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PODCAST

Optimistic Outlook

The Optimistic Outlook explores the rise of a new industrial tech sector—the transformation reshaping American industry, infrastructure, and transportation. Each episode looks beyond today’s challenges in sustainability, workforce development, and digital transformation to highlight practical solutions powered by technologies available now.

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All Episodes

18:58

Powering the Future: Why Electricians are More...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/04/08

What does it take to power the future of transportation, industry, and infrastructure? In this electrifying episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Mefford, National Co-Chair of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), to explore how cutting-edge training reshapes the electrical workforce.Jennifer shares how EVITP is preparing electricians to meet the skyrocketing demand for EV infrastructure—and in the process, transform careers and lives. From real-world success stories to the

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22:21

Unlocking Tomorrow’s Talent: Why Youth...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/03/25

What if the key to a stronger, more inclusive workforce starts before college? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Taylor White, Director of Postsecondary Pathways for Youth at New America’s Center on Education and Labor, to explore how youth apprenticeships are transforming the future of work.Taylor shares her insight as the leader of the groundbreaking Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) initiative, which has been breaking down barriers and opening doors for young people

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22:23

Laddering Up: The Secrets to Success for Building a...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/03/11

As industries electrify—from EVs to critical infrastructure—the demand for skilled talent is skyrocketing. But how do we break down barriers to entry and ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is ready? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Dr. Scott Ralls, President, Wake Tech Community College. Dr. Ralls shares lessons learned and insights from his experience guiding Wake Tech’s innovative strategies connecting workforce and education opportunities. He highlights a variety of solutions, from

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19:12

Little Grid, Big Impact: The Clean Energy Shift...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/02/25

How is clean technology transforming American manufacturing? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking industrial microgrid project at Siemens’ Wendell, NC factory that’s rewriting the rules of how factories operate. Brian Dula, President of the Electrification and Automation business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA, shares how Siemens’ $36 million investment in Wendell is not only improving efficiency but also creating new career opportunities. We uncover how clean tech and electrification

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24:15

Copilots for Running Machines? GenAI Mindset and New...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/02/11

AI copilots have changed a range of professions, from healthcare to finance, by automating tasks and enhancing productivity. But can copilots also create value for people performing more mechanical, hands-on tasks or figuring out how to bring factories online? In this episode, Barbara welcomes Olympia Brikis, Director of AI Research at Siemens, to show how generative AI is shaping new industrial tech jobs at the convergence of the real and digital worlds. Olympia sheds light on the unique career

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17:58

Fizzing Forward: Michelle DeFeo on Laurent-Perrier’s...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/01/28

Join Barbara Humpton in this fascinating conversation with Michelle DeFeo, President of Laurent-Perrier US. Discover how this legendary champagne house is leading the charge with sustainable business practices while maintaining the extraordinary standards of its bottles of premium bubbly. Michelle shares insights into how Laurent-Perrier, a family-owned champagne house since 1812, is advancing climate resilience by rethinking every aspect of champagne production, from its humble beginnings on the

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21:29

Pioneering the Industrial Tech Sector: Insights from...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/01/15

In this special episode recorded live at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Barbara sits down with Siemens CTO Peter Koerte to explore groundbreaking technologies shaping a new industrial tech sector. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of innovation, from creating sustainable textiles to revolutionizing air travel with carbon-neutral aircraft. In this episode, they discuss the tangible ROI of industrial AI, the transformative potential of digital twins, and the growing impact of software-defined automation

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08:57

Year-End Predictions: The Tech Trends Shaping 2025

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/12/31

In her final episode of 2024, Barbara looks ahead to 2025, where industry, technology, and sustainability collide. From the groundbreaking innovation at CES to the rise of software-defined automation and industrial AI, this episode explores the rise of a new industrial tech sector. Barbara dives into trends reshaping industries: clean tech advancements, the democratization of technology, and how AI will empower workers to thrive in a fast-evolving landscape. Tune in for bold predictions,

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13:43

Techlanta 2024: Mayor Dickens on Building a Top Tech...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/12/17

As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on the incredible transformations shaping our cities and economies. In this special year-end episode, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shares his bold vision for making Atlanta a top-5 American tech hub. From public-private partnerships to fostering tech talent, Mayor Dickens dives into the strategies powering the “Tech City of the South” and highlights how innovation is creating opportunities for all. Whether you're inspired by Atlanta's rise or curious about the

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19:49

The Hidden Truth About Renewable Energy

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/12/03

You've heard that the transition to clean energy is going too slowly, and it may be too late. But what if everything you've heard...is wrong! While some may paint a depressing picture of a sluggish transition, the real story is far more optimistic. On this episode, Barbara and her guest Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, pull back the curtain on the staggering developments that no one has told you about.From game-changing technology that sounds like science-fiction (but it's real!), to surprising reasons the

