America’s rail network is at a pivotal moment, and the future is moving fast.    In this episode of The Optimistic Outlook, Siemens USA Interim CEO Ann Fairchild sits down with Tobias “Tobi” Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, to explore what’s driving renewed momentum across passenger and freight rail in the United States. From modernizing legacy infrastructure to building state-of-the-art trains right here at home, Tobi shares why the outlook for rail has never been more positive.    The conversation dives into Siemens’ growing manufacturing footprint on both coasts, the role of industrial AI in improving safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience, and how long-term partnerships are shaping the transportation systems our cities will rely on for decades to come. Tobi also reflects on workforce development, career pathways in manufacturing and engineering, and why reindustrialization is critical to America’s future.    Looking ahead, Ann and Tobi discuss urbanization, high-speed rail, and what it will take to deliver reliable, comfortable, and sustainable mobility solutions that truly improve quality of life. The episode wraps with an optimistic vision for passenger rail in America, one built on trust, innovation, and delivering on promises.    The future of rail is being built now, and it’s bringing people, cities, and opportunity closer together.  Show notes More about Siemens Mobility USA

In this 5-minute high-bandwidth brief, Siemens’ Lauren Espin shares new insight into how the industry can move beyond reinventing the wheel every time we build an AI data center — and start unlocking gains in efficiency, scalability, and energy usage. If you work in infrastructure or communications — or simply follow the space — you know that today’s AI workloads demand new, purpose-built approaches to data center design. Too often, facilities are still built as one-off projects, slowing deployment and limiting scale. In this episode, we look at a game-changing collaboration between Siemens, NVIDIA, and nVent: a new liquid cooling and power reference infrastructure framework built for operational efficiency and resilience in AI environments. Designed as a Tier III–capable, standardized blueprint for high-density AI workloads, it offers a path from experimental builds to repeatable, scalable AI infrastructure. If you want to understand how the industry is moving toward standardized implementation for AI factories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Show notes: LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/siemens-nvidia-nvent-collaborate-smarter-cooler-data-center-deboer-muzce/?trackingId=h%2FZkATuPQU20C%2B%2F6mi%2BsTg%3D%3D Press Release: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-and-nvent-release-joint-reference-architecture-purpose-built-nvidia-ai-data

Barbara explores how technology is reshaping industries and communities — starting with one of the world’s most pressing needs: housing. Mikael Hedberg, a shipbuilder’s son, is reimagining home construction as the founder and CEO of ADMARES with robotic precision and modular design, promising abundant, affordable homes built with dramatically less waste. Siemens’ Eryn Devola shows how digitalization and automation can turn factories into engines of sustainability, cutting emissions while boosting productivity and profitability. Together, they reveal how scaling today’s technologies faster can unlock a future where industry builds not just products, but resilience, opportunity, and a better quality of life.   Show notes ADMARES industrializes sustainable housing design and manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator

Resilience. In the wake of today’s crises, we now hear it all the time. But what it does really mean, and what will be the benefits of having more resilient infrastructure? To answer that question, Barbara talks to Seth Shultz, Global Executive Director of The Resilience Shift. Show notes: Resilient Leadership Project: https://www.resilienceshift.org/resilient-leadership/ International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure: https://www.sustainability-coalition.org/

One of the biggest trends impacting infrastructure actually started in the consumer world: a Fourth Industrial Revolution. Elise Neel, Vice President of New Business Incubation at Verizon, joins Barbara to share its potential and the impact of 5G to infrastructure and industry.

A rare upside to a global pandemic? Less driving helped to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Vic Shao, CEO, Amply Power, outlines how we can continue to accelerate climate action even while restarting the economy by focusing on the immediately actionable opportunity to scale the use of electric mobility.   Show Notes: California mandate for zero emission trucks

A big challenge in co-existing with the COVID-19 pandemic is understanding how to create safe indoor spaces. Scott Rechler, CEO of New York City-based RxR Realty, shares technology solutions being used to reinvent buildings and offices.

As U.S. manufacturers help the country respond to COVID-19, Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers, joins the show to share lessons learned and why the digital transformation of U.S. factories matters to national resilience.

In using data to bring infrastructure online, cybersecurity conversations tend to focus on everything going wrong. With Laura Bate, a director of cyber engagement at the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Barbara delves into a world in which everything goes right instead.

