Industrial Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mark Yeeles
Learn from leaders across the sector on everything from diversity and inclusion, careers, business readiness, innovation and more.
Mark Yeeles switches from host to interviewee for his last podcast in the chair before handing over to Kristin Baker.
In this special edition of the podcast, guest host Maz Hussein turns the tables on Mark to find out about his own inspirations, what he’s learned as a leader, and his highlights from recording the podcast over the past two years.
This week Mark is joined by Dr Graham Herries, Chair of the IETs Innovation and skills panel.
They discuss what makes Graham tick as a leader and his unique journey to becoming a leading thinker and practitioner on digitalisation topics in industry. Graham speaks about the importance of mentorship, how to develop skills, working in teams, and the value of diversity within teams.
Graham also offers his advice to aspiring leaders in industry and reflects on the advice he’d give his younger self and how it would have smoothed some of the more challenging moments in his career.
This week Mark is joined by Steve Brambley, the Chief Executive of GAMBICA, the trade association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology in the UK.
They discuss Steve’s own journey to becoming a leader, his influences that shaped him as a person and shaped his career. They also chat about how diversity and inclusion can help overcome the challenges faced by modern industry and how to create an environment in which all people can thrive.
Steve also offers his advice to aspiring leaders in industry and reflects on the advice he’d give his younger self.
This week Mark is joined by Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, CEO & Founder of Primary Engineer.
Susan and the team she leads believe that every child should be able to achieve and that engineering skills provide the core skills and experience to do that.
She joins Mark to talk about her vision, that with the right influence, children from a very early age will aspire to become designers and makers - the engineers of the future.
They discuss the importance of the skills needed in the sector and how to identify and encourage those who show potential signs of promise for a career in the engineering sector.
In this week’s episode we are joined by John Bailey, Founder of SolutionsPT – Industrial IT. He talks to Mark about his journey in setting up his IT Solutions business for the industrial world. Talking about the importance of mentorship, work/life balance and continuous development.
They also discuss the Future of Industrial Automation software discussing; How can we help people make the most out of automation, and how can we facilitate the biggest challenge, of changing the culture to maximise adoption.
This week’s guest is Rhonda Doyle, Senior Director of Field Services Operations for UK&I. In this episode we dispel the myth that you can’t change industries. Rhonda joined Schneider Electric from eBay in 2020, She talks to Mark Yeeles about the steps that she took when deciding to make a change in industry.
Uncovering the importance of a strong but open interview process and an open attitude to the risk that comes with change. Rhonda also gives advice on how to build a strong foundational network in the early days of starting a new role.
This week Mark Yeeles is joined by employees from Jones Foods Company; Romy Wilkin, Justin Au and Hannah Hobhouse join us to discuss the different paths they have taken and how these differing journeys were influenced.
Discussing the importance of attracting young talent in to emerging industries and some of the challenges that young people face in today’s world when trying to determine their career path.
How can we support the younger generations to help make these large decisions that will scope not only their futures but the future of industry?
This week’s guest is Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE. In this episode we discuss the changing landscape of innovation in the agricultural & horticultural industry. Looking at the role of different technologies that support productivity, profitability and sustainability, and if these technologies are impacting the traditional methodology of farming.
Belinda also gives us an insight into where the idea for Agri-TechE first came from, and how they are working to make a difference, changing the different type of job roles that are available within the agricultural & horticultural industry to attract new and emerging talent.
Chris Collins, Country President, Schneider Electric Ireland joins Mark Yeeles to discuss their own drive to become business leaders and answer the question are leaders built or are they born?
Covering the leadership mindset, how to be a better mentor and coach and the importance of putting people first.
Moving over from the US to Ireland in 2021, Chris plays a vital role in directing the next phase of growth and strategy in the country and is a seasoned business leader with over 17 years’ experience.
This month’s guest is James Lloyd-Jones, the CEO and Founder of the Jones Food Company. Jones Food Company (JFC) whose current growing capacity of 1,200T making them Europe’s largest operating vertical farm, growing the freshest produce in a sustainable way.
James joins me to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, talking about the how his experience in sales helped him to build lasting business relationships and the importance of these relationships now. We also talk about the formula for building the right team for success and selecting the right partnerships for business.
Our guest today is Robert Baxter OBE, the Director of Rugby at Premiership team, Exeter Chiefs.
After playing at the club for 14 years, spending 10 of those years as club captain, in 2017 he became Director of Rugby. In 2021 he was honoured for his services to Rugby with an OBE Award.
Rob joins Mark Yeeles to talk about his experience with Coaching & Leadership. Discussing the pressures around team development, how to coach, when to lead and how to align these.
As well as covering the importance of long-term goals and the day-to-day habits that support. When and how to have those difficult conversations, when trying to motivate individuals to develop from players to leaders.