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12:27

America's Clean Tech Revolution? Bill Gates Says It's...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/11/20

Are you curious about where the biggest tech innovations are happening in the clean energy transition? Are you aware that 2024 was a huge turning point for increased private sector investment? In this episode, Bill Gates and Barbara reveal all of this and much, much more. You'll discover which technologies are already scaling, where the biggest tech investors are focusing their resources in the coming years, and which innovations are solving the tricky problem of being profitable AND tackling

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25:30

From Smartphones to Smart Factories

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/10/23

True to Steve Jobs' prediction, the iPhone really did change everything. But was it the device itself...or apps that made the digital world easier to access for non-tech experts? This episode explores a tech breakthrough that happened 15 years after Jobs' famous consumer product release, when Siemens launched a digital business platform with a different purpose: to help innovators transform industry, infrastructure and transportation. She's joined by Marshall Van Alstyne, who wrote all about the

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44:19

The State of Sustainability: Insights from Climate...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/10/02

Join Barbara for an insightful episode taking listeners behind the scenes of Climate Week NYC, held September 22 to 29. This episode recaps conversations and highlights across a pivotal annual event gathering political and business leaders, innovative researchers, high-profile media, and local influencers from across the U.S. and the globe. Together, they discuss the current state of sustainability, evaluate climate action efforts, and explore cutting-edge technologies driving a net-zero future

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57:18

Smart People Podcast: Guy Kawasaki on How Steve Jobs...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/10/01

We're bringing you an extra episode highlighting one of our favorite podcasts. Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well-respected thought leaders engaging in authentic conversation. The show is an excellent binge, and in this episode, Guy Kawasaki delivers a practical, tactical, and sometimes radical discussion of how to make a difference in the world and live a fulfilling life.If you like this episode, listen to Smart People Podcast wherever you

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23:10

Busting Myths About Manufacturing Careers

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/09/25

More than 500,000 American manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. Are negative perceptions and myths about manufacturing holding young people and career seekers back from pursuing these high-paying jobs now attainable to people of all backgrounds? Terry Iverson, former owner of Iverson & Company and founder of CHAMPION Now!, an organization dedicated to improving the image of manufacturing among students, parents, and educators, joins Barbara to discuss: The roots of the worker shortage

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25:51

Navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution:...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/09/10

Digital innovation is breaking out of Silicon Valley and revolutionizing manufacturing plants across America. What vision do manufacturers have for these cutting-edge tools? How are they tackling digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and AI integration? Join Barbara as she speaks with Stephen Gold, President and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance, to get an expert’s take on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the strides American manufacturers are making in adopting advanced

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29:41

Encore: Brewing Innovations - Tapping Into...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/08/27

Barbara is joined by Maisie Devine, Executive Director of Sustainable Innovation at AB InBev and Founder of the 100+ Accelerator program. They dig into how strategic collaborations between large corporations and startups are not only speeding up net-zero strategies but also driving significant cost savings that reinforce the business case for sustainability - including in the beer brewing industry! This episode originally aired August 8 2023.Show Notes: 100+ Accelerator Program Vertical Farming

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35:53

Net-Zero Now: Making Sustainability Good for Business

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/08/13

In the race to meet sustainability objectives, corporate commitments are skyrocketing. The Net Zero Tracker reports a 40% increase in corporate net-zero targets since June 2022, now encompassing half of the world’s largest companies. This surge extends to broader sustainability goals, including biodiversity, nature, and equity. Yet, the pace must quicken, and the scale of action must expand. Join Barbara and her guest, Sabine Hoefnagel, Global Head of Sustainability & Risk at ERM, for an

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09:23

Insights: The Search for Big Ideas in Sustainability

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/08/01

As the clock ticks down on critical climate goals, can we still turn the tide? Barbara reveals why she believes the answer is “yes” while drawing inspiration from the recent Breakthrough Energy Summit, which brings together global leaders focused on big ideas for net-zero technologies. In this episode, she explores how new breakthroughs in technology *partnerships* can help us to meet our climate targets. Discover how to decarbonize buildings, how to rapidly scale solar power, and much more.Show

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20:13

Encore: Charting a Path to Decline Greenhouse Gasses

Optimistic Outlook ·

2024/07/23

Babara talks with Chad Frischmann, co-author of the New York Times best-seller "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming," about what is possible in the arena of reducing greenhouse gasses. They have some surprisingly positive insights based on existing and emerging technologies. They offer a vision of a future where atmospheric greenhouse gasses start to decline year after year and describe what a truly regenerative future might entail. This episode originally

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