How do we prepare today’s workers for the jobs of the future and ensure no one is left behind? In this episode of Optimistic Outlook, Barbara Humpton sits down with Guild CEO Bijal Shah to explore how employers, educators, and governments can come together to unlock workforce potential. From frontline roles in healthcare and manufacturing to the emerging demands of AI and advanced technologies, they discuss what it takes to build resilient, future-ready talent pipelines. Together, they dive into why reskilling and upskilling are now a business imperative, how employers can open doors through accessible, stackable learning pathways, the role of public–private partnerships in solving critical talent shortages and why continuous learning is the key to economic growth and opportunity. This conversation is about more than education—it’s about creating inclusive pathways, breaking down barriers, and rethinking what it means to prepare workers for a rapidly changing world.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter [New Research] Build vs Buy: Manufacturing Talent Strategy in the Age of Automation, AI, and, Reshoring: The manufacturers best positioned for the next decade are building talent from within. The numbers speak for themselves: employers could collectively save $2.8B by developing the top five roles in manufacturing internally rather than hiring externally. New research from Lightcast and Guild reveals how leading manufacturers are solving skills gaps, reducing time-to-fill, and cutting labor costs by developing their existing workforce. [Webinar] Build vs Buy: Manufacturing Talent Strategy in the Age of Automation, AI, and Reshoring: Join leaders from Guild, Lightcast, and Siemens on September 30 as they discuss new research. Explore how to shift from relying only on hiring talent to building talent from within; make smarter Total Rewards and L&D investments based on real-time labor market signals; and mobilize internal pipelines that support business priorities like smart manufacturing, new product cycles, and supply chain agility. Guild resource hub  

Barbara sits down with U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte, who serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and led the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, for an insightful discussion on how to balance risks with opportunity when it comes to AI. The Congressman outlines his vision for balanced, sector-specific regulation of AI that protects against malicious activities while fostering innovation. In this episode, Barbara and Congressman Obernolte explore the critical distinctions between consumer AI and industrial AI, which promises to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and create high-quality jobs in American manufacturing. Tune in to learn how AI is poised to reshape the future of American manufacturing and what steps policymakers, industry leaders, and the public can take to ensure its success. This episode promises to be a compelling conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, industry, and policy. Show notes: Bipartisan AI report: https://www.speaker.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AI-Task-Force-Report-FINAL.pdf Barbara's Congressional Testimony: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/usa/ceo-of-siemens-usa-addresses-members-of-congress.html Optimistic Outlook Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/optimistic-outlook-7171212265625374720/  

A college degree and economic mobility often go hand in hand. A bachelor’s degree can lead to higher earnings over a lifetime. But as technologies like AI impact the job market, how do academic institutions best prepare students for roles that may not even be created yet? Not only that, how do we give more people the chance to achieve a degree and build the skills that industries need? In this episode, Barbara Humpton speaks with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University, about how academic institutions can think innovatively – even radically – about what it means to achieve a college degree in an era of rapid change. Listeners will learn how WGU has become a pioneer in this space, tackling challenges like affordability and accessibility while giving students more ownership over their education.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter Training a Skilled Workforce Barbara Humpton on Training a Manufacturing Workforce    

AI is reshaping how we live, learn, and work. But no matter how powerful the technology becomes, there’s one skill it will never replicate: being human.   In this special episode of The Optimistic Outlook, Siemens USA CEO Barbara Humpton shares her 2025 commencement address to graduates of Western Governors University. Her message is both simple and powerful: Empathy. Curiosity. Resilience. The joy you bring to your work. These aren’t soft skills — they’re human skills. And in a world increasingly driven by AI, they’re more essential than ever.   Tune in to hear Barbara’s reflections on the future of work, her personal journey in tech and leadership, and why the most optimistic outlook begins with embracing what makes us uniquely human.   Show notes: What AI Can’t Replace: Siemens USA CEO’s Message to Graduates Barbara's commencement reflection post on LinkedIn

We’re halfway through 2025—and what a year it’s been. In this special mid-year check-in, Barbara revisits the bold predictions she made back in January and asks: Are we delivering on the promise of Industrial AI, clean energy, and workforce transformation? From factories revitalized by digital twins to microgrids powering America’s fast-growing AI data centers, this episode highlights the real-world innovations reshaping our industrial landscape.   Drawing on insights from top guests—futurists, engineers, and workforce leaders—Barbara explores what’s working, where challenges remain, and how people are staying at the center of it all. If you’re curious about how data, AI, and human ingenuity are rewriting the rules of American industry, this episode is your front-row seat. Let’s take stock of how far we’ve come—and what it will take to finish the year strong.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter  

