Monday Oct 04, 2021
Reimagining the supply chain
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 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
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
It might be the beginning of the end for the pandemic, yet the climate crisis—and with it, another healthcare crisis— looms large: Air pollution now contributes to 7 million global deaths annually, with the World Health Organization reporting that 98 percent of the world’s children aren’t breathing clean air. Jane Burston, Executive Director and Founder of the Clean Air Fund, joins Barbara with Martin Powell, Head of Sustainability, Americas, for Siemens Financial Services Inc., to tackle this issue. They discuss what’s being done to not only raise the quality of the air we breathe, but to make clean air a basic human right grounding the work to build a sustainable future.
Show Notes:
Jane’s letter to the 21st century: https://www.cleanairfund.org/blog-post/a-letter-to-2021-from-clean-air-funds-executive-director/
Siemens’ environmental action: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability/environmental-action.html#:~:text=Climate%20neutral%20business%20operations%20by,and%20cafes%20globally%20by%202023.
Supporting Biden administration’s climate commitment: https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/ambitious-u-s-2030-ndc/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=US_NDC
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Is this a generational opportunity? For the last episode of the series, Barbara talks to John Macomber, a Harvard Business School lecturer and co-author of “Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity,” to explore how addressing the immediate need to reopen schools nationwide could actually benefit students, teachers and administrators for many years to come. You’ll learn how the pandemic has raised awareness about indoor air quality, and what this means not only for reopening schools but to the future of U.S. infrastructure.
Show Notes:
Reopening Education: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/buildingtechnologies/markets/education.html
Strategies: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/campaigns/building-technologies/markets/education/re-open-education-white-paper-form.html
John on HBR Ideacast: https://hbr.org/podcast/2020/10/how-to-build-workplaces-that-protect-employee-health
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Barbara turns her focus to K-12 schools, highlighting the reopening story of public schools in Augusta, Maine. Jon Stonier, Augusta School Department Director of Building and Grounds, and Siemens’ Erik Matzell, Senior Sales Executive, join the show to talk about the school system’s focus on air purification technology and infrastructure upgrades to safely return students to classrooms.
Show Notes:
Reopening Education: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/buildingtechnologies/markets/education.html
Strategies: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/campaigns/building-technologies/markets/education/re-open-education-white-paper-form.html
Thursday Apr 01, 2021
Thursday Apr 01, 2021
While infrastructure projects have continued during the pandemic, COVID-19 is impacting the construction industry in numerous ways. Richard Kennedy, President and CEO, Skanska USA, joins Barbara to discuss technology trends accelerated by the pandemic and new partnerships for improving how we build and maintain the infrastructure needed today and in the future.
Smart Buildings: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/buildingtechnologies/smart-buildings.html
Smart Infrastructure USA: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/about/businesses/smart-infrastructure.html
Microgrids: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/topic-areas/distributed-energy-systems/princeton-resilient-campus.html
Monday Mar 22, 2021
Monday Mar 22, 2021
In this series, Barbara looks at what it takes to bring back in-person learning across schools, colleges and universities. In Part 1, Molloy College President Dr. James Lentini joins the podcast alongside Siemens’ Fred James and David Santo to talk about the air purification and technology partnership helping Molloy College expand in-person learning with confidence in 2021.
Show Notes:
Reopening Education: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/products/buildingtechnologies/markets/education.html
Air purification solution: https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:91e4900b-7cb4-4382-b51e-f5ea39560f51/siemens-o2prime-highered.pdf
Reopening America: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/about/covid-19-coronavirus.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.