Beyond The Blend

Plan Grow Do

Beyond the Blend is a conversational podcast series, designed to explore the personal and professional journeys of individuals in the lubricant sector. Your hosts Steve Knapp and Rob Taylor aim to inspire listeners by sharing stories about careers, challenges, successes, and learning moments. The focus is on humanising the industry, showcasing its diversity, and highlighting personal experiences to attract and inspire talent. Guests discuss pivotal moments, including their greatest challenges or adversities and the lessons learned, to demonstrate the rich opportunities within the sector.

  1. 2 days ago

    Beyond The Blend LIVE at Lubricant Expo Düsseldorf 2026

    Are lubricant businesses genuinely adopting AI, or are individual employees simply experimenting with it? And how much of that activity is actually making life better for the customer? Recorded live at Lubricant Expo Düsseldorf 2026, this episode of Beyond the Blend brings five industry voices together for a practical, candid discussion about artificial intelligence in the lubricants industry. Rob Taylor and Steve Knapp lead the conversation with Egor Parienko, Ian Lloyd and Rafe Britton, exploring where AI is already proving useful, where caution makes sense and how the role of the lubricant salesperson is changing. A big thank you to the Lubricant Expo team for hosting us and welcoming Beyond the Blend back for another live recording. IN THIS EPISODE * Experimentation versus adoption: why employees may be moving faster than their organisations, and what that means for strategy, training and sensitive business data. * The changing role of lubricant salespeople: how to add value when customers can find technical information and AI-generated recommendations without speaking to a supplier. * Accuracy and accountability: why a plausible answer is not always a suitable recommendation, particularly when industrial equipment and costly downtime are involved. * Practical applications: translating commercial materials, assisting with complex spreadsheets and extracting OEM recommendations from equipment manuals. * Customer experience versus sales activity: are we making it easier to buy, or simply producing more emails, content and noise? * Building trust: why controlled trials, relevant case studies and a clear understanding of risk matter when moving beyond isolated tools. * The economics of AI: Rafe raises questions about future costs, provider dependency and the potential role of dedicated open models. * Looking three years ahead: what could separate businesses creating genuine customer value from those following the hype. Research figures shared during the conversation highlight the adoption gap: 85% of respondents were using AI occasionally or regularly, while organisational preparedness averaged just 2.1 out of five. Accuracy was the biggest concern for 58% of respondents. The panel offers different perspectives on how quickly to move, but a consistent question runs through the discussion: what problem are we solving, and does the customer benefit? If you lead a lubricant business, manage a commercial team or work directly with industrial customers, this conversation offers useful questions to bring back to your own organisation. EXPLORE MORE WITH PLAN GROW DO How AI will change the way lubricant buyers buy: Read the article - https://plangrowdo.com/buyer-revolution/how-ai-will-change-the-way-lubricant-buyers-buy/ Practical thinking on AI in sales: Explore the articles - https://plangrowdo.com/category/ai-in-sales/ Discover Plan Grow Do: Visit our website - https://plangrowdo.com/) FOLLOW BEYOND THE BLEND Beyond the Blend celebrates the people of the lubricants industry and the experiences, ideas and conversations helping it move forward. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. If this episode gives you something to think about, share it with a colleague and join the conversation: where is AI genuinely helping your business today?

    Beyond The Blend LIVE at Lubricant Expo Düsseldorf 2026

  2. 26 Aug

    Beyond The Blend Special: LUBELife — Who Will Power Our Industry Tomorrow?