What does a futurist see when they look ahead—not just to next year, but to 2050 and beyond? In this episode, Barbara sits down with Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation & Trends at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to explore the megatrends transforming our world. From industrial AI and digital twins to quantum computing and generational shifts, Brian offers a window into the technological, societal, and human-centered forces that are defining the future. Together, they discuss how industrial innovation is not only catching up to—but in many cases, leading—the digital revolution, and what it takes for businesses and communities to thrive in a world of constant change.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter Siemens unveils breakthrough innovations in industrial AI and digital twin technology at CES 2025

Barbara returns to a theme she’s been hearing more and more from policymakers, educators, and industrial leaders alike: how to truly bring back American manufacturing. While much of the attention is focused on high-profile greenfield projects—brand-new, high-tech factories—there’s an equally urgent priority hiding in plain sight: transforming the factories we already have. In this episode, Barbara welcomes back Del Costy, President and Managing Director at Siemens Digital Industries, to talk about the “brownfield”—the 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers that are small and mid-sized enterprises already operating today. Del shares what he’s hearing from customers on the ground, the challenges they face with legacy systems, and the practical solutions available now. This episode reveals the technologies and strategies that can help legacy manufacturers adopt change at the speed of relevance.  Show notes: LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7171212265625374720/ 

MIT professor, entrepreneur, and manufacturing visionary Dr. John Hart joins the show to continue the podcast’s focus on what it will really take to bring back American manufacturing. Together, John and Barbara explore how revitalizing U.S. industry will require more than cutting-edge technologies—it will take collaborative ecosystems that span education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. From insights into the latest trends in automation and 3D printing, to a bold rethinking of who today’s “technologists” are, this conversation dives into what it takes to transform both greenfield and brownfield operations. With expertise drawn from the intersection of the lab and shop floor, Dr. Hart helps paint a picture of what’s possible when ecosystems align—and how we can turn this manufacturing moment into lasting progress.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter   Press Release: Siemens Founding Member of MIT Initiative designed to transform U.S. manufacturing through research, innovation and training   MIT Technology Review Insights, created in partnership with Siemens   Washington Post Live Podcast: Siemens CEO Barbara Humpton on the 'fourth industrial revolution' MARA Fireside Podcast: Barbara Humpton - Digital Energy & Prosperity  

In the latest episode of Optimistic Outlook, Barbara dives into the heart of America’s manufacturing revival, drawing parallels from the high-octane world of IndyCar racing to the industrial tech sector driving economic growth. Discover how cutting-edge are not just giving racing teams a competitive edge but also fueling the transformation of U.S. manufacturing. Learn why these advancements matter to manufacturers, business leaders, policymakers, and workers eager to shape the next chapter of American industry. If you care about strengthening supply chains, creating high-paying jobs, and fostering innovation, this episode is for you. From revitalizing small and medium-sized factories to building a resilient workforce and modernizing energy infrastructure, Barbara outlines a clear roadmap to accelerate industrial growth. Tune in to uncover how we can hit the accelerator on America’s industrial future—and why now is the time to start those engines.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter Andretti Global Announces Siemens as Indianapolis 500 Primary Partner for Kyle Kirkwood      

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool – it’s becoming a force in the physical world. This special episode of The Optimistic Outlook highlights how industrial AI is moving beyond software to drive real-world impact. From factories and power grids to buildings, transportation systems, and even drug discovery, industrial AI is reshaping the systems that underpin everyday life.   You’ll hear excerpts from Siemens President and CEO Roland Busch’s CES keynote, including onstage conversations with leaders such as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, PepsiCo Latin America CEO Athina Kanioura, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO Bob Mumgaard. Together, they explore how digital twins, AI-powered simulation, and deep industry partnerships are already delivering measurable results—and setting the foundation for an industrial AI revolution.   Throughout the episode, Siemens USA Interim President and CEO Ann Fairchild provides context and commentary on what these breakthroughs mean for customers, industries, and society – and why Siemens is uniquely positioned to help scale industrial AI responsibly and impactfully.   Show notes Siemens CES Keynote with Roland Busch (Full video on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Wm6YdoZSs&t=9s Siemens at CES 2026: Official Landing Page : https://events.sw.siemens.com/en-US/siemens-at-ces/

