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. 12h ago

    How AI and 3D Imaging Could Transform Spine Surgery | Ep. 103 [Erez Lampert]

    What if spine surgeons could operate with real-time 3D guidance while reducing their reliance on intraoperative radiation? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Erez Lampert, CEO and founder of PathKeeper Surgical, to explore how AI, optical 3D imaging, and surgical navigation are changing the future of spine surgery. Erez shares how his background in aerospace, defense, and digital dentistry helped shape PathKeeper’s approach to precision and safety in the operating room. They discuss the limitations of traditional X-ray-based navigation, the challenges of building trustworthy surgical AI, PathKeeper’s vision for an AI perception layer for surgical robotics, and what it takes to bring complex MedTech from FDA clearance to commercialization. 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 𝐄𝐫𝐞𝐳 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 https://www.linkedin.com/in/erez-lampert/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathkeeper/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #erezlampert #technology #innovation #medicaldevices

  2. Aug 14

    How One Failed Product Changed the Way She Built Her Business | Ep. 102 [Anu Luthra]

    What does it take to walk away from a successful career in finance and build a purpose-driven brand from the ground up? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Anu Luthra, founder and CEO of Lumehra, to explore her journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and the lessons she learned along the way. Anu shares how her first product became an unexpected lesson in market validation, why even a great idea isn’t enough if it doesn’t solve a clear customer problem, and how learning to separate emotion from the numbers helped shape the way she approaches business today. She also discusses how her family’s sensitivities inspired Lumehra’s clean home care products and why the company focuses on effective, plant- and mineral-based solutions designed around simplicity, convenience, and purpose. By listening closely to customers and knowing when to pivot, this conversation offers valuable insights for founders navigating manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, consulting, and cross-border expansion. Anu also shares an important reminder for aspiring entrepreneurs: you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin; confidence often comes after taking action. 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 𝐀𝐧𝐮 𝐋𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-luthra-6116605/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumehra-intl-inc/ #podcast #podcastclips #podcasts #podcastshorts #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #anuluthra #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #leadership

  3. Aug 8

    The Next Generation of Military Drones Is Taking Shape | Ep. 101 [James Thurman]

    What if the future of aviation could combine vertical takeoff, turbine-powered endurance, and the flexibility to serve both military and civilian missions? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with James Thurman, Founder and CEO of Portal Aircraft Company, to explore his vision for the next generation of VTOL aircraft. Drawing on his experience as a naval aviator, aerospace engineer, professor, aircraft owner, and defense industry professional, James shares how real-world aviation challenges inspired him to develop a different approach to vertical flight. The conversation explores Portal Aircraft’s turbine-powered architecture, the limitations of battery-electric VTOL platforms, and the potential advantages of greater range, endurance, payload capacity, and rapid refueling. James also discusses why Portal is entering the market through unmanned aircraft, the growing importance of drones in modern military operations, and the company’s long-term vision of expanding its technology into manned aircraft and civilian mobility. From building prototypes and securing early support to gaining credibility in a capital-intensive industry, James also shares valuable lessons for engineers and entrepreneurs pursuing ambitious ideas. 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 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-t-thurman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/portal-aircraft-company/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #jamesthurman #aerospace #aviation #innovation #technology

  4. Aug 7

    The Biggest Problem in Biotech No One Talks About | Ep. 99 [Dr. Michael Weickert]

    What does it really take to bring a life-saving medical breakthrough to patients? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Dr. Michael Weickert, CEO of Pacylex Pharmaceuticals and FE Pharmaceuticals, to discuss the realities of building first-in-class therapies in oncology and infectious disease. From the challenges of securing funding for breakthrough innovations to navigating clinical development and investor skepticism, Dr. Weickert shares decades of experience leading biotech companies focused on transforming patient care. The conversation explores the future of cancer treatment, groundbreaking approaches to combating antibiotic resistance, and why some of the most promising medical discoveries struggle to gain traction. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into the science, strategy, and persistence required to bring revolutionary therapies to life. 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 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐭 https://www.linkedin.com/in/weickert/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacylex-pharma/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #drmichaelweickert #biotechnology #innovation #healthcare

  5. Aug 6

    This Surgical Innovation Solves a 50-Year-Old Problem | Ep. 98 [Will Crawford]

    What if one of the biggest opportunities to improve surgical safety and operating room efficiency has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leanne Aguilar sits down with Will Crawford, CEO and Co-Founder of Smart Step Surgical, to discuss how a simple observation in the operating room led to the creation of an innovative medical device that is transforming surgical ergonomics and workflow. Will shares his journey from a successful career in spine surgery sales to launching a MedTech startup, the challenges of commercializing a medical device, and the lessons he learned about entrepreneurship, regulatory compliance, quality systems, and hospital adoption. Discover how the Surge Step platform is addressing a decades-old problem with traditional stacked step stools while improving safety, efficiency, and the experience of surgical teams. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, medical devices, entrepreneurship, or the future of surgery, this conversation offers valuable insights into bringing meaningful innovation to the operating room. 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 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-crawford-bb1715b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-step-surgical-llc/posts/?feedView=all #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #willcrawford #innovation #technology #healthcare

  6. Jul 24

    The Technology Behind Safer Drones and Smarter Navigation | Ep. 97 [Omer Sharar]

    What does it take to build technology that keeps critical systems operating when reliability matters most? In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Omer Sharar, CEO and Founder of infiniDOME Solutions, for an engaging discussion on the future of GPS protection, resilient navigation, and the innovations driving next-generation autonomous systems. Omer shares the story behind his company's mission to develop practical, scalable solutions that help organizations navigate increasingly complex operational environments. The conversation explores the evolution of navigation technology, the challenges of launching a hardware startup in the defense sector, and the importance of building products that are both highly capable and widely accessible. Omer also shares his leadership philosophy, explaining why transparency, adaptability, and a strong belief in solving meaningful problems have been essential to Infinidome's growth. His experience offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and innovators working to create lasting impact. If you're curious about the future of drones, aerospace, defense innovation, or autonomous technology, this episode is packed with insights that extend far beyond engineering. Join Dr. Leeanne Aguilar and Omer Sharar as they discuss the technologies shaping tomorrow and the vision required to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions. Be sure to subscribe to Industry Ignited for more conversations with the executives, founders, and innovators leading the future of industry. 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 𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐫 https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-sharar/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gps-dome-ltd/posts/?feedView=all #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #omersharar #innovation #technology

  7. Jul 11

    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

  8. Jul 9

    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

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.