automotive component manufacturing sector with a special focus on policy, innovation, and the future of the industry. Our guest, Beth Dealtry, a policy expert from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), shares insights on the current state of automotive manufacturing, the importance of local content, and...

In this episode, we dive deep into the automotive industry's digital transformation, focusing on the strategic missteps and successes of major players like Ford and Tesla. Our guest, I4.0 Bad Boy Walker Reynolds, highlights a pivotal moment when Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, admitted that Tesla had outpaced them in digital innovation. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of having a...

In this episode , we dive deep into the world of immersive technologies with Jeremy Dalton, a leading voice in the field. From the history of VR and AR to the latest research findings, we explore the potential and challenges of these technologies. Join us as we discuss Jeremy's journey from auditor to author of a book on virtual reality, and how companies like Ford are using VR to reduce prod...

AI should be utilised as a problem-solving tool rather than for the mere sake of technology. This principle was underscored in this podcast episode focusing on the practical application of AI in manufacturing processes. Our guests from DataProphet emphasised the importance of first addressing real-world issues and then employing AI as a tool to effectively tackle those challenges. The journey of D...

In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) technology evolves at breakneck speed, reshaping every facet of human life, understanding its implications isn't just an advantage – it's a necessity.  In this episode , we're thrilled to present a critical discussion with tech visionary Ajit Gopalakrishnan that will redefine your perspective on AI, its burgeoning role in industry and educ...

This episode is dedicated to plant managers who stand at the forefront in navigating their manufacturing plants through the transformative waves of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As industries worldwide pivot towards smarter, more connected, and highly efficient manufacturing practices, understanding the synergy between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has never...

IN THIS EPISODE We had the pleasure of speaking with Pieter du Plessis, the CEO of Atlantis Foundries. Pieter shared his journey from aspiring to be the best foundry man to leading a major manufacturing company.  We delved into how Atlantis Foundries has practically adopted AI to drastically reduce defects, achieving an impressive three months of zero scrap in Detroit. Pieter emphasised that AI is...

In this bonus episode, TECH | PEOPLE | TALK co-host Yanesh Naidoo plays guest while the director and CEO of Jendamark India, Himanshu Jadhav, hosts this panel discussion. It's a rare opportunity to see these panelists together on one couch in India, sharing their experiences and journeys with the company, as well as discussing the future of Jendamark globally. The panel includes: • Quinton Ur...

In this episode , we delve into the intricacies of problem-solving, creativity in engineering, industrial automation design, and the impact of communication within an engineering team. Our guest, Malcolm Swart , Jendamark’s seasoned engineering expert, shares his insights and personal experiences, providing a fresh perspective on these topics. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the di...

In this episode,  TECH PEOPLE TALK hosts Yanesh Naidoo and Goodwill Mabena engaged in an enlightening discussion with Renai Moothilal , the Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM). The conversation delved into crucial facets of South Africa’s automotive landscape, shedding light on the significance of deeper localisation, the role of...

In this bonus episode , TECH | PEOPLE | TALK co-host Yanesh Naidoo and Season 1 guest Ajit Gopalakrishnan (featured in episode S01E08) sat down with panellists Shirley Eadie, Arun Babu and Claudio Ranaudo at this year’s Africa Tech Week to discuss what the future of education should look like. Shirley Eadie is the founder of the Education Innovation Unit at the National Education Collaboration Tru...

What does it take to turn revolutionary ideas into reality, establish an entrepreneurial company culture, and maintain balance in the ever-changing digital world? Join us for an engaging conversation with our esteemed guest, Graeme van Zyl, co-owner and executive manufacturing director of Jendamark Automation, as he shares his insights, experiences, and life lessons on leadership, manufacturing, a...