Industry Iowa

CIRAS

5.0 (1)
BUSINESS

A CIRAS podcast to help Iowa businesses and communities prosper and grow. The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University.

JAN 20

Episode 79: AI Isn’t an IT Project: Why Leadership Owns the Future of Work

Paul Gormley from CIRAS discusses the strategic implementation of artificial intelligence in Iowa manufacturing organizations. With nearly 27 years at CIRAS, Paul explains that AI has been around for decades but became more accessible with tools like ChatGPT in late 2022. He emphasizes that AI should be treated as a strategic business decision rather than just a technology implementation, comparing it to productivity improvement methodologies where those closest to the work identify the best use cases. Paul describes seeing practical applications in vision systems, preventive maintenance, and front office operations like scheduling and supply chain management. He warns against common mistakes like using AI as a search engine and stresses the importance of using it as an iterative, collaborative tool. CIRAS has partnered with University of Iowa and Iowa State to develop a three-level training curriculum (literacy, fluency, and integration) being rolled out through community colleges. Paul concludes that manufacturers who use AI wisely will focus on strategic growth and innovation rather than just defensive efficiency measures.

41 min
10/17/2025

Episode 77: Intelligent Automation, Human-Centered Innovation: A Conversation with Andrew Pfeiffer

In this insightful episode of Industry Iowa, Steven Wilson sits down with Andrew Pfeiffer, founder of the Process Innovation Lab, to explore the evolving world of intelligent automation—and why it’s about far more than just bots and workflows. Andrew unpacks the integrated capabilities behind intelligent automation—from process analysis and user-centric design to AI, case management, and chatbots. But what sets this conversation apart is the focus on the human side of automation: how design thinking, empathy, and rapid prototyping are reshaping how we solve problems and deliver value. We also discuss: 🔧 How intelligent automation differs from traditional IT and RPA 💡 Why fast prototyping and agility matter more than ever 🤖 What makes a process a great candidate for automation 🧠 How leaders can embrace experimentation and manage risk 🕵️ The invisible signals of inefficiency—and how to find them 📈 Why operational excellence today must include digital tools Whether you're an operations leader, IT professional, or innovation strategist, this episode will expand your view on how to align technology, people, and purpose for real business impact. 🎧 Listen now and discover what intelligent automation really means.

44 min
10/03/2025

Episode 78: The Age of Average with Chad Cooper

In this episode of Industry Iowa, Steven Wilson sits down with Chad Cooper, copywriter at de Novo Marketing, broadcaster, and storyteller, to explore the power of brand storytelling in what he calls the “Age of Average.” Together they unpack why so much of branding has become bland, safe, and forgettable—and what it takes for businesses to stand out. Chad shares memorable examples of creative storytelling, including a wind energy campaign that turned a natural annoyance into a symbol of potential, and outlines practical steps any business can use to connect more authentically with its audience. If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from the sea of sameness, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

39 min
09/03/2025

Episode 76: What it Really Takes to Align People, Purpose, and Performance

In this powerful conversation, host Steve Wilson sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link, to unpack what it really takes to align people, purpose, and performance—and why most leaders miss the mark. Billy shares leadership gold from decades of experience leading operational excellence at Fortune 500 companies. We dig into: - The real drivers of ownership and accountability - Why daily management systems are the engine of strategy execution - How to build alignment—even in union environments - “Celebrate the Red”: a fresh take on fact-based leadership and transparency - The difference between KPIs and KPAs—and why it matters - Psychological safety, behavioral indicators, and the invisible signals of misalignment - How AI can inform decisions—without replacing the human touch Billy’s insights are sharp, grounded, and actionable—perfect for anyone serious about transforming culture, improving execution, and building teams that win.

36 min
08/18/2025

Episode 75: Redefining Confidence in Leadership with Erik Dominguez

In this episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker and communication coach Erik Dominguez, who will be speaking at this year’s Iowa Lean Consortium Conference. We explore how real leadership confidence is formed—not by eliminating fear, but by learning to navigate it. Topics include: • Why Imposter Syndrome is more common than you think • How discomfort signals growth, not failure • The power of vulnerability (and when to share it) • How to expand your comfort zone intentionally • The secret connection between confidence and storytelling Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights and a mindset shift that could reshape how you lead.

29 min
08/07/2025

Episode 74: Building Vibrant Communities Through Public-Private Partnerships

In this episode of Industry Iowa, I sit down with Mayor Nick AbouAssaly of Marion, Iowa, to talk about what it really takes to create communities where people and businesses want to be. From reinventing Marion’s City Square into a year-round destination to launching bold new projects like the upcoming Aquatic Center, Nick shares how collaboration between business and civic leaders is key to shaping quality of life, attracting talent, and driving economic vitality. Why public-private partnerships are essentialHow business investment in “quality of place” fuels growthWhat Marion is doing right—and what other communities can learnWhether you’re in city government, economic development, or business leadership, this conversation is packed with insights you can use. EconomicDevelopment #PublicPrivatePartnerships #CommunityLeadership #IndustryIowa #MarionIA #CityPlanning #BusinessLead

29 min
07/30/2025

Episode 73: The Real Meaning of Process Innovation

In this episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast, Steven Wilson sits down with Andrew Pfeiffer, founder of the Process Innovation Lab, to explore the real meaning of process innovation. Andrew shares how this approach goes beyond traditional continuous improvement by emphasizing empathy, experimentation, and human-centered design. Through real-world examples—from transforming customer experiences at a major telecom to running a Microsoft Copilot user study—Andrew unpacks how process innovation can drive cultural change and deliver lasting impact. Whether you're in manufacturing, leadership, or community development, this conversation offers practical strategies to strengthen your organization through people-first innovation. 👉 Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-andrew-pfeiffer/ 🌐 Learn more: HTTPs://www.theprocessinnovationlab.com/ 🎧 Subscribe for more insights on Iowa’s industry and innovation leaders. ProcessInnovation #DesignThinking #IndustryIowa #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement

36 min
07/21/2025

Episode 72: Harnessing Your Data: Going from Uncertain to Unstoppable Part 2

Part 2 is here! Is your data helping you lead—or just making noise? In this follow-up episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast, I continue the conversation with Mark Stanley and Angela Kalemis , co-authors of Data: Harness Your Numbers to Go from Uncertain to Unstoppable. We dig deeper into how to build a data-informed culture that fuels real results—not just reports. Key takeaways: ✅ The five-number income statement that simplifies cash flow ✅ Avoiding the “Streetlight Effect” in your metrics ✅ How to make scorecards stick ✅ Why vision without data is just a wish ✅ Empowering high performers with the right measurements ✅ Common data mistakes—and how to fix them Angela and Mark are on a mission to make data practical, predictive, and powerful for EOS-driven teams—and their insights in this episode are gold. Resources & workshops: https://unstoppable-biz.com/ Unstoppable-Biz – Drive Growth, Profit & Control Master the Data Component™ of EOS® to fuel growth and improve cash flow. No more surprises—just the right numbers driving decisions, action, and results. unstoppable-biz.com If you're serious about making data a strategic asset, not a burden—this is your episode.

34 min

A CIRAS podcast to help Iowa businesses and communities prosper and grow. The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University.

Creator

CIRAS
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

77
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© CIRAS
Show Website

Industry Iowa