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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. Featuring thought leaders and industry experts, the podcast examines how technology, leadership, and workplace dynamics intersect to shape the future. Episodes

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All Episodes

33:17

Powering Opportunity: Expanding Access to Electrical...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/12/02

Historic investments in manufacturing and AI data centers are creating a new wave of opportunities in skilled trades. But that opportunity isn’t always accessible, especially for workers facing barriers like childcare, housing, transportation, or financial pressures.In this episode, David Etzwiler speaks with Rachel Korberg, Executive Director of the Families & Workers Fund, a coalition dedicated to expanding economic mobility and helping people enter high-quality, family-sustaining careers

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36:45

Retooling the American Dream

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/11/18

Is the American Dream still Made in America? A renewed surge of interest in U.S. manufacturing has revealed a huge challenge. There are hundreds of thousands of vacant positions and a labor force that lacks the necessary skills to fill them.While many label it a crisis, Carolyn Lee, president of The Manufacturing Institute sees an opportunity. In this episode Carolyn sits down with guest host David Etzwiler to share an upbeat, down‑to‑earth vision of a manufacturing sector that could fuel growth

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18:09

An Accidental Manufacturing Leader

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/11/04

Sometimes the most impactful careers are the ones we never planned. In this episode, Sidra Maryam, from Siemens Smart Infrastructure Manufacturing Hub, shares how an unexpected career pivot led her to become a leader driving innovation, digital transformation, and team culture across a large-scale manufacturing operation. She reflects on the “aha” moments that kept her moving forward and why she believes the future of manufacturing belongs to people who ask better questions. This thought-provoking

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17:29

Women Leading the Future of Manufacturing

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/10/21

Women make up less than one-third of America’s manufacturing workforce. It’s been this way for decades. Why is this? More importantly, what can we learn from women who are thriving in manufacturing careers?In this episode you’ll meet two leaders who have built their careers on the factory floor and beyond: Cheryl Kiolbassa, Director, Digital Transformation Solutions, Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Anna Bumpious, Engineering Manager, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. They share the moments that tested

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31:38

An Optimistic Farewell: Barbara Humpton on Podcasting...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/09/30

Since launching Siemens USA’s Optimistic Outlook podcast five years ago at the height of the pandemic, Siemens USA CEO Barbara Humpton, who recently announced her retirement from Siemens USA, has brought listeners inspiring conversations about the people and ideas shaping a better future. In her final episode as host of the show, journalist and Widehall Founder & CEO Steve Clemons flips the script—interviewing Barbara about the podcasting journey, her tenure as CEO, and what gives her confidence

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18:57

From Shipyards to Smart Homes: Hyperscaling...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/09/23

Barbara explores how technology is reshaping industries and communities — starting with one of the world’s most pressing needs: housing. Mikael Hedberg, a shipbuilder’s son, is reimagining home construction as the founder and CEO of ADMARES with robotic precision and modular design, promising abundant, affordable homes built with dramatically less waste. Siemens’ Eryn Devola shows how digitalization and automation can turn factories into engines of sustainability, cutting emissions while boosting

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26:51

Transforming Workforce Potential: Reskilling for the...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/09/09

How do we prepare today’s workers for the jobs of the future and ensure no one is left behind? In this episode of Optimistic Outlook, Barbara Humpton sits down with Guild CEO Bijal Shah to explore how employers, educators, and governments can come together to unlock workforce potential. From frontline roles in healthcare and manufacturing to the emerging demands of AI and advanced technologies, they discuss what it takes to build resilient, future-ready talent pipelines.Together, they dive into why

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29:41

A Balanced Vision for Regulating AI and the Path...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/08/26

Barbara sits down with U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte, who serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and led the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, for an insightful discussion on how to balance risks with opportunity when it comes to AI. The Congressman outlines his vision for balanced, sector-specific regulation of AI that protects against malicious activities while fostering innovation. In this episode, Barbara and Congressman Obernolte explore the critical distinctions

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24:45

Real-World Readiness: How This University Is...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/08/12

