The future of robotics isn’t about talent gaps. It’s about the leaders building smarter teams and opening more doors. Jesica Chavez joins HIRED! The Podcast to share how robotics companies can scale by focusing on people first.

From factory floors in Mexico to leadership roles in the U.S., Jesica brings a global view on scaling startups, building diverse teams, and the leadership lessons robotics companies still need to learn. If you care about the future of robotics, this one is for you.

Jesica Chavez is a dynamic leader in robotics, boasting over 20 years of experience in Customer Success and Marketing. With a background in Industrial Engineering and currently pursuing her MBA, she has worked across various sectors, including manufacturing, SaaS, and robotics. She founded Robo Success, a specialized agency dedicated to helping robotics companies accelerate growth and effectively navigate their go-to-market strategies.
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Connect with:
⏵ Jesica Chavez
⏵ RoboSuccess
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#robotics #technology #engineering #automation #innovation #futuretech #AI

What happens when you’re not afraid to fail?

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Jim Shaw, President & Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group, a fast-growing force in supply chain automation and systems integration.

Jim Shaw is a senior leader with over 25 years in the supply chain industry, specializing in operations, systems integration, material handling, and logistics. Known for driving innovation and creating engaged, high-performance cultures, Jim is the visionary behind Zion Solutions Group—dedicated to delivering sustainable value through bold leadership and lasting partnerships.

In this conversation, Jim unpacks what it means to build a company without fear, how culture-first leadership attracts top talent, and why focusing on “good people and good partners” is the future of business. Whether you’re building a team, a startup, or a legacy, this one hits deep.
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Connect with:
⏵ Jim Shaw
⏵ Zion Solutions Group
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

##SupplyChain #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Startup #Automation #TeamBuilding #ZionSolutionsGroup #FearlessFounders #Hiring

The world of manufacturing is changing fast — and staying relevant means evolving just as quickly. In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Chris Stevens (PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott) joins Travis Miller to talk about what it really takes to thrive in an industry where technology, talent, and timelines are constantly shifting.

Chris also shares the story behind his passion project, The Home of Manufacturing, a centralized, free resource created to amplify voices and connect the fragmented corners of the manufacturing world. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about future-proofing their career.

Chris Stevens is a manufacturing leader with a career built entirely in the industry, currently serving as PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott. With two engineering degrees and parts he’s helped produce used on all seven continents — and even in space — Chris brings deep technical and operational insight to every conversation. He’s also the founder of The Home of Manufacturing, a platform connecting voices and events across the sector, and the host of the upcoming podcast Manufacturing Nation.
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Connect with:
⏵ Chris Stevens
⏵ The Home of MFG
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
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#manufacturingleadership #industrialinnovation #smartfactory #hiringtrends #futureofwork #upskilling #manufacturingpodcast #careerstrategy #AIandManufacturing #techcareers #ai #manufacturing #industrialautomation

The automation industry isn’t just changing—it’s being rebuilt by the people who refuse to wait for permission. On this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Nikki Gonzales, a leader reshaping the field by showing up, speaking out, and creating the kind of industry she wants to work in.

Recently hired as Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, Nikki brings years of industry insight, a passion for making automation more accessible, and a proven track record of building real community—from launching the podcast Automation Ladies to co-founding the grassroots event OT SCADA CON.
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Connect with:
⏵ Nikki Gonzales
⏵ Weintek USA
⏵ Automation Ladies
⏵ OT SCADA CON
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#automationindustry #automation #industrialautomation #womeninstem #automationpocast #OTSCADACON #AutomationLadies #stem #careergrowth #techcommunity

Most companies are wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work—chasing the wrong audience, burning budgets on ineffective strategies, and missing the biggest opportunity right in front of them.

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Eddie Saunders Jr., founder of Speak Friend, to expose the biggest marketing mistakes and reveal how to cut waste, use AI to get ahead, and engage the 95% of potential customers most brands ignore.

Eddie also shares his unconventional journey from industrial marketing to MMA fight announcing and explains why curiosity and empathy are game-changers in business.

If you’re ready to fix your marketing and stop wasting money, this episode is a must-listen.