In this episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Barbara reflects on insights from the inaugural AI for Real event in New York City, featuring insights from top economists and innovators. This episode dives into how Industrial AI empowers workers, drives innovation, and strengthens America’s industrial leadership. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or curious professional, learn why investing in Industrial AI is key to creating resilient industries and unlocking new opportunities for all.   Show notes Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter 

A quiet revolution is reshaping how we build, work, and compete at the intersection of AI and American manufacturing. Recorded live at ITI’s Intersect Summit in D.C., this episode explores how breakthroughs in Industrial AI—from Siemens’ AI-powered production tools to Toyota’s collaborative “big room” model—create more intelligent factories and empower U.S. workers. With bipartisan momentum and strategic public-private partnerships, policymakers and industry leaders are aligning to strengthen American competitiveness, rebuild supply chains, and train a future-ready workforce. But the road ahead isn’t without challenges: trust, talent, and scalability remain top priorities. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is no longer just futuristic—it’s already shaping America’s industrial comeback.   Show notes  Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter    What is AI with purpose? For manufacturers, it’s making data valuable | By: Barbara Humpton, CEO Siemens USA    

What does it take to power the future of transportation, industry, and infrastructure? In this electrifying episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Mefford, National Co-Chair of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), to explore how cutting-edge training reshapes the electrical workforce.   Jennifer shares how EVITP is preparing electricians to meet the skyrocketing demand for EV infrastructure—and in the process, transform careers and lives. From real-world success stories to the strategies fueling this skilled trades revolution, discover how today’s electricians lead the charge toward a cleaner, more connected future. Show notes More about the Siemens Foundation  More about the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter

What if the key to a stronger, more inclusive workforce starts before college? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Taylor White, Director of Postsecondary Pathways for Youth at New America’s Center on Education and Labor, to explore how youth apprenticeships are transforming the future of work. Taylor shares her insight as the leader of the groundbreaking Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) initiative, which has been breaking down barriers and opening doors for young people since 2020. From real-world experience to meaningful career pathways, discover how these innovative programs expand opportunity, bridge the education-to-employment gap, and shape a brighter future for the next generation.   Show notes More about the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA)  Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter

As industries electrify—from EVs to critical infrastructure—the demand for skilled talent is skyrocketing. But how do we break down barriers to entry and ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is ready? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Dr. Scott Ralls, President, Wake Tech Community College. Dr. Ralls shares lessons learned and insights from his experience guiding Wake Tech’s innovative strategies connecting workforce and education opportunities. He highlights a variety of solutions, from registered apprenticeship programs to new fast-track training courses, helping students to "ladder up" into promising careers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how partnerships, education, and hands-on training are lighting the way for the next generation of workers.     Show notes: EVeryone Charging Forward™ - Building a workforce for the growing American EV charging sector.   Unique New Program Trains Technicians in EV Charging Stations   Siemens invests $36 million in Wendell, NC to elevate customer experience, advance training, boost manufacturing, and strengthen sustainability efforts   Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter

How is clean technology transforming American manufacturing? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking industrial microgrid project at Siemens’ Wendell, NC factory that’s rewriting the rules of how factories operate. Brian Dula, President of the Electrification and Automation business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA, shares how Siemens’ $36 million investment in Wendell is not only improving efficiency but also creating new career opportunities.  We uncover how clean tech and electrification aren’t just about sustainability—they’re driving real business advantages and shaping the future of American industry. Whether you’re in policy, on the factory floor, in tech, or just curious about the future of energy, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about manufacturing. 

