Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Latest Episodes:

#256 – From Generalities to Clarity: How We Actually Solve Problems Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a powerful idea that keeps surfacing in his work and personal life: we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And we can’t understand problems until we stop speaking in generalities and start getting specific.

The spark came from a bedtime story with his son—What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada—but the insight goes much deeper. Avoiding the problem makes it grow. Facing it, defining it, and breaking it down is what opens the door to real solutions.

Brandon explores how this principle shows up in manufacturing, leadership, strategy, communication, and day-to-day execution. From root cause analysis to structured methods like PDCA and A3, it all comes down to one thing: clear thinking.

About Building Better:
Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.

Key Themes:

You can’t solve what you don’t understand
Specifics matter more than abstractions when it comes to problem definition
Ambiguity creates unnecessary complexity and anxiety
Systematic frameworks only work when grounded in clear thinking
Manufacturing lessons apply across leadership, strategy, and operations

Show Notes:
brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/256

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#255 – Jim Liefer | Ambi Robotics - Real-World Robotics and the Future of Logistics Warehouse Automation Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

In the world of logistics, automation is no longer a future concept—it’s happening now. But rolling out robotics in high-volume warehouse environments isn’t as simple as plugging in a machine and walking away.

In this episode of Building Better, Brandon sits down with Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, to talk about what it actually takes to build and deploy robotics solutions that work at scale. With more than 35 years of operational leadership experience at companies like UPS, Walmart, and Kindred AI, Jim brings a pragmatic lens to the promise and complexity of AI-driven automation.

They dig into the challenges of stacking, sorting, labor dynamics, and change management—and what it looks like to lead with humility while driving real impact.

About Jim Liefer:
Jim is the CEO of Ambi Robotics, where he’s responsible for leading the company’s vision and operations. He previously served as CEO of Kindred AI, COO of One Kings Lane, VP of Operations at Walmart.com, and VP of Technology at UPS. Throughout his career, Jim has focused on scaling systems, reducing cost-to-serve, and empowering frontline teams with better tools and processes.

About Ambi Robotics:
Ambi Robotics is an AI and robotics company developing advanced automation systems for ecommerce and logistics. The company’s solutions—including AmbiSort and AmbiStack—leverage simulation-to-reality (Sim2Real) technology and advanced AI foundation models to perform high-speed sorting and stacking in warehouse environments. Founded in 2018 and based in Berkeley, California, Ambi Robotics helps customers scale fulfillment operations while empowering human workers.

About Building Better:
Building Better with Brandon Bartnick focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real conversations about what leaders are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.

Key Takeaways:

Ambi Robotics is solving real-world logistics challenges with robotics that work at scale
Trust and change management are essential to successful automation rollouts
Automation isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about removing repetitive tasks and letting people focus on higher value work
AI and machine learning enable robots to adapt to dynamic warehouse environments
Sustainable success depends on low cost to serve and solving specific problems

Links & Resources:

Company Website: ambirobotics.com
AmbiSort: ambirobotics.com/ambisort-a-series
AmbiStack: ambirobotics.com/ambistack
LinkedIn: Ambi Robotics
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/jimliefer

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#254 – Mark Reich | Managing on Purpose with Hoshin Kanri and Lean Leadership Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

Strategic planning too often becomes an annual ritual that loses meaning as soon as the binders hit the shelf. Mark Reich is on a mission to change that.

In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck sits down with Mark Reich, author of Managing on Purpose and one of the foremost experts on hoshin kanri—a strategy deployment system rooted in the Toyota Production System.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Toyota and the Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark shares what it takes to build alignment, lead with intention, and empower your team to solve real problems. This conversation is for anyone trying to lead with clarity and drive sustainable change—especially in complex manufacturing and industrial environments.

Whether you’re new to lean or have been practicing for decades, you’ll walk away with powerful ideas and practical insights.

About Mark Reich:
Mark Reich spent 23 years at Toyota, including time in Japan and leading hoshin kanri for North America during a decade of major growth. As a senior coach and chief engineer at the Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark has worked with leaders across industries to implement lean thinking, solve real-world problems, and lead with purpose. He is the author of Managing on Purpose, a practical workbook designed to help organizations implement hoshin kanri and build stronger leadership systems.

About Managing on Purpose:
Published by the Lean Enterprise Institute, Managing on Purpose is a hands-on workbook for leaders seeking to align strategy with daily operations through hoshin kanri. The book includes real-world examples and a fictional case study from TrueMowers to help readers apply these principles in their own work.→ Buy the Book

About Building Better:
Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real conversations about what leaders are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.