Eddie is a passionate thought leader in the world of Industrial Content Strategy & Demand Generation. With 15+ years of battle-tested experience in the field, he has proven himself to be an innovative and strategic thinker, consistently challenging what's "normal" in the industry. As an Industrial Marketing speaker, quirky content creator, and Founder / CEO of Speak Friend, he has built a reputation for his ability to create compelling and effective marketing campaigns that use data to drive results in the modern landscape. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including branding, digital marketing, social media, and more!
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Connect with Eddie & Speak Friend
⏵ LinkedIn
⏵ Speak Friend
⏵ Instagram

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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #industrialmarketing #b2bmarketing #marketingmistakes #aimarketing #brandstrategy #businessgrowth #contentmarketing #salesandmarketing #customerengagement #entrepreneurmindset

Season 4 of HIRED! The Podcast kicks off with a powerful conversation between host Travis Miller and Bryan Howard, CEO of Peoplyst and author of The Vanguard Edge. In this episode, Bryan shares actionable insights on building resilient, high-performing teams and creating a culture that thrives in the face of change.

Bryan dives into his framework for resilience, exploring the importance of mindset, team strength, and adaptability. Learn how to evaluate your team, hire for growth, and foster connections in today’s hybrid work environment. Whether you’re a leader looking to strengthen your team or a professional seeking your next opportunity, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Bryan Howard is the CEO of Peoplyst and an expert in human performance with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and organizational growth. Known for his “5 G’s of Success,” Bryan specializes in creating people-centric solutions and driving teams to achieve their full potential. He is also the author of The Vanguard Edge, a guide to building resilient, adaptable teams.
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Connect with Bryan Howard & Peoplyst
Bryan Howard - https://bit.ly/49bu57R
Peoplyst - https://peoplyst.com/
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3vLWiNX
Audible - https://adbl.co/3vJfOu7
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3xJFQzm

#leadership #careerdevelopment #teambuilding #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #successtips #careeradvice #careeradvancement #jobsearch

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with James Ellis, a top expert in employer branding, for a lively conversation packed with hot takes and real, actionable insights. This isn’t your typical discussion—Ellis breaks down exactly how businesses can stand out by focusing on what makes them unique as employers and why authenticity is key in attracting the right talent.

Ellis dives deep into how employees can actively shape a brand and gives concrete strategies for small businesses to leverage their culture to connect with top candidates. With no fluff, just straight talk, Ellis shares practical advice that listeners can put to work right away to elevate their employer brand and hiring efforts.

James Ellis is the principal of Employer Brand Labs, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Talent Cast podcast. With nearly a decade of experience, he’s helped dozens of companies craft unique and compelling employer brands. His mission? To provide real, no-nonsense advice that helps businesses rethink how they hire and build stronger, more authentic brands.
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Connect with James Ellis & Employer Brand Labs
James Ellis
Employer Brand Labs
The Talent Cast
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Apple Podcasts
Audible
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#employerbranding #recruitmentstrategies #hiringtips #hrpodcast #workculture #businessbranding #careeradvice #jobmarket #talentacquisition

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller sits down with Kim Blomquist, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, Chicago’s leading manufacturing incubator. Kim sheds light on mHUB’s role in nurturing early-stage startups, particularly in the fields of climate and energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. From prototyping labs to a comprehensive mentor network, mHUB equips these startups with the tools they need to scale, secure funding, and prove their business models in a competitive landscape.

Kim also discusses the critical challenges startups face, including proving market demand and acquiring talent. She emphasizes mHUB’s commitment to workforce development, reshoring, and building a skilled talent pool to drive economic growth. The episode provides valuable insights into how mHUB is shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation, both locally and nationally.

Kim Blomquist is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, where she leads the organization’s national strategy at the intersection of tech and manufacturing. Her team is behind major events like the HardTech Summit and the Fourth Revolution Awards. Kim played a pivotal role in mHUB’s $50M acquisition and renovation of a historic facility in Chicago. She also oversees mHUB’s annual and investor reports and serves on a marketing advisory council for manufacturing workforce development.
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Connect with the Kim Blomquist & mHUB
Kim Blomquist
mHUB
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Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts
Audible
Spotify

#podcast #manufacturing #startup #techindustry #reshoring #robotics #mHUB #innovation