Saturday Jan 29, 2022
The brainwaves behind better leadership
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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Barbara reflects on earlier episodes and previews 2022 season as the bipartisan infrastructure law is rolled out. Instead of applying an optimistic outlook to what we could do, she says, now we can focus on what we will do and what’s next. Episodes will cover potential infrastructure projects, how to accelerate climate action, how to reinvent America’s supply chain and localize manufacturing, and the convergence of infrastructure investment with digital transformation.
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
2022 will mark a launching point for transformation thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, bold climate commitments and the technologies available to modernize manufacturing and revamp the supply chain. But it’s not all about technology. Barbara details how a growth mindset fuels transformation with Eduardo Briceño, the former CEO of Mindset Works and a global keynote speaker, facilitator and guide supporting leaders cultivating growth mindset cultures.
Show notes:
Eduardo’s TED talk on Learning Zone versus Performance Zone: https://www.ted.com/talks/eduardo_briceno_how_to_get_better_at_the_things_you_care_about
Eduardo’s TEDx talk on Growth Mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc
Barbara's blog post on bipartisan infrastructure law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/the-infrastructure-bill-supports-bold-action-now-lets-get-to-work.html
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Barbara brings listeners inside her experience attending COP26 and the White House bill signing ceremony for the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Siemens USA Climate Action: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance/environmental-action.html
Siemens ESG Strategy: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance.html
Blog post on bipartisan infrastructure law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/the-infrastructure-bill-supports-bold-action-now-lets-get-to-work.html
Yahoo Finance: “We need everything that’s in here”: https://news.yahoo.com/infrastructure-bill-everything-thats-siemens-190220322.html
CNBC: “We’re built for this moment”: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/11/15/siemens-u-s-ceo-on-the-impact-of-the-infrastructure-bill.html
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Like manufacturing, covered in recent episodes, the U.S. cybersecurity industry has a massive workforce shortage. The workforce needs to grow 40% just to meet the current need nationwide. In this episode, Barbara is joined by a cybersecurity leader with a vision for how to leverage diversity, equity and inclusion as a solution: Joanna Burkey, CISO, HP. You’ll learn why cybersecurity opportunities are growing and about in-demand skillsets.
Show notes:
Joanna’s op-ed “Cybersecurity jobs are booming. Where’s the talent?”: https://garage.hp.com/us/en/news/hp-diverse-cybersecurity-recruiting.html
Siemens USA Head of Cybersecurity op-ed “Leveraging Cybersecurity to Increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”: https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-now-blog/2020/leveraging-cybersecurity-to-increase-diversity-equity-and-inclusion
Report on DEI in Cybersecurity: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion-in-Cybersecurity_9.921.pdf
“Team of Teams” book: https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Is it time for national preparedness to receive the same attention and visibility as national defense? That’s the takeaway of a new report (see link in show notes) put forward by the Principal to Principal Global Supply Chain Task Force, a group comprised of leaders across government, academia and business. To break down the recommendations, Barbara is joined by task force members Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Principal to Principal, and Greg Bowman, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President, Siemens Government Technologies.
Show notes:
Report: “Reimagining the Global Supply Chain Post Covid-19”: https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.44/9gx.c95.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/P2P-Supply-Chain-Report-FINAL-MAY-2021-compressed.pdf
Barbara’s op-ed “How to Prepare for the Next National Crisis”: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/511019-how-to-prepare-for-the-next-national-crisis
Barbara’s blog post on address semiconductor shortage: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-infrastructure-.html
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Corey Scales, a Focus Factory Manager for Siemens Smart Infrastructure in Grand Prairie, Texas, joins the show to share his career experience in manufacturing. After an episode exploring near-record industry job openings nationwide, listeners will hear about the growth mindset fueling Corey’s success alongside practical guidance on how to start a manufacturing career.
Show Notes:
Blog post by Corey: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/usa/moving-up-adding-value.html
Kappa Kamp: https://kappakamp.wixsite.com/kappakamp
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331
Where the Jobs Are at Siemens USA: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/press-releases/usa/siemens-where-the-jobs-are.html
Monday Aug 02, 2021
Monday Aug 02, 2021
In June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 814,000 open manufacturing jobs, a new record. And according to a report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI), about 2.1 million manufacturing jobs are likely to be unfilled by 2030 without changes to training and talent recruitment strategies. To explain the trends driving these statistics and how to connect workers with good-paying careers, Barbara is joined by MI’s Executive Director, Carolyn Lee, who leads the National Association of Manufacturers’ nonprofit workforce development and education partner.
Show Notes:
Talent Shortage Report: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/manufacturing/manufacturing-industry-diversity.html
Siemens USA commitment to workforce development: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-workforce.html
Where the Jobs Are at Siemens USA: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/press-releases/usa/siemens-where-the-jobs-are.html
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Brian Neff, CEO of Sintavia, a leader in additive manufacturing, joins the podcast to help listeners understand how a new era of virtual design and 3D printing expands what’s humanly possible. You’ll learn what additive manufacturing is, how it transforms the factory floor, how it could decarbonize aviation, and why more firms aren’t shifting away from traditional processes.
Show Notes:
Brian’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7bpop0zryY
Barbara’s national preparedness op-ed: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/511019-how-to-prepare-for-the-next-national-crisis?rl=1
Transforming U.S. manufacturing: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-infrastructure-.html
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
As America reopens, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester joins the show to explore how to better prepare the nation for future crises while addressing societal inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. As they discuss solutions across infrastructure and workforce development, you’ll learn about the Congresswoman’s proposed infrastructure legislation, including the Open Back Better Act, which would authorize funding for energy efficiency and resiliency retrofit projects in schools, medical facilities, government buildings, education institutions, libraries and more.
Show Notes:
Open Back Better Act: https://bluntrochester.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2481
Reopening America: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/about/covid-19-coronavirus.html
Barbara’s open infrastructure letter: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-an-open-letter-on-us-infrastructure-to-government-leaders.html
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Barbara shares her essay about her experience getting sick as COVID-19 shutdowns began and the big lesson she took away from it.
Show Notes:
LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-fell-ill-covid-19-shutdowns-began-heres-what-taught-barbara-humpton/?published=t
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.