Key Takeaways:

Hoshin kanri is a practical system for turning strategy into action
Effective leaders align their organizations around a shared purpose
Structured problem-solving is essential to improvement
Engaging employees is key to sustainable success
Starting small—with a model cell—can drive meaningful change

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Managing on Purpose: Lean Enterprise Institute
Buy the book: Managing on Purpose
Connect with Mark Reich: LinkedIn
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/markreich

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#253 – Reflections on Q1: Operational Leadership, Learning, and Building Better in the Real World Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode of Building Better, host Brandon Bartneck reflects on the first quarter of 2025. Drawing from recent episodes and his own evolving role leading engineering at PJ Wallbank Springs, Brandon shares the four themes that defined Q1: intentional innovation, operational leadership, learning and growth, and strategic problem-solving.

This quarter marked a shift in the show’s tone—toward practicality, execution, and leading where the rubber meets the road. Whether you're growing a hardware business, managing complex systems, or trying to lead more effectively, this episode offers real-world insights from the front lines.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Themes from Q1 2025:

Intentionality in Innovation – Featuring lessons from guests like Ross Blum (Skyline Robotics), Tony Kinsman (Polaris), Xiaodi Hou (Bot Auto), Casey Freeburg (Orbis), and the FlexGen team
Operational Leadership – How leaders like Trevor Blondeel, Casey Freeburg, Tony Kinsman, and Xiaodi Hou are building real impact through thoughtful execution
Learning and Personal Growth – Insights from Brandon’s solo episodes on self-learning and doing hard things
Strategic Problem Solving – Highlighting Felix Leach and Nick Molden’s data-driven approach to vehicle sustainability as a standout example of practical, high-leverage thinking

Links & Resources:

Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/q1reflection
Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: Brandon Bartneck

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#252 – Xiaodi Hou | Bot Auto - Operational Excellence and the Future of Autonomous Trucking Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Autonomous trucking has long promised a more efficient, scalable future for freight. But making it real requires more than bold ideas—it takes precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of operations.

In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck talks with Dr. Xiaodi Hou, founder and CEO of Bot Auto. They explore how Bot Auto is approaching Level 4 autonomous driving, the importance of cost per mile as a success metric, and what it means to build a lean, high-performing team in a complex industry.

Xiaodi shares how his leadership style has evolved, why collaboration is more powerful than competition, and why being realistic—and still optimistic—matters more than hype.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About Bot Auto:Bot Auto is a Level 4 autonomous trucking company offering Transportation as a Service (TaaS) through its AI-driven autonomous truck fleet. Founded by Dr. Xiaodi Hou, Bot Auto combines visionary leadership, top-tier engineering talent, and industry expertise to revolutionize the transportation industry. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company aims to create lasting impact by expanding transportation capacity, integrating with existing freight networks, and addressing the driver shortage while minimizing disruption.

About Xiaodi Hou:Dr. Xiaodi Hou is the Founder and CEO of Bot Auto, and an internationally recognized expert in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. He holds a Ph.D. in Computation and Neural Systems from Caltech and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Before founding Bot Auto, he co-founded TuSimple and served as CTO and CEO. His work has been featured in Wired, Forbes, and TechCrunch, and he has spoken at events such as Web Summit and Nvidia’s GTC.

Key Takeaways:

Bot Auto is building for long-term success in autonomous trucking, not short-term hype
Cost per mile (CPM) is a better metric than miles per intervention (MPI)
Operational execution is critical for scalable autonomy
The tech ecosystem is maturing, but real-world integration still requires nuance
A small, agile team with deep focus can outperform a larger one
Industry collaboration builds trust and accelerates progress
Public perception and trust are just as important as technical progress

Chapters:

Introduction to Bot Auto and Autonomous Trucking
The Vision Behind Bot Auto
Understanding the Ecosystem and Technology
Operational Challenges in Autonomous Driving
Organizational Structure and Team Dynamics
Cost Per Mile vs. Miles Per Intervention
Leadership Evolution and Industry Perspective
The Future of Autonomous Driving

Links & Resources:

Learn more about BOT Auto: Company Website
Connect with Xiaodi Hou: LinkedIn
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/xiaodihou

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#251 – Tony Kinsman | Polaris - Driving the Right Innovation in Powersports Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

Polaris is at the forefront of innovation in powersports, with a portfolio that spans off-road vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and more. But what does it take to lead technology development in such a dynamic industry?

In this episode of Building Better, Tony Kinsman, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Off-Road Engineering at Polaris, shares insights on how Polaris approaches product development, innovation, and customer-driven design.

