PODCAST · business
Talking Industrial Automation
by Lisa Richter
The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, you will enjoy the insights in this podcast.
Episodes
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Beyond the Technology: Solving Real Manufacturing Challenges with Nick Plathe
What does it take to make industrial automation truly successful? In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Nick Plathe, New Business Development Manager at ITI Group, to discuss how manufacturers can use digital transformation to solve real business and...
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Building Smarter Automation Through Partnership, AI, and Industry Expertise with Greg Jackson and Alan Hinchman
What does it take to build smarter, more effective industrial automation? Lisa Richter sits down with Greg Jackson of Smart Sites and Alan Hinchman of Gray Matter to explore a partnership spanning more than 30 years—and how the industry has evolved from simply collecting data to turning it into...
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From Specs to Trust: How Industrial Automation Buyers Really Make Decisions
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Nicole Bojic, Founder and CEO of ILLI Agency, to explore the human side of B2B marketing and industrial automation buying decisions. Nicole explains why the best technology can lose to the technology a buyer actually...
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From Plant Floor to Smart Factory: How Data, AI & Employee Ownership Are Reshaping Manufacturing with Sam Zungri
What does it take to turn decades of industrial automation expertise into a modern, AI-ready manufacturing business? In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Sam Zungri, President and CEO of Polaris Automation, to discuss how automation, operational data, and...
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The Future of Engineering: Why AI-Native Workflows Will Change Everything with Dr. Axel Zein
What happens when AI stops acting as a productivity tool and starts becoming the decision layer of engineering? In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Dr. Axel Zein, CEO and President of WSCAD, to explore the rise of AI-native engineering and what it means…
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From Bioengineering to Factory Automation: How Rob Goldsmith Helps Bring Manufacturing to Life
n this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Rob Goldsmith, Director of Industrial Systems at Matrix, to explore his unexpected journey from bioengineering student to automation leader overseeing one of North America's largest independent integration teams. Rob...
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Scaling Smart: Jeremy Anderson on Modernizing Manufacturing, Data, and Automation
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Jeremy Anderson, President of Process and Data Automation at the Krones Group, to explore what it really takes to modernize manufacturing in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Jeremy shares his journey from taking...
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M&A in Automation: Clint Bundy on Valuations, Talent, and the Future of System Integrators
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter speaks with Clint Bundy, Managing Director at Bundy Group, a boutique investment bank that has spent more than three decades advising companies in automation, control systems integration, industrial technology, IoT, and...
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Engineering the Brain of the Process: Guru Thakkar on Scalable Automation, Front-End Discipline & Intelligent Systems
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Guru Thakkar, Director of Engineering at Inflexion Point in Neptune, New Jersey. With more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical, life sciences, food & beverage, utilities, and building automation, Guru...
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The Brains of the Factory—Scaling Automation Leadership with Matt Wise
As we kick off the new year, Talking Industrial Automation revisits a listener-favorite conversation with Matt Wise, CEO of E-Tech Group—one of Control Engineering and Plant Engineering's 2025 System Integrator of the Year award winners. Matt shares how he explains automation as "the brains of…
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Listening, Leading, and Evolving: How Adrienne Meyer is Shaping the Next Chapter of CSIA
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Adrienne Meyer, the newly appointed CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). With 20+ years of experience managing global trade associations and technical organizations, Adrienne shares her journey—from...
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From Control Panels to Purpose: How Stephen Beck Found His Path in Industrial Automation | Talking Industrial Automation
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Stephen Beck, Senior Chemical Engineer at Huffman Engineering, to explore his journey from building control panels at age 10 to shaping automation systems across utilities, life sciences, and manufacturing. Stephen...
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Breaking the Mold: How Marcos Carlotto of Schneider Electric Is Reimagining Industrial Automation | Talking Industrial Automation
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter is joined by Marcos Carlotto, Director of Software-Defined Automation at Schneider Electric, for a deep dive into how open systems, artificial intelligence, and workforce transformation are reshaping the industrial automation...
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Standards, Audits, and Intuition: Bud Weightman's 35-Year Journey in Quality Management | Talking Industrial Automation
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Bud Weightman—President of Qualified Specialists International (QSI) and a seasoned expert with over 35 years in quality management, auditing, and standards consulting. Bud takes us inside his journey from launching QSI…
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Navigating the Future of Industrial Automation with GE Vernova's Paul Adams | Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Paul Adams, Senior Director of Partner Ecosystems at GE Vernova, to explore how his nearly three-decade journey with GE has shaped a deep understanding of software, systems, and integrator partnerships. From…
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Scaling with Purpose: Joe Mazzola on Growing McEnery Automation and Leading with Vision | Episode 109 of Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Joe Mazzola, General Manager of McEnery Automation, to unpack his journey from co-op student to company leader. Joe shares how McHenry has grown from a two-person startup to a 30-person team, fueled by long-term...