AI copilots have changed a range of professions, from healthcare to finance, by automating tasks and enhancing productivity. But can copilots also create value for people performing more mechanical, hands-on tasks or figuring out how to bring factories online? In this episode, Barbara welcomes Olympia Brikis, Director of AI Research at Siemens, to show how generative AI is shaping new industrial tech jobs at the convergence of the real and digital worlds. Olympia sheds light on the unique career opportunities in AI and what it takes to thrive in this dynamic, emerging field. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone curious about tech careers, this episode offers a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping the landscape of mechanical and industrial professions. Tune in to learn about the exciting innovations and the future of AI in industry!    Show notes In this episode, Barbara asks Olympia to share some resources that can help all of us get smarter on industrial AI. Here are Olympia's recommendations: For everyone just getting started with (Generative) AI: Elements of AI – great for learning how AI work and what it is https://www.elementsofai.com/   Generative AI for Everyone: https://www.coursera.org/learn/generative-ai-for-everyone   Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, by Ethan Mollick    For those want to dive deeper into the technical aspects of Deep Neural Networks and Generative AI: Deep Learning Specialization: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/deep-learning   Stanford University Lecture CS336: Language Modeling from Scratch https://stanford-cs336.github.io/spring2024/

Join Barbara Humpton in this fascinating conversation with Michelle DeFeo, President of Laurent-Perrier US. Discover how this legendary champagne house is leading the charge with sustainable business practices while maintaining the extraordinary standards of its bottles of premium bubbly. Michelle shares insights into how Laurent-Perrier, a family-owned champagne house since 1812, is advancing climate resilience by rethinking every aspect of champagne production, from its humble beginnings on the vine to how the bottles are delivered globally. A perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness in the world of fine wines.

In this special episode recorded live at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Barbara sits down with Siemens CTO Peter Koerte to explore groundbreaking technologies shaping a new industrial tech sector. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of innovation, from creating sustainable textiles to revolutionizing air travel with carbon-neutral aircraft. In this episode, they discuss the tangible ROI of industrial AI, the transformative potential of digital twins, and the growing impact of software-defined automation. Discover how Siemens is leading the charge in driving the business case for sustainability through cutting-edge technology and startup collaborations. The conversation underscores the potential of industrial AI to solve pressing issues, from skilled labor shortages to improving operational efficiency and sustainability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology and how technology can positively impact the world and business.     Show Notes:  Industrial Tech Sector and CES announcements: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/digital-industries/transformation-industrial-technology-is-now.html 

In her final episode of 2024, Barbara looks ahead to 2025, where industry, technology, and sustainability collide. From the groundbreaking innovation at CES to the rise of software-defined automation and industrial AI, this episode explores the rise of a new industrial tech sector. Barbara dives into trends reshaping industries: clean tech advancements, the democratization of technology, and how AI will empower workers to thrive in a fast-evolving landscape. Tune in for bold predictions, thought-provoking insights, and a vision for a more connected, sustainable future.

As 2026 approaches, manufacturers are under growing pressure to move faster, operate more flexibly, and compete in an increasingly complex global landscape. At the same time, the tools to meet those challenges are finally positioned to move from promise to real-world impact. In this year-end episode of The Optimistic Outlook, Siemens USA Interim CEO Ann Fairchild sits down with Del Costy, President and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries Americas, to explore what’s changing—and what’s still holding manufacturers back. Drawing on conversations with industrial leaders across the country, Del offers a clear-eyed view of today’s technology adoption curve, from the realities of deploying Industrial AI to the strategic importance of digital twins, simulation, and edge processing. Together, they examine how technology, data, and people are converging to shape a new industrial tech sector—and what it will take for manufacturers to translate innovation into speed, resilience, and long-term competitiveness in 2026 and beyond.

As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on the incredible transformations shaping our cities and economies. In this special year-end episode, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shares his bold vision for making Atlanta a top-5 American tech hub. From public-private partnerships to fostering tech talent, Mayor Dickens dives into the strategies powering the “Tech City of the South” and highlights how innovation is creating opportunities for all. Whether you're inspired by Atlanta's rise or curious about the future of tech cities, this episode offers a hopeful look at what’s ahead for urban growth and inclusivity in the digital age.   Show notes:  Atlanta Office of Technology and Innovation: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-innovation-delivery-and-performance 

You've heard that the transition to clean energy is going too slowly, and it may be too late. But what if everything you've heard...is wrong! While some may paint a depressing picture of a sluggish transition, the real story is far more optimistic. On this episode, Barbara and her guest Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, pull back the curtain on the staggering developments that no one has told you about. From game-changing technology that sounds like science-fiction (but it's real!), to surprising reasons the market will help us get to clean energy faster, you'll get useful and actionable insights about the hidden POSITIVE tipping point we're rapidly approaching. This episode delivers paradigm-shifting information about how our world will transform to clean energy faster than anyone has predicted. (Please note that the company H2 Green Steel mentioned by Jon Creyts now goes by Stegra.)   Show notes: Barbara's newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/optimistic-outlook-7171212265625374720/ Global Cooling Prize: https://www.cleancoolingcollaborative.org/super-efficient-air-conditioning/ Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance: https://flysaba.org/ Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform: https://rmi.org/our-work/climate-aligned-industries/sustainable-steel-buyers-platform/

