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

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. 

Picture this: the power grid, not just an engineering marvel, but the lifeblood of our digital and eco-conscious era. With the AI revolution ramping up data center demands and green energy's rise pushing us towards a brighter, cleaner future, our trusty grid is facing a Herculean task. Can it keep the lights on and our planet cool as we plug into an ever-expanding digital world and strive for sustainability? Barbara thinks so, and she's leading the charge right at the frontier where technology meets electricity. Dive into an episode filled with groundbreaking ideas on using AI and innovative software to achieve both growth and sustainability.

Gridscale X: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-launches-gridscale-xtm-paving-way-autonomous-grid-management

You’ve probably heard many perspectives on AI since the rise of ChatGPT, but this one is different. In this Optimistic Insights, Barbara shares how Industrial AI is allowing Siemens to redefine what's possible for humans.  The modern factory has always produced more data than human capacity for analysis and application can handle. Suddenly, AI is transforming this massive output of data from mere stored information into a goldmine of actionable insights. Barbara explains how this remarkable collaboration between humans and AI is not only resulting in gains in productivity; it's also propelling gains in sustainability. Barbara's compelling insights on this episode serve as a beacon of inspiration for your own digital transformation journey. 

Show notes: 

Barbara with Anne Neuberger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fidlHNw-T-k 

Industrial AI: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/topic-areas/artificial-intelligence-in-industry.html 

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, ranks among the most promising developments in the effort to revitalize American manufacturing and localize supply chains. But what are the technologies that can help upstart additive companies to scale operations and industrialize 3D printing? And how can this make U.S. supply chains more resilient? In this episode, Barbara gets answers to these questions from Brian Neff, CEO, Sintavia, a leading additive manufacturing firm supplying vital components to the aerospace industry, as they explore the important role of digital threads in transforming production. Get ready to learn how Sintavia has fully embraced software to drive their operating model – how this will enable them to quintuple their business without making additional investment – and the potential for these solutions to be adopted by other small- and medium-sized enterprises. 

Show notes:

Sintavia and the digital thread: https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/additive/sintavia-is-pushing-the-additive-manufacturing-factory-into-the-future/

Can the future of manufacturing be almost like playing a video game? In this Optimistic Insights episode, Barbara looks back to CES in January and presents Siemens’ vision for the Industrial Metaverse, breaking down Siemens AG CEO Roland Busch’s keynote speech. Prepare to learn about the key building blocks for making the industrial metaverse a reality, including digital twins, and the world-changing potential for combining the real and virtual worlds in industry, infrastructure,  and transportation.

Show notes:

CES keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C38ZX1BcGrE   

Report with MIT: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/digital-transformation/industrial-metaverse/the-emergent-industrial-metaverse.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoKeuBhCoARIsAB4Wxte43FPQ5PFyb2FU_xJqud7MYbBZvDjz3PsTvxU5M-a-8rfrqRK3q1waAt1zEALw_wcB&acz=1&gad_source=1

Digital innovation is no longer limited to Silicon Valley. Some of the most exciting, and potentially world-changing, developments are happening in manufacturing plants across America as industrial automation systems interact with software and AI. What is the vision for applying tools that first emerged in consumer sectors in American industry? And what could the benefits be beyond forging an even more competitive, stronger U.S. manufacturing sector? To learn more, Barbara sits down with Del Costy, who leads Siemens’ work providing industrial technologies to U.S. manufacturers and the federal government. Listen to hear Del’s perspective, drawn from decades of industry experience, as he reflects on the changes he has seen during his career, including how platforms are democratizing advanced and emerging technologies. 

Siemens Xcelerator: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/digital-transformation/xcelerator.html

Virtual PLC: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/first-virtual-simatic-controller-enables-more-flexible-software-based-automation

Metaverse demo and FREYR partnership: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/freyr-scale-battery-cell-gigafactory-production-siemens-xcelerator

For decades, American manufacturing shifted to other countries. Now, it’s growing again in the United States. To launch a new “Optimistic Insights” series, Barbara outlines the trends such as emerging technologies and what she calls “glocalization” that are driving American manufacturing’s resurgence. This episode will help listeners to understand the convergence between the tech economy and American industry. Explore the bright future ahead for workers eager to help American manufacturing lead the way in innovation, sustainability and prosperity.

