Episode Notes:When Ryan Treece began pursing his educational path at Western Michigan University, he had a very limited scope of what career opportunities actually existed in the world of manufacturing outside of engineering roles. Flash forward a decade later and Ryan has certainly earned his role as a Business Development Manager of his company, Telit. Join Ann Wyatt as she sits down for a deep dive on Ryan's own career journey through manufacturing on this exciting season 3 opener of Workforce 4.0. Learn more about this self identified "Nerdy IOT Guy's" own personal relationship with how he incorporates data into his health, how he found his calling and how he continues to inspire others. Also hear more about what it means to him to be featured as a top Industry 4.0 Influencer.In This Episode:-Ryan shares how he was recruited out of school for his first manufacturing job and how the allure of selling lasers caught his attention straight away (~time stamp 12:28)-Ryan talks in depth about his personal health journey and how technology has helped him be successful in his career, how he shares that as an Industry 4.0 Influencer and how manufacturers can also think of technology aiding their human workforce in innovative ways (~timestamp 19:28)-We talk briefly about how small and medium sized manufacturers can incorporate their legacy machinery and assets into new and emerging technology (~timestamp 19:28)More About Ryan Treece:Ryan Treece brings 14 years of experience in Industrial Automation & Manufacturing to his role as the Chair of the Cloud & Edge Technical Committee for ISA's Smart Manufacturing & IIoT Division. In addition to his leadership at ISA, he is a Co-Founder of the Industry 4.0 Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the technological future of manufacturing. Serving as the Business Development Manager for Telit Cinterion's IIoT Edge & Cloud Software Platforms division, Ryan is a key figure in the implementation of cutting-edge Industry 4.0 solutions. To learn more about Ryan, connect with him here. More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:Launched in 2016, KTECH has awarded more than 300 certifications. In 16 weeks KTECH students earn 4 industry recognized certifications to meet the increasing demands of our manufacturing rich community. KTECH is meeting a need in the non-profit sector that no other organization is serving, connecting people to careers. Taking Kids to Love from grassroots to a global outreach has landed Lee on the list of the 500 Most Influential CEO’s in the World. Lee has been named an “Angel in Adoption” by Congress and honored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for her adoption awareness efforts. Kids to Love was named the Women-Owned Business of the year with the Huntsville – Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Lee has also been honored by the Alabama Broadcaster’s Association for her journalistic contributions and was named one of 2017 Women Who Shape The State. 2019 Entrepreneur of the year in Huntsville, 2019 Non Profit Executive of the Year and 2020 Woman of Impact Honoree.In This Episode:-Lee drops her pro tip for those interested in starting their own non profit training program in their local area and credits the power of networking to KTECH's continued success (~time stamp 11:58)-Lee talks about being comfortable being a disruptor in the training space and how KTECH's success story is one for the underdogs (~timestamp 13:02)-In addition to providing advanced technical skills to underserved children, Lee also shares how they incorporate their training initiatives with soft skills development as part of their Life Lab (~time stamp 13:02) More About Lee Marshall:Lee Marshall’s purpose and passion is to advocate for youth living in foster care. Lee was born into foster care and adopted at the age of 2, so she knows firsthand the difference adoption can make. Through her Kids to Love Foundation, which meets the needs of foster children, Lee is changing the trajectory of young lives. Connect with Lee to learn more here. More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:When I first met Mike Yost through the Industry 4.0 Club, I remember being so inspired by his passion for people his commitment to making sure that they're the focus of all digital transformation. After learning more about his work through his own nonprofit, IGBYS and his work regionally, nationally and globally, I can personally testify that Mike Yost is the manufacturing man! Mike's tenure with manufacturing nonprofits exceeds those ventures. He has also been involved with organizations such as MESA and continues to support the work carried out through CESMII. Through all of his endeavors, his main mission continues to be connecting industry experts, solution providers and just people of the manufacturing community and developing connections far deeper than any internet stream.In This Episode:-It's been said many times that your "network is your net worth," and Mike Yost is