We discuss:

How Polaris balances cutting-edge technology with real-world customer needs
The evolving role of software, automation, and connectivity in powersports
How Polaris fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning
The challenges of integrating new technology without losing the core riding experience

Tony’s journey from engineering intern to CTO is a great example of what’s possible when you combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for the products you build.

Key Takeaways:

Polaris’ innovation is customer-driven—technology is only valuable if it enhances the riding experience
Automation and connectivity are reshaping powersports but in ways that preserve the fun and control for riders
Systems engineering and software integration are now as critical as mechanical design
A strong culture of learning and adaptability is essential for staying ahead in a competitive industry

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Polaris and Tony Kinsman
05:22 – Polaris’ Core Mission and Customer Focus
06:31 – The Role of a CTO in Powersports Innovation
10:17 – How Polaris Identifies and Prioritizes New Technologies
15:05 – Balancing Comfort, Performance, and Cost in Vehicle Design
19:33 – Managing Complexity in Manufacturing and Supply Chain
23:28 – Building a Learning Culture at Polaris
26:52 – The Future of Technology in Powersports
31:51 – How Connectivity and Digital Displays Are Transforming the Riding Experience
36:47 – Balancing Innovation with Practicality
40:51 – Final Thoughts on the Future of Polaris and the Industry

About Tony Kinsman:Tony Kinsman is the Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Off-Road Engineering at Polaris, where he leads product development and technology strategy across the company’s diverse lineup. Since joining Polaris in 2004, he has held multiple leadership roles in engineering and product development, playing a key role in the growth and evolution of Polaris' industry-leading products.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Polaris: Company Website
Connect with Tony Kinsman: LinkedIn
Explore Polaris Technologies: RIDE COMMAND | DYNAMIX
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/tonykinsman

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#250 – The Value of Doing Hard Things: Learning Through Challenge Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

This week, I’m exploring an idea that’s been on my mind a lot lately: what happens when we push ourselves through something hard?

Recently, I set a tough fitness goal, breaking 6:20 on a 2,000-meter row. I've trained for months. I prepped. Then, on test day, everything felt off. My body wasn’t cooperating, my mind was telling me to quit, and every part of me was screaming to stop. But I didn’t. And while I didn’t hit my goal, I walked away with something just as valuable: a deeper understanding of why these experiences matter.

This solo episode is me thinking out loud—about what these moments teach us, how they shape our confidence, and why going through difficult things in one area of life makes us more capable in everything else.

Key Takeaways:

Self-confidence isn’t something you just have. It’s built through experience.
Pushing through something difficult is a skill, not just a mindset.
Discomfort in one area (like fitness) can prepare you for challenges in work, leadership, and life.
These lessons fade over time if we don’t keep testing ourselves.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Why This Topic Matters
02:20 – The 2K Row Test: A Real Challenge
07:08 – What I Learned From Pushing Through
09:34 – How Hard Physical Experiences Build Mental Resilience
11:33 – Raising Your Threshold for Discomfort
13:56 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Links & Resources:

Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/hardthings

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#249 - Ahmad Ghahreman | Cyclic Materials - Revolutionizing Rare Earth Recycling and Sustainable Materials Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

Rare earth elements are essential to electrification, decarbonization, and modern technology, yet only 1% of these materials are currently recycled globally. Cyclic Materials is changing that.

In this episode of Building Better, Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, shares how his company is pioneering rare earth element recycling to create a circular supply chain for critical materials. He discusses the challenges of recycling rare earth elements, the impact on sustainability, and how Cyclic Materials' proprietary technology significantly reduces carbon footprint.

The conversation covers the role of rare earth elements in clean energy, the business model behind recycling, and Ahmad’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship. With policies increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals, this episode explores the future of sustainable materials and the innovations driving change.

About Cyclic Materials:Established in 2021, Cyclic Materials is a cleantech company creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials for supporting the clean energy transition. Through its innovative technology, the company economically, sustainably, and domestically transforms end-of-life products into valuable raw materials that are essential to the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and motors for the electronics we use in our daily lives.

In 2023, Cyclic Materials commissioned a commercial demonstration facility of the first stage of its process, MagCycle℠, which recovers rare earth magnets from end-of-life materials. In 2024, the company opened a second commercial demonstration facility in Kingston, Ontario, using its proprietary hydrometallurgical technology, REEPure℠, to produce Mixed Rare Earth Oxide. As global demand for REEs continues to rise, Cyclic Materials is scaling its technology across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Key Takeaways:

Cyclic Materials focuses on recycling rare earth elements to build a circular supply chain.
Only 1% of rare earth elements are currently recycled globally.
Electrification and decarbonization are driving the demand for rare earth elements.
Cyclic Materials' technology reduces carbon footprint by 63%.
The company operates on a spoke-and-hub model for recycling.
Rare earth magnets are found in various products, including electronics and vehicles.
Collection schemes for recycling are essential for material flow.
The recycling industry is evolving to include critical metals.
Cyclic Materials aims to provide cleaner, more sustainable materials.
Policies are increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals.

