In this Industry Ignited episode, Dr. Leanne Aguilar interviews Morgan Templar, CEO of First CDO Partners and founder of Get Governed, on how to build healthy data that powers trustworthy AI and real business results. Morgan shares the pivotal lessons that took her from paper-bound healthcare ops to enterprise Chief Data Officer, then breaks down practical playbooks: diagnosing data debt vs tech debt, mapping unstructured data (email, SharePoint, chats) to reduce legal risk, and using knowledge graphs + ontologies to align definitions at scale. She outlines an AI readiness checklist for CEOs, continuous monitoring to prevent model drift and bias (EU AI Act, NIST-aligned), and how to move from “using AI” to “doing AI” with agents that improve data quality, governance, and ROI. If you’re a leader aiming to make AI safe, useful, and profitable, this conversation is your blueprint.

On Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Charlles Bohdy, CEO of NANEAU, about “supercharged” water powered by nanobubbles/nanoplasmoids and structured filtration. Bohdy explains how metastable nano-gases (hydrogen, oxygen, CO₂, nitric oxide) enhance cellular hydration, vasodilation, and anti-inflammatory responses, enabling applications from NBOT hydrotherapy (a hyperbaric-like soak) to chemical-free oxygenated pools, whole-house water systems, and high-yield agriculture. He shares how on-site purification, vortex structuring, and gas infusion can cut chemicals, boost plant growth, and elevate guest experiences in hotels and spas—while reducing operational costs and waste.

On Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Floris Graziosi, CEO & founder of AYR Water (Bali, Indonesia), on how on-site purification, chilling, and bottling systems let hotels and restaurants serve premium still and sparkling water without single-use bottles. Graziosi explains the operational model—dishwasher-safe refillable glass, tap-and-chill systems with CO₂, HACCP-aligned SOPs, and third-party lab testing—that cuts logistics, reduces plastic waste and CO₂, and lowers total cost while elevating guest experience. He shares adoption wins, pre-opening integration for new builds, and why replacing trucked-in bottled water with on-demand, zero-waste service is the fastest sustainability upgrade in hospitality.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Steven Ward, founder of ITech Governance Consulting and author of Strategy Before Tools. Ward shares lessons from his journey through business ownership, banking, and IT leadership—revealing why most companies overspend on technology while underinvesting in strategy. He explains how leaders can shift from reactive IT to proactive governance by focusing on clarity, accountability, and alignment with business objectives. From avoiding bloated tech stacks to preparing for the disruptive impacts of AI and automation, Ward offers practical insights for executives who want technology to serve their mission—not dictate it.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar speaks with Shannon J. Dobbs, disabled veteran, regenerative entrepreneur, and founder of the Fellowship of Living Systems. Dobbs shares how his team is redefining food infrastructure by converting organic waste into climate-resilient prosperity. From Humisoil technology that transforms biomass into carbon-sequestering topsoil, to blast chiller food rescue systems that repurpose surplus meals, Dobbs outlines a bold vision for circular economies that connect communities, industries, and global supply chains. Listeners will learn how regenerative models can cut waste, unlock manufacturing efficiencies, and empower farmers and municipalities to build community-controlled, climate-smart food systems that are both sustainable and profitable.

In this Industry Ignited episode, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Sara Beth Raab, award-winning fractional Chief Events Officer at SB Events, on how to transform trade shows and large-scale activations into measurable B2B growth engines. Sara Beth explains building an event strategy that aligns C-suite goals with marketing and sales, how to quantify “squishy” metrics like trust, relationships, and brand perception, and practical ways to design neurodiverse-friendly experiences that remove barriers to connection. She also shares a realistic playbook for integrating AI in event planning—choosing tools that solve real problems without creating friction for attendees or teams. If you want events that drive pipeline, culture, and customer loyalty (not just logos on swag), this episode delivers the blueprint.
 Keywords: Sara Beth Raab, fractional chief events officer, event strategy, B2B marketing, trade shows, neurodiversity, AI for events, measurable ROI, experiential marketing, SB Events.