In this episode I’m joined by Susan Lovelock – Director of Professional and Technical Education at the
Department for Education. The Department for Education is responsible for education, including
early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
Guest:
Susan Lovelock - Sue joined the Civil Service in 2003 as a fast streamer at the Department for
Transport and worked for the Department for Communities and Local Government for over 10 years,
where she was responsible for policy and projects on preventing homelessness and repossessions,
housing strategy and reforms to the planning system.
In June 2017, Sue joined the Department for Education to lead the delivery of T Levels, ensuring that
colleges are ready to deliver the new qualification from 2020 onwards.
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining
Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation
for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation
in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
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Attracting young people into tech companies
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The role of the employer
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Where to go for help
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Learning pathways
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T levels
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Work placements
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/get-the-jump-skills-for-life-campaign-toolkit
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to
realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your business. We provide end-point to
cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services. We enable lifecycle
solutions from design and build to operate and maintain phases through a digital twin. We deliver
capabilities to transform from site-to-site to an integrated company management. Our integrated
solutions are built with safety, reliability and cybersecurity for your homes, buildings, data centers,
infrastructure and industries.
Learn more at www.se.com/uk & www.se.com/ie
In this episode I’m joined by Maeve McElwee – Director of Employer Relations at Ibec – Ibec is Ireland’s largest lobby and business representative group. Their purpose is to help build a better, sustainable future by influencing, supporting and delivering for business success. In this episode we explore the skills necessary for business today and the future, the importance of lifelong learning and the ingredients for a successful team.
Guest:
Maeve McElwee– Maeve is currently Director of Employer Relations (2015 to date) and has been with Ibec since 2000 in senior positions including Head of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Traded Services, and Director of the North East Region. A graduate of Trinity College, prior to joining Ibec, Maeve McElwee worked with the World Bank in Washington DC.
Connect with Maeve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeve-mcelwee-254ba655/
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Education leavers- what are the skills that businesses are looking for?
- Education starters – advice from your future employer.
- Culture and environment, the importance of onboarding and development
- The ingredients for a successful team and the ongoing management.
- The future of work
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- No resources mentioned
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your business. We provide end-point to cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services. We enable lifecycle solutions from design and build to operate and maintain phases through a digital twin. We deliver capabilities to transform from site-to-site to an integrated company management. Our integrated solutions are built with safety, reliability and cybersecurity for your homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
Learn more at www.se.com/uk & www.se.com/ie
In this episode I’m joined by Schneider Electric’s principle sustainability consultant, Toby Crewe. I gain an insight into practical steps companies need to follow to start and enhance their sustainability journey.
Guest:
Toby Crewe – Toby leads a team of European experts providing consultancy & solution development to international corporations in the field of sustainability & decarbonisation. In particular, Toby and his team help pan-European and global corporations define and drive Climate Action programs and take advantage of new market opportunities, from renewable sourcing to supply chain initiatives. His team is also leading innovation on ESG-related portfolio solutions and supporting large investors in decarbonising their investments.
Connect with Toby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-crewe-schneider-sustainability/
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Why should people bother with a sustainability strategy?
- Practical examples to get started
- The use of data & setting targets
- Job roles needed to be successful
- Schneider Electric’s pledge
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your business. We provide end-point to cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services. We enable lifecycle solutions from design and build to operate and maintain phases through a digital twin. We deliver capabilities to transform from site-to-site to an integrated company management. Our integrated solutions are built with safety, reliability and cybersecurity for your homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
Learn more at www.se.com/uk
In my fifth episode I’m joined by Mike Wilson – Chief Automation Officer at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). The Manufacturing Technology Centre was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry – often referred to as ‘the valley of death’. In this episode Mike shares what he sees as the barriers to the uptake of Automation.
Guest:
Mike Wilson – Mike has nearly 40 years’ experience in successfully delivering the application of automation to manufacturing across a wide range of industry sectors, working for both users and suppliers of automation and also as an independent consultant. He is well known and respected as a leader within the UK automation sector and is the current Chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA).
His book ‘Implementation of Robot Systems’ was published in 2014 and in 2018 his contribution to UK manufacturing was recognised by selection to The Manufacturer Top 100.
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- People and Skillset needed for Automation.
- The barriers impacting the uptake.
- The role of Gov in the adoption
- Keeping machines running vs. buying new ones.
- How to get started……
In my fourth episode I’m joined by Adrian Swindells – Ops Improvement Director at DS Smith Packaging. DS Smith are a FTSE100 packaging business committed to sustainability and during this episode with Adrian we hear what the last 20 months has done to packaging and manufacturing supply chains.
