Welcome to Season 11 of Workforce 4.0 and this week we are ringing the new year in with a bang as host Ann Wyatt speaks with Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director or the Manufacturing Institute. This week, Carolyn and Ann discuss the current state of the manufacturing workforce, the impact of technology, and the importance of bridging the skills gap. They also share experiences and the powerful impact that the FAME program has been as a successful model for workforce development in many states across the US. Additionally, Ann asks Carolyn about current hiring trends, and the need for effective frontline leadership and the expectations of younger workers. As a featured recent keynote discussion leader during Schneider Electric's 2025 Innovation Summit, North America, this is our second installment highlighting and celebrating the road forward to building the manufacturing workforce.

In This Episode:

-00:00: Introduction To Workforce 4.0

-00:30: Welcoming Carolyn Lee From The Manufacturing Institute To Workforce 4.0

-04:16: Preparing The Workforce For The People/Technology Convergence

-09:08: Exploring Where The Real Skills Gap Lies

-11:35: What Real FAME Looks Like: A Model for Workforce Development

-16:40: Examining Real Time Manufacturing Hiring Trends

-20:19: The Importance of Empowering Frontline Leadership

-25:03: Breaking Down The Impact In Positive Culture And Productivity

-32:41: The New Data On The Manufacturing Skills Gap

-37:37: Carolyn's Final Thoughts And Point Of Contact

-39:17: Workforce 4.0 Outro

More About Carolyn:

Carolyn Lee is the president and executive director of the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. Ms. Lee leads the MI in its goal of building a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. She was named to the leadership role at the MI in 2017, and during her leadership tenure, the MI has grown significantly, evolving for scaled impact nationwide across the manufacturing industry. She led the MI as it developed new programs, initiatives and events, including taking stewardship from Toyota of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education in 2019 and growing its reach; inaugurating the annual MI Workforce Summit; launching the 35×30 mentorship initiative for women and young girls; expanding the MI’s Heroes MAKE America initiative; working with the NAM to develop Creators Wanted—the manufacturing industry’s largest national workforce development and education campaign; and partnering with organizations such as Stand Together Trust to create the MI’s second chance hiring initiative.

Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. The MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. To learn more about Carolyn connect with her here.

In this week's season 10 finale, Ann Wyatt sits down with , Patrick Tobin, President of Han-Tek, for a conversation that shares insights about his journey in the automation industry, the importance of company culture, and the role of technology in enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. Patrick emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals with the right attitude and aptitude, adapting to changing customer needs, and maintaining integrity in business practices. The discussion also touches on the future of leadership and the impact of innovation on job creation. If you're wondering how your career can advance into seeing every aspect of how a product is made in manufacturing- from concept to completion- this episode is for you!

In This Episode:

-00:00: Workforce 4.0 Introduction

-00:30: Welcoming Pat Tobin To Workforce 4.0

-03:15: Building a Strong Company Culture

-05:51: Navigating Change and Continuous Improvement

-08:28: Expanding Beyond New York: Growth Strategies

-11:10: Maintaining Company Culture During Growth

-14:09: The Role of Attitude and Aptitude in Hiring

-16:53: The Impact of Technology on Workforce

-19:26: Advice for Future Leaders

-22:02: Customer Success Stories and Integrity

-27:17: Conclusion and Future Outlook

-34:40: Workforce 4.0 Outro

More About Pat:

"At Han-Tek, I've been given the opportunity to see every aspect of how a product develops from concept to completion—how they get manufactured, processed, assembled, and installed," says Patrick.

This deep, first-hand knowledge is what drives Patrick's leadership focus on customer needs and strategic business development. He further honed this expertise by earning his MBA from the University of Rochester Simon School of Business.

As resident, Patrick oversees the organization's day-to-day operations and personally champions the team's efforts to implement their new strategic business plan, ensuring the company's future growth and success. While no two days are the same—from new business development initiatives to exploring potential mergers and acquisitions—Patrick remains committed to keeping Han-Tek's family-business values at the core of every decision.

In his downtime, Patrick enjoys being with his growing family, hitting the slopes to ski, finding a quiet spot to fish, and cheering on NCAA lacrosse. To learn more about Patrick, connect with his here.

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, Ann Wyatt interviews Hendrik Stoltz, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics (or AIR). They discuss Hendrik's journey from South Africa to the USA, his experiences in the robotics industry, and the importance of cultural transformation within organizations. The conversation delves into the challenges of acquisitions, the significance of employee retention, and the future of work with technology integration. Hendrik emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in leadership and offers advice for the next generation of professionals. Join us for this week's conversation packed with tips on how people are the center of your business and how acquisitions can integrate products and people- seamlessly.

In This Episode:

-00:00: Introduction to Workforce 4.0

-00:30: Welcoming Hendrik Stoltz of AIR on Workforce 4.0

-03:10: Hendrik's Journey and Experience in Robotics

-05:58: Cultural Transformation and Team Development

-08:53: Acquisitions and Integrations in Business

-11:41: Employee Value Proposition and Retention

-14:24: Future of Work and Technology Integration

-17:07: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

-19:58: Advice for the Next Generation

-22:41:Final Thoughts and Networking Opportunities

-33:28: Workforce 4.0 Outro

More About Hendrik:

Hendrik Stoltz is a globally experienced business leader in advanced automation, packaging, and industrial technology, with over 25 years of executive leadership across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. As President of Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR)—an Ares Management portfolio company—he has led transformational restructuring, diversification, and value-creation initiatives, driving operational excellence and sustainable growth. Hendrik’s career spans leadership roles in multinational firms such as Elopak, where he oversaw global capital equipment operations across multiple continents, and Totally Automated Systems (TA Systems), where he integrated engineering innovation with digital performance management. Renowned for his people-centered, coaching-based leadership, he builds resilient, high-performing teams and cultures that thrive on accountability, innovation, and collaboration. With a foundation in mechanical engineering and multiple patents to his name, Hendrik combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight—applying state-of-the-art automation and data-driven technologies to improve efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness in complex global manufacturing environments. To learn more about Hendrik, connect with him here.