Optimistic Outlook

The Overlooked Key to Revitalizing American Manufacturing

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 the “brownfield”—the 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers that are small and mid-sized enterprises already operating today. Del shares what he’s hearing from customers on the ground, the challenges they face with legacy systems, and the practical solutions available now. This episode reveals the technologies and strategies that can help legacy manufacturers adopt change at the speed of relevance. 
Show notes: LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7171212265625374720/ 

The Tech Partnerships Transforming Manufacturing

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 today’s “technologists” are, this conversation dives into what it takes to transform both greenfield and brownfield operations. With expertise drawn from the intersection of the lab and shop floor, Dr. Hart helps paint a picture of what’s possible when ecosystems align—and how we can turn this manufacturing moment into lasting progress.
 
Show notes
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Press Release: Siemens Founding Member of MIT Initiative designed to transform U.S. manufacturing through research, innovation and training
 
MIT Technology Review Insights, created in partnership with Siemens
 
Washington Post Live Podcast: Siemens CEO Barbara Humpton on the 'fourth industrial revolution'
MARA Fireside Podcast: Barbara Humpton - Digital Energy & Prosperity
 

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

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 American industry.
If you care about strengthening supply chains, creating high-paying jobs, and fostering innovation, this episode is for you. From revitalizing small and medium-sized factories to building a resilient workforce and modernizing energy infrastructure, Barbara outlines a clear roadmap to accelerate industrial growth. Tune in to uncover how we can hit the accelerator on America’s industrial future—and why now is the time to start those engines.
 
Show notes
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Andretti Global Announces Siemens as Indianapolis 500 Primary Partner for Kyle Kirkwood
 
 
 

AI for Real: Empowering American Workers, Transforming Manufacturing

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 all.
 
Show notes
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AI at Work: Rebuilding America’s Manufacturing Edge

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 American competitiveness, rebuild supply chains, and train a future-ready workforce. But the road ahead isn’t without challenges: trust, talent, and scalability remain top priorities. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is no longer just futuristic—it’s already shaping America’s industrial comeback.
 
Show notes 
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What is AI with purpose? For manufacturers, it’s making data valuable | By: Barbara Humpton, CEO Siemens USA
 
 

Powering the Future: Why Electricians are More In-Demand Than Ever Before

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 strategies fueling this skilled trades revolution, discover how today’s electricians lead the charge toward a cleaner, more connected future.
Show notes
More about the Siemens Foundation 
More about the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)
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Unlocking Tomorrow’s Talent: Why Youth Apprenticeships Matter Now

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 since 2020.From real-world experience to meaningful career pathways, discover how these innovative programs expand opportunity, bridge the education-to-employment gap, and shape a brighter future for the next generation.
 
Show notes
More about the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) 
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Laddering Up: The Secrets to Success for Building a Skilled Workforce

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 registered apprenticeship programs to new fast-track training courses, helping students to "ladder up" into promising careers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how partnerships, education, and hands-on training are lighting the way for the next generation of workers.  
 
Show notes:
EVeryone Charging Forward™ - Building a workforce for the growing American EV charging sector.
 
Unique New Program Trains Technicians in EV Charging Stations
 
Siemens invests $36 million in Wendell, NC to elevate customer experience, advance training, boost manufacturing, and strengthen sustainability efforts
 
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Little Grid, Big Impact: The Clean Energy Shift Changing Factories

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 aren’t just about sustainability—they’re driving real business advantages and shaping the future of American industry. Whether you’re in policy, on the factory floor, in tech, or just curious about the future of energy, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about manufacturing. 

Copilots for Running Machines? GenAI Mindset and New Industrial Tech Jobs

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 opportunities in AI and what it takes to thrive in this dynamic, emerging field. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone curious about tech careers, this episode offers a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping the landscape of mechanical and industrial professions. Tune in to learn about the exciting innovations and the future of AI in industry! 
 
Show notes
In this episode, Barbara asks Olympia to share some resources that can help all of us get smarter on industrial AI. Here are Olympia's recommendations:
For everyone just getting started with (Generative) AI:
Elements of AI – great for learning how AI work and what it is
https://www.elementsofai.com/
 
Generative AI for Everyone:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/generative-ai-for-everyone
 
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, by Ethan Mollick 
 
For those want to dive deeper into the technical aspects of Deep Neural Networks and Generative AI:
Deep Learning Specialization:
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/deep-learning
 
Stanford University Lecture CS336: Language Modeling from Scratch
https://stanford-cs336.github.io/spring2024/