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. 1d ago

    How to Build a Company People Actually Love Working For | Ep. 119 [Susan Griffin-Black]

    Can a company grow, innovate, and remain competitive without losing the values that made it successful? Join Dr. Leeanne Aguilar on Industry Ignited as she welcomes Susan Griffin-Black, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of EO Products, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, sustainable manufacturing, and building a business that puts people and purpose first. Since founding EO in 1995, Susan has helped transform the natural personal care industry through essential oil-based products, thoughtful ingredient sourcing, and a commitment to responsible business practices. She shares how her passion for creating better products evolved into a successful company, why she chose to keep manufacturing close to home, and how maintaining independence allowed EO Products to prioritize long-term relationships over rapid expansion. Susan also explores the realities of leading a business through uncertainty, including the overwhelming demand for hand sanitizer during COVID-19 and the difficult decisions that followed. She discusses the role of customer feedback in product innovation, the importance of trusting entrepreneurial instincts, and how AI can improve business operations without replacing meaningful human connections. From redefining work-life balance to building a workplace people genuinely love, this episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders who want to achieve sustainable growth while preserving the heart and soul of their organizations. What does it take to build a successful business without sacrificing your values, your people, or your purpose? In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Susan Griffin-Black, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of EO Products, the company behind the EO and Everyone body care brands. Susan shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from discovering the potential of essential oils to building a thriving natural personal care company rooted in sustainability, responsible manufacturing, and people-first leadership. She discusses the importance of maintaining control over business decisions, developing strong supplier relationships, and creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired. Throughout the conversation, Susan reveals how EO Products has navigated decades of industry changes, unexpected challenges, and evolving consumer demands while staying true to its founding principles. She shares valuable insights into building a strong company culture, managing rapid demand during the pandemic, embracing artificial intelligence, and balancing business responsibilities with personal priorities. Discover why long-term business success requires more than financial growth and how leading with integrity, curiosity, and genuine care for people can create a company built to last. 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 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧-𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-griffin-black-5731941/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/eo-products/home/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #susangriffinblack #entrepreneurship #growth #strategy #leadership #culture #talent #BusinessLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PeopleFirstLeadership #CompanyCulture #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #SustainableBusiness #SustainableManufacturing #ResponsibleManufacturing #NaturalProducts #ProductInnovation #BrandBuilding #BusinessSuccess #BusinessResilience #BusinessInnovation #SupplyChainManagement

  2. 4d ago

    The Formula for Manufacturing Success: Better People, Processes, and Execution | Ep. 118 [Anthony Turgman]

    Manufacturing success isn't just about having the most advanced machines. It's about building stronger processes, developing skilled employees, and making smarter operational decisions. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Anthony Turgman of Live Solutions to discuss the challenges manufacturers face when adopting new technologies without the proper infrastructure, training, and workforce readiness. Anthony explains why companies must address their operational foundations before expecting AI, automation, and robotics to deliver meaningful results. Throughout the conversation, Anthony shares valuable insights on manufacturing modernization, leadership, workforce empowerment, and the importance of listening to employees who understand daily factory operations. He also explores how manufacturers can close the skills gap, prepare the next generation of industrial talent, and create lasting improvements through practical execution rather than temporary solutions. Learn why putting people and processes first is essential to building a smarter, stronger, and more competitive manufacturing 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 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aturgman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-solutions-manufacturing-services/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #ManufacturingIndustry #ManufacturingSuccess #ManufacturingLeadership #AdvancedManufacturing #SmartManufacturing #ManufacturingInnovation #ManufacturingTransformation #OperationalExcellence

  3. 6d ago

    How Modern Plastics Is Saving Lives Through Advanced Manufacturing | Ep. 117 [Bing Carbone]

