Art of the Possible: Recent Episodes

IPC, John Mitchell

From the factory floor to the executive suite, the “Art of the Possible” podcast covers all manner of industry challenges and opportunities to better equip you with tools and ideas for success. Since early 2020, Art of the Possible has been hosted by IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell, an internationally recognized thought leader, author, and executive.

Dr. Mitchell and his guests, global leaders and experts in a multitude of disciplines, discuss the issues that are the focus of board rooms and shop floors, and that affect the global manufacturing industry at large: factory modernization, supply chain resiliency, workforce upskilling challenges, and environmental stewardship. Tune in to gain insight into the industry’s innovative approaches to addressing the most critical issues.

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From a chemistry lab to becoming the co-chair of IPC/WHMA’s 620 Space Addendum, Christina Rutherford’s journey to EWPTE 2024 is a fascinating story! Hear about Christina’s keynote talk and her experience working in the wire harness industry in this episode of the Art of the Possible podcast.

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Jeff Roman, Sales Manager of Schunk Sonosystems discusses wire harness industry breakthroughs and what Schunk has in store on the show floor at this year's EWPTE. Listen in for exhibitor insights and a glimpse into the future of wire harness technology.

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Why are ferrules important in the wire harness industry? Maria Schierscher, Phoenix Contact, gives a preview of her upcoming technical session, “What You Need to Know about Ferrules,” in this episode of Art of the Possible.

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Karen McConnell, Northrop Grumman, and IPC Hall of Famer, gives a glance into her panel discussion at Women in Electronics on Work-Life Balance where she will be joined by four other incredible women in the industry. She is accompanied by Christina Landon, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, a panel member, and mentee of Karen. Learn more about what it means for these two influential women to be in an industry dominated by men and why representation is important.

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Kat Ermant, Additive Manufacturing Consultant, Peloton, talks to John W. Mitchell about her 3D printing professional development courses and how additive manufacturing can bring communities together.

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The Next Wave in Electronics: Trends Reshaping Our IndustryRide the wave of change as we explore the trends revolutionizing the electronics industry. From AI's breakthroughs to other emerging shifts, uncover the dynamic changes paving the way for a new era of innovation and growth.

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“Tamil Nadu is an emerging market, with expertise in wire and cable harness,” Shamil Bicha, Avalon Technologies, and Abu Alex Mathew, Guidance Tamil Nadu, discuss investment opportunities for electric vehicle, medical, and consumer goods manufacturers in a preview for their presentation “Cable and Wire Harness Industry: Ecosystem & Opportunities in Tamil Nadu, India

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Sustainability in the products we use is growing, becoming a requirement and not a preference. At the same time, electrification is coming, requiring us to build infrastructure to support those changes. Todd Waddle, Director for the Wire & Cable and Sustainability market segments at M. Holland explains in his session “How Electrification and Sustainability are Linked.”

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“It can see back to the time of the Big Bang” Dr. Kenneth F. Harris, The Aerospace Corporation, keynoter for the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo, discusses his work on the James Webb Space telescope, his career as an engineer, his work on sustainability, and his role as a member of the Board of Education, and how it underlies his dedication to early STEM exposure, particularly in underrepresented communities.

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John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, talks to IPC Technical Program Committee Chair and Co-Chair Stan Rak and Udo Welzel about what to expect from the compelling content offered at the technical conference at IPC APEX EXPO, with a focus on new special sessions on Advanced Packaging and e-Mobility at IPC APEX EXPO 2023.

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Engineers Paige Feit, Process Engineer, TTM and Hannah Nelson, Electrical Engineering Student and current IPC Student Board Member, Valparaiso University talk to John W. Mitchell about the impact IPC APEX EXPO has had on their career choices, their professional development, and their knowledge of the electronics manufacturing industry.

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Space exploration is more exciting than ever in history – why is that? Emily Calandrelli, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineer, Host and Co-producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix and Executive Producer and Host of Xploration Outer Space on FOX, talks to John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO about her upcoming keynote at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 in the "Art of the Possible" podcast.

