Optimistic Outlook
On the Optimistic Outlook, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, engages listeners in the technological transformation occurring across American industry and infrastructure. Episodes not only examine challenges related to climate, workforce and digital transformation but offer solutions and a path forward by deploying readily available technologies. Barbara’s visionary perspective is designed to spark bold thinking among listeners, urging them to innovate toward a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Each episode delves into the intersection of technology, leadership, and workplace dynamics, offering practical insights and inspiring stories from industry experts. From renewable energy to digital manufacturing, Barbara explores the transformative potential of sustainable solutions, urging listeners to rethink traditional approaches and embrace innovative strategies. With a keen eye toward mentorship and collaboration, Barbara empowers individuals to drive positive change within their organizations and communities. Listeners can expect thought-provoking discussions on topics such as the role of digitalization in reshaping industrial manufacturing, the impact of sustainable transportation on urban development, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation in the workplace. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, Barbara demonstrates how businesses can leverage technology and leadership to address pressing environmental challenges while driving economic growth and prosperity. The Optimistic Outlook is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform for meaningful dialogue and inspiration. Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation and contribute their ideas for building a more sustainable and resilient future. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, this podcast offers invaluable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Join Barbara Humpton and her guests as they explore the possibilities of tomorrow and uncover the key drivers of success in an era defined by innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Together, let’s imagine a future where optimism reigns supreme and bold ideas pave the way toward a brighter, more sustainable world for all.
Episodes
Episodes
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Insights: The Search for Big Ideas in Sustainability
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
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 notes:
Bronzeville microgrid: https://theoptimisticoutlook.podbean.com/e/the-overlooked-solution-to-scaling-clean-power
Breakthrough Report: https://transition.breakthroughenergy.org/
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Encore: Charting a Path to Decline Greenhouse Gasses
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
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 aired on September 16, 2022.
Show Notes:
Regenerative Intelligence
Project Drawdown
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
The overlooked solution to scaling clean power
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
As AI data centers multiply electricity needs and grid transmission challenges linger, how will the United States produce enough affordable, reliable, and clean power? Can we continue to grow the economy without forsaking critical climate objectives? In this episode, Barbara spotlights a key solution: the opportunity to innovate at the "grid edge," where technologies can be applied to rapidly scale renewables. Barbara not only makes the case for how to transform the power grid; she presents an example in Chicago's South Side neighborhood Bronzeville, which recently switched on a powerful grid edge project in the form of America's first neighborhood-scale microgrid. Get ready to hear expert commentary on how microgrids supercharge utility services. This opens up new possibilities to accelerate the energy transition while also making grids more resilient to shocks and disruption in the face of more severe weather.
Show Notes:
News coverage of microgrid launch: https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2024/05/24/comed-bronzeville-microgrid-electric-power-energy-housing-authority
ComEd press release: https://www.comed.com/news/news-releases/2024-05-24
Accelerate Carbon Reduction: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aDgrEeye3t9H7I8CDD-Al8KysZS8NrUdjc5uY9SVTePmEkG4exRpqRoCwhIQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
When Susan Nickey started her career in banking, few people saw a future in financing renewables. It wasn’t even a sector yet! Today, as EVP & Chief Client Officer for climate positive investment firm HASI and the Board Chair of the American Clean Power Association, Susan is working to advance clean energy from a stronger position: with renewables now mainstream, low cost, and competitive. Barbara opens this conversation by delving into Susan's career as they explore clean power's past and future. Key questions answered include: What needs to be done to get the clean energy transition moving faster? And what’s the role of renewables as electricity demand surges to support a data center boom driven by generative AI? This episode will get you up to speed on the last energy trends impacting the energy transition and energy security. Get ready to learn why innovation with financing is as important as technology development and R&D. You’ll also learn how permitting reform and workforce development can further catalyze the massive private sector investment in clean energy spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
What I Learned from the Worst Day of My Career
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Why would an optimist try to inspire an audience by sharing the story of the worst day in her career? In this episode, Barbara shares her commencement address at George Mason University, bringing graduates inside a tough setback that ultimately opened up new possibilities in her career journey. Listen for inspiration on why staying true to your authentic self is a superpower as the definition of what it means to lead broadens to include many different styles.