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A Decade of Impact: Jose Rivera Reflects on Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Automation | Episode 108 of Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter
In this special crossover episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter shares a conversation from Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, featuring outgoing CSIA CEO Jose Rivera. As he prepares to step down after 10 transformative years, Jose looks back on the challenges and...
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Leading with Value: Smarter Pricing Strategies for Today's Industrial Market with Brian Doyle | Episode 107 of Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Brian Doyle, CEO of Holden Advisors, to explore how B2B companies—especially in manufacturing and industrial sectors—can unlock growth through value-based pricing. Brian shares insights on navigating market...
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Matt Wise of E Tech Group | Episode 106
In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group as we explore how E Tech Group became a powerhouse in system integration, earning accolades like the 2025 System Integrator of the Year award. Discover Matt's unique journey from marketing to leading over...
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TIA Rewind - Jim Biehl of Partner at Wipfli, LLP (formerly of Clayton & McKervey)
In this encore presentation of one of the most listened episodes of Talking Industrial Automation, Jim Biehl reveals why some businesses thrive and others flame out, based on his decades of experience. Plus, he discusses the No. 1 inhibitor to business growth. Hint: It's not what you think....
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Cole Wangsness of OnLogic | Episode 105
In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Cole Wangsness, who is a Solution Architect at OnLogic. Since joining the team in 2018, Cole has focused on empowering companies to solve complex technology challenges at the edge -- encompassing both software and hardware -- by...
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Kyle Carreau of PTC/Kepware | Episode 104
In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Kyle Carreau, who is an Enablement Manager for the Kepware team at PTC. Kyle is the "go-to" technical and commercial resource For Kepware's technology partners, international distributors, and North American resellers, Kyle Carreau is a...
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Jim Gillespie of GrayMatter | Episode 103
In this episode, you'll hear from Jim Gillespie, who is the co-founder and chief growth officer of GrayMatter, a leading OT-focused company that provides consulting, services, and curated technology to transform operations and empower people. Since its inception, GrayMatter has grown to over 290...
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Economic and Labor Update with Alex Chausovsky | Episode 102
This episode is a special one – content from a recent CSIA members-only presentation – a Virtual Keynote Address by Alex Chaukosky, who is director of analytics and consulting for the Bundy Group. But that title really does not give you the full picture because he is also a super whiz when it…
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Kacie Chitwood Miller Resource Group | Episode 101
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Kacie Chitwood, an account executive at Miller Resource Group, shares her insights into the job market for controls engineers. Some tidbits: The surprising salary jumps controls engineers can expect in their first five years Creative perks…
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Andrew Harris of ACS | Epsiode 100
Andrew Harris shares his journey from participating in a high school robotics program to leading business development and engineering initiatives at ACS. You'll also hear about ACS's evolution from a spinoff architectural firm to a leader in industrial automation across various industries, as…
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Bryan DeBois of RoviSys | Episode 99
The airwaves are blowing up with the potential of AI in industrial automation -- but is it all talk? Not at all, says Bryan DeBois, DIrector of AI at RoviSys, a system integration founded in 1989. In fact, Autonomous AI is solving unsolvable problems right now -- including the brain drain and…
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Jeromy Peterson of Ripple Industries | Epsiode 98
From an entry-level job at a sewage plant (spoiler, it's as bad as you think) to writing a science fiction novel to earning four degrees+, Jeromy Peterson has accumulated an unusual mix of experiences over the course of his 25-year career. Hear all about it -- including the 17 years he's spent as...
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Alex Pool of Masked Owl Technologies | Episode 97
After 30 years of experience in industrial solution leadership -- ranging from greenfield design and engineering to custom specialized solutions -- Alex Pool launched Masked Owl Technologies. As President of this SI startup, he uses his decades of experience in a diverse technology and automation...
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Adam Gluck of Copia Automation | Episode 96
Can we be solving hard problems that make the economy work better? That make the world a more efficient place? Those are the questions that inspired Adam Gluck to leave his engineering job at Uber and found Copia Automation, which brings modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation…
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Sandy Gennaro Professional Speaker and Drummer | Episode 95
It's not often that an industrial autlomation podcast features a rockstar as a guest -- but it's happening today. Sandy Gennaro -- former drummer for bands as diverse as The Monkees to Joan Jett to Cyndi Lauper -- is here to tell you about his lessons learned from life on the road and other...
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Ken Hackett of General Control Systems | Episode 94
Meet Ken Hackett, who is Director of Business Development for General Control Systems. In this role, he uses his 30 years of expertise in engineering design, sales, service, and installation of process controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems to partner with clients in the life sciences,...
