Disrupted Factory

A JENDAMARK PODCAST with Yanesh Naidoo

Hosted by Jendamark’s innovations director, Yanesh Naidoo, this podcast is your gateway to the cutting edge of digital manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting started, we delve deep into the innovations that are transforming the way factories operate. From smart factories and IoT to AI-driven automation and beyond, Disrupted Factory brings you expert insights, in-depth interviews, and the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing. This podcast leverages our three decades in global automation and now digital technologies to help viewers learn something new with every episode!

  1. The Mr Miyagi of LEAN: 40 Years of Toyota Way Wisdom They Don’t Teach in Training!

    12/11/2025

    The Mr Miyagi of LEAN: 40 Years of Toyota Way Wisdom They Don’t Teach in Training!

    The Mr. Miyagi of LEAN brings his wisdom and teachings to our first LIVE podcast! In this episode of The Disrupted Factory, we sit down with Vitor Ferreira, the Mr. Miyagi of LEAN. After four decades across Michelin and Bridgestone, he’s trained more than 8,000 people and earned a reputation for cutting through noise with simple, practical truth. Vitor explains why the world’s best manufacturers, no matter the culture, all share the same obsession: finding and fighting waste. That mindset, he says, is the competitive advantage. When Vitor talks 5S, he strips away the buzzwords: it’s not about neatness, it’s about making waste visible so productivity can rise! He also shares the lesson that shaped his entire career: respect the operator. They’re the true masters of the process.  From there, Vitor breaks down the Five Principles of Lean, the Seven Wastes (TIM WOODS), and introduces his own “Ninth Waste”: resistance to change. And because tools only matter when they move numbers, he shows how SMED took a tire changeover from more than twelve hours to just two! Finally, he calls out the uncomfortable truth: too many ISO and Lean programmes have become tick-box exercises. As AI speeds up the pace of change, he argues that leaders must stop firefighting and start focusing on effectiveness, capability and real financial impact. If you enjoyed this conversation with the Mr. Miyagi of LEAN, hit Like, drop a comment and Subscribe to The Disrupted Factory for more straight-talk insights from the people ACTUALLY shaping modern manufacturing.  Thanks for watching and see you in the next episode. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    1h 20m
  2. Future of Mobility in South Africa: EVs, Policy & Reality Check

    09/25/2025

    Future of Mobility in South Africa: EVs, Policy & Reality Check

    In this roundtable discussion at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, we unpack the future of mobility, the politics, the infrastructure challenges, and whether EV adoption makes sense for Africa right now. South Africa’s automotive component sector plays a vital role in keeping the country’s manufacturing economy moving. In this episode, we unpack the key takeaways from the NAACAM Show, where industry leaders, government officials and business partners came together to discuss the road ahead. The conversation explores how localisation, skills development and digital readiness can drive growth, and why reforms such as the APDP2 review are so important for restoring competitiveness. We also look at the growing focus on electrification, the role of software in modern vehicles, and how initiatives like ODIN and MESITA are helping to prepare young people for the factory floor of the future. Along the way, the guests share frank views on infrastructure challenges, cybersecurity risks and the practical steps needed to strengthen South Africa’s automotive supply chain. Beth Dealtry is the Executive Director of NAACAM, representing South Africa’s automotive component manufacturers. With a background in industry development and stakeholder engagement, she has been instrumental in driving collaboration between government, business and training institutions to strengthen the local manufacturing base. Martin Zano is the Managing Director of Eberspächer South Africa and a leading voice on electrification and future mobility. He brings deep insight into the evolution of propulsion technologies and the practical steps needed to prepare local manufacturers for the global transition to new energy vehicles. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    1h 24m
  3. Is SA's Auto Industry on the Brink? Justin Barnes on Trade, Growth & Global Shifts in South Africa

    07/28/2025

    Is SA's Auto Industry on the Brink? Justin Barnes on Trade, Growth & Global Shifts in South Africa

    In this candid and insightful episode of The Disrupted Factory, Yanesh speaks to industrial policy expert Justin Barnes about South Africa’s automotive industry, currently facing severe challenges. They discuss the consequences of weakening infrastructure, global trade shifts, and Nissan’s exit from the local market. Justin highlights gaps between government policies and industrial realities, explores the viability of local OEM operations, and shares his views on why Africa might not yet be ready for large-scale electric vehicle production. Essential listening for understanding the future of manufacturing in South Africa. Justin Barnes is an industrial development specialist with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to building thriving manufacturing ecosystems across Africa. With a career spanning engagements in 37 countries, Justin has guided major industrial strategy and policy projects, notably through his leadership roles at B&M Analysts and the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS). Passionate about African industrialisation, Justin recently founded a new venture focusing on sustainable, labour-intensive manufacturing, aiming to unlock socio-economic growth and empower the continent’s greatest asset - its people. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    1h 13m
  4. Smart Manufacturing That Works: Tim Stuart on Fixing Digital Chaos in U.S. Factories

    06/19/2025

    Smart Manufacturing That Works: Tim Stuart on Fixing Digital Chaos in U.S. Factories

    A veteran of American manufacturing joins me in this episode of TheDisrupted Factory. Tim Stuart, founder of @VisualDecisions, takesus through how digital tools can supercharge Lean Six Sigma Withoutdrowning teams in admin work or checkbox culture.With decades of experience at Black & Decker, Cummins, andToyota, Tim shares straight-talking insights into what it really takes tomake smart manufacturing stick in the U.S. and beyond—fromempowering thinking employees to building digital strategies thatactually get adopted on the factory floor.  Tim and I also exchangesome entertaining stories about the use of Gamification infactories and in our personal lives. @StarWars, @WHOOPand @FitbitOfficialSite all make an appearance!If you're involved in operations, continuous improvement, or leadingdigital transformation in industry, this episode delivers practical, nononsenseinsight from someone who’s walked the walk. Subscribe to The Disrupted Factory for real conversations fromthe front lines of industrial innovation, we sure wouldappreciate it!Check out Tim's YouTube channel Visual Decisions.  Click right here forextra content and insights -https://www.youtube.com/@VisualDecisions #SmartManufacturing #USManufacturing #LeanSixSigma#DigitalTransformation #Industry40 #TheDisruptedFactory#VisualDecisions #TimStuart #FactoryFloor #ManufacturingLeadership TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Introduction Tim Stuart 00:05:00 - First Jobs & frustrations with LEAN 00:12:50 - Start of Smart Manufacturing presentation by Tim Stuart(CESMII) 00:23:00 - Pilot programs for comanies wanting to transform 00:39:25 - Customer success stories shared & end of presentation 00:46:22 - Tim & Yanesh discuss Gamification (positives andnegatives) 00:54:55 - Tim’s advice to TECH vendors 00:59:55 - Closing thoughts and thanks Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    1h 4m
  5. Using LEGO to Build Machines | Etienne explains how his "Legoify" process built his company

    05/07/2025

    Using LEGO to Build Machines | Etienne explains how his "Legoify" process built his company

    Lego, we all know what is does and have all played with it before. These basic building blocks allow ANYONE to create ANYHTING they can imagine.  Join me and Etienne Lacroix from @Vention as we discuss his “Legoify” approach to his global company. In our latest Disrupted Factory Podcast, Etienne discusses Vention’s early struggles, focusing on the need to connect the software design, material sourcing and production process. We also discuss the importance of passion and grit in entrepreneurship that we have both experienced in our business journeys. Despite numerous hardships and challenges, Vention has managed to grow and innovate, recently releasing advanced automation controllers and simulation tools that were unheard of just a few years ago. Vention provides an online platform for manufacturing automation, enabling companies to design, program, and deploy automated systems. Their modular hardware and software simplify the process of building custom machines and robots. Head on over to their website to sample their online “LEGO" approach to automated systems and see what you can create!  https://vention.io/?home Enjoy the podcast but don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel, we sure do appreciate it!  #Lego #Vention #DisruptedFactory #Podcast #IAmJendamark Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    44 min
  6. I'm Deeply Inspired! | We Welcome ANOTHER Tech Giant to Our Latest Disrupted Factory Podcast.

    03/05/2025

    I'm Deeply Inspired! | We Welcome ANOTHER Tech Giant to Our Latest Disrupted Factory Podcast.

    The Future With Manikantan NS & Tech Mahindra: From Bottom-Up Innovation to Real-World Transformation I'm thrilled to bring you this special episode that was recorded during my recent visit to India. It was truly an honour to share our India studio with Manikantan NS of tech Mahindra. He is Senior Vice President & Global Head of Manufacturing Vertical.  Manikantan is someone who has inspired me deeply. From humble beginnings in a middle-class Indian family to leading tech innovation at global companies, this conversation dives into his amazing journey. We explore lessons learned, from school failures to navigating the ever-evolving tech industry. Plus, we uncover insights into how adaptability and collaboration shape the future of manufacturing. We also touch on how critical the integration of software and manufacturing is to achieving real, lasting change. Join us for this exciting talk about pushing the boundaries of tech and culture to build solutions that make a difference.  Enjoying our podcasts and all our other interesting content? Why not hit that subscribe button now! Keeping up to date has never been this easy. #Tech #Mahindra #TechMahindra #GlobalInfluence #DisruptedFactory #FollowUs Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our episodes, plus bonus weekly video content Connect with our host, Yanesh Naidoo, on LinkedIn Become a Facebook fan of the podcast Find us on TikTok Follow us on Instagram Learn more about Jendamark

    1 hr

About

Hosted by Jendamark’s innovations director, Yanesh Naidoo, this podcast is your gateway to the cutting edge of digital manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting started, we delve deep into the innovations that are transforming the way factories operate. From smart factories and IoT to AI-driven automation and beyond, Disrupted Factory brings you expert insights, in-depth interviews, and the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing. This podcast leverages our three decades in global automation and now digital technologies to help viewers learn something new with every episode!