Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Latest Episodes:

#199 - Timothy Papandreou | ETA - The Purpose of Mobility, Systems Thinking & Reimagining Transportation Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

Timothy Papandreou works towards bridging the gap between bleeding-edge innovations, their real-world application, and their impact on the way we live, work, learn, play, heal, and do business. He advises many startups and is a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on several emerging technology spaces - including generative and predictive AI, supply chain automation, robotics, teleoperations, smart cities, ag-tech, bioplanning, blockchain, digital twins, space economy, and web3.

He joins to discuss the purpose and importance of mobility in connecting people to the most important moments in their lives, and what we need to do to do this better.

Takeaways

The purpose of mobility is to connect people to the most important moments in their lives, whether it's family, work, learning, or other significant experiences.
Seamless mobility is crucial for creating a positive city experience, where different modes of transportation work together effectively.
Solving mobility issues requires a systems thinking approach, considering the interconnectedness of various factors such as housing, zoning, and transport infrastructure.
Addressing housing affordability and zoning is essential for creating more livable and sustainable cities.
Implementing fair transport user fees can help allocate resources more efficiently and encourage sustainable modes of transportation.
Dealing with pushback and resistance to change requires understanding people's perspectives and finding ways to communicate the benefits of mobility solutions. Storytelling and action are crucial in creating change.
The challenge of changing the status quo requires experimentation and feedback.
The declining affordability of essential services affects the majority of the population.
Empathy and perspective shifting are important in understanding the needs of different stakeholders.
Systems thinking and design thinking are valuable approaches in problem-solving.
The intersection of AI and systems thinking has the potential to transform various industries.

Links:

Bio

Timothy works towards bridging the gap between bleeding-edge innovations, their real-world application, and their impact on the way we live, work, learn, play, heal, and do business. He advises many startups and is a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on several emerging technology spaces - including generative and predictive AI, supply chain automation, robotics, teleoperations, smart cities, ag-tech, bioplanning, blockchain, digital twins, space economy, and web3.

Timothy founded ETA, a global advisory firm to help startups, governments, and corporations accelerate emerging technology innovation.

He's held positions for Alphabet/Google's X Moonshot Factory (now as a key advisor on AI Moonshots) with Waymo where he was part of the commercialization team that launched the world's first automated robo-taxi/truck system, and as Chief Innovation Officer for Transport with the City of San Francisco leading various first-of-its-kind policies and projects.

Company Description

ETA, is a global advisory firm to help startups, governments, and corporations accelerate emerging technology innovation.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#198 – Roxana Bekemohammadi | United States Hydrogen Alliance – Technology Diversity & A True Push for Sustainability Mar 10, 2024

Show notes

Roxana Bekemohammadi is Founder and Executive Director of United States Hydrogen Alliance. She joins to discuss the importance of advocating for hydrogen technology and the need for diversity in the pursuit of sustainable transportation.

Topics:

Introduction and Background
Advocating for Hydrogen Technology
The Importance of Technology Diversity
The Need for Redundancy in Energy Systems
The Role of Hydrogen in Various Sectors
Balancing Business and Sustainability
Considering Public Perception
The Role of the US Hydrogen Alliance
Conclusion and Call to Action

Links

Bio:

Roxana Bekemohammadi is a distinguished leader in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry, known for her unique experience in policy advocacy, public service, and technology commercialization. She is regularly called upon to present on the current and future status of the U.S. hydrogen economy at conferences, legislatures, and in other political arenas. In 2020, she founded the Western States Hydrogen Alliance, championing hydrogen policies in the Western States. With the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act in 2021, the organization expanded to all 50 states, and is now known as the United States Hydrogen Alliance (USHA). The organization has blazed a pathway for the U.S. hydrogen economy by successfully passing seventeen hydrogen state bills across the United States since USHA’s inception in 2020.

Roxana led a lobbying firm focused on hydrogen policy in California prior to USHA. She also served as an advocate and technical expert in previous roles across multiple sectors including energy, zero emission vehicles, workforce development, technical education. Lastly, Roxana served as a public servant at the California Air Resources Board, an air quality regulatory state agency.

