Podcast
Factory Futures
Hosted by Jp · EN
Welcome to the Factory Futures Podcast!
Join us as we dive into the world of innovation and best practice in manufacturing.
We sit down with industry leaders in reliability, operations, and production with a mission to uncover the new technologies making a real impact, driving performance, and enhancing profitability of your site.
We explore the leadership journeys of our guests, learning from their challenges, and gain from their insights.
Subscribe on your favourite app to stay ahead of the curve with our latest episodes. Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Leadership | Odell Lavigne on What Strong Leadership Looks Like in Action
3w ago00:53:06Summary readySummaryThis was such a good episode.I sat down with Odell Lavigne to talk about leadership in some of the toughest environments imaginable, and this conversation was packed with practical lessons, strong opinions, and real-world experience.Odell shares lessons from leading through fires, explosions, Covid, layoffs, and toxic workplace cultures. We discuss why he believes a leader's number one responsibility is the physical and psychological safety of their people, why great leaders focus on prevention rather than firefighting, and how to influence change even when you don't have authority.We also explore organisational structure, resource utilisation, and what it really takes to build a high-performing organisation that can grow without burning people out.Whether you're a site leader, engineering manager, reliability professional, or aspiring leader, I think you'll get a lot out of this one.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Odell's Career Journey03:38 How Sales Shaped My Leadership Style07:52 Why Safety Is a Leader's Number One Responsibility09:02 What Psychological Safety Actually Looks Like at Work13:52 Crisis Leadership and the Power of Prevention Over Reaction19:35 The Tesla Rainstorm Story: Turning Chaos Into a System27:12 Moving Organisations from Immature to Best-in-Class32:04 How to Get People Bought Into Change35:04 The Blind Management Story: Winning Over Critics and Building Better Systems47:03 Why Managers Fail to Become Leaders49:56 Quick Fire Round Begins50:19 The Fastest Way to Destroy Trust50:37 What Strong Leadership Looks Like50:52 The Most Dangerous Phrases in Business51:58 How to Influence Culture Without Authority53:19 What Separates Good Leaders from Great Leaders54:29 Advice for LeaderKey quotes"I don't mind fighting fires. I'm just never fighting the same fire twice.""People don't dislike change. They dislike the negative consequences of poorly executed change.""Leadership is influence.""The critics are the first people I want to talk to.""Stay calm. People don't need you to have all the answers. They need you to lead them to the answers."LinksOdell on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/odell-lavigne-lssbb/KeywordsLeadership, Manufacturing, Reliability, Maintenance, Operations, Site Leadership, Safety Culture, Psychological Safety, Crisis Leadership, Organisational Design, Continuous Improvement, Change Management, Industrial Leadership, Team Development, Operational Excellence.
SummaryReliability | Gerard Wood - Only Tradies Improve Reliability: The Culture Problem Nobody Talks About
May 2200:40:04Summary readyLinksThe book : https://gerardwood.com.au/product/only-tradies-improve-reliability/Gerard's profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-wood-146a3212/SummaryIn this episode, I sat down with Gerard Wood, author of Only Tradies Improve Reliability, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast about maintenance culture, leadership, and what really drives reliability outcomes.Gerard shares why he believes reliability is not primarily a systems problem, but a trades culture problem. We unpack why good tradies can still produce poor outcomes, the difference between “don’t know”, “don’t care”, and “don’t see”, and the simple routines high-performing sites use to make quality visible every day.What I enjoyed most about this conversation is that it cuts through a lot of the complexity our industry often creates. Gerard brings the discussion back to pride in work, ownership, feedback, and craftsmanship and why those things matter more than most people realise.If you work in maintenance, reliability, or operations leadership, I think this episode will genuinely make you reflect on the culture at your site and what actually drives long-term reliability improvement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gerard Wood's Journey02:58 The Importance of Culture in Reliability05:28 The Uncomfortable Truth About Systems and Culture08:49 Understanding the 'Don't Know, Don't Care, Don't See' Phenomenon16:08 Making Quality Visible for Improvement20:32 Identifying and Addressing Equipment Issues24:39 The Impact of Ownership and Pride in Work27:25 Creating a Culture of Openness and Learning32:17 The Future of Trades and Technology35:14 Quickfire Insights on Reliability and CultureKeywordsReliability, Maintenance Culture, Mining, Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Quality Work, Reliability Engineering, Organizational Culture, Safety, AI in Maintenance