Are you curious about where the biggest tech innovations are happening in the clean energy transition? Are you aware that 2024 was a huge turning point for increased private sector investment? In this episode, Bill Gates and Barbara reveal all of this and much, much more. You'll discover which technologies are already scaling, where the biggest tech investors are focusing their resources in the coming years, and which innovations are solving the tricky problem of being profitable AND tackling climate change.  You'll learn why 80% of breakthrough climate technologies are happening in the USA (it's not what you think), and how this key driver is creating career paths and business opportunities you can't afford to miss out on.  Whether you're exploring new career opportunities, involved in energy policy or leadership, or just excited to hear about this bold new phase of the energy transition - this conversation between two innovators with a front-row seat to the future of climate tech is for you.    Show Notes:   State of the Transition Report - https://www.breakthroughenergy.org/newsroom/articles/bill-gates-state-of-transition/  Barbara's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-innovation-igniting-clean-industrial-revolution-immense-humpton-alnae/ 

True to Steve Jobs' prediction, the iPhone really did change everything. But was it the device itself...or apps that made the digital world easier to access for non-tech experts? This episode explores a tech breakthrough that happened 15 years after Jobs' famous consumer product release, when Siemens launched a digital business platform with a different purpose: to help innovators transform industry, infrastructure and transportation. She's joined by Marshall Van Alstyne, who wrote all about the rise of platforms in the consumer world (the book's called "Platform Revolution," and it's a bestseller) to show you how the app principles letting us put data into action with the click of a button now apply to managing machines, grids, and trains. Plus, Peter Koerte, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens, joins to highlight how merging the real with the digital could be our secret weapon in the fight against climate change. Turns out, the next big tech revolution isn't coming to your devices, but to the physical world all around you.  Show notes:  Siemens Xcelerator Press Release: https://xcelerator.siemens.com/global/en.html Platform Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Revolution-Networked-Markets-Transforming/dp/0393249131  Peter’s article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digitalization-decarbonization-two-megatrends-each-other-peter-koerte/?trackingId=Sg8Tf%2BSWT0%2B%2BRNFwc0fwMg%3D%3D&linkId=300000002456347 

Join Barbara for an insightful episode taking listeners behind the scenes of Climate Week NYC, held September 22 to 29. This episode recaps conversations and highlights across a pivotal annual event gathering political and business leaders, innovative researchers, high-profile media, and local influencers from across the U.S. and the globe. Together, they discuss the current state of sustainability, evaluate climate action efforts, and explore cutting-edge technologies driving a net-zero future. Barbara speaks with Adam Lake, Head of Communications, North America, Climate Group; Shyla Raghav, Chief Climate Officer for TIME; and Kristy Drutman, Founder of Brown Girl Green. Discover what impressed them most about Climate Week NYC 2024 and their key takeaways from this influential event. 

We're bringing you an extra episode highlighting one of our favorite podcasts. Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well-respected thought leaders engaging in authentic conversation. The show is an excellent binge, and in this episode, Guy Kawasaki delivers a practical, tactical, and sometimes radical discussion of how to make a difference in the world and live a fulfilling life.   If you like this episode, listen to Smart People Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or visit their website here. 

More than 500,000 American manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. Are negative perceptions and myths about manufacturing holding young people and career seekers back from pursuing these high-paying jobs now attainable to people of all backgrounds?  Terry Iverson, former owner of Iverson & Company and founder of CHAMPION Now!, an organization dedicated to improving the image of manufacturing among students, parents, and educators, joins Barbara to discuss:  The roots of the worker shortage problem  Common myths and misconceptions  Inspiring career success stories  Why newcomers are advancing quickly  The case for ANYONE interested in manufacturing applying for open roles     Show notes:  CHAMPION Now!: https://championnow.org/about/ 

Digital innovation is breaking out of Silicon Valley and revolutionizing manufacturing plants across America. What vision do manufacturers have for these cutting-edge tools? How are they tackling digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and AI integration? Join Barbara as she speaks with Stephen Gold, President and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance, to get an expert’s take on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the strides American manufacturers are making in adopting advanced technologies.   Show notes:   Digital Transformation Report: https://www.manufacturersalliance.org/research-insights/digitalizationreport 