    Plastics are more than everyday materials. They are helping save lives, supporting groundbreaking medical innovations, and enabling technologies that shape our future. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Bing J. Carbone, CEO and President of Modern Plastics, for an insightful conversation about the remarkable impact of high-performance plastics. Bing explains how specialized materials are used in medical implants, aerospace systems, defense applications, and even the James Webb Space Telescope, highlighting why quality, traceability, and manufacturing precision are critical to success. Beyond the technology, Bing shares valuable lessons from decades of leading and growing Modern Plastics, including the importance of adapting to industry changes, investing in people, and responding to customer needs. He also discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping business operations and why human relationships remain essential in an increasingly automated world. From life-saving applications to leadership and innovation, this conversation reveals how a commitment to excellence can transform a business and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. 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 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bingjcarbone/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-plastics/ #podcasts #podcasts #podcastshorts #podcastinterview #podcastlife #businessgrowth #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #innovation #modernplastics #plasticindustry #manufacturing #ai #operationalexcellence #digitaltransformation #emergingtechnology #leadership

  4. Oct 25

    Leadership Under Pressure: How Gary LoPinto Turned Challenges Into Opportunities | Ep. 116 [Gary LoPinto]

    Can trust and reputation be more valuable than a signed contract? Join Dr. Leeanne Aguilar on Industry Ignited as she welcomes Gary LoPinto, former CEO of Sarizer Motor Company, for an inspiring conversation about professional racing, entrepreneurship, automotive innovation, and leadership. From his early passion for cars to building a successful business in motorsports and luxury automotive events, Gary shares how he transformed his expertise into opportunities with some of the world's most recognized automotive brands. He also reveals the story behind his 28-year relationship with Porsche, built on trust, personal connections, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Gary takes listeners behind the scenes of high-pressure automotive events, sharing how quick thinking, preparation, and confidence helped him overcome unexpected challenges. He explains why successful leaders must remain composed during difficult situations, hire the right people, and trust their teams to get the job done. The conversation also explores the power of experiential marketing, customer relationships, and finding fulfillment in work that aligns with your passion. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, automotive enthusiast, or aspiring professional, this episode delivers valuable lessons on turning challenges into opportunities, building a strong reputation, and creating success 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 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-lopinto-3b98ba15/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarizer-motor-comapny/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #garylopinto #leadership #automotiveindustry #kineticleadership #culture #talent #entrepreneurship, #growth #strategy

  5. Oct 21

    How Biotechnology Is Making Cooling More Efficient | Ep. 115 [Isabel Pulido]

    Refrigeration plays a critical role in modern industries, but its growing energy demands present major challenges for businesses and the environment. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Isabel Pulido, CEO and Co-Founder of NanoFreeze, to explore how biotechnology is challenging traditional cooling methods and creating new opportunities for energy efficiency. Isabel shares her inspiring journey from studying biodesign and entrepreneurship in Colombia to developing an innovative refrigeration solution inspired by the needs of underserved rural communities. After winning an international Biodesign Challenge, she recognized the global potential of her scientific discovery and began transforming NanoFreeze from a university project into a company focused on making refrigeration more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. The discussion dives into the science behind NanoFreeze, how its technology helps existing cooling systems operate more efficiently, and why industries must rethink the long-term financial and environmental costs of refrigeration. Isabel explains the opportunities for energy savings in commercial refrigerators, industrial chillers, and data centers while highlighting the challenges of introducing new technologies into established markets. She also reflects on the importance of customer education, pilot testing, strategic business decisions, and persistence when bringing scientific innovations to market. From biotechnology breakthroughs to the realities of scaling a climate-tech startup, this conversation offers valuable insights into how innovative thinking and entrepreneurial resilience can create meaningful change across industries. 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 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐨 https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-pulido-/?locale=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/nanofreeze/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #isabelpulido #refrigeration #deeptech #innovation #technology #nanofreeze

  6. Oct 17

    Why Micromanagement Destroys Effective Leadership | Ep. 114 [Josh O'Neal]