Show notes:

Investing in American manufacturing: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231103426573/en/Siemens-to-invest-more-than-US500-million-in-U.S.-manufacturing-for-critical-infrastructure-in-2023

Industrial technologies expanding what’s humanly possible: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/topic-areas/industrial-automation.html

Older generations have often misunderstood younger generations. And yet, as the U.S. workforce ages, the value of multigenerational teams will continue to grow. In this episode, Barbara talks with university recruiter Sophie Nicholas and intern Adrian Vasquez. You will learn about the workplace culture that Gen Z is shaping and what they hope to learn as the youngest of the five generations now in the workforce.  

Show notes:

Jobs at Siemens: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/jobs.html

Successfully addressing the climate crisis requires significant progress by 2030. Will we get there? Christiana Figueres, a former UN climate leader who led the process securing the Paris Climate Agreement, offers expert perspective, defining the current state of the problem and how we can grow our ability to rapidly put solutions into action. Prepare to be uplifted about what’s possible and to learn about critical climate priorities slated for the UN climate conference COP28.

Christiana is a Founding Partner of Global Optimism, co-presenter of climate podcast Outrage + Optimism, and co-author of "The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist's Guide to the Climate Crisis."

Show notes:

Christiana's TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/christiana_figueres_the_inside_story_of_the_paris_climate_agreement?language=en

Outrage + Optimism: https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/

Accelerating carbon reduction: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html

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/

Imagine self-healing concrete or traffic lights with “eyes” that save lives in crosswalks. Technology startup leaders join Barbara to discuss breakthrough innovations that could be accelerated by the launch of a new White House initiative: Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I). Listen for inspiring, detailed insights from Ginger Krieg Dosier, Founder and Board Member, Biomason, and Angus Pacala, CEO, Ouster, as they discuss the power of applying emerging technologies and fresh R&D investment to transportation infrastructure.

Show notes:

White House fact sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2023/06/13/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-hosts-inaugural-arpa-i-summit-to-highlight-the-next-generation-of-transportation-infrastructure-innovation-for-americans/

Ouster: https://ouster.com/

Biomason: https://biomason.com/

With American healthcare representing 10% of U.S. carbon emissions, decarbonizing hospitals and healthcare systems promises to deliver meaningful climate action. In this episode, Barbara brings listeners inside an innovative project reducing energy usage in imaging at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The solutions will not only help to support decarbonization but yield immediate operational savings for hospitals and healthcare systems recovering financially from the pandemic. Guests are Dr. Sean Woolen, USCF’s Assistant Professor for Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Director of the Green Radiology, and Jerry Folsom, Global Head of Digital Portfolio for Healthcare and Life Science, Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

Show notes:

Study results: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/press-room/press-releases/greenradiology

Smart healthcare: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/markets/healthcare.html

Press release: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/usa/siemens-helps-put-sustainability-forefront-medical-imaging-care.html

Effective partnerships between large companies and startups can accelerate net-zero strategies and even produce cost savings that strengthen the business case. Recording from the TED Countdown Summit, Barbara talks to Maisie Devine, Executive Director of Sustainable Innovation at AB InBev and Founder of the award-winning 100+ Accelerator program, which is building an ecosystem of partners delivering breakthrough advancements in supply chain decarbonization. They share takeaways from the conference and introduce listeners to a unique vertical farming project that could remake hops production. Siemens is a member of the TED Future Forum, a TED Countdown initiative focused on the role of business in accelerating solutions to the climate crisis.   

Show notes: 

100+ Accelerator: https://www.ab-inbev.com/sustainability/100-accelerator/ 

Vertical farming: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/stories/industry/2023/vertical-farming-controlled-environment-agriculture-cea-digital-transformation-sustainability-80-acres-farms.html 

Barbara shares her keynote speech from May’s Automate conference in Detroit.

Show notes:

Siemens and FREYR: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/freyr-scale-battery-cell-gigafactory-production-siemens-xcelerator

 Advanced Manufacturing: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/topic-areas/advanced-manufacturing.html

Optimizing Battery Production: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/topic-areas/advanced-manufacturing/large-battery-manufacturing.html

Barbara reflects on how her ideas about leadership changed during the pandemic by sharing an audio version of her recent leadership essay, The Greatest Gift We Can Give Our Organizations.

Show Notes:

Comment on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/greatest-gift-we-can-give-our-organizations-barbara-humpton/

Art of Leading Interview: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/key-role-leaders-help-people-understand-what-good-looks-adam-bryant/?trackingId=gXb6mof6ZeWLcKVC6p4P1w%3D%3D

Barbara’s 2021 leadership essay: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-fell-ill-covid-19-shutdowns-began-heres-what-taught-barbara-humpton/

Siemens CEO Roland Busch joins Barbara to discuss “glocalization” and how to scale technologies shaping a better tomorrow as industry and infrastructure become more productive and sustainable. 

