Industry Ignited Podcast

Leeanne Aguilar, Ph.D.

Industry Ignited is a platform for bold conversations with leaders who are transforming the way business gets done. Each episode spotlights breakthrough stories from the industrial, manufacturing, biotech, chemical, and B2B sectors, giving you an inside look at how top executives, innovators, and changemakers tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful growth. Hosted by Dr. Leeanne Aguilar—entrepreneur, executive coach, and marketing strategist—Industry Ignited goes beyond surface-level discussions to uncover the strategies, mindsets, and lessons that fuel leadership at the highest level. From navigating complex operations and scaling companies to rethinking culture and preparing for the future of work, every conversation is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you with fresh perspectives. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this podcast will spark ideas, expand your vision, and ignite the drive to lead with confidence in today’s evolving business landscape.

  1. 1h ago

    The CEO's Guide to Building a Company That Lasts | Ep. 96 [Emir Avdic]

    What separates companies that simply survive from those that continue to grow for decades? In this thought-provoking episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Emir Avdic, President and CEO of Sebright Products Inc., for an in-depth conversation about leadership, innovation, employee ownership, and building organizations where people genuinely care about the company's success. Emir explains how international experience, strategic thinking, and a people-first mindset have helped transform Seabright into a stronger, more connected business while tackling some of the world's biggest recycling and sustainability challenges. Throughout the episode, you'll learn why communication is every leader's greatest tool, how hiring for adaptability can outperform hiring for experience, and why empowering employees to think like owners creates stronger teams and better business results. From AI and predictive maintenance to company culture and long-term strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for leaders in every industry. Watch until the end to discover actionable leadership lessons that can help you build a business and a team that lasts. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐯𝐝𝐢𝐜 https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiravdic/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sebright-products-inc-/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #emiravdic #manufacturing #innovation #leadership

    1 hr
  2. 2d ago

    The Innovation That Could Power the Future | Ep. 95 [Don Currie]

    What if one breakthrough could dramatically improve the efficiency of electric vehicles, data centers, renewable energy systems, and the power grid? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd., to explore the innovation behind zero-voltage switching and why it has the potential to change how electricity is converted and delivered across multiple industries. Discover why engineers, manufacturers, and energy leaders are paying close attention to this emerging technology. Beyond the technology, Don reveals the mindset that helped him navigate uncertainty, pivot from fossil fuels to clean energy, and build a company focused on solving one of electrification's biggest challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, investor, or simply curious about where the future of energy is headed, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the next generation of power technology. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with industry leaders shaping tomorrow. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐃𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞 https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-currie-2a3333108/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillcrest-energy-technologies/posts/?feedView=all #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #doncurrie #innovation #technology

    27 min
  3. 4d ago

    How Honey Became The Secret Behind This Beauty Brand | Ep. 94 [Ayesha Ibrahim]

    In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Ayesha Ibrahim, CEO of Honey Corn, to explore how one natural ingredient, honey, became the foundation of an award-winning ethical skincare brand. What started as a personal search for relief from postpartum eczema evolved into a global entrepreneurial journey driven by sustainability, innovation, and a passion for creating products that work. Ayesha shares how ancient knowledge, scientific research, and a commitment to natural ingredients inspired Honey Corn's unique approach to skincare while challenging traditional beauty industry norms. Beyond skincare, this conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood with business, overcoming obstacles like Brexit, expanding into international markets, and building a purpose-driven company that supports both people and the planet. Whether you're an entrepreneur, skincare enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable innovation, this inspiring episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and creating a business with lasting impact. Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with industry leaders who are shaping the future. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐀𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐈𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-i-4aa74415/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/honey-corn/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #ayeshibrahim #entrepreneurship #leadership

    41 min
  4. Jul 4

    How Predictive AI Makes Aircraft More Reliable | Ep. 93 [Mark Strauss]

    Why Reliability Wins Missions isn't just a statement; it's the philosophy behind the next generation of autonomous aircraft. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Mark Strauss, Founder and CEO of Wave Aerospace, to discuss how his company is redefining UAV performance with aircraft designed to succeed when conventional drones can't. Discover how innovative engineering, intelligent power management, and mission-focused design enable these systems to operate in extreme environments where failure simply isn't an option.  Throughout the conversation, Mark explains why reliability must be built into every component, how edge computing and AI are transforming autonomous flight, and what it takes to earn the trust of military, law enforcement, and commercial operators. Whether you're interested in aerospace engineering, drone technology, defense innovation, or entrepreneurship, this episode delivers valuable insights into why dependable technology is the foundation of every successful mission. Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Industry Ignited for more interviews with today's most innovative industry leaders.  𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐬 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mestrauss/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/waveaerospace/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #markstrauss #manufacturing #technology #aerospace

    54 min
  5. Jun 16

    The Next Billion-Dollar Energy Opportunity | Ep. 92 [Andrew Stock]

