Episode 17: Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Human-Centric Transformation

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, hosts Beatriz Gonzalez, Jos Voskuil, and Maria Morris come together to reflect on an impactful year of conversations across the global PLM community. From human-centric transformation and sustainability to leadership alignment and cultural change, this conversation captures the essence of what shaped PLM in 2025—and what will matter even more in 2026.

Let’s take a closer look:

⚉ A Broader Range of Voices in the PLM Conversation 
⚉ 2025: The Year of the Human Factor in PLM 
⚉ The First Human-Centric PLM Conference 
⚉ Learning from Both Small and Large PLM Transformations 
⚉ Sustainability as a Core PLM Responsibility 
⚉ From Training to Early Engagement 
⚉ Diversity and Representation in PLM Leadership 
⚉ What’s Next for the Share PLM Podcast 
⚉ The Share PLM Summit Returns in 2026 
⚉ Bringing the C-Level into the PLM Dialogue


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Transcript

[00:00:12] MARIA MORRIS:
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Share PLM podcast. I'm Maria Morris, Business Development Manager at Share PLM. You may recognize my voice from a few other episodes I've done, but I'm jumping back in to support Jos and Bea with the closing outs of 2025 with a special wrap-up episode.

So this year the followers of our podcast will know that we've hosted some incredible conversations with leaders, innovators, engineers, change makers from across the global PLM community. And we've explored everything from digital twins and sustainability to human-centric transformation, modularity, and PLM strategies at scale.

So to look back at what shaped this year, and to give you a little sneak peek at what's coming in 2026, because we've got a lot of exciting things on the horizon, I'm joined by two very familiar faces, Bea, our CEO at Share PLM, and Jos, the PLM coach himself. Bea, Jos, welcome back to the podcast.

[00:01:16] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Thank you, Maria.

[00:01:17] JOS VOSKUIL:
Thank you, Maria, for the warm introduction, and we are all now in the end of year moods. So let's start, eh.

[00:01:23] MARIA MORRIS:
Exactly. Yes. For those of you, unfortunately you can't see us, Jos is wearing an amazing Christmas sweater, so I'll be sure to post a little clip online so you can see. But before we jump into a recap of specific episodes from this year, I thought it would be good to start a little broader.

So Jos, Bea, when you think about 2025, what were some standout moments for you across PLM? What patterns or themes stood out to you from the conversations that we had? Bea, maybe I can start with you.

[00:01:56] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes. Thank you, Maria. So I was reflected on, on all the episodes and I was realizing that yes, this season it was special because we invited consultants, vendors, people that is in the, in the PLM environment, and they don't have usually the attention that they deserve. It was very interesting to have them invited in the podcast because they can share with us the experiences not only in one company or in three and four, but they have contact with more people that is in the, in the PLM implementation. So I really like the, their contribution to this season.

[00:02:35] MARIA MORRIS:
Perfect. And Jos, what about you? What are your key takeaways?

[00:02:39] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yeah. For me, I think 2025 was the year of humans. It was discovering more and more the human side, as Bea said, even the vendors and the consultants are also now acknowledging that the most important thing is the people in the success.

And of course in our podcast, this is our bread and butter. So if you listen to the conversations it is a lot about the, the people. It's about if you ask the questions, you will get those answers. But for sure, I think people centric is getting more and more attention and is also probably 2026, our next focus.

[00:03:13] MARIA MORRIS:
Definitely. Yeah. And I would back up everything you said, Jos. I think this year was definitely the year of the humans, the human factor in PLM. And that stood out even more from the fact we had our first human-focused PLM conference in Jerez this year. So I think that topped it off very well.

[00:03:31] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
It was also the year that Jos was asking always about the AI, so the question that we need to, to make in every episode. So this season has this popularity also.

[00:03:45] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yeah. But for the listeners and, uh, those podcasts were not generated by AI yet. Huh? I mean, we're still normal persons.

[00:03:52] MARIA MORRIS:
We are still the human factor, that's for sure.

[00:03:55] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yeah.

[00:03:57] MARIA MORRIS:
Okay, so I think it is time for us to revisit some specific episodes that have really stood out to us and that have shaped the podcast this year. I know it's hard to choose specific ones because they were all so amazing and there were some great takeaways from every single one of them.