Academically, Roxana holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Irvine and served as a student researcher at the National Fuel Cell Research Center. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her education combined with a diverse professional background further positions her as a leading voice in the clean energy industry.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#197 - Olaf Sakkers | RedBlue Capital – Why our Transportation System is Broken and How to Disrupt It Mar 03, 2024

Show notes

Olaf Sakkers joins to discuss the purpose of mobility and transportation, the challenges of the current system, and the potential for a more efficient trip economy.

Takeaways

The purpose of transportation is to connect cities and enable economic growth.
The current transportation system in the US is underperforming and has negative externalities, such as high rates of car accidents and wasted time in traffic.
The trip economy, characterized by shared mobility services, offers more efficient and convenient transportation options.
Efforts to improve the transportation system should focus on removing parking minimums, incentivizing better choices, and transitioning to autonomous vehicles.
Creating positive change in transportation requires recognizing the flaws in the system, engaging in constructive conversations, and building companies that offer innovative solutions.

Chapters

Introduction and Background
The Purpose of Mobility and Transportation
Moving Towards Outcomes, Not Incremental Improvements
The Current System and Its Challenges
Building New Cities and Transforming Existing Ones
Efficiency of the Trip Economy
Creating Positive Impact Despite Challenges
Advice for Making a Difference
Closing Remarks

Links:

Bio:

Olaf is led by a sense of curiosity to try to understand the kernel of what makes something unique or interesting. While serving in the Israel Defense Forces, he discovered how the rapidly emerging autonomous vehicle technology could transform transportation and be a unique opportunity for the Israeli tech ecosystem. Over the course of six years he built Maniv Mobility into a leading global venture capital fund focused on mobility, managing $150 million and [backed by leading industry players including Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Hyundai, BMW, Shell, Aptiv, LG and Valeo. In 2021, Olaf left Maniv to found RedBlue Capital, an early stage mobility-focused venture capital firm focused on mobility, logistics and energy transition.

Born in South Africa, Olaf attended Princeton University where he majored in Anthropology, writing his thesis about frontier medicine and global health policy. The same interest in culture and understanding complex systems are what give him a deep sense of fulfillment from partnering alongside founders to build great companies which solve critical problems.

He's also the author of Mobility Disruption Framework, a book that unpacks the rapid transformation happening in the mobility industry through the lens of microeconomics and colorful comparisons to household pets. He has spoken at numerous conferences such as Web Summit and Tech Crunch and has been quoted in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Bloomberg.

Companies that Olaf has backed have gone on to raise over $2 billion dollars.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

#196 – Edwin Olson | May Mobility – The Capital-Efficient Path to Ending Personal Car Ownership ` Feb 25, 2024

Show notes

Edwin Olson is founder and CEO of May Mobility. He joins the Future of Mobility podcast for a Round 2 topic, centered around May Mobility’s strategy for growth and impact in the autonomous vehicle space. We also explore how Edwin and May Mobility have evolved since the Round 1 discussion in early 2020.

Takeaways

May Mobility aims to end personal car ownership by making public transit a more attractive and efficient option.
The right vehicle for the right population density is crucial in providing effective autonomous transportation.
Long-term contracts with cities provide a strong revenue stream and help finance the vehicles.
Balancing realism and vision is important in leadership, acknowledging challenges while working towards a grand vision.
Building a positive company culture is essential for success in the autonomous vehicle industry. Effective communication is crucial for success in personal and professional relationships.
Building trust and rapport is essential for effective communication.
Active listening and empathy play a significant role in understanding others and fostering meaningful connections.
Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can convey important messages.
Identifying and overcoming communication barriers is key to effective communication.

Chapters

Introduction and Evolution of May Mobility
The Goal: Ending Personal Car Ownership
Challenges of Personal Car Ownership
The Vision of Autonomous Vehicles
Key Assumptions for Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transit
The Right Vehicle for the Right Population Density
Carving Out the Right Solution for the Technology's Capabilities
The Advantage of Long-Term Contracts with Cities
Choosing the Right Growth Strategy
Balancing Realism and Vision in Leadership
Scaling Challenges and Vehicle Supply
Leadership Lessons in the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
Building a Positive Company Culture
The Importance of Effective Communication
Building Trust and Rapport
Active Listening and Empathy
Conclusion

Links:

Bio:

Edwin Olson is co-founder and CEO of May Mobility, Inc. He has focused on the development of autonomous vehicles for more than two decades, co-leading autonomous vehicle development at Toyota Research Institute and helping to develop Ford Motor Company’s autonomous vehicles. He has a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and is a professor of computer science at the University of Michigan. Olson got his start in autonomous technology participating in the DARPA Urban Challenge in 2007 as part of the MIT team. He was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Leaders in Energy in 2023.

