On the Fringe

Anne Larson

On the Fringe explores the evolving world of union benefits, workforce development, and leadership in the trades. Hosted by Anne Larson, CEO of Corellian Software, the podcast features thoughtful, conversational interviews with leaders across labor and industry who are navigating growth, change, and responsibility in real time. Brought to you by EPRLive.

  1. May 29

    Ep. 19 - Mubashir Cheema on AI, Augmentation, and Why Small Teams Have the Advantage

    AI is changing the way software gets built but according to Mubashir Cheema, CTO of Corellian Software, the real story is not replacement. It is augmentation. In this episode of On The Fringe, Anne Larson sits down with Cheema to talk about how AI tools are reshaping software development, why small teams may have the most to gain, and what it actually means to become an AI-first company. From GitHub Copilot and agentic AI to prompting, guardrails, product design, and the future of work, Cheema breaks down how developers are using AI to move faster, solve bigger problems, and focus less on repetitive work and more on creativity, judgment, and communication. The conversation also explores the difference between adding “AI sparkle” and building tools that genuinely help users, especially in complex software environments like EPR Live. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (01:39) Meet Mubashar Cheema and the small-team advantage (02:22) The AI tool that changed software development (07:00) From writing code by hand to working in plain English (13:18) Why prompting is a skill — and why AI takes practice (18:36) AI, jobs, and why humans still need to stay in the loop (25:28) Agentic AI, skills, and building better guardrails (36:19) The difference between useful AI and “AI sparkle” (01:01:00) What it really means to be an AI-first company (01:12:08) Where to start if you want to use AI at work Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com Chapters (00:01:39) - Meet Mubashar Cheema: AI, Software, and Small-Team Advantage(00:02:22) - The AI Tool That Changed Software Development(00:07:00) - From Writing Code by Hand to Working in Plain English(00:13:18) - Prompting as a Skill: Why AI Takes Practice(00:18:36) - AI, Jobs, and Why Humans Stay in the Loop(00:25:28) - Agentic AI, Skills, and Guardrails for Better Work(00:36:19) - Beyond the AI Sparkle: Building Tools That Actually Help(01:01:00) - What It Means to Be an AI-First Company

  2. Apr 10

    Ep. 18 - Voices from the Field: Live from IBEW 5th District Progress Meeting

    Recorded live at the IBEW 5th District Progress Meeting in New Orleans, this episode captures the voices from business managers, presidents, and organizers across Mississippi and Louisiana locals. From life-changing career opportunities to retirement education challenges, these leaders share what matters most in their daily work serving IBEW members. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:07) Why these progress meetings shape real lives (02:40) How the IBEW changed a military veteran's life (04:26) Making sure job sites meet proper safety standards (05:47) Getting the lights back on when disaster strikes (07:03) Improving livelihoods one member at a time (07:47) Bringing non-union workers into the fold (09:20) The messy reality of traveling and reciprocity (11:29) What keeps this industry running on trust Links mentioned in the episode: IBEW 5th District Progress Meeting Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com

  3. Feb 20

    Ep. 17 - Union Healthcare, Mental Health & Benefits: Live from IBEW-NECA EBC 2026

    Recorded at the 2026 IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference, this episode weaves together insights from leaders across labor and management on healthcare, mental health, rising drug costs, and supporting today’s workforce. From apprenticeships to recovery programs, these rapid-fire perspectives reveal how benefits shape real lives. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:07) Why benefits must show up on time (00:55) Defusing conflict and normalising mental health (03:07) Do younger workers fully understand their benefits? (04:02) Healthcare costs and the 10-10-10 rule for perspective (05:23) Should healthcare be for profit? (06:07) The primary care gap no one talks about (07:54) Instant benefits verification for contractors (09:14) Tackling addiction and stigma in the trades (11:31) The fight for affordable prescriptions (11:56) Apprenticeships as a career launchpad Links mentioned in the episode: IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com Learn more at www.eprlive.com

  4. Jan 9

    Ep. 16 - AI, Data Centers, and the Electrical Workforce: Luke Kuhl on What Comes Next for Contractors and Unions

    The electrical workforce is changing – and benefits, training, and leadership are being tested in real time. Luke Kuhl, Executive Chairman of the Twin Cities Chapter of NECA, shares frontline insights on how contractors are navigating AI-driven demand, data center expansion, wage pressure, and the growing need for specialized talent. The conversation also explores why strong leadership (not just new technology) will determine who thrives, and what these shifts mean for small contractors, union members, and the future of fringe benefits in the trades. Tune in to this episode as we explore:  (00:50) Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA (04:46) Rising costs and market consolidation (08:14) Future workforce needs in data centers (13:41) Contractor roles and union politics (17:12) Small contractors struggling to compete (22:59) The future of computing and energy (26:36) Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors (27:43) Uncertainty in a union electrician's career (32:50) Standardization challenges in the electrical code (36:18) The future of fault-managed power (38:08) AI’s ripple effect on innovation (43:24) Innovation among large contractors Links mentioned in the episode: Twin Cities NECA Luke Kuhl’s LinkedIn Planet Money: What AI Data Centers Are Doing to Your Electric Bill https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649814/ai-data-center-electricity-bill Smart Talks w/ IBM: Creating Smarter Business with AI and Quantum https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks/creating-smarter-business-with-ai-and-quantum?act2 Luke Recommended Best Podcast for Understanding Data Centers: Step Change: Data Centers - The Hidden Backbone of Our Modern World https://www.stepchange.show/data-centers Luke Recommended Best Company-Focused Discussion of AI and Data Centers: Acquired: Google - The AI Company https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/google-the-ai-company Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com  Chapters (00:00:50) - Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA(00:04:46) - Rising costs and market consolidation(00:08:14) - Future workforce needs in data centers(00:13:41) - Contractor roles and union politics(00:17:12) - Small contractors struggling to compete(00:22:59) - The future of computing and energy(00:26:36) - Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors(00:27:43) - Uncertainty in a union electrician's career(00:32:50) - Standardization challenges in the electrical code(00:36:18) - The future of fault-managed power(00:38:08) - AI’s ripple effect on innovation(00:43:24) - Innovation among large contractors