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Crossover Episode with the Rivergate Marketing Podcast
We are doing something a little different with this episode of Talking Industrial Automation because TIA host Lisa Richter was invited to be a guest on the Rivergate Marketing Podcast, produced by Rivergate Marketing, a full-service digital marketing company and CSIA member. This episode touches…
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Dave Bader of Eurotech | Episode 92
Over the course of three decades, Dave Bader, who is Vice President of Business Development at Eurotech, has been involved in several automation revolutions including the evangelism of artificial intelligence at the edge, industrial IoT, and autonomous mobile robotics for industrial and warehouse...
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Karen Griffin of Hargrove Controls and Automation | Episode 91
Finding a role that allowed her to advance her technical skills while also progessing her career was exactly what Karen Griffin was looking for when she landed at Hargrove Controls and Automations. She went on to serve in various automation roles over the next 10 years such as engineering leader,...
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Ira Sharp with Phoenix Contact | Episode 90
With more than 18 years of experience in industrial automation with a focus on Open Control, IIoT Industry 4.0, Networking and Cybersecurity, Ira Sharp, director of product marketing automation at Phoenix Contact USA, has seen a few things. Based on this experience -- and his active digital...
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Ben Durbin of Cybertrol Engineering | Episode 89
Joining the company just one year after inception, Ben Durbin has climbed through the Cybertrol Engineering ranks to the top spot: CEO. Along the way he's gained on-the-job experience in every corner of the business -- from programming to sales. Hear about his career journey -- and his advice for...
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Greg Jackson of SmartSights | Epsiode 88
After decades of living in the same ecosystem, WIN-911 and SyTech merged to form SmartSights, blending the best of both and triggering a fresh look, brand and approach. Hear all about it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation from SmartSights CEO Greg Jackson. Greg also reveals what he...
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Andrew Thomas of Skkynet | Episode 87
Frustrated with the lack of tools to reliably communicate among different process areas, Andrew Thomas decided to do something about it. So in 1995, he and a partner developed real-time communication software that resulted in a program called Cogent Real Time Systems. Over the following two-plus...
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What's New in the Best Practices Manual 6.0 with Tony Valasek | Episode 86
For many CSIA members, the Best Practices Manual is THE reason they joined the association -- and for good reason. The BP Manual Best Practices Manual is the most comprehensive collection of best practices within a system integrators industry. This crowdsourced, comprehensive document -- written…
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Growing Into Leadership Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG | Episode 85
"People are like an unstable PID loop," jokes Keith Mandachit of Huffman Engineering in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Hear what else he and his fellow panelists Andrew Palmberg (Technical Systems Inc) and Becca Johnson (Gray Solutions) share about growing into a leadership role...
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Dino Busalachi of Velta Technology | Episode 84
Dino Busalachi is CTO and Co-Founder of Velta Technology, a company that provides digital safety as a service. Dino has close to 4 decades of global experience across information technology, engineering, and industrial control systems with multiple globally-recognized brands including Rockwell...
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Lisa Ryan of Grategy | Episode 83
Drawing on her experience as a certified speaking professional and best selling author, Lisa Ryan offers some advice for companies that want to retain talent and build a company culture that makes employees want to stay. Along the way, she also gives some tips on public speaking, networking and...
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Mike Bradshaw of Stratus Technologies | Episode 82
Since April 2019, Stratus has completely revamped its partner ecosystem and the programs that support it, providing greater benefits to the partners while driving double digit growth for Stratus reports Mike Bradshaw, Senior Director - Global Channels and Partner Ecosystem. He explains why in…
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Theresa Benson | Part 2 | Episode 81
A former colleague once called Theresa Benson "corporate spackle" because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently...
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Theresa Benson | Part 1 | Episode 80
A former colleague once called Theresa Benson "corporate spackle" because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently...
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Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 2 | Episode 79
As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls...
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Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 1 | Episode 78
As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls...
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Pod in a Box | Episode 77
In this episode, we're talking industrial automation as usual but instead of hearing from one or two guests, you're going to get to hear from a lot of them – hot mike style-ish because I grabbed random 2022 Rockwell Automation Fair attendees as they stopped by the CSIA booth and hit record. So…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, you will enjoy the insights in this podcast.
HOSTED BY
Lisa Richter
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Talking Industrial Automation have?
Talking Industrial Automation currently has 125 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Talking Industrial Automation about?
The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator...
How often does Talking Industrial Automation release new episodes?
Talking Industrial Automation publishes regularly with 125 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Talking Industrial Automation?
You can listen to Talking Industrial Automation on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Talking Industrial Automation?
Talking Industrial Automation is created and hosted by Lisa Richter.
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