Company description:

May Mobility develops autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and deploys fleets of vehicles to municipal and business customers. Its proprietary Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system is at the core of its mission to help make cities safer, greener and more accessible. MPDM's proven track record has delivered more than 350,000 autonomy-enabled rides to date in several public transit applications across the U.S. and Japan. With key strategic partnerships including some of the world's most innovative automotive and transportation companies, such as Toyota Motor Corporation and NTT, May Mobility aims to achieve the highest standard in rider safety, sustainability and transportation equity.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

#195 – Beth Brooke | VERITY NOW – Gender-Inclusive Vehicle Safety Standards Feb 18, 2024

Show notes

Beth Brooke joins to discuss the need for gender-inclusive vehicle safety standards.

Takeaways

Vehicle safety standards are designed with the male body in mind, leaving women at a higher risk of severe injury or death in car accidents.
Using a biofidelic female crash test dummy that accurately represents the female body's physiology can improve vehicle safety for women.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the power to implement this change with a simple rule change.
Raising awareness and advocating for gender equity in vehicle safety is crucial to driving change.

Chapters

Introduction and Background
Vehicle Safety Standards Designed for Men
The Need for Gender-Inclusive Safety Standards
Proposed Solution: Biofidelic Female Crash Test Dummy
Implementation and Cost Considerations
The Impact of Vehicle Weight and Electric Vehicles
The Role of NHTSA and Government Regulations
The Importance of Awareness and Consumer Advocacy
Focus on New Vehicles and Future Considerations
Learning from Other Countries' Approaches
Evaluation and Approval of Crash Test Dummies
Addressing Discrimination in Safety Standards
Engaging Stakeholders and Building Trust
Recognizing Nuance and Finding Common Ground
Call to Action: Join Verity Now and Raise Awareness

Links

Bio:

Beth A. Brooke retired as the Global Vice-Chair – Public Policy at EY and a member of the firm’s Global Executive Board. Ms. Brooke had public policy responsibility for the firm’s operations in over 150 countries and was the global sponsor for EY’s Diversity and Inclusiveness efforts. During the Clinton Administration, she worked in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she was responsible for all tax policy matters related to insurance and managed care. She played important roles in the healthcare reform and Superfund reform efforts. Ms. Brooke is a prominent voice around the world on Diversity and Inclusion, including most prominently on LGBT inclusion and women. She has been named eleven times to the list of Forbes “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women“. In 2017, she received the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the top individual honor bestowed by the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). She has also been inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Company description:

VERITY (Vehicle Equity Rules in Transportation) NOW strives to achieve equality in vehicle safety by educating on, and advocating for, crash testing standards that protect every body, regardless of gender, height, weight or age. Inherent biases in crash testing put women, young people, the elderly and heavier body types at significantly higher risk of injury or death in car crashes. This is unacceptable. We need to update vehicle crash testing standards and practices to better understand the safety needs of a broader range of body types. Technologies exist that can give us a more accurate understanding of how all vehicle occupants are impacted in a crash. These technologies, which employ sensors and other advanced tools, create better data – which can lead to better designs that account for every body.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#194 – Ameya Joshi | MobilityNotes & ClearFlame – Decarbonizing the Existing Vehicle Fleet & Renewable Fuels Feb 11, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Ameya Joshi currently serves as the Vice President of Product at ClearFlame Engines. He also maintains his own website, MobilityNotes.com, which disseminates the latest information on transport decarbonization and has a wide reach across the industry.