SummaryReliability | Edwin Rodriguez on The Reliability Gap Between Service Providers and Sites
May 1400:40:38Summary readySummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Edwin Rodriguez who shares insights on equipment reliability, the impact of organizational culture, and the critical relationship between sales, service, and operations in manufacturing. Discover practical strategies to reduce downtime, foster ownership, and improve communication across teams.LinksEdwin's Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-rodriguez-568902204/Connect with Chesterton : https://chesterton.com/Chapters00:30 Introduction and Background of Edwin Rodriguez02:37 Understanding Equipment Reliability Challenges04:48 The Reality of Unplanned Downtime07:14 Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Reliability09:48 The Importance of Training and Communication12:21 Fostering Ownership and Accountability in Operators14:57 Cultural Shifts for Improved Reliability17:44 The Role of Meetings in Enhancing Collaboration21:58 Building Collaborative Teams22:50 Understanding the Disconnect Between Sales and Service23:40 Cultivating Relationships for Reliability31:37 The Importance of Sales and Service Collaboration35:25 Leadership in Reliability and Team DynamicsSound Bites"Ownership starts with culture and leadership""A reactive mindset leads to broken equipment""Teamwork is the foundation of reliability"Key TopicsImpact of organizational culture on equipment reliabilityThe importance of communication and collaboration across teamsRoot cause analysis and proactive maintenance strategiesKeywordsequipment reliability, downtime reduction, organizational culture, maintenance, sales and service collaboration, root cause analysis, proactive mindset, leadership in reliability
SummaryReliability | Jim Wilson's Guide to Effective Troubleshooting and PM Discipline
Apr 3000:48:21Summary readySummaryIn this episode, I sat down with Jim Wilson, Maintenance Manager at Hiland Dairy Foods, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and Industrial Electrical Instructor, to talk about what reliability really means inside a modern manufacturing site.We started by reframing reliability as a risk reduction function, not just maintenance. Jim shared why unplanned downtime isn’t just about repair costs, but about product safety, audit exposure, lost production, and even brand damage. We also got into the connection between PM discipline, documentation, and how sites perform under regulatory pressure.From there, we dug into why so many reliability programs fail. We talked about the gap between having a CMMS and actually using it properly, the hidden cost of poor troubleshooting, and what it takes to build real accountability and follow-through inside a maintenance team.We wrapped up with a really practical discussion on developing skilled technicians. Jim explained why troubleshooting is about following a diagnostic sequence rather than memorising fixes, and how training, mentorship, and structured systems can lift both performance and retention.This one is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone leading maintenance or reliability and trying to move from reactive firefighting to a more structured, high-performing operation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jim Wilson's Journey07:01 Understanding Reliability as Risk Management11:25 Shifting from Reactive to Structured Reliability Culture17:24 The Importance of PM Discipline and Audit Outcomes21:43 Why Reliability Programs Fail and CMMS Utilization25:02 Effective Parts Control and Inventory Management26:42 Building Relationships in Maintenance Management27:17 Common CMMS Mistakes and Best Practices29:48 The Hidden Costs of Poor Troubleshooting32:48 Understanding the Cost of Downtime34:05 Effective Troubleshooting Techniques37:43 Developing Skilled Technicians44:26 The Importance of Mentorship and CertificationKey TopicsReliability as risk management, not just maintenanceWhy reliability programs fail and how to succeedThe importance of PM discipline and documentationThe role of culture in reliability and safetyTroubleshooting skills and knowledge transferThe impact of unplanned downtime on brand and safetyUsing CMMS effectively for maintenance and auditsDeveloping skilled technicians through mentorship and trainingSound Bites"Unplanned downtime can damage brand reputation.""Know everything about your CMMS and use it fully.""Upskilling technicians creates lasting change."LinksLinkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimewilson/KeywordsReliability, Maintenance, CMMS, Troubleshooting, Continuous Improvement, Dairy Industry, Risk Management, PM Discipline, Culture Change
SummaryLoïc Estier - Factories Don’t Have a Data Problem. They Have a Memory Problem.
