The Smart Factory Podcast: Powered by Catalyst Connection

Built to Grow: Precision Manufacturing, Workforce Strategy, and Industrial Growth

Ralph Hardt shares how advanced manufacturers are scaling through workforce development, automation, continuous improvement, and strategic growth across energy and aerospace markets, including why employee referrals for new hires are one of the strongest indicators of company culture and operational performance.

Cost vs. Price: Bringing Visibility to Manufacturing Supply Chains

Most manufacturers know what they pay. Far fewer understand what it actually costs. Daniela Osio, Founder and CEO of Dalinea, unpacks one of the biggest blind spots in manufacturing today: cost visibility across the supply chain.

AI, Energy, and Change Management: Building the Next Generation of Smart Operations

Adam Bird of Emerson, shares how AI and automation are reshaping industrial operations and energy systems; and what it takes to lead change inside organizations adopting new technologies. Explore how AI is being applied inside real industrial control environments with Ovation AI. See what it takes to bring intelligence directly into operations and where it can drive measurable impact. Learn more about Ovation AI [https://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/brands/ovation/ovation-ai]

Scaling Custom Manufacturing Requires Balancing Innovation, Workforce, and Women’s Engagement

Tricia Staible, President of Robinson Fans, shares what it takes to operate a custom-engineered manufacturing business serving heavy industry; and her passion for the She Builds initiative, which is expanding opportunities for women in manufacturing.

Powering the AI Economy and Energy Infrastructure

Tricia Breeger, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (MEPPI), shares how the next phase of manufacturing growth is being shaped by energy, infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of AI-driven demand.