no exception to this rule. Learn more about how Mike has built and leverage his own network to not only develop his leadership skills, but also to advance the manufacturing industry as a whole. (~timestamp 10:39)-Mike shares why his continued support in the Industry 4.0 Club is crucial to the education and knowledge sharing of the manufacturing industry. Mike goes on to provide key advice in the importance of educating each other and practicing active listening of our network providers. (~timestamp 15:30)-Mike shares his hot take on digital transformation and why the moment for implementing technology with people at the center of this process in more of our manufacturing facilities is critical to the continued success of our industry (~timestamp 16:34)More About Mike Yost:Mike Yost is a trusted IT/OT leader, messenger, advisor with 30+ years of industrial, commercial and leadership experience in Industrial Automation/Software. In short, he grew up with software on the plant floor and help scale its impact throughout the business. Mike is passionate spokesman and speaker, skilled at message creation, adaptation and delivery. Mike is also dedicated to helping manufacturers compete, leveraging modern software solutions to drive performance. Connect and learn more about Mike here.More About Industry 4.0 Club:Industry 4.0 Club is a dynamic, growth-oriented community that brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation within the realm of Industry 4.0.Our members include practitioners, technology providers, consultants, and thought leaders united by their passion for the advancement of smart manufacturing solutions. By hosting engaging events, insightful discussions, and providing a platform for networking, we empower our members to forge connections, learn from one another, and shape the future of sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices. Learn more about the work Industry 4.0 Club is facilitating here.

Episode Notes:It's hard to imagine someone more passionate about technology and workforce development in the manufacturing community than the one and only Will Healy! Will has made his own identity as "Will I Automate" on numerous social platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn and Tik Tok. His dedication to the industry through serving on panels about technology, product marketing and workforce development have also lead to most of us thinking of him as our big bro. Always eager to help and always informative and educational, Will joins our host, Ann Wyatt for in depth look at how investing in technology is driving value as an investment in our manufacturing workforce, too.In This Episode:-Will gives us his industry insights into what he feels like are the biggest technology disrupters for the manufacturing industry and how they are aiding in bridging the workforce talent gap (~timestamp 7:02)-Will shares his thoughts on how manufacturing companies will need to be more versatile and agile in their training techniques (~timestamp 14:31)-Will shares his passion for evangelizing the manufacturing industry and shares tips on how manufacturing industry partners such as NAM, AMEP and other local area organizations are critical to driving success in creating a future talent pipeline (~timestamp 18:52)More About Will Healy:Will is passionate about people-centric technology, helping others find value in automation, building our talent pipeline and working to improve manufacturing productivity. When we work together, Will brings innovative automation concepts, proven solutions and fresh workforce insights that can dramatically change how you work, raising your competitive position. Will does this from the US in the Cincinnati/NKY metro but loves to travel and see how stuff is made around the world. To learn more about Will, connect with him here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:This week on Workforce 4.0, we are extremely honored to be hosting Mike Nager, with the Solution Center of Festo Didactic. Mike is not only a 3x published author but a 4x Top IIOT and Industry 4.0 Influencer and has some solid experience in leading the way when it comes to Digital Transformation and smart manufacturing. A champion of workforce development, Mike has long been advocating for diversity in the manufacturing workforce and finding solutions to overcome the impending skills gap.In This Episode:-Mike shares his own experiences working within a multigenerational workforce but gently reminds us all that the key to success is overcoming road blocks by finding new and innovative paths with emerging technology (~timestamp 15:36)-Mike describes the realistic outcome of Industry 4.0 and how we, as consumers, are already experiencing Industry 4.0 manufacturing within our own communities (~timestamp 20:54)-Mike shares his passion for sharing the exciting opportunities offered through manufacturing careers with younger generations by discussing his why behind authoring his children's book, "All About Smart Manufacturing" (~timestamp 