About the Guest:Ahmad Ghahreman is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in cleantech and one of the world’s top hydrometallurgists. He has co-invented more than 20 patents and commercialized multiple technologies, focusing on transforming the rare earth elements market with sustainable, ethical solutions.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Cyclic Materials: Company Website
Connect with Ahmad Ghahreman: LinkedIn
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/ahmadghahreman

Connect with Building Better:Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations:

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#248 – Ross Blum | Skyline Robotics - Automated Skyscraper Window Cleaning, Facade Management & More Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

For more than a century, window cleaning for skyscrapers has been a dangerous, labor-intensive job. Skyline Robotics is changing that.

In this episode of Building Better, Ross Blum, President and COO of Skyline Robotics, discusses how their flagship robotic system, Ozmo, is transforming facade maintenance through automation. Ozmo cleans windows three times faster than traditional methods, reduces risk for human workers, and creates new opportunities in the industry.

The conversation explores the challenges of implementing robotics in an established industry, how trust is built with stakeholders, and the role of human labor in automation. Ross also shares insights into privacy concerns, cost drivers, and the technical complexities of working with outdoor robotics.

About Skyline Robotics:Skyline Robotics is a deep tech robotics and automation company bringing robotics to facade maintenance. Its flagship product, Ozmo, is the world’s first high-rise window cleaning robot, offering a safer, faster, and more effective alternative to human window washers. With artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning, Ozmo is disrupting the $40B window cleaning industry. While Ozmo automates the physical task, human operators remain an integral part of the process, overseeing operations and ensuring efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

Skyline Robotics is revolutionizing window cleaning through automation.
The company’s mission is to own the facade, extending beyond just cleaning.
Automation presents major opportunities in outdoor environments.
Trust-building is critical for successful implementation of robotics.
Privacy concerns must be addressed when using data collection technologies.
The cost of window cleaning is influenced by labor, weather, and regulations.
Human labor still plays a role in the automation process.
Transparency and humility are key in building client relationships.
Technical challenges include adapting to various building designs and conditions.
Data analysis can enhance building maintenance and efficiency.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Skyline Robotics
05:52 The Importance of Facade Maintenance
08:47 Cost Drivers in Window Cleaning
11:34 Automation and Labor Dynamics
14:58 Privacy Concerns and Data Management
17:49 Facade Management Opportunities
20:44 Technical Challenges in Robotic Cleaning
23:41 Building Trust in Automation
26:48 The Journey of Innovation
29:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
46:17 The Complexity of Window Cleaning Automation
48:40 Building Trust in Automation Industries

About the Guest:Ross Blum is the President and COO of Skyline Robotics, leading operations across Israel and the USA. With a background in business operations and strategy, Ross previously served as COO of Quidd and CAO of pingmd, leading both companies through successful acquisitions. He holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, an M.S. from Georgetown University in Sports Management, and a B.S. in Business Management from Babson College.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Skyline Robotics: Skyline Robotics LinkedIn
Connect with Ross Blum: Ross Blum LinkedIn
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/rossblum

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#247 - The Skill That Changes Everything: How to Learn Faster and Smarter Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

The ability to learn on your own is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. The world is moving too fast to rely only on formal education or structured training. If you want to stay ahead, you need to take control of your own learning.

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck breaks down three key pillars of effective learning:

Depth & Breadth – Why becoming a T-shaped individual makes it easier to pick up new skills.
Mastering the Fundamentals – Why struggling through the basics builds intuition and adaptability.
The Pace of Learning – Why learning faster (without sacrificing understanding) gives you a massive edge.

This episode explores why these concepts matter, how they apply to real-world success, and how you can train yourself to learn better, faster, and more effectively.

About Building Better:

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Takeaways:

The best learners aren’t just deep or broad—they’re both.
Once you master one field, it becomes easier to pick up new ones quickly.
Learning fundamentals builds intuition and makes you less dependent on external tools.
The ability to learn fast without sacrificing quality is a competitive advantage.
Learning compounds like investing—what you master today makes it easier to learn something new tomorrow.

Chapters: