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Betts on the Future

Betts on the Future

Written by: Jennifer Betts
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 Betts on the Future Podcast
🔩 Exploring Careers in Metals & Manufacturing ⚙️

Metals are the foundation of modern life—powering infrastructure, transportation, and technology. Yet, careers in metals remain overlooked. Betts on the Future, produced by Magnar Metals, shines a light on the dynamic opportunities within the industry.

Hosted by Jennifer Betts, a 20-year metals veteran, this podcast features real stories from professionals shaping the future of steel, aluminum, copper, and beyond. Whether you’re exploring a career shift or want to learn more about the industry, these conversations highlight the women driving innovation and sustainability in metals - critical to everyday life.

Looking for more industry insights? Check out the Metals & Advanced Manufacturing Podcast for expert discussions on the technologies shaping the future.

🎧 Follow for inspiring stories and career insights in metals.
#Metals #Manufacturing #Careers #Sustainability #Technology

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Episodes
  • Alexandra Graf | SensoTech | S02E26

    Alexandra Graf | SensoTech | S02E26
    Apr 30 2025
    From Vaccines to Steel: Alexandra Graf's Unconventional Journey in the Metals Industry

    Welcome to another episode of Betts on the Future, hosted by metals industry veteran Jennifer Betts.

    This episode features Alexandra Graf, head of application and training at SensoTech.

    Alexandra shares her unconventional journey into the metals industry, starting from her background in biotechnology to becoming a specialist in analytical measurement technology.

    She discusses her passion for supporting users globally, the significance of SensoTech's innovative analyzers, and her dedication to encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

    Join us for a fascinating conversation about industry trends, digitalization, and the importance of knowledge sharing in the steel industry.

    00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future
    00:25 Meet Alexandra Graf: Head of Application and Training at SensoTech
    00:54 Alexandra's Journey in the Metals Industry
    01:58 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing in the Steel Industry
    06:15 Applications of SensoTech's Analyzer Technology
    07:30 Alexandra's Unconventional Path to the Steel Industry
    09:53 The Role of SensoTech's Analyzer in Steel Production
    15:27 Future of Analyzer Technology and Digitalization
    25:44 Empowering Women in the Steel Industry
    27:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Produced by Magnar Metals.
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    28 mins
  • Megan O'Connor, Ph.D. | Nth Cycle | S02E25

    Megan O'Connor, Ph.D. | Nth Cycle | S02E25
    Nov 4 2024
    Redefining Critical Metals Refining with Nth Cycle's CEO Megan O'Connor

    In this episode of Betts on the Future, host Jennifer welcomes Megan O'Connor, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Nth Cycle, a company revolutionizing the critical metals refining industry through innovative electro-extraction technology. Megan discusses how Nth Cycle enables sustainable domestic production of essential metals like nickel and cobalt, which are crucial for U.S. technological advancement. She shares her journey from environmental chemistry to co-founding Nth Cycle, the significance of critical minerals in various sectors including clean energy and defense, and the challenges and successes along the way. Megan also elaborates on the importance of a resilient domestic supply chain and the impact of Nth Cycle’s commercial system in Ohio. Tune in to learn more about the vital role of critical minerals and Megan's inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

    00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future
    00:26 Meet Megan O'Connor: Pioneering Metal Refining
    02:07 The Journey to Nth Cycle
    05:09 Challenges and Innovations in Metal Refining
    16:00 Nth Cycle's Impact on Military and National Security
    19:26 Modularity and Mobility in Metal Refining
    29:11 Building a Resilient Supply Chain
    33:05 Transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship
    36:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    38:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    40 mins
  • Nicole Sweet | RHI Magnesita | S02E24

    Nicole Sweet | RHI Magnesita | S02E24
    Oct 21 2024
    Exploring Career Paths in the Metals Industry: An In-Depth Conversation with Nicole Sweet

    In this episode, Jennifer Betts sits down with Nicole Sweet, the head of end-to-end recycling for North America at RHI Magnesita, during the AIST - Association for Iron & Steel Technology Women in Steel conference in Pittsburgh. Nicole shares her journey from starting in the steel industry at 18 to becoming a leader in refractory recycling. Learn about Nicole's career milestones, the importance of refractory in steel making, and the exciting advancements in the industry. Gain insights into the realities of working in metals, the value of non-traditional career paths, and the crucial role of recycling in the industry's future.

    00:00 Introduction to Betts on the Future
    00:22 Live from the Women in Steel Conference
    00:45 Meet Nicole Sweet: A Journey in Steel
    01:11 Nicole's Early Career and Growth
    04:27 Understanding Refractory and Its Importance
    11:11 The Future of Refractory Recycling
    18:08 Advice for Current and Future Industry Professionals
    24:29 The Value of Diverse Career Paths
    25:19 Encouraging Hard Work and Dedication
    25:40 The Importance of Trade Skills
    26:19 Flexibility in Career Choices
    27:09 Navigating Job Insecurity
    31:18 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
    36:49 Advice for Future Generations
    39:29 Promoting Inclusivity in the Industry
    44:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    http://www.rhimagnesita.com/
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    46 mins
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