Show notes:  

Roland on glocalization: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/globalization-isn-t-working-but-glocalization-can-davos2023/ 

Siemens Xcelerator and Industrial Metaverse: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/insights.html 

Roland’s annual shareholders meeting speech: https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:44ea0485-0c69-4005-be07-ae7364cf41aa/Roland-Busch-HV-Rede-2023-EN.pdf 

Rail Manufacturing Announcement: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-mobility-invest-220-million-north-carolina-rail-manufacturing-facility 

The U.S. power grid has been called both the “greatest machine ever built” and the “great enabler” of our greatest innovations. But can we successfully reinvent it? In this decade of action, with technology companies stepping up and new federal climate and infrastructure laws moving forward that each focus on power grid modernization, Barbara is joined by Karen Wayland, CEO, Gridwise Alliance. Karen is a recognized expert in national energy and environmental policy who has served in leadership positions at the highest levels of government and nonprofits.

Show notes:

Gridwise Alliance: https://gridwise.org/

Grid Modernization: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/bipartisan-infrastructure.html

Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities, joins the podcast to provide a local perspective on the deployment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With many communities directly accessing federal infrastructure funds for the first time, Anthony outlines priorities for cities, towns, and villages nationwide.     

 Show Notes:   

• NLC Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources: https://www.nlc.org/initiative/ready-to-rebuild/ 

• Siemens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/bipartisan-infrastructure.html 

• Youth Excel: https://www.nlc.org/initiative/youth-excel/#:~:text=To%20support%20cities'%20efforts%20to,Youth%20Economic%20Recovery%20and%20Empowerment. 

For the last episode of 2022, Barbara is joined by Dr. Connie Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, to discuss how to build stronger, more innovative teams. Building on the show’s core theme of optimism and last year’s episode on growth mindset, this conversation unpacks how work cultures rooted in trust and psychological safety foster individual resilience and wellbeing. The outcome? Work environments more conducive to healthy risk taking that lead to growth and more impactful results.

Show notes:

Psychological Safety 101: https://www.institutelifework.org/topic-briefings/psychologicalsafety   

Barbara visits a groundbreaking microgrid project in the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville. Features interviews with ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones and Paul Pabst, who leads ComEd’s Smart Grid department.

SHOW NOTES: 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecvUf5sdOJs&list=PLF415F6CFBF8D6A91&index=2

Microgrids opportunities in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/bipartisan-infrastructure.html

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

Chad Frischmann is the co-author of the New York Times best-seller “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming.” He also pioneered Project Drawdown and is now the founder of a new organization called Regenerative Intelligence. Barbara and Chad explore how to achieve a moment in time when the concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases begins to decline annually and what a regenerative future looks like. Learn about the impact of tech solutions that can be immediately deployed, and the potential for further innovation. 

Show Notes: 

Regenerative Intelligence: https://regenintel.earth/ 

Project Drawdown: https://drawdown.org/ 

TED Talk (100 solutions to reverse global warming): https://www.ted.com/talks/chad_frischmann_100_solutions_to_reverse_global_warming?language=en 

Siemens and Environmental Action: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance/environmental-action.html 

Barbara brings listeners inside a United for Infrastructure event focused on accelerating electric vehicle deployment and grid modernization in North Carolina, with commentary from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper; Brian Savoy, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer for Duke Energy; and Charles Lattuca, President and CEO of GoTriangle, which provides bus services in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region. 

Show notes: 

Electrifying North Carolina transit: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/press-releases/smart-infrastructure/siemens-advances-north-carolinas-electric-transit-efforts.html 

Volkswagen and Siemens invest in Electrify America: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/volkswagen-and-siemens-invest-electrify-americas-ambitious-growth-plan?spr_cid=120_12955&spr_pid=300000303245101&linkId=300000002778471 

Acting on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/building-for-a-changing-tomorrow.html 

With previous episodes focusing on the power of new federal investment combined with emerging technologies, this one explores the big, overarching trend that promises to truly change everything: a platform revolution. Following the release day of Siemens’ new open digital business platform, Siemens Xcelerator, Marshall Van Alstyne, co-author of international bestseller “Platform Revolution,” offers his view on why platform models giving rise to the likes of Uber, Airbnb and Amazon are now ready to transform industry and infrastructure. Barbara is also joined by Peter Koerte, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens, who highlights how the platform model’s focus on ecosystems and creating network effects will accelerate decarbonization as it remakes factories, energy grids, buildings, and transportations system. 