But maybe Jos you could tell us a little bit about what are some of your biggest takeaways or lessons learned from the people we've spoken to this year?

[00:04:22] JOS VOSKUIL:
Okay. Well, I, I think we were quite active last year. We had more than 16 episodes so far. So to review them all in detail is going to be a challenge. But we, we were still quite diverse. We had the very technology side with Jakob Åsell from Modularity Management or Michael Pieper From XPLM Systems, but also very human-centric discussions with T-Systems, which was for me a surprise because for me these systems looked like a tech company.

But also I was very happy with the sustainability discussions we had with QCM, with Martin and Jörgen, but also Inga Müller related to sustainability and product passports. So quite diverse, and I can mention more, even if we talk about music, we can talk about Torben, et cetera.

[00:05:08] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
I can also add some episodes there that we had the conversation with the companies that are in different phases of the PLM implementation and, and also with different budgets. And I feel that very interesting, for example, with Christoph from Mocci, they don't have a big budget but they have a team really, really focused on the PLM and they know what they are doing, so they are implementing the end to end product cycle the systems that Mocci has. And I think that's always very inspiring to see those transformations.

And at the same time, looking at the bigger PLM programs, like the one at Grundfos, it was also very interesting to see how Torben approached those programs with a structured way and step by step.

So at the end all the peer transformation have also the, even if it's big or smaller, have the focus on small teams and at the end in the people. So this is what they have in common, and I found it very interesting.

[00:06:05] JOS VOSKUIL:
I fully agree with you, Bea. I mean, I was impressed with Christoph, how I would say very, basically he was explaining PLM in a very small company and in on the other end, Torben, in a very big organization with a long term. And so we had a very broad scope to discuss.

[00:06:21] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes. And also it was very interesting the the one from Alex Sampedro for SKF, that how these initiatives needs the business case to really have the people involved during the transformation. So I think that was also complementing very good decision.

[00:06:37] MARIA MORRIS:
And I was going to ask both of you as we're now on series three of the Share PLM podcast, have you noticed that year on year there is more focus on the human element naturally within these PLM projects? I know it seems to be more and more focus of, of the discussions that we have in the episodes and naturally things that the PLM leaders are, are introducing and putting a priority on as part of their programs. What do you think?

[00:07:03] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes. I think we realized that and that everything has evolved. At the beginning it was only training how we should do training. And now people realize that we need to have everyone involved from the beginning, not only when the training comes. So, yes it was incredible to see how also the vendors and the consultants share this approach.

[00:07:25] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yeah. And in addition, I think technology is going to be less and less an issue with cloud solutions, with, uh, prepared solutions. So now it really becomes visible. It's the adaptation of the, of the solution that is crucial and the adaptation starts with, uh, aligning the people and having a clear view, otherwise you will fail.

[00:07:44] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes, totally agree. I think this approach from the software vendors and from the companies to go more to the out of the box solutions is also giving time and focus to really support the people to adopt those solutions instead of develop a custom solution for, for its team or process.

[00:08:02] JOS VOSKUIL:
And in that case, I was surprised to see on the, the PLM conference in, in Paris that PTC talked about OCM in their sponsor talk and not about their portfolio of products. And so it shows the shift in focus.

[00:08:16] MARIA MORRIS:
Yeah, it shows the shift and it also shows the demand from the customers as well, that obviously in the past it used to be kind of something that was recommended by consultants like us. You know, we, you need to take the people aspect into consideration to ensure a successful project, but it's really good now to see that the software vendors are also shifting the focus, not just from the technology, but to how they can support the change itself. So that's really good.

[00:08:43] JOS VOSKUIL:
But Maria what was your favorite podcast or series of podcasts?

[00:08:46] MARIA MORRIS:
Yeah. Well, thank you for asking Jos. I would say for me a couple of episodes really stand out mainly because it was kind of a full circle moment. So those two in particular were Alejandro Espejel’s episode as well as Aleksandra Matuszewska because when I first started at Share PLM around four years ago, the first customer project I joined was actually within Alex and Alexandra's team.

When they were in their previous companies and it was really great kind of four years later to hear about how they're both evolving in their career. Alex now working more in focus on the cement industry, moving towards how cement production can be more greener and sustainable. And I thought that was really great. It's really interesting and also just, yeah, as I said, a full circle moment.
 