Barbara is joined by Maisie Devine, Executive Director of Sustainable Innovation at AB InBev and Founder of the 100+ Accelerator program. They dig into how strategic collaborations between large corporations and startups are not only speeding up net-zero strategies but also driving significant cost savings that reinforce the business case for sustainability - including in the beer brewing industry!  This episode originally aired August 8 2023. Show Notes: 100+ Accelerator Program Vertical Farming Initiative  

In the race to meet sustainability objectives, corporate commitments are skyrocketing. The Net Zero Tracker reports a 40% increase in corporate net-zero targets since June 2022, now encompassing half of the world’s largest companies. This surge extends to broader sustainability goals, including biodiversity, nature, and equity. Yet, the pace must quicken, and the scale of action must expand. Join Barbara and her guest, Sabine Hoefnagel, Global Head of Sustainability & Risk at ERM, for an enlightening conversation. They’ll explore the trends fueling these corporate pledges and unpack the compelling business incentives driving private-sector investments in sustainability. Discover the tools that can help businesses fast-track their sustainability milestones. Show notes: ERM: https://www.erm.com/ Accelerate net-zero: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ea1BhC6ARIsAEOG5pxuGTkHSkmc8DPlU36ZrCAOEJrLfpG5UOTtXyMG1PVyeo9IZSm4QJYaAuGzEALw_wcB&acz=1&gad_source=1   

America is racing to build the infrastructure for an AI-powered economy. But as this generational investment accelerates, a critical question emerges: Are organizations truly ready to deploy AI at scale? While AI is everywhere in headlines, enterprise readiness remains uneven. Many companies are experimenting with AI, but far fewer have the data quality, governance structures, workforce skills, or sector-specific frameworks needed to adopt it responsibly and effectively. The gap between infrastructure and real-world deployment is growing — and closing it will determine whether AI strengthens competitiveness and expands opportunity across the economy. In this episode, guest host Brie Sachse, Senior Vice President & Head of Government Affairs for Siemens USA, sits down with Victoria Espinel, President & CEO of the Business Software Alliance (BSA), to explore how AI can be responsibly integrated across every sector of the economy. Together, they discuss what it takes to accelerate AI adoption in ways that strengthen competitiveness, expand opportunity, and build public trust. Victoria shares insights from BSA’s global work on AI and digital transformation, while Brie discusses the strong benefits of AI adoption across all sectors of industry, where AI meets the physical world. Both Brie and Victoria reflect on how policymakers, employers, and technology leaders can work together to ensure AI provides benefits to organizations of all sizes. This episode offers a practical, optimistic look at the future of AI and why readiness, not hype, is the key to unlocking America’s AI advantage.

As the clock ticks down on critical climate goals, can we still turn the tide? Barbara reveals why she believes the answer is “yes” while drawing inspiration from the recent Breakthrough Energy Summit, which brings together global leaders focused on big ideas for net-zero technologies. In this episode, she explores how new breakthroughs in technology *partnerships* can help us to meet our climate targets. Discover how to decarbonize buildings, how to rapidly scale solar power, and much more. Show notes: Bronzeville microgrid: https://theoptimisticoutlook.podbean.com/e/the-overlooked-solution-to-scaling-clean-power Breakthrough Report: https://transition.breakthroughenergy.org/

Babara talks with Chad Frischmann, co-author of the New York Times best-seller "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming," about what is possible in the arena of reducing greenhouse gasses.  They have some surprisingly positive insights based on existing and emerging technologies.  They offer a vision of a future where atmospheric greenhouse gasses start to decline year after year and describe what a truly regenerative future might entail. This episode originally aired on September 16, 2022.  Show Notes: Regenerative Intelligence Project Drawdown