Takeaways

Decarbonizing the existing fleet is crucial as most vehicles on the road are not new vehicles.
Understanding the intersection of regulations and technologies is key to navigating the complexity of the industry.
Accounting for the entire lifecycle of vehicles, including production and disposal, is necessary for effective decarbonization.
Incentivizing the use of renewable fuels requires policy changes and the development of carbon markets.
Transitioning to a smaller organization can provide opportunities for learning and growth, but also comes with its own challenges. Leverage previous experience and knowledge when starting a new venture.
Building a sustainable business requires a focus on value proposition, product definition, and product management.
Technology needs to be effectively marketed and turned into a viable product to make a difference.
The book 'Know What Matters' by Ron Sheik provides valuable insights into building a successful company.

Chapters:

Introduction and Background
The Importance of Decarbonizing the Existing Fleet
The State of the Industry and Challenges in Decarbonization
Navigating the Complexity of the Industry
The Role of Mobility Notes and Discernment in the Industry
Challenges and Solutions for Incorporating Renewable Fuels
Transitioning to a Smaller Organization and Finding Success
Learning and Applying Previous Experience
Building a Sustainable Business
Taking Technology to the Market
Book Recommendation: Know What Matters

Links:

Bio:

Dr. Ameya Joshi currently serves as the Vice President of Product at ClearFlame Engines. He has nearly two decades of experience in the field of transport decarbonization and emissions control. He specializes in understanding complex technological and regulatory trends facing the transportation and off-highway propulsion industries and translating them into actionable strategies. He is an invited speaker at various international conferences, including the Buckendale lecturer at SAE COMVEC in 2022, and serves on the Editorial Board of the SAE International Journal pf Sustainable Transportation, Energy, Environment, & Policy. He is regularly invited by the Department of Energy to review funding proposals and technical progress at the Annual Merit Review.

Ameya has a broad network across industry, academia and regulatory bodies across the world. He maintains his own website, MobilityNotes.com, which disseminates the latest information on transport decarbonization and has a wide reach across the industry.

Ameya has a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware and pursued postdoctoral work in the field of fuel cells at the Colorado School of Mines.

About:

MobilityNotes is a free online platform for disseminating unbiased information on the latest regulatory and technical developments pertaining to transport decarbonization.

ClearFlame Engine Technologies is “Quickly and cost-effectively turning the world’s heavy-duty engines into engines for decarbonization”

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

#193 – Grayson Brulte | SAE Tomorrow Today – The Path(s) to Commercial Adoption for Autonomous Vehicles Feb 04, 2024

Show notes

As host of SAE Tomorrow Today, Grayson Brulte operates at the intersection of economics, politics, and technology to help listeners navigate emerging technologies and understand their impact on mobility.

Grayson Brulte discusses the most interesting questions and topics in the autonomous vehicle industry, including the challenges of artificial timelines and the importance of realistic milestones. He shares insights into the robotaxi space and the potential business models for autonomous vehicles. Grayson also explores different applications of autonomy, such as shuttles and privately owned vehicles. He discusses the value and economics of autonomy in long-haul trucking and the expansion of routes and ports. Additionally, he highlights the challenges and opportunities in warehouse automation and the last mile delivery sector. Grayson encourages listeners to roll up their sleeves and build in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Conversation flow:

The Most Interesting Questions and Topics in the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
Artificial Timelines and Realistic Milestones
The Robotaxi Space and Consumer Perception
Building a Business Model for Robotaxis
Different Applications of Autonomy: Robotaxis, Shuttles, and Private Use Vehicles
The Potential for Personally Owned Autonomous Vehicles
The Challenges of Shuttles and Consumer Preferences
The Value and Economics of Autonomy in Long Haul Trucking
Expansion of Routes and Ports in Long Haul Trucking
Creating and Capturing Value in the Autonomy Ecosystem
Challenges and Opportunities in Warehouse Automation
The Last Mile Delivery Challenge
The SAE Tomorrow Today Podcast and the Importance of Standards
Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Build

Links

Bio:

Grayson Brulte is an autonomous mobility advisor and consultant who provides strategic counsel and political insights to help clients navigate what’s next.

As an SAE strategic partner since 2017, Grayson brings his in-depth industry knowledge to host SAE Tomorrow Today. His unique perspective factors in economics, politics, and technology into one-of-kind weekly conversations with innovators changing mobility and its impact on society.