    What does it take to build successful companies across multiple industries and then apply those lessons to one of the biggest challenges in commercial energy? In this episode, Andrew Stock joins Dr. Leeanne Aguilar to discuss the future of solar, energy storage, geothermal power, and the critical role of financing in helping projects get built. Andrew explains why many solar companies struggle, how outdated distribution models inflate costs, and why the next wave of innovation will come from improving efficiency across the entire supply chain. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, operational systems, and the mindset required to identify opportunities before the market catches on. Whether you're a business owner, investor, energy professional, or simply curious about the future of renewable energy, you'll gain valuable insights into the trends reshaping the industry and the strategies that separate long-term winners from everyone else. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstock/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-raven-inc/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #andrewstock #solarenergy #innovation

    44 min
  6. Jun 11

    How to Scale a Battery Energy Storage Company Without Failing | Ep. 91 [Mark Hagedorn]

    What separates a successful battery company from one that runs out of money before reaching scale? In this episode, Mark Hagedorn shares the operational playbook behind building and growing battery energy storage businesses, including lessons learned from startups, manufacturing facilities, supply chains, and large-scale energy projects. He explains why great technology alone isn't enough and how strong operations, financial planning, and customer focus ultimately determine long-term success. From domestic content requirements and battery controls to ERP systems, quality management, and scaling manufacturing capacity, this discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the energy storage industry. If you're interested in clean energy, battery technology, entrepreneurship, or industrial leadership, this episode provides practical strategies and real-world experience from someone who has spent decades turning complex challenges into scalable solutions. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhagedorn/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-bess-corp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/viridi-inc/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #markhagedorn #innovation #energy #CleanEnergy

    44 min
  7. Jun 9

    How Manufacturers Are Cutting Energy Costs Without Spending a Dollar Upfront | Ep. 90 [David Kipling]

    What if manufacturers could reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and modernize critical infrastructure without investing any capital upfront? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with David Kipling, CEO of On-site Energy Group, to explore how innovative energy financing models are helping industrial companies unlock major savings while accelerating their sustainability goals. David shares his journey from corporate finance and renewable energy development to building a fast-growing energy business with more than $90 million in assets under management. The conversation covers the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today, including rising energy costs, decarbonization pressures, and capital expenditure constraints. David explains how zero-capex, off-balance-sheet energy solutions allow companies to implement energy efficiency, electrification, and on-site generation projects while preserving cash flow and improving competitiveness. He also discusses winning Ford as an early customer, scaling across Europe, reducing Scope 3 emissions, and the emerging technologies that could reshape industrial energy over the next decade. Whether you're a manufacturing leader, sustainability professional, or business executive, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of industrial energy and decarbonization. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kipling-92805410/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-site-energy-ltd/posts/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #davidkipling #renewableenergy #cleanenergy

    50 min
  8. Jun 2

    The Science Behind Nature-Inspired Innovation | Ep. 89 [Sidney Rostan]

    What if the next breakthrough in AI, engineering, or product innovation isn't something humans invent, but something nature has already perfected? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Sidney Rostan, Founder and CEO of Bioxegy, France's leading biomimicry R&D design office, to explore how companies are using nature-inspired solutions to solve some of industry's most complex challenges. From aerospace and automotive to manufacturing and artificial intelligence, Sidney reveals how biomimicry is helping organizations improve performance, reduce costs, create patents, and unlock entirely new approaches to innovation. Sidney shares the realities of bringing biomimicry from academia into the corporate world, the challenges of convincing engineers and executives to think differently, and why nature may hold the key to more efficient technologies and smarter AI systems. Whether you're an innovation leader, engineer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of technology, this conversation will change the way you think about nature, problem-solving, and the next generation of industrial breakthroughs. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://industryignited.com/ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 https://www.instagram.com/industryignited/ 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 https://www.facebook.com/industryignited/ 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-ignited 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 https://open.spotify.com/show/3TX1L5LPr4lt1UtcSpSvlN?si=7037433a58c54162 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-ignited-podcast/id1824619671 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-rostan/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bioxegy/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #sidneyrostan #innovation #tecchnology

    40 min

About

Industry Ignited is a platform for bold conversations with leaders who are transforming the way business gets done. Each episode spotlights breakthrough stories from the industrial, manufacturing, biotech, chemical, and B2B sectors, giving you an inside look at how top executives, innovators, and changemakers tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful growth. Hosted by Dr. Leeanne Aguilar—entrepreneur, executive coach, and marketing strategist—Industry Ignited goes beyond surface-level discussions to uncover the strategies, mindsets, and lessons that fuel leadership at the highest level. From navigating complex operations and scaling companies to rethinking culture and preparing for the future of work, every conversation is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you with fresh perspectives. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this podcast will spark ideas, expand your vision, and ignite the drive to lead with confidence in today’s evolving business landscape.