Show notes:
Remarks as prepared for delivery: https://www.gmu.edu/news/2024-05/commencement-speaker-barbara-humptons-remarks-george-masons-spring-2024-graduates#:~:text=Throughout%20your%20career%20journey%2C%20remember,enough%20to%20make%20your%20mark.
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Encore: Navigating Tomorrow - Glocalization and the Future of Technology
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
In this idea-packed episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Siemens CEO Roland Busch sits down with Barbara to explore the concept of "glocalization" and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and productive future. What are the trends compelling international companies to increase their manufacturing presence in the United States? This is a fascinating inside look at how Siemens is leveraging global strategies with local insights to revolutionize industry and infrastructure. This episode originally aired on May 16, 2023.
Show Notes:
Roland on Glocalization
Siemens Xcelerator and the Industrial Metaverse
Roland’s Annual Shareholders Meeting Speech
Rail Manufacturing Announcement
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Across industry, infrastructure, and transportation, technology is changing rapidly, and changing everything. How do organizations reskill quickly enough and create lifelong learning cultures that embrace change to drive innovation? And how can this focus on people lead to the rise of more sustainable companies? In two words, trust and empowerment, says Judith Wiese. Barbara’s guest on this episode is Siemens’ Chief People and Sustainability Officer (CPSO) as well as Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and Labor Director. Get ready to understand the connection between digital upskilling and the ability to address the climate crisis and build a sustainable future.
Show notes:
DEGREE: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNUdgnmq-v3wNBXMfadY3iZv7e-_Md2hc0j2GF34_MWJ5aaagyNGu-xoCe9kQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1
SiGREEN: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability/product-carbon-footprint.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNQuKBRZ9Rqd4l2CEeCIyTYE1si-CRxnv89m-VvHz7m2qPxTJKWtBrxoCfr0QAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Cultivating Courage: Building Resilient Teams for Innovative Futures
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Barbara is joined by Dr. Connie Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, for a fascinating look at a subject that offers insight into some of the ideas that make Siemens such a successful company - trust and psychological safety. Barbara and Connie discuss how these ideas - when practiced authentically - can enhance resilience, well-being, and willingness to take healthy risks. This episode has actionable insights on transforming work cultures to boost innovation and achieve impactful outcomes. This episode originally aired on December 20, 2022.
Show Notes:
Psychological Safety 101
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Cracking the Code: AI's Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
This is a very intriguing discussion with Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology! In this episode, you'll discover exclusive insights straight from the policymaker on the heels of the White House’s executive order establishing standards for AI. While cybercriminals might exploit AI for nefarious purposes, Anne reveals how AI is revolutionizing the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure. Learn the latest strategies for balancing AI risks with its immense potential, in an episode full of up-to-the-minute info you won't find anywhere else.
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Picture this: the power grid, not just an engineering marvel, but the lifeblood of our digital and eco-conscious era. With the AI revolution ramping up data center demands and green energy's rise pushing us towards a brighter, cleaner future, our trusty grid is facing a Herculean task. Can it keep the lights on and our planet cool as we plug into an ever-expanding digital world and strive for sustainability? Barbara thinks so, and she's leading the charge right at the frontier where technology meets electricity. Dive into an episode filled with groundbreaking ideas on using AI and innovative software to achieve both growth and sustainability.
Gridscale X: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-launches-gridscale-xtm-paving-way-autonomous-grid-management
The Optimistic Outlook
The national conversation surrounding America’s infrastructure has focused on how to fix it and fund it. In The Optimistic Outlook podcast, Siemens USA CEO Barbara Humpton looks deeper, focusing on how reinventing infrastructure can help address societal challenges.