Guest:
Adrian Swindells – Adrian is currently Operations Improvement Director at DS Smith Packaging, having enjoyed a 20+ year career within DS Smith in senior leadership roles ranging from Operations Director, Managing Director and Head of Supply Chain. Adrian has led many strategic projects including Workforce Productivity and the 100% Recyclable/Reusable initiative. Adrian started his career at ICI as a Research Chemist progressing into Plant Management.
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Recent impacts to supply chains and how businesses have reacted.
- Managing Covid, Brexit and Sustainability, simultaneously.
- How the packaging industry has adapted to be more sustainable.
- Balancing demand and capacity.
- Technology and methodology to maintaining production levels.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- No resources mentioned
Learn more at www.se.com/uk
In my third episode I’m joined by Guy Collins – Director of BPX Group. I spend my time with Guy discussing how he’s seen the Industry transform through the decades, you will hear how a Distributor operates in the Industrial sector and how it adapts to ever changing market conditions.
Guest:
Guy Collins – Guy is a Director of BPX Group, a leading Industrial Automation Distributor in the UK&I, joining the ‘family firm’ in the late 80’s after starting his career in data comms and industrial sales. Guy has responsibility for the business strategy which has seen BPX develop from a two-location distributor with 30 staff, to a network of fourteen locations with nearly 200 people in five companies across the BPX Group.
Connect with Guy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-collins-76001910/
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How distribution of technical goods has changed through the decades
- How digital has transformed a relationship centric business
- Customer experience and the role of a sales professional
- Logistics, on time delivery and communication.
- Is there a silver bullet in distribution?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- No resources mentioned
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.
Learn more at:
www.se.com/uk
https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/campaign/industries-of-the-future/
In my second episode I’m joined by Nigel Watson – group CIO of Northumbrian Water where I find out more about the inner workings of a Water company from the perspective of a board level executive. You will hear why innovation isn’t always about technology and the necessary steps and programs implemented along the journey of becoming the ‘most innovative water company’.
Guest:
Nigel Watson – Nigel is a board level senior executive currently holding the role of CIO at Northumbrian Water. Nigel started his career in the field of IT & Programming and has held various leadership roles across the tech industry. Nigel is active with the CBI and sits on the Innovation Council working across British Industry and the Government.
Connect with Nigel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelwatson1/
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
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How to set a business up for Innovation – what teams are required?
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Hackathons & Sprints – the use cases
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How IP is useless unless shared for the purposes of collaboration.
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The power of the half baked idea!
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How cake mixtures & improv comedy have inspired Innovation at Northumbrian Water.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
· No resources mentioned
Learn more: https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/campaign/industries-of-the-future/
In my first episode I’m joined by two senior leaders from our industry – Kelly Becker & Dr Jane Atkinson CBE where I find out more about their careers, their journey in leadership, their view on early talent and what they see as important development areas for aspiring leaders. We debate the importance of diversity in the workplace and what it brings to an organisation.
Guests:
Dr Jane Atkinson CBE – Jane is a board level senior executive currently leading Bilfinger’s Engineering & Automation division. After leaving university graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree, Jane has enjoyed a career in engineering and leadership serving many roles within the steel and heavy process industries. Jane is passionate about supporting the next generation of female engineers and is very active within education promoting STEM careers.
Connect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-atkinson-a869488b/
Kelly Becker - Kelly has spent many years leading Schneider Electric’s business across the globe and is currently Country President for the UK and Ireland. With a history of strategy and business execution, Kelly has led many strategic growth and breakthrough initiatives, market and geographic expansions and internal start-ups. Kelly graduated with a degree in advertising and PR and achieved an MBA in 2008. She is currently a member of CBI's Energy and Climate Change Board, has a seat in BEAMA's Senior Sector Council and serves on the Leadership Advisory Board for the Darden School of Business.
Connect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellybecker2/
Host:
Mark Yeeles – Mark has worked in the automation supply industry for over 25 years, joining Schneider Electric in 2015 and currently holds the position of Vice President – Industrial Automation for the UK&I Zone. Mark is passionate about supporting UK&I Manufacturing and driving innovation in the Industrial sector, caring strongly for Apprenticeships and Early Career development.
Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-yeeles-6b480512/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Kelly & Jane’s career journeys and what they see as leadership essentials
- Benefits of a diverse workforce and the impact on business.
- How early careers are developed – the importance of mentoring and coaching
- Key ingredients for a successful team
- Lessons learned from a route to senior leadership.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- No resources mentioned
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your business. We provide end-point to cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services. We enable lifecycle solutions from design and build to operate and maintain phases through a digital twin. We deliver capabilities to transform from site-to-site to an integrated company management. Our integrated solutions are built with safety, reliability and cybersecurity for your homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
Learn more at www.se.com/uk
Welcome to the Industrial Leadership Podcast. Make sure you hit subscribe so you don't miss the first episode with Jane Atkinson Kelly Becker discussing early talent, diversity & inclusion and career preparedness.