22:30)More About Mike Nager:For years Mike worked in Sales and Marketing for some of the most innovative industry controls companies in the world. He has helped manufacturers to optimize their operations, heading towards Industry 4.0 before we had the term for it. He currently enables hundreds of US manufacturers to become more efficient and profitable to successfully compete worldwide against best-of-class competitors. Connect with Mike here, to learn more! More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:If "The Fearless Frontline" is not gracing your bookshelf as a valuable blueprint for frontline workforce design, this episode is sure to be a treat! Ann Wyatt sits down with the nationally acclaimed and top ranked business book, Ray Attiyah to learn more about the origin story for the book's inception and how the #fearlessfactory in Cincinnati, OH brought "The Fearless Frontline" to life.In This Episode:-Ray begins our conversation unpacking what he defines as a "fearless culture" and a "fearless" frontline and shares deep insights into how to nurture that culture within your own organization (~timestamp 5:08)-Ray shares his top tool for jobseekers that are interested in assessing future employment opportunities by critically analyzing design thinking as an HR function (~timestamp 12:45)-Ray shares his absolute trademark for assessing an industry top performer for hiring managers with in the manufacturing industry (~timestamp 30:31)More About Ray Attiyah:Inspired by his desire to train and seek break through improvements Ray founded Definity Partners (formerly Midwest Manufacturing Solutions/MMS) in 1996 and is currently the Chief Innovation Officer. Ray is also an accomplished author having written several articles for various industry journals and having launched his first book in March of 2013 entitled The Fearless Front Line: The Key to Liberating Leaders to Improve and Grow Their Business. To learn more about Ray, connect with him here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:This week on Workforce 4.0, Ann Wyatt sits down with the VP of Marketing of Dexterity, Michael Perry. Join us for this conversation on breaking down how Michael's experience in the robotics industry has brought new perspectives on what happens when a little bit of technology is mixed with a little bit of creativity from our human workforce in manufacturing.In This Episode:-Michael gives his hot take on how automation is supplementing automation and freeing your human workforce for "more meaningful work" (~timestamp 11:16)-Michael gives us his powerful feedback on how companies interested in increasing automation within their facilities can successfully do so with their human workforce alongside cutting edge technology (~timestamp 20:30)-Michael gets candid on how the robotics industry is constantly evolving their design efforts in order to better accomodate the humans working alongside them, operating them and repairing them (~timestamp 27:43)More About Michael Perry:Michael works with companies, creators, and innovators across the world to deploy cutting-edge mobile robots. He is currently the VP of Marketing for Dexterity Robots and is a long time robotics enthusiast. To connect with Michael click here.More About Dexterity:Dexterity helps people thrive and grow by freeing them to do work that humans do best. For warehouse robotics, we focus on AI, machine learning, and platform-based robotic intelligence to make warehouses more productive, efficient, and safe. Learn more about Dexterity here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:When it comes to all things Industry 4.0, digital twins are at the top of a lot of talking points. So is the impending manufacturing skills gap and the supply chain. This week on Workforce 4.0, we sit down with CoFounder of SwipeGuide, Willemijn Schneyder, to have a more in depth conversation about how technology is creating more sustainability for our people and our processes in the world of manufacturing. In This Episode:-Women everywhere get some inspirational words of wisdom as we discover what keeps Willemijn focused and how we can all learn to speak kinder to our younger selves (~timestamp 1:49)- Willemijn offers value advice as she shares feedback from the minds of the frontline workforce and how our priorities are shifting when it comes to the way that we work in a post Covid world (~timestamp 6:12)-Learn more about the mission behind Willemijn's company, SwipeGuide, to bring more equity to the frontline workforce as a whole and why that is crucial to the future of work (~timestamp 32:53)More About Willemijn Schneyder:Willemijn is the Proud Founder & CEO of SwipeGuide. She is an innovator, entrepreneur, technologist, curiosist, and positivist. She is bringing simplicity in a world where complexity is assumed. Willemijn is a profound believer in the transformative power that comes from democratizing knowledge with crowdsourced technologies. Leveling the playing field and creating access is the