Apr 1400:47:49Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, I sat down with Loïc Estier to talk about a problem almost every factory has, but rarely talks about properly.We explored how so much of the knowledge needed to run a plant at its best is locked in people’s heads, and what happens when that knowledge isn’t available at the moment you need it.Loïc shared some great stories that really bring this to life, and we dug into why traditional approaches like documentation and knowledge bases don’t work the way we think they should.We also talked about what’s changing now with AI, and how capturing real, day-to-day communication might be the key to finally solving this problem.It’s a practical, thought-provoking conversation that I think will make a lot of people reflect on how knowledge actually flows through their site.LinksLinkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/loic-e/Website : https://rossops.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Knowledge Capture in Manufacturing03:07 Loïc Estier's Journey and Insights05:46 The Human Element in Manufacturing08:39 The Challenge of Data Utilization11:10 The Importance of Experience-Based Knowledge14:04 Real-World Examples of Knowledge Gaps16:26 The Need for Effective Knowledge Management Solutions19:16 Traditional Knowledge Bases vs. Modern Solutions21:59 Leveraging AI for Knowledge Capture24:31 Conclusion and Future Directions24:46 Understanding Structured vs. Unstructured Data30:00 The Future of AI in Manufacturing35:19 Shift Communication and Knowledge Management39:34 Navigating AI's Role in Operational Efficiency42:34 Focusing on Improvement, Not FirefightingSound Bites"Data is just facts without context.""Most knowledge is in people's heads.""Ross is the expert in every factory."KeywordsManufacturing, Knowledge Management, AI, RossOps, Operational Data, Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, Factory Efficiency, Shift Handover, Data Capture
Transcribe →Reliability | Shane Scriven on AI in Manufacturing: What Actually Works
Apr 100:41:47Tap to summarizeFollow Shane:Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-scriven/Website : https://www.sas-am.com/Summary: AI is everywhere right now, but what does it actually look like on the factory floor?In this episode, we unpack three practical areas shaping the next wave of AI in manufacturing. We explore how AI-powered benchmarking can help sites truly understand performance, where low-cost AI can deliver value without massive investment, and what sovereign and edge AI mean in simple terms for real operations.This is a grounded conversation focused on making AI more understandable, more accessible, and ultimately more useful for reliability, maintenance, and site leaders.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Manufacturing06:47 The Second Wave of AI11:26 Understanding AI-Powered Benchmarking16:10 Identifying Gaps with AI20:42 Automating Maintenance Processes24:14 Implementing Low-Cost AI Solutions26:58 Common Pitfalls in AI Projects32:04 Defining Low-Cost AI35:39 Starting with AI as a Reliability Manager37:42 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and MythsSound Bites"AI is not self-aware or conscious""Avoid ignoring data insights""Autonomous assets will make decisions"
Transcribe →Site Leadership | Marcelo Fariello on From Tools to Behaviour: The Real Driver of Reliability
Mar 2000:40:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, JP sits down with Marcelo Fariello, Plant Manager at Mars, to explore a powerful idea: reliability isn’t just a maintenance function — it’s a leadership system.Marcelo shares lessons from his journey across digital transformation, operational excellence, and plant leadership, including his time at Danone and now leading a major Mars site in Australia.They unpack why many reliability programs stall when they sit solely within maintenance, and what changes when operators take true ownership of their equipment. Marcelo explains how shifting to site-wide accountability can unlock performance gains that tools alone never will.The conversation also dives into the reality of digital reliability tools — why so many initiatives fail, what actually works, and the cultural foundations required before technology can deliver value.Finally, Marcelo breaks down how high-performing sites treat reliability as a leadership discipline, focusing on behaviours, mindset, and breaking down silos between production and maintenance.If you’re a maintenance leader, reliability engineer, or site manager, this episode will challenge how you think about ownership, digital transformation, and what it really takes to build a reliable operation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marcelo's Journey02:51 Reframing Reliability and Maintenance03:33 The Importance of Ownership in Operations08:44 Strategies for Cultural Change11:11 Defining Operator Ownership13:11 The Role of KPIs in High-Performance Teams15:26 Effective KPIs for Reliability18:21 The Power of Measurement26:03 Digital Transformation and Its Challenges32:04 Leadership as a System36:09 Hard Truths in Reliability ManagementSound Bites"Silos create a superhero mentality.""Ownership drives pride and performance.""KPIs should motivate, not just measure."Key TopicsHolistic leadership in reliability and operationsOperator ownership and cultural changeRole of KPIs and data in continuous improvement