 Show notes: 

Siemens Xcelerator Press Release: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-launches-siemens-xcelerator-open-digital-business-platform-accelerate-digital 

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 

Barbara looks at infrastructure’s legacy of exacerbating inequality and explores a more sustainable, equitable, resilient approach as the bipartisan infrastructure law is rolled out. Her guest, Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins, is an expert in and champion for public policies promoting economic, social and environmental benefits for communities. Stephanie is the founder and co-partner of Northstar Strategies, with previous experiences at the U.S. Department of Transportation, in state and local government, and in the U.S. House of Representatives.   

Show notes:

Stephanie’s Politico op-ed: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/06/26/the-racial-history-of-planes-trains-and-automobiles-340285

Building for a changing tomorrow: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/building-for-a-changing-tomorrow.html

Siemens ESG Strategy: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance.html

Barbara is joined by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to take a look back at the first passenger flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in December 2021. You’ll learn about United’s Eco-Skies Alliance leading a shift to SAF, the aviation industry’s commitment to decarbonization, and why Kirby sees climate change as the biggest challenge facing our generation.

Show notes:

Eco-Skies Alliance Announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-airlines-to-lead-industry-switch-to-sustainable-aviation-fuel-with-global-corporations-customers-301267616.html

More info: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/global-citizenship/environment/ecoskies-alliance.html

Climate action at Siemens: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance/environmental-action.html

Airport modernization: https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:ee473003-d731-40f4-b75f-257eb9447eb9/sie2021-airports-federal-funding-flyer-final-12-17-21.pdf?ste_sid=f53d07985316289351cb1470f93e409c

Capital campaign to decarbonize SMEs: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/about/businesses/financial-services/smes-kickstarter-capital.html

Barbara brings listeners inside Siemens’ big manufacturing announcement made with President Biden at the White House. You’ll hear the President’s (virtual) meeting with manufacturing workers before the event starts. Turning to the event, Barbara makes the case for why automation isn’t to be feared prior to President Biden’s speech on his Administration's Made in America commitments.

• Press release: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/press-releases/usa/siemens-investing-54m-us-manufacturing-support.html#:~:text=Washington%2C%20DC%20%7C%20March%204%2C,that%20serve%20critical%20infrastructure%20markets. 

• White House Made in America; https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/04/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-delivers-on-made-in-america-commitments/ 

• Supporting bipartisan infrastructure law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/building-for-a-changing-tomorrow.html 

• Video replay of press event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dptKs99MS94&t=194s 

Barbara recaps the unveiling of a new, sustainable EV charging concept Siemens developed in partnership with Nexii, a green construction technology company. Learn about the technology with commentary from Nexii CEO Steve Sidwell and the people who pioneered this innovative design that’s scalable nationwide.

Show notes:

Info on prototype: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/press-releases/smart-infrastructure/siemens-and-nexii-unveil-sustainable-electric-vehicle-charging-prototype.html 

Supporting bipartisan infrastructure law (see section “enabling a new era for electric vehicles” for video from this event): https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/building-for-a-changing-tomorrow.html 

Barbara continues the conversation about supply chains with Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer, Supplyframe. In this episode, Barbara and Richard reflect on supply chains past and present, then outline a new path forward supported by digital transformation. 

Show notes: 

Siemens acquires Supplyframe: https://supplyframe.com/press-releases/siemens-accelerates-digital-marketplace-strategy-with-acquisition-of-supplyframe/ 

Digital solutions for electronics and semiconductors: https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/industries/electronics-semiconductors/  

Barbara on “Glocal”: https://milkeninstitute.org/article/future-manufacturing-going-glocal  

Barbara’s blog post supporting CHIPS Act: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-infrastructure-.html  

Statement after White House roundtable: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/siemens-usa-ceo-white-house-semiconductor-roundtable-barbara-humpton/ 

Barbara launches the 2022 season with solutions for reinventing America’s supply chain featuring Siemens experts. In this episode, Barbara focuses on the semiconductor shortage with insights from Dave Gross, Strategic Development Portfolio Executive, Siemens Digital Industries Software. Listeners will understand the history of U.S. chips production and what can be done with technology and through legislation such as the CHIPS for America Act.   

