Lifts & Leaders cover art

Lifts & Leaders

Lifts & Leaders

Written by: interlift
Listen for free

About this listen

 Lifts & Leaders is the official interlift podcast – the world’s leading trade fair for the lift industry. Each episode features conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, and experts who are shaping the future of vertical mobility. From digitalization and safety to sustainability and leadership, Lifts & Leaders dives deep into the topics that move the industry — and the people who keep it rising. The podcast offers exclusive insights, industry stories, and forward-looking perspectives on what’s next for elevators, escalators, and connected mobility solutions worldwide. Recorded live and in-studio at interlift, Lifts & Leaders connects the global lift community through knowledge, vision, and inspiration.AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • #7 From Elevators to Digital Twins – Alessandro Pilone on Data-Driven Vertical Mobility

    #7 From Elevators to Digital Twins – Alessandro Pilone on Data-Driven Vertical Mobility
    Feb 10 2026
    In this episode of Lifts & Leaders – the official podcast of interlift – we speak with Alessandro Pilone, Co-Founder and CEO of Skanio, a Finland-based startup on a mission to digitize the elevator industry through digital twins of buildings and lifts. After more than 25 years in elevator R&D across Europe, China and the US, Alessandro decided to step out of traditional industry roles and build a new approach to modernization. With Skanio, he focuses on digitally surveying buildings, creating accurate 3D models and using data, AI and machine learning to plan safer, faster and more sustainable elevator upgrades. We talk about: - why skills shortages and aging buildings demand new digital tools, - how Skanio creates digital twins from real on-site surveys, - moving the industry from 2D drawings to 3D, data-driven planning, - using AI to identify components, materials and spare parts, - sustainability through reuse, recycling and smarter modernization, - and why elevators must become part of future smart cities. A forward-looking conversation about changing mindsets, scaling innovation and bringing the elevator industry into the digital age. Learn more: interlift: https://www.interlift.de/ Skanio: https://www.skanio.co/ Alessandro Pilone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-pilone/
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • #6 Design, Data and Global Growth – Michael Gubisch on Building Smart Elevator Interfaces

    #6 Design, Data and Global Growth – Michael Gubisch on Building Smart Elevator Interfaces
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode of Lifts & Leaders – the official podcast of interlift – we speak with Michael Gubisch, Managing Director at Schaefer GmbH. Michael shares his journey of more than two decades in the elevator industry and explains how Schäfer evolved from a traditional German family business into a truly global provider of smart operating panels and control interfaces. He describes why elevator panels are often called the “business card” of the lift — the one element every passenger interacts with. The conversation explores: - how elevators have evolved from mechanical systems to connected IoT components, - why user experience, accessibility and vandalism protection are critical design factors, - what it takes to scale internationally while staying true to quality and regulation, - how global teams and cultural diversity influence leadership, - and why step-by-step innovation matters more than chasing hype. A thoughtful discussion about technology, leadership and the human side of smart elevator systems. Learn more: interlift: https://www.interlift.de/ Schaefer GmbH: https://wsschaefer.com/ Michael Gubisch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gubisch-06842a60/
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • #5 Air Instead of Cables – Patrick de Ledebur on Vacuum Elevators and Rethinking Vertical Mobility

    #5 Air Instead of Cables – Patrick de Ledebur on Vacuum Elevators and Rethinking Vertical Mobility
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of Lifts & Leaders – the official podcast of interlift – we speak with Patrick de Ledebur, Director of Global Marketing at Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE). Patrick shares how vacuum elevator technology works by using air pressure instead of cables, oil or hydraulics, and why this approach opens entirely new possibilities for residential vertical mobility. From quick installations without shafts or pits to striking architectural design, PVE has been pioneering this technology since 2002. We talk about: - why air-driven elevators create a genuine “wow moment”, - how aging societies are driving global demand for home elevators, - differences between constant-pressure lifts and single-push systems, - what makes vacuum elevators especially attractive for retrofits, - the launch of the square “Cube” vacuum elevator, - and why sustainability and simplicity will play a growing role in future lift solutions. A fascinating conversation about innovation, accessibility and how unconventional technology can challenge long-standing assumptions in the lift industry. Learn more: interlift: https://www.interlift.de/ Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators: https://www.vacuumelevators.com/
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
No reviews yet