    The lubricants industry talks a lot about the future — technology, sustainability, new applications and changing customer needs. But there is another question we need to ask: Who is going to power our industry tomorrow? In this special edition of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp is joined by Tina Reading of LUBE Media to explore LUBELife and the new LUBE Media STEM Ambassador Programme. The challenge may not begin with recruitment. It may begin with awareness. Too many young people simply do not know our industry exists, let alone understand the range of careers available across science, engineering, technology, operations, logistics, commercial roles, marketing and sustainability. Tina shares how LUBELife developed from conversations about the industry's future talent challenge into a practical programme working with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust and its 44 University Technical Colleges, reaching more than 20,000 technically focused students. We also explore the wider LUBELife approach, including student-focused learning materials and a partnership with StudySmarter, creating new routes for lubricant companies to connect with apprentices, students and graduates. Most importantly, this episode is a call to the industry. You don't need to be a scientist, engineer or senior leader to become an ambassador. You need enthusiasm for what you do, experiences you can share and a willingness to give some of your time. With around 35 ambassadors already involved, the ambition is to reach 100. So if you're listening and thinking: "I could do that." Put your hand up. Share your career. Share your experience. Help a young person discover an industry they may never have known existed. Because the people who will power the future of lubricants are already out there. Our job is to make sure they know we're here. 👉 Find out more and register your interest: https://www.lube-media.com/stem-ambassadors/

    Beyond The Blend Special: LUBELife — Who Will Power Our Industry Tomorrow?

  3. 12 Aug

    Khashayar Hajiahmad

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp is joined by Khashayar Hajiahmad, a machinery lubrication and reliability specialist whose career has taken him from a young mechanical engineer in Iran to SKF, Oman, EPT Clean Oil and now a new chapter in training and consultancy. Khash shares the story behind his relentless curiosity and appetite for learning, including the mentors who helped shape him, the professional qualifications he sees as a “driving licence” for lubrication, and why experience, knowledge and relationships must work together. He also explains why lubrication is still too often treated as a consumable rather than an asset, and why technical expertise only creates value when it can be translated into something people can understand and act upon. We also explore the more personal side of Khash: his extraordinary commitment to sharing knowledge, losing a LinkedIn community of 55,000 followers and starting again, the global WhatsApp communities he has built, and why he is already teaching his young son about viscosity, grease and reliability. It is a conversation about far more than lubrication. It is about curiosity, generosity, resilience and the responsibility that comes with knowing something worth sharing.

    Khashayar Hajiahmad

  4. 15 Jul

    Linda Perry

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp is joined by Linda Perry, whose career spans laboratories, leadership, reliability, business development and lifelong learning. What began as a receptionist's role evolved into a remarkable career built on curiosity, trust and a passion for helping others succeed. Linda shares the influence of mentor Bill Herguth, why breaking down organisational silos is essential for better business performance, and how leadership, communication and continuous learning create lasting impact. She also discusses embarking on a PhD later in her career, encouraging more women into STEM, and why the future of our industry depends on collaboration, curiosity and people who never stop learning. What You'll Hear • The mentor who changed Linda's career • Why trust still matters in a digital world • Breaking down silos across organisations • The value of lifelong learning and curiosity • Encouraging more women into STEM and lubricants • Why great leadership is always about people Guest Linda Perry Business Development Professional, Industry Advocate and Lifelong Learner Connect Connect with Linda Perry on LinkedIn and follow Beyond the Blend for more conversations with the people shaping the lubricant industry.

    Linda Perry

  5. 1 Jul

    Doug Sackett

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp sits down with Doug Sackett, Certified Lubrication Specialist, industry educator, mentor and lifelong advocate for raising standards across the lubrication and reliability profession. From growing up in a family business and unexpectedly finding his way into lubricants, to becoming a respected voice within the reliability community, Doug shares the experiences, mentors and lessons that shaped his career. The conversation explores professional development, certification, community, mentoring and why the future of the industry depends on continuously investing in people. Along the way, Doug reflects on the importance of curiosity, the value of technical expertise combined with commercial understanding, and why sharing knowledge is one of the greatest responsibilities experienced professionals have. If you've ever wondered what separates good lubrication professionals from great ones, this episode is packed with insight. Based on the transcript provided in the uploaded file. What You'll Hear How an unexpected opportunity led Doug into lubricantsThe mentors who shaped his careerWhy certification and professional standards matterThe connection between technical expertise and commercial valueThe role of STLE, networking and industry communityWhy mentoring is one of the most rewarding parts of leadershipThe simple philosophy: Never stop learning. Never stop mentoring.Guest Doug Sackett, CLS - Industry Educator, Reliability Advocate and Mentor Connect Connect with Doug on LinkedIn and follow Beyond the Blend for more conversations with the people shaping the lubricant industry.

