Workforce 4.0

The SE Playbook To Influencing Veteran Talent Outcomes (with Bobby Cain, CIO of Schneider Electric, NAM)

Veterans are a valuable and often overlooked talent pipeline in manufacturing. Yet, when it comes to hiring strategic thinkers that are focused on taking action on completing a plan, veterans oftentimes know how to get things done. In this episode, Bobby Cain, CIO of Schneider Electric North America, shares insights on veteran hiring, workforce development, and building inclusive corporate cultures. Discover practical strategies for leveraging military skills in the corporate world and how Schneider Electric is leading the way in veteran support initiatives. If you are interested in tapping into this talent pool for driven leaders, this episode is packed with Bobby's tips on growing your veteran workforce. In This Episode:-00:00: Introduction to Workforce 4.0-00:30: Welcoming Bobby Cain, CIO of Schneider Electric, To Workforce 4.0-01:21: Bobby's Journey from Military Team Player to Corporate A Lister-05:58: Highlighting Common Challenges For Veteran's Re-Entering Civillian Life-08:38: A Company's Responsibilty For Intential Veteran Hiring Practices-13:40: Schneider Electric's Veteran Hiring Initiative-17:48: The Importance Of Creating A Supportive Environment For Veterans-22:37: Tips On Giving Back To Your Employees Through Employee Resource Networks-27:17: Closing Thoughts And Point of Contact Information-28:50: Workforce 4.0 OutroMore About Bobby Cain: Robert (Bobby) W. Cain was recently named as SVP and CIO for Schneider Electric North America. Prior to that he served as the VP Business Transformation North America. Since 2018, he has worked closely with the Schneider Electric North America executive leadership team to establish the transformation strategy in alignment with SE business priorities and manage the execution of deliverables and objectives by leveraging modern technology to expand margin, drive customer value and increase employee engagement. His high-performing team has delivered tremendous value to the business, seeing over $50M in the first two years with $100M planned over the life of the program.​ To learn more about Bobby, connect with him here.

You Can’t Automate Curiosity: The Human Edge In An AI-Driven World (with Sadiq Panjwani, Teledyne FLIR)

In this episode of the Workforce 4.0 podcast, host Ann Wyatt engages with Sadiq Panjwani, SVP of Machine Vision Cameras Group at Teledyne FLIR, to discuss the transformative impact of machine vision and automation in manufacturing. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, the rise of physical AI, the importance of human-robot collaboration, and the evolving skill sets required for the future workforce. Sadiq emphasizes the need for empathy and agility in organizations to successfully integrate new technologies and retain talent. The conversation also touches on the significance of interoperability and standardization in manufacturing processes.In This Episode:-00:00: Introduction to Machine Vision and Manufacturing-00:30: Welcoming Sadiq Panjwani, Teledyne-04:51: Breaking Down The Future Of Automation And Manufacturing-09:39: The Rise Of Physical AI and Human-Robot Collaboration-14:31: AI In Manufacturing: Unpacking The Timeline Shift-19:02: Connecting The Data Dots In Real Time-28:30: Uncovering Generational Challenges For Most Legacy Manufacturers-31:37: Closing Thoughts And Point of Contact-32:30: Workforce 4.0 OutroMore About Sadiq:Sadiq Panjwani has extensive work experience in various leadership roles within prominent companies. Sadiq currently serves as the Vice President and General Manager of the Machine Vision Cameras Group at Teledyne FLIR, where he has helped lead the global business division for integrated imaging solutions. Before joining Teledyne, Sadiq worked at GE, where he held several senior positions, including the Senior Commercial Director at GE Digital. Above all, Sadiq is committed to delivering decisive action in responding to evolving customer needs, uncovering market trends and mobilizing resources to deliver best-in-class and cost-effective technology solutions. This includes designing and driving initiatives that increase productivity, competitive differentiation and customer engagement while reducing costs and creating disruptive strategies. To learn more about Sadiq, connect with him here.

Inside The Rise Of Bucket Robotics: Robots, Vision And More Meaningful Work (with Matt Puchalski, Bucket Robotics)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0 host, Ann Wyatt, interviews friend, Matt Puchalski, founder of Bucket Robotics. Since launching his robotics start up, Bucket Robotics in 2024, Matt has been on a personal mission to give quality operators more time to focus on production challenges and less time inspecting for defects. Join these two as they discuss Matt's journey in the robotics and manufacturing industry. They explore the challenges of quality inspection, the application of computer vision in manufacturing, and the growth of Bucket Robotics within the past year. Matt shares insights on the importance of mentorship and the future of technology in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for automation and the potential for up-skilling the workforce. Just two people on a mission to give people more meaningful work. Catch the full interview now.In This Episode: -00:00: Workforce 4.0 Intro-00:30: Introducing Matt Puchalski, Founder Of Bucket Robotics-08:32: Creating Autonomous Solutions For The Real World-12:51: Quality Applications: Robots V Humans-18:03: Analyzing The Future Of Machine Vision For Manufacturing-21:34: Robotics Past V Present-22:58: Unlocking Future Energy Demands And Unleashing Human Potential-25:42: Growth and Challenges of Bucket Robotics-28:52: Previewing 2026 Events And Trade Shows-30:37: The Lessons And Impacts Of Growing A Company-34:30: Closing Thoughts And Point Of Contact-35:23: Workforce 4.0 OutroMore About Matt Puchalski: Before co-founding Bucket Robotics, Matt distinguished himself in the autonomous vehicle industry through pivotal roles at Stack AV, Latitude AI, and Argo AI. His work at these companies brought the deployment of autonomous vehicles to public roads across the United States and Germany. With deep expertise in integrating and operationalizing AVs, Matt brings a unique vision to revolutionize the robotics industry. To learn more about Matt, connect with him here.