cornerstone of creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. To learn more about Willemijn, connect with her here.More About SwipeGuide:We started SwipeGuide in 2015 to make it easier for frontline teams to work, learn, share and improve what they know. From our modest beginnings, we’ve grown into a multinational crew of digital natives on a mission: to build a future-proof frontline "how-to" platform that actually helps people get work done.The clear-cut platform lets you coordinate instructions, checklists, and training to standardize 50 different ways of doing the same thing. Share best practices across teams to drive efficiency and continuous improvement. Crowdsourced expertise keeps every process running: SwipeGuide captures the know-how of the best to remove the guesswork from the rest. Learn more about solutions provided by SwipeGuide here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:As the CEO of Raven, Martin Cloake knows a few things about digital transformation and continuous improvement. As a CoFounder of the Industry 4.0 Club, Ann has personally had the pleasure of working with Martin on hosting numerous conversations centering around people, process and culture. Join Ann as she interviews Martin in more in depth about how the frontline workforce is the most valuable asset to business value for manufacturing operations.In This Episode:-Martin shares his unique career that led him to becoming the CEO of Raven.AI and he shares his thoughts on the importance of manufacturing as a business of people (~timestamp 4:56)-Martin provides key insights into how companies can assess their readiness for implementation of digital transformation and industry 4.0 technology (~timestamp 12:52)-Martin delves into how to share the value of digital transformation and leading change management efforts for integrating technology into your organizations frontline workforce (~timestamp 22:05)More About Raven.ai:Raven.ai's mission is to set a new standard of work for the smart factory and its people, as the one source of truth that powers Industry 4.0 tech stacks throughout factories. Learn more about the industry 4.0 solutions provided by Raven.ai here.More About Martin Cloake:Martin is an experienced executive and award winning technology entrepreneur with a background in Manufacturing, Data Science, IP and Operations Management. He holds multiple patents and am a Mechanical Engineering graduate from McGill university in Montreal, Quebec. He publishes articles and posts regularly on the topics of Industry 4.0, Leadership, Manufacturing and Augmented Management. And, as he proudly and accurately suggests- is a decent follow (and a good guy). To connect and learn more about Martin, click here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Episode Notes:When it comes to the future of Workforce 4.0, the connected worker tools are front and center of the intersection between people and technology. Join Ann Wyatt as she sits down with Tor-Inge, CTO of Clarify as we take a deep dive into how data is creating a vital link between preserving tribal knowledge and driving engagement across your internal workforce.In This Episode:-Learn how Tor's company, Clarify, is helping to design connected worker tools that use technology to better understand people analytics and how he envisions the future of how technology will intersect in the frontline workforce (~time stamp 4:28)-Hear about how Tor's team made the decision to incorporate emojis into their software design to bridge the technology gap between the tools that we use at work and the platforms that we use every day in our personal lives (~time stamp 9:18)-Listen to how Clarify is actively capturing real time tribal knowledge, even within busy and fast paced manufacturing environments (~time stamp 12:47)More Information About Clarify:Clarify is the operational intelligence cloud. Take control of your OT-data, engage your team, and build better operations. Do it together with Clarify. Learn more here.More About Tor-Inge Johannessen Eriksen: Tor has always been interested in the intersection between people, software and the physical world, and starting out as a consultant. It was this passion that drove Tor and the other founding members of Clarify to build a SaaS product that combines human context and industrial data for daily decisions- Clarify. Connect with Tor-Inge here.More About Workforce 4.0: Workforce 4.0 is an industry centric podcast featuring Manufacturing Executives from all industries coming together to emphasize how companies are partnering with technology to give people more meaningful work. As a passion project created by Ann Wyatt, Workforce 4.0 highlights crucial topics such as the increasing talent gap, success stories of real people engaged with the latest manufacturing technology and how the manufacturing workforce can transition into these exciting new roles. Connect with your host, Ann Wyatt | Watch video recordings on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts