In this special bonus episode from the Applied Ergonomics Conference 2025, Mike Courtney, founder of Aperio Insights, delivers a compelling keynote exploring the crucial link between imagination and innovation. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in market research and strategic foresight, Courtney shares how technologies such as AI and robotics are rapidly transforming concepts into reality. He emphasizes that the modern challenge isn’t just inventing but deciding which innovations truly merit investment. Courtney also highlights how adopting a futurist mindset enables professionals to not only survive but thrive amidst disruptive change, turning potential chaos into strategic advantage.
In this bonus episode from the Applied Ergonomics Conference 2025, Dr. Karl Zelik of Vanderbilt University shares insightful perspectives on innovation in biomechanics and wearable technology. Drawing from his extensive experience as co-director of the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology and as Chief Scientific Officer of HeroWear, Zelik discusses how to identify meaningful advancements versus mere industry hype. He provides practical guidance on creating sustainable, impactful solutions that enhance workplace health, safety, and productivity. Zelik's keynote underscores the importance of informed innovation to truly improve well-being across industries and society.
Jim Mecham from OccuCare Injury Prevention recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC
Cheryl Roy from Dorn Companies recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC
Texas A&M students Aspen Burke, Lillian Bravo and Samuel Britton recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC
Dustin Herte and Chris Gromowski with Blue Line Battery recently spoke with Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast during #AppliedErgo2025 in Orlando, Florida.Learn more about the conference at: iise.org/AEC
In this bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we present Mandy Long's keynote address from the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 in Atlanta. With a distinguished background in artificial intelligence and healthcare technology, including leadership roles at IBM Watson and Experian Health, Mandy explores the practical application of AI in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring AI to solve real, human-centered problems, avoiding vendor lock-in, focusing on measurable outcomes, and recognizing the enduring role of human expertise alongside AI.Learn more about the HSPI conference at: iise.org/HSPI
In this bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we present Dr. Venkatesh Bellamkonda's keynote address from the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 in Atlanta. As an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Bellamkonda shares his journey into process improvement, inspired by personal experiences and colleagues. He illustrates how quality improvement tools can be applied to everyday challenges, such as organizing a nursery and managing emails.Dr. Bellamkonda also emphasizes the importance of engaging healthcare professionals at all levels through relatable examples and structured training programs. He advocates for using these skills to address significant issues like workplace violence and second victim syndrome, aligning improvement efforts with the core mission of healthcare institutions and the well-being of their teams.Learn more about the HSPI conference at: iise.org/HSPI
Devpradnya Kadam from UF Health shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.
Taylor Rader from Mayo Clinic shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.
Kim Kaleta, a student from Kennesaw State University, shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025. Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.
Ritu Ward from T. Ward & Associates Inc shares her experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025.Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.
Aakash Mittal from MDofficeManager shares his experience at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025.Learn more about the conference at iise.org/HSPI.
Dive into all things Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference 2025 with Ali Anderson and Aaron Kanne. Discover the incredible sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities awaiting you at this year’s premier healthcare engineering event. From first-time attendees to seasoned professionals, this episode breaks down what makes HSPI special, including exclusive workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and insights from industry leaders. If you’re passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and processes, this is the episode for you!Don’t miss out on HSPI 2025 — Feb. 19-21 at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. Visit iise.org/HSPI for more information and to register.Follow SHS on social media to stay updated on conference news and announcements:LinkedInInstagram
This week, we’re talking with Avi Fishman, a Lean Master Black Belt and Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive experience in healthcare systems process improvement who — at the time we recorded our interview — recently found himself looking for his next job. We talked with him about his career path from an NYPD officer to health care administrator, his approach to leveraging his professional network, and his advice for all on remaining “resume ready.”This episode also marks the 200th published episode of “Problem Solved.” Since we launched in May 2019, we have talked with professionals, students, authors, and business leaders in the fields of industrial and systems engineering, healthcare systems, and ergonomics as well as the numerous industries and academia in-between. We’re grateful for the wisdom and insights of our guests, and we’re especially thankful to our listeners — spanning the globe across more than 125 countries. We’re planning to return with new episodes of “Problem Solved” as well as our new Q&A series “ExpertISE” in 2025.
In this week’s episode, Chris Tonn*, director of outreach and networking for IISE’s Modeling and Simulation Division, sits down with Jarrod Thome.Jarrod is an Operations Manager in McDonald’s Global Operations Strategy & Standards department, where he uses his expertise in simulation modeling to tackle big questions for one of the world’s most recognized brands. With a career spanning roles at the United States Postal Service and Spirit Aerosystems, Jarrod has developed and implemented simulation models across diverse industries, including aircraft manufacturing and logistics.In this conversation, Jarrod shares how simulation modeling drives innovation at McDonald’s, from understanding customer behavior to optimizing global operations. He also offers insights into lessons learned throughout his career and the future of modeling in both manufacturing and service industries.*(When he's not podcasting for IISE, Chris Tonn is a simulation engineer for Spirit AeroSystems Inc. in the Manufacturing Integration Technology, Future Factory Team.)
James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "What role does ethics play in ISE and how are students prepared to handle ethical dilemmas in the field?"
This week on ExpertISE — Javier Masini, industrial engineer with Value Management Strategies Inc. and an IISE instructor, answers the following question: "Can ISE principles be applied to non-manufacturing sectors?"
James Swisher, IISE's Director of Continuing Education, returns to ExpertISE this week to offer his insights on the following question: "How can students gain practical experience or internships in the industrial and systems engineering field while still in school?"
Eric Hassen, president of the Applied Ergonomics Society, and Martha Parker, AES board member and Project Manager for the Texas A&M Center for Worker Health, discuss how to develop ergo programs to improve worker safety, remote work challenges for ergonomists and the benefits of belonging to the society.
Billy D.
I may be in the minority, but I think the Chick-FIL-A drive thru is a cluster. The wrap around line, iPad ordering and outside cashier seem to be bottlenecks at my local store. When I heard that they actually have IEs, I was in shock. I tell my wife everytime we go that they should've consulted with some IEs
KateSos75
really interesting conversation!!