Show notes:  

Digital solutions for electronics and semiconductors: https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/industries/electronics-semiconductors/ 

Barbara on “Glocal”: https://milkeninstitute.org/article/future-manufacturing-going-glocal 

Barbara’s blog post supporting CHIPS Act: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-infrastructure-.html 

Statement after White House roundtable: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/siemens-usa-ceo-white-house-semiconductor-roundtable-barbara-humpton/ 

Before returning to infrastructure topics, Barbara brings listeners inside her January “learning month” through a conversation with Summer Anderson, Managing Director, ZRG Partners. They explore the science behind high performance and the value of trust-based leadership that Summer details in her forthcoming book, “Start Within: Better ROI Begins with You.”  

Show notes: Info on Summer’s book: https://www.startwithinnow.com/ 

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 

Barbara reflects on earlier episodes and previews 2022 season as the bipartisan infrastructure law is rolled out. Instead of applying an optimistic outlook to what we could do, she says, now we can focus on what we will do and what’s next. Episodes will cover potential infrastructure projects, how to accelerate climate action, how to reinvent America’s supply chain and localize manufacturing, and the convergence of infrastructure investment with digital transformation.

2022 will mark a launching point for transformation thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, bold climate commitments and the technologies available to modernize manufacturing and revamp the supply chain. But it’s not all about technology. Barbara details how a growth mindset fuels transformation with Eduardo Briceño, the former CEO of Mindset Works and a global keynote speaker, facilitator and guide supporting leaders cultivating growth mindset cultures.

Show notes:

Eduardo’s TED talk on Learning Zone versus Performance Zone: https://www.ted.com/talks/eduardo_briceno_how_to_get_better_at_the_things_you_care_about

Eduardo’s TEDx talk on Growth Mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc

Barbara's blog post on bipartisan infrastructure law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/the-infrastructure-bill-supports-bold-action-now-lets-get-to-work.html

Barbara brings listeners inside her experience attending COP26 and the White House bill signing ceremony for the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

• Siemens USA Climate Action: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance/environmental-action.html 

• Siemens ESG Strategy: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/environmental-society-governance.html 

• Blog post on bipartisan infrastructure law: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/the-infrastructure-bill-supports-bold-action-now-lets-get-to-work.html 

• Yahoo Finance: “We need everything that’s in here”: https://news.yahoo.com/infrastructure-bill-everything-thats-siemens-190220322.html 

• CNBC: “We’re built for this moment”: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/11/15/siemens-u-s-ceo-on-the-impact-of-the-infrastructure-bill.html 

Like manufacturing, covered in recent episodes, the U.S. cybersecurity industry has a massive workforce shortage. The workforce needs to grow 40% just to meet the current need nationwide. In this episode, Barbara is joined by a cybersecurity leader with a vision for how to leverage diversity, equity and inclusion as a solution: Joanna Burkey, CISO, HP. You’ll learn why cybersecurity opportunities are growing and about in-demand skillsets.  

Show notes:  

Joanna’s op-ed “Cybersecurity jobs are booming. Where’s the talent?”: https://garage.hp.com/us/en/news/hp-diverse-cybersecurity-recruiting.html 

Siemens USA Head of Cybersecurity op-ed “Leveraging Cybersecurity to Increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”: https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-now-blog/2020/leveraging-cybersecurity-to-increase-diversity-equity-and-inclusion 

Report on DEI in Cybersecurity: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion-in-Cybersecurity_9.921.pdf 

“Team of Teams” book: https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486 

Is it time for national preparedness to receive the same attention and visibility as national defense? That’s the takeaway of a new report (see link in show notes) put forward by the Principal to Principal Global Supply Chain Task Force, a group comprised of leaders across government, academia and business. To break down the recommendations, Barbara is joined by task force members Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Principal to Principal, and Greg Bowman, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President, Siemens Government Technologies. 

Show notes: 

Report: “Reimagining the Global Supply Chain Post Covid-19”: https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.44/9gx.c95.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/P2P-Supply-Chain-Report-FINAL-MAY-2021-compressed.pdf 

Barbara’s op-ed “How to Prepare for the Next National Crisis”: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/511019-how-to-prepare-for-the-next-national-crisis 

Barbara’s blog post on address semiconductor shortage: https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/press/siemens-stories/ceo-perspective/siemens-usa-ceo-supporting-bold-action-on-infrastructure-.html 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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. 

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 

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 

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

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 

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