    Doug Sackett

  6. 17 Jun

    Vanda Franco

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp speaks with Vanda Franco, a reliability and lubrication professional whose career has taken her from Portugal to Qatar through marine chemistry, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, oil analysis and machine reliability. Vanda shares her remarkable journey of continuous learning, adapting to new industries and building credibility in a traditionally male-dominated environment. From teaching science to young children to helping industrial plants improve reliability and avoid costly shutdowns, her passion for education and problem-solving shines throughout. The conversation explores machine reliability, the importance of listening to what lubricants and equipment are telling us, and why determination, curiosity and resilience remain essential for anyone building a career in the industry. 💡 What You'll Hear From aspiring nurse to reliability specialistBuilding an international career across multiple industriesCreating a reputation in the Middle East reliability sectorWhy oil and machines are always communicatingThe difference between consumables and strategic assetsAdvice for the next generation entering lubricants and reliability👤 Guest Vanda Franco Reliability, Condition Monitoring & Lubrication Professional 🔗 Connect Connect with Vanda Franco on LinkedIn and follow Beyond the Blend for more conversations with the people shaping the lubricant industry.

    Vanda Franco

  7. 13 May

    Jamie Shaw

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with Jamie Shaw, Director of OMS LubriTek Limited, to talk about building a business, spotting opportunity where others see routine, and why technical curiosity still matters. Jamie shares his journey from mechanical engineering apprentice to technical sales, and ultimately launching OMS LubriTek with a clear ambition to do things differently in oil management and lubrication services. This is a conversation that goes beyond products and process. We explore the reality of building a business, helping customers recognise problems they’ve learned to live with, and why education, partnership and long-term thinking are key to creating real value. There’s also a more personal side. Jamie reflects on turning 50, finding balance, and building a culture that respects life outside of work. It’s a grounded view of leadership — one that values people, time and perspective. We also talk about purpose beyond the day job, from taking on challenges like the Great North Run and Yorkshire Three Peaks, to supporting causes that matter deeply, including fundraising for a friend’s treatment and raising awareness through Andy’s Man Club. A thoughtful and honest episode about resilience, ambition and doing meaningful work with the right people around you. As Jamie puts it, if you’ve got that itch to do something… sometimes you’ve just got to give it a go. If this resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter – A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/

    Jamie Shaw

  8. 29 Apr

    Yana Wilkinson

    In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Rob sits down with Yana Wilkinson to explore the role of insight, decision-making and leadership in an industry that is constantly evolving. Yana brings a fresh perspective on what market research really is. It’s not just data, reports or databases, it’s about helping businesses make better decisions. Whether that’s through insight, structured thinking or simply acting as a sounding board, the focus is always the same: be useful. A key theme in this conversation is the difference between information and insight. In today’s world, most businesses have access to the same information. The real advantage comes from how that information is interpreted, connected and applied to real decisions. Yana also shares her thoughts on culture and leadership, challenging the idea that culture is something abstract. Instead, it shows up in daily behaviours, decisions and how leaders act under pressure. Strategy and culture aren’t separate, they need to work together. The discussion also explores talent, collaboration and the future of the industry. From attracting the next generation to building meaningful careers, Yana highlights the importance of purpose, learning and creating environments where people can grow. And of course, AI plays a part. Rather than seeing it as something to fear, Yana frames it as a leadership challenge. The question is no longer whether AI will change things, but how leaders choose to understand it, engage with it and guide their teams through it. If you’re interested in how better thinking leads to better decisions, and how leadership, insight and curiosity come together, this episode is well worth your time. If this resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter - A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/

    Yana Wilkinson
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Beyond the Blend is a conversational podcast series, designed to explore the personal and professional journeys of individuals in the lubricant sector. Your hosts Steve Knapp and Rob Taylor aim to inspire listeners by sharing stories about careers, challenges, successes, and learning moments. The focus is on humanising the industry, showcasing its diversity, and highlighting personal experiences to attract and inspire talent. Guests discuss pivotal moments, including their greatest challenges or adversities and the lessons learned, to demonstrate the rich opportunities within the sector.

Information

  • Creator
    Plan Grow Do
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Plan Grow Do
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Blend