Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
  • 4.9 (13)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Conversations with industrial and systems engineers about their work, ideas and solutions. This podcast will feature both IISE members and non-members who come from diverse backgrounds in both academia and industry to discuss a wide range of topics as it relates to their work as well as some off-beat topics that we think you, our audience, will find fascinating.

  1. HSPI Keynote Spotlight: Inside Conversations with Dr. Patterson and Lennox Wildman

    4D AGO

    HSPI Keynote Spotlight: Inside Conversations with Dr. Patterson and Lennox Wildman

    HSPI Keynote Spotlight: Inside conversations with Dr. Patterson and Lennox Wildman"In this special HSPI Keynote Spotlight episode of Problem Solved, listeners are invited inside conversations with Dr. Emily Patterson and Lennox Wildman, two leaders shaping the future of healthcare systems improvement. The episode explores how technology, workflows, and people come together to drive safer, more effective care. Through practical insights and real-world examples, these thoughtful conversations highlight how industrial and systems engineering principles are being applied to strengthen healthcare delivery and support the professionals who make it possible. Don't miss the full keynotes talks from these professionals at the HSPI Conference sponsored by Society for Health Systems! Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    22 min
  2. The Systems Behind the Ballots: How ISEs are Strengthening Elections with Dr. Natalie Scala

    JAN 27

    The Systems Behind the Ballots: How ISEs are Strengthening Elections with Dr. Natalie Scala

    Elections are one of the most complex systems we rely on. They're decentralized, human-driven, time-critical, and under constant scrutiny. And while hundreds of decisions are made under the surface, most of us only see the final result. In this episode of Problem Solved, IISE’s Keith Albertson sits down with Dr. Natalie Scala of Towson University to explore the systems behind the ballot and how industrial and systems engineers are strengthening elections. From polling places to poll worker support, supply chains and trust in outcomes, Dr. Scala explains how classic ISE tools are being applied to one of the most consequential systems in society all while remaining nonpartisan. This conversation goes beyond politics and into process, people, and design. https://www.drnataliescala.com/ Natalie M. Scala, Ph.D., is a professor and professor and cyber fellow in the College of Business and Economics at Towson University and co-director of the Empowering Secure Elections research lab. She is a faculty affiliate at the University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security, and has shared her expertise, research and work regarding elections security in conference presentations, articles for ISE Magazine and a Season 1 episode of Problem Solved in 2020. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    27 min
  3. Trailer | The Systems Behind the Ballots: How ISEs are Strengthening Elections

    SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Trailer | The Systems Behind the Ballots: How ISEs are Strengthening Elections

    Elections are one of the most complex systems we rely on. They're decentralized, human-driven, time-critical, and under constant scrutiny. And while hundreds of decisions are made under the surface, most of us only see the final result. In this upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE’s Keith Albertson sits down with Dr. Natalie Scala of Towson University to explore the systems behind the ballot and how industrial and systems engineers are strengthening elections. From polling places to poll worker support, supply chains and trust in outcomes, Dr. Scala explains how classic ISE tools are being applied to one of the most consequential systems in society all while remaining nonpartisan. This conversation goes beyond politics and into process, people, and design. https://www.drnataliescala.com/ Natalie M. Scala, Ph.D., is a professor and professor and cyber fellow in the College of Business and Economics at Towson University and co-director of the Empowering Secure Elections research lab. She is a faculty affiliate at the University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security, and has shared her expertise, research and work regarding elections security in conference presentations, articles for ISE Magazine and a Season 1 episode of Problem Solved in 2020. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    1 min
  4. From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First 5 years

    JAN 13

    From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First 5 years

    From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First Five Years The first five years of your career can feel like a crash course in the real world. One moment you’re confident in your coursework, and the next you’re navigating ambiguity, imposter syndrome, and expectations no syllabus ever prepared you for. In this episode of Problem Solved, we sit down with three IISE Young Professionals — Helen Siegrist, President of IISE Young Professionals, Jessica Aujla, and Gordon Quach — for an honest, roundtable conversation about what it actually looks like to transition from the classroom to the workforce. Together, they reflect on: The transition and shock of the first year out of schoolFinding your footing and earning trust in years two and threeGrowing confidence, leadership, and career direction in years four and fiveNavigating imposter syndrome, mentorship, and professional identityHow IISE and the Young Professionals community can support growth along the wayThis episode isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about learning through experience, community, and reflection. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or early in your professional journey, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from those who’ve been there. 🎙️ Problem Solved — real conversations about industrial & systems engineering in practice. Learn more about IISE Young Professionals here and on LinkedIn. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    39 min
  5. Trailer | From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First 5 years

    SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Trailer | From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First 5 years

    The first five years of your career can feel confusing, unstructured, and overwhelming — even for high-performing industrial and systems engineers. In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE Young Professionals Jess Aujla, Helen Siegrist, and Gordon Quach share candid reflections on what it really feels like to move from the classroom into the workforce — from losing the structure of school, to finding confidence, setting boundaries, and learning how to grow without burning out. If you’re early in your career — or mentoring someone who is — this conversation will feel familiar. 🎙️ Full episode drops next week. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it. Learn more about IISE Young Professionals here and on LinkedIn. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    1 min
  6. What if Santa was an ISE?