In this Industry Ignited episode, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Tal Mund, founder and chairman of BL Energy, to unpack how he helped turn battery energy storage from a blank slate into Israel’s new grid backbone. Mund shares the mindset behind entering complex, capital-intensive markets early, the pivotal partnerships (including top-tier battery manufacturers) that fueled BL Energy’s growth past 1 GWh in contracted projects, and why BESS is the flexibility layer modern grids can’t live without. He explains moving from integrator to asset developer, Europe’s early-stage expansion opportunities (Baltics, Balkans/Romania), and the rising energy demands of AI-driven data centers. Leaders will hear practical lessons on de-risking first-of-kind projects, building trust-based global supply chains, and scaling with software, monitoring, and reliability at the core.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar talks with Marvin Woodie, President of Conn-Weld Industries, Inc., a West Virginia leader in custom-engineered vibrating screens, separation equipment, and precision parts. Woodie traces his four-decade journey from field operations (1986) to the presidency and breaks down Conn-Weld’s ethos of “smart engineering for real-world applications.” He explains how problem identification, design-for-manufacture, and dense-media/fine-particle separations (down to ~50 microns) drive efficiency in mining, aggregates, recycling, and food processing. 

The conversation covers balancing custom builds with operational efficiency, new solutions for recycled concrete and clean metal recovery, thoughtful adoption of ERP/CAD-CAM and AI with a safety-first mindset, and Conn-Weld’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, sustainability, workforce training, and community impact. Listeners will learn how culture, trust, and hands-on engineering translate into measurable customer value—and how Conn-Weld is positioning for the next 50 years.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews David Loynd, President & CEO of Endurex Pharmaceuticals, on how a peptide-directed nanoparticle drug delivery platform—built around “cellular zip codes”—targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Drawing on engineering discipline, systems thinking, and partnerships with institutions like MD Anderson, David explains why traditional chemotherapy’s systemic toxicity falls short and how Endurex localizes payloads to hard-to-treat cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioblastoma. We dive into manufacturing-minded optimization (design of experiments, polymeric nanocarriers), scale-up paths (microfluidics, impinging-jet, or patient-specific small-scale units), and a pipeline that extends beyond chemo to immunotherapies, RNA/antisense cargos, and vaccine delivery. The result: potential for higher efficacy, lower toxicity, improved patient experience, and scalable systems that move from invention to impact. If you’re in biotech, pharma operations, or industrial process design, this conversation is a masterclass in precision delivery, process innovation, and commercialization strategy.

In this Industry Ignited episode, US BIOLOGIC leader Chris Przybyszewski traces a career spanning neuroscience, public health, medical devices, high-tech, and infectious disease—and how it shaped his “translator” leadership style that aligns diverse experts around clear goals, shared definitions, and measurable success. He unpacks lessons from funding science across venture capital, government, and philanthropy—matching missions and ROI while never wasting stakeholders’ time. 

Chris spotlights US BIOLOGIC’s breakthrough: orally delivered, thermostable vaccines deployed via backyard pellet stations to immunize reservoir species (like mice) against Lyme disease—an innovation that demanded new chemistry, manufacturing, distribution, and regulatory pathways, plus a deliberate IP “minefield” strategy. Drawing parallels to industrial supply chains, he frames the company as a delivery business optimizing the right antigen to the right species at the right moment, and argues for One Health collaboration across animal, human, environmental, regulatory, and commercial domains. 

Looking ahead, he sees AI enabling rapid pathogen detection, antigen selection, regulatory mapping, and development acceleration—while emphasizing that real-world manufacturing and last-mile distribution still decide impact. Anchored by his mantra “find a way or make one,” Chris advises leaders to choose boldly, accept early wrong turns, iterate with discipline, and persevere toward outcomes that protect public health and economies worldwide.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar chats with Justin Mayer—Brand President at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Darden MBA, and former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot—about leading with discipline, humility, and a people-first mindset. Justin shares battlefield-tested lessons like servant leadership, rapid decision-making, and driving initiative “down to the lowest level,” then connects them to building trust, alignment, and cross-functional excellence in business. From DuPont product launches to scaling a 130+ location franchise, he shows how data, candor, and culture power growth—especially when leaders move fast, communicate clearly, and empower teams to own the mission.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Beckie Barta, Chief Elevation Officer at RB Elevate, to unpack what leadership looks like when it’s truly a catalyst for growth. Drawing on two decades in global operations, Beckie shares how clarity, confident preparation, and purpose-driven, human-centered leadership turn teams into high performers—especially through acquisitions, restructures, and rapid change. She tackles common leader traps like overcommitment and under-delegation (“treat time like currency”), explains why transformation must be managed like a product (not a project), and shows how data and storytelling belong together. Looking ahead, she argues AI will amplify the value of distinctly human skills—decision-making, communication, trust, and EQ—making now the moment for leaders to elevate themselves and, in turn, everyone around them.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar welcomes Robert Louis Lewis, owner of Quester, a world-renowned market research firm, and founder of Freedom to Roam Walker, a company pioneering mobility solutions for individuals with limited mobility. With over four decades of entrepreneurial leadership across industries like land management, finance, consulting, and global research, Lewis shares how resilience, creativity, and purpose have fueled his journey.