  5. 12/12/2025

    Ep. 15 - Why It’s Time to Stop Sending Checks: Security, Cost and Change in Union Banking

    Brandon Padget and Paul Ranisate from Union Bank & Trust – a unique, 100% labor-owned financial institution – unpack the often-overlooked risks and rising costs associated with issuing paper checks. They explain why now is the time for unions, contractors, and fund administrators to transition to secure electronic payments. You’ll hear first-hand accounts of check fraud, real-world examples of lost or delayed funds, and actionable guidance on how to modernize your payment workflows. Tune in to this episode as we explore:  (01:07) Labor-owned Union Bank & Trust overview (05:29) Challenges of check fraud (07:38) Check fraud and client procedures (10:05) Cost comparison: digital vs checks (15:42) Bank losses and Fed follow-up (18:43) Building trust through client education (20:43) Modernizing payment approval processes (24:58) Connect with your banker (28:14) The end of paper checks (30:08) Bank’s role: support and guidance Links mentioned in the episode: Union Bank & Trust Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com

  6. 11/21/2025

    Ep. 14 - Voices from NECA: Union Fringe Benefits Challenges, Workforce Shortages, and Technology Transformations

    We’re coming to you from the NECA Convention in Chicago, capturing real-time insights from those shaping the future of electrical construction. In today’s episode, you’ll hear directly from chapter leaders, contractors, trainers, and technology trailblazers as they reflect on what drives them, the challenges they’re navigating, and the lessons learned on the front lines. From workforce shortages to the accelerating impact of technology and AI, our conversations dive into the critical issues affecting union contractors and their teams. We discuss the importance of contract awareness, staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape, and the day-to-day realities of building a sustainable career in this industry. Tune in to this episode as we explore:  (00:13) Challenges, lessons and opportunities in the industry (06:19) Evolving challenges in the electrical industry (09:12) Learning, AI and teamwork (13:23) Workforce challenges and growth insights (16:55) Embracing AI and technology early (20:01) Adapting to industry uncertainty (22:08) How AI is transforming service construction (25:38) Labour challenges and industry impact Links mentioned in the episode: NECA 2025 Chicago Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com

  7. 11/10/2025

    Ep. 13 - Dr. Joey Shorter and The Workforce Transformation Inside Atlanta’s Schools

    In this episode, we sit down with Joey Shorter, Executive Director of the Atlanta Chapter NECA, to explore how Atlanta is redefining workforce development in the electrical industry.    For 25 years, NECA Atlanta has been inside classrooms – from elementary to high school – showing that electrical work isn’t just a job, but a career. With dedicated outreach across dozens of schools and an apprenticeship program, they’ve built a talent pipeline that combines hands-on training, military recruitment, and peer learning to increase retention and attract younger, more diverse talent.    Joey, an educator at heart, reveals how early exposure and real-world skills are transforming futures and the industry.   Tune in to this episode as we explore:  (04:52) Electrical contractors bridging industry gaps (08:36) Earn while you learn (10:53) Education limitations and online learning (13:59) Generations working in construction (18:11) Career paths beyond college (22:03) Teaching love for learning (29:44) Electrical trade apprenticeship journey (32:06) Promoting electrical trade education (39:48) Successful hiring and succession strategy (42:22) Replacing great people is hard (47:09) Evolving tools, skills and industry (49:57) Tech enhancing field worker safety (52:41) Contractors driving workforce transformation (55:52) End users: employers and colleges   Links mentioned in the episode: Joey Shorter on LinkedIn Atlanta Chapter NECA   Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com

  8. 10/24/2025

    Ep. 12 - Powering Growth: Training the Next Generation from IBEW’s 3rd District

    Step inside the 3rd District Progress Meeting and hear directly from the people shaping the future of IBEW. From apprentices discovering their calling, to seasoned business managers navigating industry change, to organizers building union strength across New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey – these are the voices driving impact.   Guests share their most rewarding projects, from rebuilding Ground Zero to passing landmark equal pay legislation and mentoring the next generation of electricians. We also tackle the issues shaping the next five years: the rise of data centers and renewable energy, the need for mental health support and the growing demand for skilled tradespeople.   Tune in to this episode as we explore:  (02:02) The opportunities in infrastructure with solar and wind (06:13) Empowering electricians through education (09:32) Nuclear revival and future workforce (13:42) FMCP cost-effective benefits solution (14:45) Offshore wind and union roles (19:24) Destigmatizing mental health in line work (21:58) IBEW's growth and future vision   Links mentioned in the episode: IBEW 3rd District   Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com   Learn more at www.eprlive.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
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4 Ratings

About

On the Fringe explores the evolving world of union benefits, workforce development, and leadership in the trades. Hosted by Anne Larson, CEO of Corellian Software, the podcast features thoughtful, conversational interviews with leaders across labor and industry who are navigating growth, change, and responsibility in real time. Brought to you by EPRLive.

Information

  • Creator
    Anne Larson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    On the Fringe