    12/16/2025

    What if Santa was an ISE?

    🎅✨ Here’s the problem: Santa’s operation defies all logic. One night. Billions of deliveries. Zero defects. A global supply chain that never misses a deadline. So…what if Santa is an industrial and systems engineer? In this festive special of Problem Solved, IISE members and volunteers share short, creative voice memos imagining how Santa’s North Pole operation uses IE/ISE tools—from logistics optimization to quality management, ergonomics, capacity planning, predictive analytics, Just-In-Time systems, continuous improvement, facility layout, human factors, and more. You’ll hear six fun, clever, and surprisingly insightful takes on Santa’s world-class system—including: 🎁 Why Santa’s naughty-or-nice list is really a data governance process 🎁 How his workshop rivals Amazon 🎁 How ergonomics keeps the elves injury-free for 500+ years 🎁 Why Santa’s sleigh route is the ultimate Traveling Salesman Problem 🎁 Lean Six Sigma at the North Pole  🎁 And—what the Grinch, Jack Skellington, and Santa can teach us about operations Then we wrap it all up with a special story from IISE CEO Don Greene, who shares the tale of the Christmas Eve when Santa called IISE for help…and how industrial engineers saved the holiday. Whether you’re an ISE, a student, a Santa enthusiast, or someone who loves a good systems-thinking twist, this episode is full of joy, clever insights, and holiday magic—the ISE way. 🎄 Happy Holidays from all of us at IISE and Problem Solved! Thank you to our guests who shared their creativity with us! Ali Anderson, Gordon Quach, Kristine Dungo, Madeline Shoot, Laura Albert, Ashley Benedict, and Don Greene! 🎧 Listen now, share with a colleague, and spread some IE cheer. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    21 min
  7. Inside the IISE Innovation Cup: How Bold Ideas Become Industry Breakthroughs

    12/09/2025

    Inside the IISE Innovation Cup: How Bold Ideas Become Industry Breakthroughs

    Across industries, teams are solving massive, complex challenges — but too often, those breakthroughs stay hidden inside their organizations. The IISE Innovation Cup, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Knoxville, changes that. It gives teams a global stage to showcase measurable results, real-world impact, and the power of industrial and systems engineering in action. In this episode of Problem Solved, we take you inside the Innovation Cup- what it is, why it matters, and what great innovation truly looks like. You’ll hear from: • Tom Mazzone, Innovation Cup committee member, on why the Cup exists and how it elevates ISE work • Aniket Ramekar (Mayo Clinic), on the digital door-sign project that transformed clinical workflows • Rishabh Bhandawat (Smurfit WestRock), on optimizing spare-parts inventory • Bill Harrington, Innovation Cup committee member, on the criteria that separate a good project from a great one Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, aerospace, or continuous improvement, this episode will inspire you to look at your systems in a new way — and maybe even submit your own project. Submissions for the IISE Innovation Cup are now open. Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup. Bill Harrington's unedited interview on IISE Innovation Cup judging criteria:https://youtu.be/fHlwnq74Hqw Make sure you subscribe to Problem Solved so you never miss an episode! Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    29 min
  8. Trailer | Inside the IISE Innovation Cup: How Bold Ideas Become Industry Breakthroughs

    SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Trailer | Inside the IISE Innovation Cup: How Bold Ideas Become Industry Breakthroughs

    Go behind the scenes of the IISE Innovation Cup, one of the most impactful showcases of industrial and systems engineering innovation. Hear from: • Tom Mazzone – Why the Cup exists • Aniket Ramekar – Gold Award winner • Rishabh Bhandawat – Silver Award winner • Bill Harrington – What judges look for Discover how teams across industries are solving complex challenges — and what it takes to stand out. Make sure you subscribe to Problem Solved so you never miss an episode!Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

    1 min
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Trailers

4.9
out of 5
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About

Conversations with industrial and systems engineers about their work, ideas and solutions. This podcast will feature both IISE members and non-members who come from diverse backgrounds in both academia and industry to discuss a wide range of topics as it relates to their work as well as some off-beat topics that we think you, our audience, will find fascinating.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    246
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 IISE
  • Show Website
    Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast

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