IFAN - The Voice of Standards Users

What does it take to make standards truly work in high-stakes industries like aerospace?In this episode, we speak with Alton Sanders (Boeing), a leading expert in standards management with over 40 years of experience.From aircraft safety to digital transformation, Alton shares how standards shape every aspect of aerospace engineering—often in ways that are invisible but mission-critical. He explains why even the smallest components can have major consequences, and how better-designed standards directly improve quality, safety, and efficiency.The conversation also explores a key shift facing industries worldwide: the move from traditional document-based standards to structured, digital data. As engineering systems become more advanced, standards must evolve to remain usable, reliable, and relevant. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why standards are fundamental to safety in aerospaceHow user experience can make or break a standardThe real challenges of applying standards in practiceWhy digital standards are the future—and what’s at stake

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, President and CEO of the American National Standards Institute, about how standards enable innovation and global collaboration.We explore the critical role of standards users, the importance of measurement science, and how the standards system is evolving in the age of emerging technologies.

In this episode of the IFAN Podcast, we speak with Matthew Sexton, Technical and Compliance Director at BMI UK & Ireland and a member of the IFAN Board.Matthew works at the intersection of industry, safety, and standards, dealing daily with the practical application of construction product and fire performance standards across the UK and European markets.Beyond using standards, Matthew actively helps shape them. He serves on several technical panels and chairs key committees, including the BSI committee responsible for external fire performance of roofs and the Construction Products Association Technical Committee.In this conversation, Matthew shares insights from the front line of standards implementation, discussing:• Why the voice of standards users is essential • How industry experience improves the quality of standards • The real challenges of applying standards in the construction sector • Why more companies should engage in the standards development processThis episode highlights the importance of bringing practical industry experience into global standardization, ensuring that standards remain relevant, effective, and trusted.

Muhamad Ali from HP Inc. shares how standards support innovation, interoperability, and global market access in the technology sector. Discover why the voice of standards users is essential in shaping effective international standards. 

In this episode of The Voice of Standards Users, we speak with Sonya Bird, Vice President of International Standards at UL Standards & Engagement, about the importance of bringing the user perspective into international standards. Sonya shares how standards translate safety science into practical solutions and help support innovation, market access, and safety across industries. 

In this episode of the IFAN Podcast, we speak with Mr. Ruggero Lensi, Director General of UNI - The national standards body of Italy, about why standards users must be at the heart of international standardization. Drawing on his long-standing experience in the standards ecosystem, Ruggero reflects on the evolving role of users, the value they bring to quality, efficiency, and innovation, and why their active participation is essential for standards to remain relevant in real markets.The discussion explores IFAN’s mission as the global home of standards users, the challenges users face when engaging in standards development, and how collaboration between users, industry, and standards bodies can generate real economic and social impact.This episode sets the scene for the podcast series by reaffirming a core message: standards work best when users’ voices are heard.