A college degree and economic mobility often go hand in hand. A bachelor’s degree can lead to higher earnings over a lifetime. But as technologies like AI impact the job market, how do academic institutions best prepare students for roles that may not even be created yet? Not only that, how do we give more people the chance to achieve a degree and build the skills that industries need? In this episode, Barbara Humpton speaks with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University, about how

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10:29

AI Can’t Replace This One Skill

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/07/29

AI is reshaping how we live, learn, and work. But no matter how powerful the technology becomes, there’s one skill it will never replicate: being human.In this special episode of The Optimistic Outlook, Siemens USA CEO Barbara Humpton shares her 2025 commencement address to graduates of Western Governors University. Her message is both simple and powerful: Empathy. Curiosity. Resilience. The joy you bring to your work. These aren’t soft skills — they’re human skills. And in a world increasingly

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13:54

The Halfway Point: Checking in on America’s...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/07/15

We’re halfway through 2025—and what a year it’s been. In this special mid-year check-in, Barbara revisits the bold predictions she made back in January and asks: Are we delivering on the promise of Industrial AI, clean energy, and workforce transformation? From factories revitalized by digital twins to microgrids powering America’s fast-growing AI data centers, this episode highlights the real-world innovations reshaping our industrial landscape.Drawing on insights from top guests—futurists,

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28:16

Megatrends Shaping Tech: How a Futurist Sees the World

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/07/01

What does a futurist see when they look ahead—not just to next year, but to 2050 and beyond? In this episode, Barbara sits down with Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation & Trends at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to explore the megatrends transforming our world. From industrial AI and digital twins to quantum computing and generational shifts, Brian offers a window into the technological, societal, and human-centered forces that are defining the future. Together, they

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17:15

The Overlooked Key to Revitalizing American...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/06/17

Barbara returns to a theme she’s been hearing more and more from policymakers, educators, and industrial leaders alike: how to truly bring back American manufacturing. While much of the attention is focused on high-profile greenfield projects—brand-new, high-tech factories—there’s an equally urgent priority hiding in plain sight: transforming the factories we already have. In this episode, Barbara welcomes back Del Costy, President and Managing Director at Siemens Digital Industries, to talk about

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23:41

The Tech Partnerships Transforming Manufacturing

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/06/03

MIT professor, entrepreneur, and manufacturing visionary Dr. John Hart joins the show to continue the podcast’s focus on what it will really take to bring back American manufacturing. Together, John and Barbara explore how revitalizing U.S. industry will require more than cutting-edge technologies—it will take collaborative ecosystems that span education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. From insights into the latest trends in automation and 3D printing, to a bold rethinking of who

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14:49

Starting America’s Engines: Keys to a Golden Age of...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/05/20

In the latest episode of Optimistic Outlook, Barbara dives into the heart of America’s manufacturing revival, drawing parallels from the high-octane world of IndyCar racing to the industrial tech sector driving economic growth.Discover how cutting-edge are not just giving racing teams a competitive edge but also fueling the transformation of U.S. manufacturing. Learn why these advancements matter to manufacturers, business leaders, policymakers, and workers eager to shape the next chapter of

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16:25

AI for Real: Empowering American Workers,...

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/05/06

In this episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Barbara reflects on insights from the inaugural AI for Real event in New York City, featuring insights from top economists and innovators. This episode dives into how Industrial AI empowers workers, drives innovation, and strengthens America’s industrial leadership. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or curious professional, learn why investing in Industrial AI is key to creating resilient industries and unlocking new opportunities for

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25:02

AI at Work: Rebuilding America’s Manufacturing Edge

Optimistic Outlook ·

2025/04/22

A quiet revolution is reshaping how we build, work, and compete at the intersection of AI and American manufacturing. Recorded live at ITI’s Intersect Summit in D.C., this episode explores how breakthroughs in Industrial AI—from Siemens’ AI-powered production tools to Toyota’s collaborative “big room” model—create more intelligent factories and empower U.S. workers.With bipartisan momentum and strategic public-private partnerships, policymakers and industry leaders are aligning to strengthen

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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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