The world of manufacturing is changing fast — and staying relevant means evolving just as quickly. In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Chris Stevens (PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott) joins Travis Miller to talk about what it really takes to thrive in an industry where technology, talent, and timelines are constantly shifting.

Chris also shares the story behind his passion project, The Home of Manufacturing, a centralized, free resource created to amplify voices and connect the fragmented corners of the manufacturing world. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about future-proofing their career.

Chris Stevens is a manufacturing leader with a career built entirely in the industry, currently serving as PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott. With two engineering degrees and parts he’s helped produce used on all seven continents — and even in space — Chris brings deep technical and operational insight to every conversation. He’s also the founder of The Home of Manufacturing, a platform connecting voices and events across the sector, and the host of the upcoming podcast Manufacturing Nation.
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Connect with:
⏵ Chris Stevens
⏵ The Home of MFG
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#manufacturingleadership #industrialinnovation #smartfactory #hiringtrends #futureofwork #upskilling #manufacturingpodcast #careerstrategy #AIandManufacturing #techcareers #ai #manufacturing #industrialautomation

The automation industry isn’t just changing—it’s being rebuilt by the people who refuse to wait for permission. On this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Nikki Gonzales, a leader reshaping the field by showing up, speaking out, and creating the kind of industry she wants to work in.

Recently hired as Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, Nikki brings years of industry insight, a passion for making automation more accessible, and a proven track record of building real community—from launching the podcast Automation Ladies to co-founding the grassroots event OT SCADA CON.
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Connect with:
⏵ Nikki Gonzales
⏵ Weintek USA
⏵ Automation Ladies
⏵ OT SCADA CON
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#automationindustry #automation #industrialautomation #womeninstem #automationpocast #OTSCADACON #AutomationLadies #stem #careergrowth #techcommunity

Most companies are wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work—chasing the wrong audience, burning budgets on ineffective strategies, and missing the biggest opportunity right in front of them.

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Eddie Saunders Jr., founder of Speak Friend, to expose the biggest marketing mistakes and reveal how to cut waste, use AI to get ahead, and engage the 95% of potential customers most brands ignore.

Eddie also shares his unconventional journey from industrial marketing to MMA fight announcing and explains why curiosity and empathy are game-changers in business.

If you’re ready to fix your marketing and stop wasting money, this episode is a must-listen.

Eddie is a passionate thought leader in the world of Industrial Content Strategy & Demand Generation. With 15+ years of battle-tested experience in the field, he has proven himself to be an innovative and strategic thinker, consistently challenging what's "normal" in the industry. As an Industrial Marketing speaker, quirky content creator, and Founder / CEO of Speak Friend, he has built a reputation for his ability to create compelling and effective marketing campaigns that use data to drive results in the modern landscape. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including branding, digital marketing, social media, and more!
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Connect with Eddie & Speak Friend
⏵ LinkedIn
⏵ Speak Friend
⏵ Instagram

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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #industrialmarketing #b2bmarketing #marketingmistakes #aimarketing #brandstrategy #businessgrowth #contentmarketing #salesandmarketing #customerengagement #entrepreneurmindset