And from Alexandra's episode, what I also really loved is that I remember when I was working in Alexandra's team, outside of myself, there were only two other women in the team, and there was about 15 guys. So we were very much outnumbered as women in the team, but they both had leadership roles, Alexandra and her other colleague. And I think it was great for me, especially as someone who was starting their career to see women in tech, in leadership positions leading big digital transformations for large organizations. So, personally for me, those were the the standout ones.

[00:10:52] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
And you, you remind me this that we had also at the beginning of the season one episode with Lucía Núñez.

[00:11:00] MARIA MORRIS:
Yes.

[00:11:00] JOS VOSKUIL:
Exactly.

[00:11:01] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
And it was the same for me because she is an aerospace engineer like me, and she immigrated to Germany for work like me, and it's incredible to see how women in PLM are working on such as a big PLM implementation like Lucía.

[00:11:16] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yes, and I think we have to fight for diversity now in Europe. I mean, it's important.

[00:11:22] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yeah.

[00:11:23] MARIA MORRIS:
Definitely. So before we move on, are there any final, it doesn't necessarily have to be a key takeaway, but maybe even a lesson learned that you would want to reemphasize to our listeners? Maybe those who are just starting out their PLM journey that they could really take away from some of the episodes we've had this year.

[00:11:43] JOS VOSKUIL:
What I hear as feedback from the companies I'm working with, that the podcast is well recognized by people as getting somebody else's opinion and lessons learned, experiences. And it makes them feel not alone. I mean, it's always good to hear that others have similar experiences and I think like the way we conclude with the, the experience question, it's always interesting to hear that nothing goes well the first time. You always have to have experience to move forward. And as we said, it's all about humans eh, we keep on repeating this.

[00:12:16] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes. And also we are having the views from different industries, which is very interesting also to see. For example, we have had latest episodes about the finance and banking that is quite different from the physical manufacturing products, for example. So this also gives like an open-minded approach. So things can be done differently, depends on the industry, but maybe some best practices can be exchanged.

[00:12:42] JOS VOSKUIL:
Exactly. Yeah. PLM is everywhere. Every company has a product and with one is maybe more digital and others are more mechanical. But conceptually, yeah, you can learn a lot from each other.

[00:12:54] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes.

[00:12:55] MARIA MORRIS:
Definitely, and I'd like to talk a little bit about what our listeners can expect from the podcast for next year. So we still have a few episodes in the pipeline to be released as part of the current season of the podcast. And maybe just you could tell us a little bit more about what the listeners can expect from these upcoming episodes.

[00:13:15] JOS VOSKUIL:
Well, I think the ones that are coming are also, again, very interesting. I won't mention them to keep the suspense. I mean, uh, but I would say also that the last episodes that we've recorded are very much focused on digital transformation, understanding different industries also, I think. And I think even now we are, we also touching the, the, the sea level of, of companies. So we are moving to the next level, I think in next year.

[00:13:41] MARIA MORRIS:
Definitely, and Bea and I also recorded a great episode. Again, I won't mention any names to keep the surprise, but it was all focused on communication in digital transformation projects. So we met with a communication specialist. And I think one thing that was really great from this episode is it's all about how to communicate, not just to inform, but to engage users. And so I think there'll be lots of great takeaways from that one as well.

[00:14:07] JOS VOSKUIL:
Okay. I am curious. I was not there so.

[00:14:10] MARIA MORRIS:
Yes. And looking at next year from a bit of a more broader standpoint, are there any other exciting events that are happening that you are both looking forward to?

[00:14:23] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Of course the Share PLM summit. We're already planning. We have all the most of the speakers, already sponsors register. So thank you very much to the sponsors and to the speakers without them it wouldn't be possible. So looking forward to, to have a amazing two days and learning from the others.

[00:14:44] JOS VOSKUIL:
I'm also curious if the logistics will work. I mean, if some, such a mass of people will come to Jerez because a lot of people mentioned they missed the excitement from this year. So they, they want to be there, the upcoming year. So I'm looking also forward. I mean the energy and the vibe is so good for a human-centric conference. It'll be a great experience for everyone.

[00:15:07] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes, and we have lot of lesson learned from last year also so that we will improve. So this next year will be even better.

[00:15:14] JOS VOSKUIL:
Okay.