As AI data centers multiply electricity needs and grid transmission challenges linger, how will the United States produce enough affordable, reliable, and clean power? Can we continue to grow the economy without forsaking critical climate objectives? In this episode, Barbara spotlights a key solution: the opportunity to innovate at the "grid edge," where technologies can be applied to rapidly scale renewables. Barbara not only makes the case for how to transform the power grid; she presents an example in Chicago's South Side neighborhood Bronzeville, which recently switched on a powerful grid edge project in the form of America's first neighborhood-scale microgrid. Get ready to hear expert commentary on how microgrids supercharge utility services. This opens up new possibilities to accelerate the energy transition while also making grids more resilient to shocks and disruption in the face of more severe weather.   Show Notes:   News coverage of microgrid launch: https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2024/05/24/comed-bronzeville-microgrid-electric-power-energy-housing-authority  ComEd press release: https://www.comed.com/news/news-releases/2024-05-24  Accelerate Carbon Reduction: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aDgrEeye3t9H7I8CDD-Al8KysZS8NrUdjc5uY9SVTePmEkG4exRpqRoCwhIQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1 

When Susan Nickey started her career in banking, few people saw a future in financing renewables. It wasn’t even a sector yet! Today, as EVP & Chief Client Officer for climate positive investment firm HASI and the Board Chair of the American Clean Power Association, Susan is working to advance clean energy from a stronger position: with renewables now mainstream, low cost, and competitive. Barbara opens this conversation by delving into Susan's career as they explore clean power's past and future. Key questions answered include: What needs to be done to get the clean energy transition moving faster? And what’s the role of renewables as electricity demand surges to support a data center boom driven by generative AI? This episode will get you up to speed on the last energy trends impacting the energy transition and energy security. Get ready to learn why innovation with financing is as important as technology development and R&D. You’ll also learn how permitting reform and workforce development can further catalyze the massive private sector investment in clean energy spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Why would an optimist try to inspire an audience by sharing the story of the worst day in her career? In this episode, Barbara shares her commencement address at George Mason University, bringing graduates inside a tough setback that ultimately opened up new possibilities in her career journey. Listen for inspiration on why staying true to your authentic self is a superpower as the definition of what it means to lead broadens to include many different styles.   Show notes:   Remarks as prepared for delivery: https://www.gmu.edu/news/2024-05/commencement-speaker-barbara-humptons-remarks-george-masons-spring-2024-graduates#:~:text=Throughout%20your%20career%20journey%2C%20remember,enough%20to%20make%20your%20mark. 

In this idea-packed episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Siemens CEO Roland Busch sits down with Barbara to explore the concept of "glocalization" and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and productive future. What are the trends compelling international companies to increase their manufacturing presence in the United States? This is a fascinating inside look at how Siemens is leveraging global strategies with local insights to revolutionize industry and infrastructure.  This episode originally aired on May 16, 2023. Show Notes: Roland on Glocalization Siemens Xcelerator and the Industrial Metaverse Roland’s Annual Shareholders Meeting Speech Rail Manufacturing Announcement

Across industry, infrastructure, and transportation, technology is changing rapidly, and changing everything. How do organizations reskill quickly enough and create lifelong learning cultures that embrace change to drive innovation? And how can this focus on people lead to the rise of more sustainable companies? In two words, trust and empowerment, says Judith Wiese. Barbara’s guest on this episode is Siemens’ Chief People and Sustainability Officer (CPSO) as well as Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and Labor Director. Get ready to understand the connection between digital upskilling and the ability to address the climate crisis and build a sustainable future. Show notes: DEGREE: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNUdgnmq-v3wNBXMfadY3iZv7e-_Md2hc0j2GF34_MWJ5aaagyNGu-xoCe9kQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1 SiGREEN: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability/product-carbon-footprint.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNQuKBRZ9Rqd4l2CEeCIyTYE1si-CRxnv89m-VvHz7m2qPxTJKWtBrxoCfr0QAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1

Barbara is joined by Dr. Connie Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, for a fascinating look at a subject that offers insight into some of the ideas that make Siemens such a successful company - trust and psychological safety.   Barbara and Connie discuss how these ideas - when practiced authentically - can enhance resilience, well-being, and willingness to take healthy risks. This episode has actionable insights on transforming work cultures to boost innovation and achieve impactful outcomes. This episode originally aired on December 20, 2022. Show Notes: Psychological Safety 101  

This is a very intriguing discussion with Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology! In this episode, you'll discover exclusive insights straight from the policymaker on the heels of the White House’s executive order establishing standards for AI. While cybercriminals might exploit AI for nefarious purposes, Anne reveals how AI is revolutionizing the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure. Learn the latest strategies for balancing AI risks with its immense potential, in an episode full of up-to-the-minute info you won't find anywhere else.