Transcribe →PdM Series #2 | Start With the Problem, Not the Sensors
Mar 1100:34:38Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryIn this episode of our predictive maintenance series, we take a step back and tackle something many sites skip: defining the problem before jumping into PdM.Before selecting assets, installing sensors, or launching a pilot, maintenance and reliability teams need to be clear on what they’re actually trying to improve. Is the goal to reduce reactive work? Extend inspection intervals? Increase MTBF on key asset classes? Without alignment on the problem, PdM pilots often drift, expectations collide, and even good results can be misunderstood.We talk through what a strong PdM problem statement looks like, share examples with clear metrics, and discuss how teams can align around success before any technology is introduced. We also address a common concern many sites raise: “We don’t even have good data.” The reality is that every site has signals to start from, even if they’re messy.If you’re considering predictive maintenance or planning a pilot, this episode will help you start in the right place: clarity before technology.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Predictive Maintenance01:57 Defining the Right Problem08:19 Crafting a Clear Problem Statement28:51 Data Challenges in Predictive Maintenance34:09 Conclusion and Next StepsSound Bites"Start with a problem, not just more data.""Measure the impact over a realistic timeframe.""Align your team and get buy-in early."Keywordspredictive maintenance, problem statement, asset management, reliability, maintenance strategy, data quality, pilot projects, business outcomes
Transcribe →Reliability | Laith Alfaqih on The Organizational Readiness Blueprint for Asset Management
Mar 500:50:06Tap to summarizeLaith's Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/laithalfaqih/Connect with Stantec : https://www.stantec.com/enSummaryMany organisations invest in asset management programs, new systems, and predictive tools, yet reliability performance often doesn’t improve as expected. Why? In this episode, JP sits down with Laith Alfaqih, Senior Principal and Asset Management Lead at Stantec, to explore organizational readiness. They discuss why asset management should be treated as a management system, not a toolkit, the most common readiness gaps across industries, and a practical framework leaders can use to assess whether their organisation is truly ready to make asset management stick.Chapters00:30 Introduction and Context Setting04:00 Understanding Organizational Readiness06:40 Defining Asset Management and Its Importance11:23 Challenges in Asset Management Initiatives17:12 Leadership's Role in Asset Management22:41 Reframing Asset Management as a Management System25:12 Holistic Asset Management Approach27:04 Challenges in Data Collection and Management33:25 Organizational Readiness Blueprint42:23 Assessing Organizational Readiness46:12 Leadership Actions for ImprovementSound Bites"Preventing issues starts with good data and standards""Trust your people, empower them, and provide resources""Think with the end in mind for success"Key TopicsOrganizational readiness definition and importanceCommon reasons for asset management project failuresLeadership's role in asset management successData quality and standards in asset managementCreating a culture of continuous improvement
Transcribe →Reliability | Simon Murray in 2026 ! The State of Maintenance: 5 Shifts Every Reliability Leader Must Understand
Feb 2000:50:55Tap to summarizeLinksSimon's Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourmaintenancecoach/Simon's Website : https://yourmaintenancecoach.com/Last Year's Episode:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1u6P5ulYwL5Si7VEdLggRj?si=OEk27vxMSaCWXAtwO882jASummaryIn this episode, Simon Murray revisits the evolving trends in maintenance and reliability for 2025, sharing insights from recent conferences, community building, and technological advancements like AI. Discover how organizations are shifting their focus towards system efficiency, store management, and the importance of community networking to stay ahead in maintenance practices.Chapters05:40 Reflections on 2025: Changes and Trends08:12 Community and Networking in Maintenance11:02 Economic Pressures and Budgeting in Maintenance13:44 The Importance of Maintenance Operations Partnership16:31 Justifying Maintenance Needs to Leadership28:05 Building Trust in Maintenance Operations29:21 The Importance of Systems Efficiency32:53 Workshops for Process Improvement35:24 Revamping Stores Management42:34 The Challenge of Preventive Maintenance Reviews46:07 The Impact of AI on Maintenance48:53 Setting Priorities for the Next 90 DaysKey TopicsCommunity and networking in maintenanceRecognition for reliability from leadershipSystems efficiency and digital transformationStores improvement and inventory managementPM review practices and challengesSound Bites"Most maintenance teams have had this awakening""We've almost reached the limit of what we trust Google""AI will have the biggest impact in the next three years"Keywordsmaintenance trends, reliability, AI in maintenance, community networking, asset management, system efficiency, stores improvement, PM review, industry 2025
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