Investing In Talent: The Win We Have To Have (with Suzanne Soper and Doug Beck, Schneider Electric)

In this episode of the Workforce 4.0 podcast, host Ann Wyatt interviews Suzanne Soper and Doug Beck from Schneider Electric at the 2025 Schneider Innovation Summit. They discuss the importance of technology for the future of work, but also on the importance of hiring veterans, career pathing in the tech industry, and the significance of building a strong company culture. The guests share insights on the future of work, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making and the importance of nurturing young talent. This conversation highlights how investing in manufacturing in the win that we have to have. In This Episode:-02:00: The Convergence Of Consumer and Workforce Technology-04:56: Applying AI For The People At Work-15:03: Manufacturing Opportunities: The Younger Generations Aspire to Problem Solve-18:09: Schneider Electric Driving The People/Technology Convergence-19:07: Schneider's Billion Dollar Investment For A Sustainable Future-22:54: Schneider Electric's Commitment To Workforce Development-24:39: Investing In Veterans Through Unique Hiring Initiatives-26:52: The Shift In Manufacturing Roles Past And Present-29:56: Personal Testimonies of Career Pathing Opportunities At Schneider Electric-33:40: Tips For Fostering A World Renowned Culture-41:08: Investing In Your Talent Is The Win That You Have To Have-45:42: Closing Remarks And Point of Contact InformationMore About Suzanne Soper:Suzanne Soper is Vice President of U.S. Services at Schneider Electric, leading commercial service operations and driving innovation across the EcoStruxure platform. With over 20 years in sales, operations, and business development, she’s passionate about building high-performing teams and advancing resilient, efficient, and sustainable solutions in the IoT era. Since joining in 2018, she’s held strategic leadership roles focused on critical power and software growth. To learn more about Suzanne,, connect with her here. More About Doug BeckDoug Beck is Director, US Industrial Automation Services Leader at Schneider Electric. Doug has over 25 years of experience across power, digital, energy, and industrial automation sectors. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of trust and leveraging technology to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Currently, he lead a team of service professionals focused on consulting, digital transformation, and modernization services—driving greater reliability, resiliency, and sustainability in industrial automation processes. To learn more about Doug, connect with him here.

AI In Manufacturing Explained: Robotics, Safety, And The Future Workforce (with Mark Yahiro, RealSense)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Mark Yahiro, Vice President of Business Development from RealSense about the intersection of AI, robotics, and the future of work. They discuss the importance of understanding the true costs of automation, the role of safety in robotics, and how AI can enhance efficiency in manufacturing. Mark shares innovative use cases of RealSense technology, including applications for inventory management and aiding those with visual impairments. The conversation also touches on the human element in AI integration and the future of job security in an increasingly automated world. In This Episode:-00:00: Introduction to Workforce 4.0-00:30: Welcoming Mark Yahiro, RealSense-04:02: The Real Value Of Ai For The Manufacturing Workforce-05:48: RealSense's Mission Behind Making Robotics Safer-08:49: Making Automation Practical And Safe For Humans-11:28: How Any Business Can Get Started With AI-14:15: Defining New Skills For A New Way Of Work-17:14: AI IRL...-22:55: How Manufacturing Companies Are Already Leading In Innovation-27:52: Approachable Robotics Leading To Everyday Interactions-31:04: Mark's Closing Thoughts And Point Of Contact-31:55: Workforce 4.0 OutroMore About Mark:Mark Yahiro is a seasoned business leader who incubates and scales emerging technologies and builds high-impact strategic partnerships. As VP of Business Development at RealSense, he helps drive expansion by securing the right partners for sustainable, long-term growth.Over nearly 15 years at Intel, he held leadership roles across incubation, strategic partnerships, and emerging tech—most recently as GM of the RealSense business, leading computer vision and autonomous mobile robotics initiatives. He also led Intel’s Incubation and Disruptive Innovation Group, launching ventures and AI-driven solutions with meaningful real-world impact.Earlier, Mark led strategic business development in Intel’s Client Computing Group and helped build the RealSense portfolio through investments, alliances, and M&A work with Intel Capital. Prior to Intel, he led marketing and business development at display-tech start-up PureDepth Inc., which went public in 2008 with a $400M market valuation. He holds a B.S. in Software Engineering (University of Illinois Chicago) and an MBA in International Business (DePaul University). To learn more about Mark, check him out here.