After a personal health challenge left him an incomplete quadriplegic, Lewis transformed frustration into innovation by inventing the Independent Stand-Up Walker, a device that restores dignity, independence, and freedom to those with mobility limitations. He also reflects on leading Quester to global recognition through AI-driven market research, culture-driven leadership, and award-winning client impact.

Listeners will gain inspiration and actionable lessons on:

•  How adversity can fuel innovation and resilience
• Why hiring smarter, delegating, and empowering people drives success
• The role of AI in market research and business growth
• How mission-driven entrepreneurship creates lasting social impact

This powerful conversation highlights how Robert Louis Lewis continues to ignite industries and change lives—proving that resilience, values, and innovation can turn even the greatest challenges into opportunities.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Leeanne Aguilar talks with Christina Blunt, Executive Director of Rhino Foods Foundation, and board member Justin Worthley about how businesses can go beyond paychecks to create real stability and dignity for employees. They share how Rhino pioneered programs like the Income Advance Loan, which provides quick, judgment-free access to emergency funds while helping workers build credit and savings, and the Employee Exchange Program, which partners with other companies to keep staff employed during seasonal slowdowns. Christina and Justin explain how these practices—born out of listening directly to employees—have boosted retention, productivity, and trust while strengthening entire communities. With more than 300 companies nationwide now adopting these approaches, the Foundation’s mission is clear: to help businesses integrate purpose into everyday operations and prove that when employees thrive, businesses and communities do too.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with William “Billy” Stitt, founder of Billy’s Small Batch Bacon and Billy’s Restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. From humble beginnings in a roadhouse kitchen to becoming one of America’s most talked-about artisanal bacon makers, Billy shares how passion, tradition, and relentless dedication shaped his journey.

He reveals the craft behind his eight-day curing and cold-smoking process, the importance of animal care, and why every detail—from wood selection to packaging—matters. Along the way, listeners hear stories of soulful traditions like serenading bacon, scaling a handcrafted product without losing quality, and how personal wellness and community giving are woven into his brand.

Billy’s story is one of grit, creativity, and heart—a reminder that when you pour passion into your work, people don’t just taste the difference, they feel it.

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Andy Johnston, PE—Principal Mechanical Engineer at Johnston Engineering, licensed professional engineer in Washington State, and instructor at Gonzaga University.
With over 20 years of experience in product development, thermal management, two-phase flow, and heat transfer, Andy has built a career tackling the toughest technical challenges in industries like aerospace, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

We discuss:
🔹 Andy’s journey from aerospace engineering to launching Johnston Engineering
🔹 The innovation process and applying advanced analysis to real-world problems
🔹 Lessons learned from entrepreneurship in engineering
🔹 Trends shaping the future of engineering design and product development

If you’re passionate about engineering, product development, or innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

📌 Subscribe to Industry Ignited for more conversations with the leaders, innovators, and disruptors shaping the future of industry.

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In this inspiring episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with John Wieland, CEO of MH Equipment and author of Uncommon Threads. Since acquiring MH Equipment in 1994, John has grown the company from 50 employees to over 1,100 across 30+ locations—without a formal strategic growth plan. Instead, his philosophy has been simple: stay flexible, seize opportunities, and never lose sight of purpose.

John shares candidly about his early challenges as an inexperienced business owner, how humility and timing shaped his success, and the pivotal decision to create His First Foundation, which has since given over $35 million to causes close to employees’ hearts.