Grayson is a thought-leader who regularly provides insights to publications including Bloomberg, Reuters, The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter and Forbes. His written opinions and insights have been featured by organizations including the Consumer Technology Association in presentations to the Federal Trade Commission.

About SAE International:

SAE International engages engineers, technical experts, and volunteers from around the globe to enable safe, clean, and accessible transportation solutions. We specialize in setting standards for industry engineering and creating STEM and professional education programs plus information products and events that disseminate knowledge and connect professionals working in the automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison manufacturing is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#192 – Andrea Klein | Rand Technologies – Overcoming the Greatest Supply Chain Risks Jan 28, 2024

Show notes

Andrea Klein is CEO of Rand Technologies. Andrea Klein, the founder and CEO of RAND Technology, discusses the importance of supply chain in future mobility and the challenges it faces. She emphasizes the role of quality in supply chain and the need for flexibility and common parts to create sustainability. Klein also highlights the impact of AI on the supply chain and the proactive steps automotive companies can take to navigate the changing landscape. She explains the value of RAND Technology in providing solutions and market intelligence to help customers make informed decisions.

Key points:

Introduction and Overview
Andrea Klein's Work with RAND Technology
The Importance of Supply Chain in Future Mobility
The Challenges and Imperfections of Supply Chain
The Role of Quality in Supply Chain
Commercial Viability and Sustainability in Supply Chain
The Importance of Safety Stocks and Utilizing the Marketplace
The Impact of AI on the Supply Chain
Proactive Steps for Automotive Companies
Utilizing the Excess Market in the Aftermarket
The Trade-Offs of Single Sourcing
The Value of RAND Technology in the Supply Chain

Links

About:

Andrea Klein founded Rand 30 years ago with a passion for technology, an exciting industry she knew would contribute advancements that would make a true difference in the world for generations. With her love for people and vision of a better, greener planet, she built the company based on trust, integrity and an unwavering commitment to superior product quality, leading-edge innovation and customer satisfaction.

These guiding principles have been the foundation upon which Rand Technology has grown into the venerated, industry-leading, global supply chain company it is today. With a standard of excellence that is second-to-none, Rand supports Fortune 500 companies with sales, purchasing, engineering, testing, and logistics from offices across five continents. It is a sophisticated, full-service technology hardware supply chain company offering a comprehensive suite of services to support NPI, production, global services, and asset recovery that empower clients to achieve bottom line growth in all market conditions.

With a commitment to socially responsible, sustainable practices, Andrea is widely regarded as one of the industry’s most innovative leaders. She is laser-focused on a technology-driven future that assures inclusiveness and diversity in a workplace where employees, partners, customers, vendors, and others are valued, respected, and working toward a common objective of responsible, environmentally conscious IT asset management.

Considering the company’s immense success as the first and only 100-percent woman-owned, global independent distribution company, it is an understatement to say Andrea is well ahead of her time. She hopes her story will inspire other women to break through barriers that have traditionally limited their professional opportunities. To that end, she makes frequent presentations to young women and girls at schools, civic organizations and charitable events urging them to follow their hearts and pursue career paths that fulfill their passions.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#191 – Stefan Tongur | Electreon Round 2 – The Path to Widespread Wireless Charging Jan 21, 2024

Show notes

Stefan Tongur is VP of Business Development at Electreon. He joins this episode to explore the role of wireless charging in future transportation, exploring the following topics:

Importance of business models in the shift to sustainable transportation and the value proposition of wireless charging technology.
Deployment of wireless charging infrastructure in transit routes, depots, and queuing lines.
Challenges of battery size, grid capacity, resource efficiency, and cost reduction in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Implementation challenges and importance of finding meaningful places for introductions and focusing on pilots.
Ecosystem of stakeholders in electric road projects, including government agencies, engineering firms, construction companies, utility companies, and vehicle manufacturers.
Need for collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
Potential for customization and development of a playbook for electric road deployment.
Addressing interoperability issues and driving standards in the industry.
Examples of dynamic wireless charging projects and Electreon's leadership in the field.
Clarification of misconceptions about the cost and feasibility of electric roads.
Emphasis on future-proofing technology to support the larger-scale transition to electric vehicles

Links:

About Stefan Tongur

Stefan defined the concept of Electric Road Systems (ERS), and it is no surprise that he is well rehearsed in the opportunities and challenges of commercializing ERS in Europe and the US. Stefan also holds expertise on business models, sustainable transition, policy, and systemic innovation and has previously worked as a Senior Researcher at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.

