Talking Industrial Automation

Lisa Richter
  • 4.7 (30)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, you will enjoy the insights in this podcast.

  1. JAN 20

    The Brains of the Factory—Scaling Automation Leadership with Matt Wise

    As we kick off the new year, Talking Industrial Automation revisits a listener-favorite conversation with Matt Wise, CEO of E-Tech Group—one of Control Engineering and Plant Engineering's 2025 System Integrator of the Year award winners. Matt shares how he explains automation as "the brains of the factory," why marketing and business strategy matter just as much as engineering, and how E-Tech Group scaled into one of North America's largest system integrators through acquisition, talent, and long-term vision. The conversation explores today's biggest industry challenges—from labor shortages and rising complexity to AI, multi-site automation, tariffs, and uncertainty—and what it takes to guide clients through them as a true automation partner. Whether you're a system integrator, manufacturer, or industry leader looking to start the year with fresh perspective, this encore episode delivers practical insights on growth, leadership, and the future of industrial automation.

    23 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    From Boots to Bots: Brandon Umscheid's Automation Journey at Baker Group

    Talking Industrial Automation

    23 min

  3. 11/14/2025

    Listening, Leading, and Evolving: How Adrienne Meyer is Shaping the Next Chapter of CSIA

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Adrienne Meyer, the newly appointed CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). With 20+ years of experience managing global trade associations and technical organizations, Adrienne shares her journey—from being fascinated by encyclopedias as a kid to shaping the future of industrial automation through community-building and strategic leadership. Tune in to hear how Adrienne's early roles prepared her for leading CSIA, why listening is her leadership superpower, and what she sees on the horizon for system integrators—from certification insights to new engagement strategies and untapped member benefits. If you're curious about the role of associations, the power of professional networks, or the evolution of industrial automation, this episode offers actionable insights and a fresh perspective from the top.

    36 min

  4. 10/15/2025

    From Control Panels to Purpose: How Stephen Beck Found His Path in Industrial Automation | Talking Industrial Automation

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Stephen Beck, Senior Chemical Engineer at Huffman Engineering, to explore his journey from building control panels at age 10 to shaping automation systems across utilities, life sciences, and manufacturing. Stephen shares insights from his early experiences at a nuclear power plant, his transition into systems integration, and how Huffman Engineering's "making ideas work" philosophy continues to drive quality and customer trust. Along the way, he unpacks challenges like balancing modernization with cost constraints, navigating project politics, and managing the growing impact of AI and cybersecurity on the automation industry. Whether you're an engineer, integrator, or industry leader, this conversation offers thoughtful takeaways on resilience, ethics, and innovation in industrial automation.

    31 min

  5. 09/15/2025

    Breaking the Mold: How Marcos Carlotto of Schneider Electric Is Reimagining Industrial Automation | Talking Industrial Automation

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter is joined by Marcos Carlotto, Director of Software-Defined Automation at Schneider Electric, for a deep dive into how open systems, artificial intelligence, and workforce transformation are reshaping the industrial automation landscape. From Schneider's bold stance against proprietary platforms to real-world examples of scalable innovation—like retrofitting 60 pump stations in just 6 months—Marcos reveals how flexibility, speed, and partner ecosystems are key to future-proofing automation. If you're curious about what's next for automation—or how to thrive in it—this episode delivers strategic insight with global perspective. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

    32 min

  6. 08/15/2025

    Standards, Audits, and Intuition: Bud Weightman's 35-Year Journey in Quality Management | Talking Industrial Automation

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Bud Weightman—President of Qualified Specialists International (QSI) and a seasoned expert with over 35 years in quality management, auditing, and standards consulting. Bud takes us inside his journey from launching QSI in 1989 to auditing high-stakes offshore drilling operations around the globe. He explains the importance of risk-based auditing, why cookie-cutter systems fall short, and how custom, standards-driven solutions help companies improve performance, safety, and compliance. You'll also learn about the value of CSIA certification, the connection between intuition and successful audits, and what sets Bud's approach apart in an industry built on trust, evidence, and continuous improvement. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

    38 min

  7. 07/15/2025

    Navigating the Future of Industrial Automation with GE Vernova's Paul Adams | Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Paul Adams, Senior Director of Partner Ecosystems at GE Vernova, to explore how his nearly three-decade journey with GE has shaped a deep understanding of software, systems, and integrator partnerships. From building global relationships to embracing cloud transformation and tackling cybersecurity challenges, Paul shares real-world insights into what it takes to scale, support, and modernize industrial automation today. Tune in to hear his thoughts on workforce evolution, strategic acquisitions, and the power of curiosity and connection in career growth. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

    29 min

  8. 06/16/2025

    Scaling with Purpose: Joe Mazzola on Growing McEnery Automation and Leading with Vision | Episode 109 of Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa Richter

    In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Joe Mazzola, General Manager of McEnery Automation, to unpack his journey from co-op student to company leader. Joe shares how McHenry has grown from a two-person startup to a 30-person team, fueled by long-term customer relationships, CSIA certification, and a culture of engineering excellence. From process automation innovations in brewing and consumer goods to navigating workforce transitions and integrating ERP systems, Joe offers grounded insights on scaling with integrity, embracing flexibility, and building solutions that last. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

    37 min
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4.7
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, you will enjoy the insights in this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Richter
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Control System Integrators Association (2018)
  • Show Website
    Talking Industrial Automation