[00:15:15] MARIA MORRIS:
And Jos, for those listeners who maybe haven't heard about the Share PLM Summit, which I think is probably few and far between because we all made such noise about the event this year. How would you describe or explain the event to someone who's maybe thinking about coming?

[00:15:32] JOS VOSKUIL:
So well maybe we did it in the review already last year, but historically PLM events were for nerds. It was for technical people that want to connect systems and how do you do it with which protocol and with me methodology, and I think this conference was about humans. And so, suddenly you start talking with people. You didn't talk about technology. You talked about the human side. And that created complete different dynamics.

And also the diversity. I mean, in, in the conference, it was not only gray and white like me, or I'm not so white on the picture yet, but it was a very diverse and very human interesting conference. You could speak with everyone, which is different in the, in the traditional, I would say very technology focused conversations.

[00:16:17] MARIA MORRIS:
And I think as well another exciting factor is that many of our previous podcast guests are also going to be speakers next year at the event. So we have people like Björn Axling from Grundfos.

[00:16:31] JOS VOSKUIL:
Helen from Arch Nova Consultant.

[00:16:34] MARIA MORRIS:
Exactly. We have Javier from Carry, so I think if you haven't listened to some of these episodes before, you should definitely take a listen to them because it'll give you kind of a good taster of what you can expect from some of the keynotes that we will have in Jerez next year.

And before closing out the episode, maybe we can talk a little bit about what we have in store for the next series of the Share PLM podcast that will come towards the beginning of next year.
What do you both have in mind in terms of the type of people you want to talk to, the types of topics you want to cover? Jos maybe I can come to you first?

[00:17:14] JOS VOSKUIL:
Okay, well, we had a discussion and now I'm also telling a secret. We talked with Rikke Holtze, and she was the CIO from FLSmidth. And that made us realize that it's very interesting to also have the, the C level in our, uh, discussions in interviews. So we will aiming for more C-level in our podcast recordings and to remind you it's, it's good for your career.

If you remember season one, we had Leon Lauritsen at that time from Minerva in our podcast. Now he's the CEO of Aras. So if you are on the C level, please join us in the podcast if you want to make a next move, but that's for sure our aim. We want to also connect from the business side, not only the, I would say the user side, but how do people on, on C level look at PLM and discuss with them how they will see it happening.

[00:18:02] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yes, because always indeed people comes to us, to Jos, and to us asking that how can I convince the C level or my manager that the PLM implementation will bring some benefits? Right Jos? And you work with them also in the vision, so it's very good to have their point of view how they, how they approach this type of situations and to, they can give us some, some tools to convince them.

[00:18:29] JOS VOSKUIL:
Exactly. Because we learned also from another conference, you always have in a company, the HIPPO remember the highest in paid personal opinion.

[00:18:39] MARIA MORRIS:
From Pizza Vint.

[00:18:41] JOS VOSKUIL:
Yeah, yeah.

[00:18:41] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Yeah.

[00:18:42] MARIA MORRIS:
Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, I think it will be great because as you say, Bea, a lot of the times our customers call us and they need help to be able to explain, not only what is PLM, but how will it benefit the organization and how can I convince the C-suites to, to buy into it and, and to be sponsors of the program.

So I think there's of exciting topics that we're going to cover next year. I'm definitely excited to not only be a listener, but also be a part of some episodes if you both allow me again and.

[00:19:15] JOS VOSKUIL:
Of course. Yeah.

[00:19:17] MARIA MORRIS:
And I'm also excited to continue supporting the organization of, of the Share PLM Summit. And I know we will see so many of of our listeners and also past attendees and colleagues joining us.So definitely be sure to go to our share PLM website to learn more about the event and hopefully sign up.

And before we wrap up this episode, it's only right that we wish all of our listeners a very happy, festive period. I hope you have a great and relaxing time at home with families and friends, and you get to switch off a little bit from your day-to-day activities.

Jos, Bea, thank you both so much for joining us for this wrap up episode and also being incredible hosts for 2025. I expect the same from you again in 2026, and I look forward to discussing many more topics and meeting many new people through the podcast. Thank you both very much.

[00:20:22] JOS VOSKUIL:
Thank you, Maria, and happy New Year to everyone.

[00:20:25] BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
Happy New Year.