Stefan holds an M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Industrial Economics and Management, both from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. His doctoral thesis is one of the world’s first to research the topic of ERS and is titled “Preparing for takeoff – Analyzing the development of electric road system from a business model perspective”.

Company Overview

Electreon is the leading developer and provider of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), providing end-to-end charging infrastructure and services, to meet the needs and efficiency demands of shared, public, and commercial fleet operators and consumers. The company's proprietary inductive technology dynamically (while in motion) and statically (while stopped) charges EVs quickly and safely, eliminating range anxiety, lowering total costs of EV ownership, and reducing battery capacity needs, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable, scalable, and compelling charging solutions available in the market today. Electreon collaborates with cities and fleet operators on a "sale" business model, and on a Charging as a Service (CaaS) business model, that enables cost-effective electrification of public, commercial, and autonomous fleets for smooth and continuous operation.

Electreon operates 18 projects across 8 countries, together with more than 100 partners. Electreon's wireless in-road charging technology was named as one of the world's top 100 inventions for 2021 by Time Magazine.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#190 – Stan Sewitch | Building an Engaged and Positive Culture Jan 14, 2024

Show notes

Stan is a business psychologist and entrepreneur, and author of Engage!: How WD-40 Company Built the Engine of Positive Culture.

From 2012 until 2021, he served as Vice President, Global Organization Development for WD-40 Company, and headed the global human resources function. Stan provides service as an advisor to companies who want to improve their results while improving quality of life at the same time, for everyone in their organizations.

Key topics in this conversation include:

The meaning of engagement in the work place, and why it can be so powerful
How WD-40 built the engine of a positive culture
The importance of starting with values, and why so many companies get stuck after core value definition
The next step if an organization wants to intentionally build a positive culture
Building space between stimulus and response

Links:

About Stan:

Stan Sewitch provides service as an advisor to companies who want to improve their results while improving quality of life at the same time, for everyone in their organizations.

His experience is best suited for these areas:

Strategy
Organizational design and development
Compensation design
Leadership development and coaching
Conscious culture creation

Stan is a business psychologist and entrepreneur. From 2012 until 2021, he served as Vice President, Global Organization Development for WD-40 Company, and headed the global human resources function.

Stan is one of the founding members of KI Investment Holdings, LLC. Formed early in 2006, KI is a private equity company whose mission is to be instrumental in the success of profitable, growing companies who create middle-class careers. KI is an investment experiment in long-term principles.

Stan is also the founder of HRG, Inc. Formed in 1989, HRG was a center for business advisory services, providing consulting to clients of all types in strategy, human resources, organizational effectiveness and executive leadership development. HRG served over 1,200 clients since its founding. The company is currently led by Paul Billimoria, its President. Stan serves on its board.

Stan formed two other companies. In 1990, he launched Emlyn Systems, a software company publishing a human resources information system. In 1991 he co-founded Chromagen, a biotechnology company which created proprietary assays for drug research, whose technologies were acquired in 2003.

Stan has served as a director for many private companies, ranging from $2M to $200M in revenue. He was Chairman of Elixir Industries, and is a director for Sabia Inc., SCWS LLC and KI Investment Holdings LLC.

Prior to his entrepreneurial adventures, Stan held senior management positions in operations and human resources. He was manufacturing director for TRW’s LSI products division in San Diego, a manufacturer of high-end integrated circuits. Stan was also operations director for Elm Corporation, a salmon fishery in Bethel, Alaska. Stan’s prior human resources management positions included Martin Marietta Aluminum, Smith International, TRW and Mycogen Corporation.

Stan authored a weekly column for ten years on various issues in business for the San Diego Daily Transcript, entitled “Notes from the Corporate Underground” and has written two books of the same title.

Future of Mobility:

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

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