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



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



Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
How Is Industrial AI Expanding Human Capabilities?
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
You’ve probably heard many perspectives on AI since the rise of ChatGPT, but this one is different. In this Optimistic Insights, Barbara shares how Industrial AI is allowing Siemens to redefine what's possible for humans. The modern factory has always produced more data than human capacity for analysis and application can handle. Suddenly, AI is transforming this massive output of data from mere stored information into a goldmine of actionable insights. Barbara explains how this remarkable collaboration between humans and AI is not only resulting in gains in productivity; it's also propelling gains in sustainability. Barbara's compelling insights on this episode serve as a beacon of inspiration for your own digital transformation journey.
Show notes:
Barbara with Anne Neuberger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fidlHNw-T-k
Industrial AI: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/topic-areas/artificial-intelligence-in-industry.html



Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
3D Printing Unleashed: Digital Threads of an Industrial Future
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, ranks among the most promising developments in the effort to revitalize American manufacturing and localize supply chains. But what are the technologies that can help upstart additive companies to scale operations and industrialize 3D printing? And how can this make U.S. supply chains more resilient? In this episode, Barbara gets answers to these questions from Brian Neff, CEO, Sintavia, a leading additive manufacturing firm supplying vital components to the aerospace industry, as they explore the important role of digital threads in transforming production. Get ready to learn how Sintavia has fully embraced software to drive their operating model – how this will enable them to quintuple their business without making additional investment – and the potential for these solutions to be adopted by other small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Show notes:
Sintavia and the digital thread: https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/additive/sintavia-is-pushing-the-additive-manufacturing-factory-into-the-future/



Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Level Up: The Video Game Ideas Fueling Your Next Breakthrough
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Can the future of manufacturing be almost like playing a video game? In this Optimistic Insights episode, Barbara looks back to CES in January and presents Siemens’ vision for the Industrial Metaverse, breaking down Siemens AG CEO Roland Busch’s keynote speech. Prepare to learn about the key building blocks for making the industrial metaverse a reality, including digital twins, and the world-changing potential for combining the real and virtual worlds in industry, infrastructure, and transportation.
Show notes:
CES keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C38ZX1BcGrE
Report with MIT: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/digital-transformation/industrial-metaverse/the-emergent-industrial-metaverse.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoKeuBhCoARIsAB4Wxte43FPQ5PFyb2FU_xJqud7MYbBZvDjz3PsTvxU5M-a-8rfrqRK3q1waAt1zEALw_wcB&acz=1&gad_source=1



Thursday Feb 01, 2024
What's Driving the New Industrial Revolution?
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Digital innovation is no longer limited to Silicon Valley. Some of the most exciting, and potentially world-changing, developments are happening in manufacturing plants across America as industrial automation systems interact with software and AI. What is the vision for applying tools that first emerged in consumer sectors in American industry? And what could the benefits be beyond forging an even more competitive, stronger U.S. manufacturing sector? To learn more, Barbara sits down with Del Costy, who leads Siemens’ work providing industrial technologies to U.S. manufacturers and the federal government. Listen to hear Del’s perspective, drawn from decades of industry experience, as he reflects on the changes he has seen during his career, including how platforms are democratizing advanced and emerging technologies.
Siemens Xcelerator: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/digital-transformation/xcelerator.html
Virtual PLC: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/first-virtual-simatic-controller-enables-more-flexible-software-based-automation
Metaverse demo and FREYR partnership: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/freyr-scale-battery-cell-gigafactory-production-siemens-xcelerator



Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Optimistic Insights: The Unexpected Resurgence of American Manufacturing
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
For decades, American manufacturing shifted to other countries. Now, it’s growing again in the United States. To launch a new “Optimistic Insights” series, Barbara outlines the trends such as emerging technologies and what she calls “glocalization” that are driving American manufacturing’s resurgence. This episode will help listeners to understand the convergence between the tech economy and American industry. Explore the bright future ahead for workers eager to help American manufacturing lead the way in innovation, sustainability and prosperity.
Show notes:
Investing in American manufacturing: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231103426573/en/Siemens-to-invest-more-than-US500-million-in-U.S.-manufacturing-for-critical-infrastructure-in-2023
Industrial technologies expanding what’s humanly possible: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/topic-areas/industrial-automation.html



Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Gen Z and the power of multigenerational teams
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Older generations have often misunderstood younger generations. And yet, as the U.S. workforce ages, the value of multigenerational teams will continue to grow. In this episode, Barbara talks with university recruiter Sophie Nicholas and intern Adrian Vasquez. You will learn about the workplace culture that Gen Z is shaping and what they hope to learn as the youngest of the five generations now in the workforce.
Show notes:
Jobs at Siemens: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/jobs.html

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.