    Being highly skilled at your job doesn't automatically make you a great leader. True leadership goes beyond technical expertise, professional titles, and individual achievements. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Dr. Josh O'Neal, Founder of Kinetic Leadership, to explore what separates technical competence from genuine leadership. Drawing from his background in materials science, engineering, and the aerospace and defense industry, Josh shares why character, integrity, discipline, and the ability to influence others are essential to becoming an effective leader. Together, they discuss the dangers of micromanagement, the importance of building trust, and why successful leaders focus on empowering others rather than controlling every outcome. The conversation also explores the connection between personal identity, intentional growth, and lasting leadership transformation. Josh explains why discipline creates freedom, how consistency builds character, and why leadership begins with taking ownership of your own actions. As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, they examine why human connection, authenticity, and the ability to develop others will become even more valuable. Whether you're a business owner, executive, engineer, or aspiring leader, this episode offers meaningful insights into building stronger teams, developing future leaders, and creating a lasting impact through service and influence. 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. 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝐎'𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshoneal534/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #drjoshoneal #leadership #kineticleadership #culture #talent #entrepreneurship, #growth #strategy #engineering #productdevelopment #innovation

  7. Oct 15

    How Rising Energy Costs Are Changing the Future of Manufacturing | Ep. 113 [David March]

    Energy is no longer just another operating expense. It has become a critical factor that can determine whether a business grows, struggles, or shuts down. In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes David March of Concierge Power and Capital to explore how rising electricity costs, power reliability challenges, and changing energy markets are transforming the way businesses operate. Drawing from his extensive experience in chemical engineering, manufacturing, renewable energy investment, and business leadership, David explains why companies must begin treating energy as a strategic priority rather than simply another utility bill. Throughout the conversation, David shares valuable insights into the hidden costs of power outages, the importance of energy resilience, and how businesses can protect their operations without sacrificing opportunities for growth. He discusses how backup generators, battery storage, and customized energy solutions can help organizations reduce expenses, improve reliability, and prepare for unexpected disruptions. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding customer needs, making smarter investment decisions, and building long-term business relationships through trust and transparency. Whether you're a business owner, manufacturing leader, or industry professional, this episode offers practical lessons on navigating today's energy challenges and building a more resilient 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 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidamarch/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/concierge-power-and-capital/posts/?feedView=all #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #davidmarch #innovation #leadership #energy, #sustainability #climatetechnology #manufacturing #operationalexcellence

  8. Oct 13

    Turning Carbon Emissions Into Fuel: How Standard Carbon Is Rethinking Clean Energy | Ep. 112 [Natan Shahar]

    Can carbon emissions become part of the solution to the world's growing energy challenges? On this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Natan Shahar, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Standard Carbon, for an insightful conversation about carbon capture, renewable energy, and the technologies reshaping industrial decarbonization. Natan explains how his experience working with aging building infrastructure inspired him to explore a different approach to reducing emissions. Instead of requiring companies to replace expensive boilers, industrial equipment, and heating systems, Standard Carbon is developing a process that captures carbon dioxide and combines it with hydrogen to produce natural gas that can be used within existing energy networks. He also shares how an idea inspired by fuel production for missions to Mars helped spark a technology designed to address real-world energy challenges. Beyond the technology, Dr. Leeanne and Natan examine the economic and operational realities of transitioning to cleaner energy, including the limitations of electrification, the importance of affordable renewable electricity, and the growing demand for reliable energy storage. They discuss how converting renewable power into fuel could help industries maintain operations while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the leadership challenges of transforming an engineering concept into a commercial business. From carbon regulations and energy independence to innovation and entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable perspectives for business leaders, engineers, manufacturers, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable industry. Tune in to Industry Ignited and discover why the next major breakthrough in clean energy may come from finding new value in the infrastructure and resources we already have. 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 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫 https://www.linkedin.com/in/natan-shahar-3ba84920/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/standardcarbon/ #podcast #podcastinterview #podcasts #podcastclips #podcastlife #industryignited #drleeanneaguilar #natanshahar #cleanenergy #decarbonization #energy #sustainability #climatetechnology #engineering #productdevelopment #innovation #entrepreneurship #growth #strategy

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.