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“Go to IPC APEX EXPO for networking, equipment needs, hundreds of different solutions on the show floor, not to mention the standards work – it gives you a level of insight that is hard to get anywhere else.” IPC Hall of Famer Joe O’Neil, chair of the IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF), talks to John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, about the benefits of attending IPC APEX EXPO on this episode of “Art of the Possible” podcast.

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“Done right, APEX is a key lynchpin for our business success in the coming year. It’s hugely important to our growth potential, and as such we plan every aspect very carefully. It’s our Superbowl, so we make sure to prepare for it accordingly, so we maximize every opportunity for gain, and growth of our business. The results of which can mean the difference between a good year, and a great year!!” Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of SMT Business Operations and Director of Sales, Koh Young America, explains to John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, on this episode of the “Art of the Possible” podcast why it is vital for Koh Young to exhibit at IPC APEX EXPO.

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“When you walk away from the summit you should do so with ideas that will actually benefit your business when you return home.” Mark Wolfe, Executive EMS Advisor, explained to John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, on this episode of the “Art of the Possible” podcast. Learn what EMS executives and future leaders can expect when attending the IPC EMS Leadership Summit at IPC APEX EXPO.

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Co-hosted with Patrick Crawford, IPC Manager of Design Standards and Related Industry Programs, John Mitchell interviews guests about the IPC Design Competition and Design for Excellence at APEX.

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In this episode, John Mitchell speaks with Jackie Mattox, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Women in Electronics about encouraging diversity in the workplace and her keynote session at IPC APEX EXPO 2022.

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John Mitchell and IPC’s Chief Technologist Matt Kelly discuss how digital technologies are transforming the electronics industry, how the manufacturing supply chain can harness data and business insights, new skills needed to run a smart factory, and the growth of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, and more.

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In this episode, Mike Carano and John Mitchell "go green," discussing how to sustain and keep companies environmentally sound, how to use alternative forms of energy to power facilities, and to recycle where we can. This not only benefits the environment, but results in a positive image for customers, and can enhance workforce development.

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In this episode, Carsten Salewski and John Mitchell discuss the role that government agencies can play in helping the electronics industry be more successful. But new regulations pose a burden and navigating reporting processes can be complex. Is Europe at risk of losing workforce by overregulation?

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In this segment, Nilesh Naik and John Mitchell have a conversation on how to harness supply chain data. The industry is in the midst of a great data explosion. How can we codify data, consistently apply it and use it to our advantage in order to save time and money? Listen in as Nilesh shares his experience and expertise.

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In this episode, John Mitchell and Shawn DuBravac discuss technology, market trends and insights on the biggest issues facing the global electronics industry, including supply chain resiliency/uncertainty, trade wars, skilled workforce shortage, and the expanding role of electronics in the global economy.

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In this episode, David Heller and John Mitchell discuss how best to create a competitive environment by tackling several questions. What is the proper government role in creating a competitive environment? How do we encourage diversity and experience? Listen in on this lively discussion on issues critical to our industry.

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Steve Pudles joins the podcast to talk about how companies can comply with new standards and regulations while facing increasing costs. While the factory of the future is the goal for everyone, and we encourage competition and innovation, how do we supplement small businesses in their compliance efforts?

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John Mitchell and Joe O'Neil have a lively discussion about how to keep data accurate and secure. No matter how great your systems are, someone can hack in and get data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics reveal greater efficiencies, but they can also cause security problems. What is needed to address this important issue?

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In this episode, John Mitchell asks Jeff Timms for the advice he’d give to businesses moving toward the factory of the future. Jeff discusses the importance of embracing the changes coming, how to create strategies for doing business in a socially and environmentally sustainable way, and how those efforts will empower the workforce, our organizations, and our industry.

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Do you know what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced electronics manufacturing industry? And how do you measure success? John Mitchell speaks with Shane Whiteside on what it means to be a full-spectrum manufacturing partner, how to deliver value on multiple fronts, and improve customer engagement.

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The automotive industry was an early adopter of digital twinning, artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, co-bots and sophisticated data management. In this segment, John Mitchell talks "tech" with Robert Feuerstein on the critical elements, standards and technologies that define the factory of the future.