#IndustryIgnited #PodcastInterview #JohnWeiland #MHEquipment #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessTurnaround #FaithAndLeadership #UncommonThreads #EntrepreneurJourney #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipLessons #IndustrialLeadership #MaterialHandling #B2BLeadership #InspiringLeaders #WorkplaceCulture 

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leanne Aguilar sits down with Guy Babbitt, PhD, the co-founder and CEO of CZERO, a cutting-edge mechanical engineering services firm at the forefront of clean energy innovation. With a mission to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, and fight climate change, CZERO specializes in taking bold energy concepts from initial idea to prototype, spanning industries from renewables to fossil fuels, and even industrial decarbonization.

Guy shares his journey, from his environmentalist roots to his entrepreneurial spirit, and the inspiration behind founding CZERO. He dives into the company's role in accelerating the clean energy transition, their versatile approach to early-stage R&D, and the collaborative partnerships that turn visionary ideas into scalable technologies.

In this conversation, Guy discusses the challenges and opportunities in clean energy, how CZERO works closely with clients to bring concepts to life, and the importance of finding innovative solutions that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. He also shares the company's work on impactful projects, including wave energy harvesting and long-duration storage, as well as the lessons he's learned in navigating the political and economic hurdles of the energy sector.

Listen to Guy's passion for making a difference, as he explains how CZERO’s mission-driven approach is shaping the future of energy, one breakthrough at a time.

#IndustryIgnited #PodcastInterview #GuyBabbitt #CZERO #CleanEnergyInnovation #EnergyTransition #Decarbonization #SustainableTechnology #RenewableEnergy #ClimateSolutions #EngineeringLeadership #EnergyEfficiency #GreenTech #FutureOfEnergy #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #IndustrialInnovation #WaveEnergy #LongDurationStorage

In this episode, Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Austin Tenette, Senior Business Advisor at Transworld Business Advisors and creator of the Prepare to Sell coaching program. Together, they explore how business owners—especially in light of the “Silver Tsunami” of baby boomer retirements—can prepare to sell their businesses for maximum value.

Austin shares insights from his career transition from corporate leadership to business coaching and brokerage. He outlines three essential pillars for selling a business successfully.

He also discusses common valuation pitfalls, like “key man syndrome,” overreliance on personal relationships, and poor financial recordkeeping. The conversation emphasizes the importance of starting exit planning 3–5 years in advance, and how coaching, peer groups, and KPIs can help business owners stay focused, scale sustainably, and create transferable value.

Whether you're planning your exit or just getting started, this episode offers practical strategies and eye-opening truths every entrepreneur should hear.

#IndustryIgnited #PodcastInterview #AustinTenette #TransworldBusinessAdvisors #PrepareToSell #BusinessExitPlanning #SilverTsunami #BusinessValuation #EntrepreneurPodcast #ExitStrategy #BusinessCoaching #SellYourBusiness #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipInsights #BusinessOwners

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar interviews Mike Henzell, CEO of Davis Investigation Services, to uncover how businesses can protect themselves through smarter hiring practices and comprehensive pre-employment screening. Since 2005, Davis Investigation Services has been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and top employers nationwide for its thorough background checks, drug testing, and risk management solutions.

Mike shares his journey from a 30-year career in global risk management and compliance to becoming the new owner of Davis Investigation Services. He explains why traditional “click-button” background checks fall short, how his team’s multi-point screening process uncovers hidden risks, and why accurate, compliant, and people-driven investigations give companies confidence in every hiring decision.

Listeners will learn:

•  How to reduce hiring risks and avoid costly mistakes
• Why compliance and thorough screening build long-term trust
• Key strategies for scaling background checks as your business grows
• What sets Davis Investigation Services apart in the investigative industry

Whether you’re a business owner, HR leader, or recruiter, this episode reveals how smarter hiring and robust background checks can protect your business, strengthen your workforce, and provide a competitive edge.

#IndustryIgnited #PodcastInterview #MikeHenzell #DavisInvestigationServices #BusinessOwnership #EntrepreneurJourney #InvestigationServices #ClientAcquisition #PreEmploymentScreening #BusinessChallenges #LeadershipPodcast #B2BLeadership #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #IndustryInsights