Barbara returns to a theme she’s been hearing more and more from policymakers, educators, and industrial leaders alike: how to truly bring back American manufacturing. While much of the attention is focused on high-profile greenfield projects—brand-new, high-tech factories—there’s an equally urgent priority hiding in plain sight: transforming the factories we already have. In this episode, Barbara welcomes back Del Costy, President and Managing Director at Siemens Digital Industries, to talk about the “brownfield”—the 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers that are small and mid-sized enterprises already operating today. Del shares what he’s hearing from customers on the ground, the challenges they face with legacy systems, and the practical solutions available now. This episode reveals the technologies and strategies that can help legacy manufacturers adopt change at the speed of relevance.

Show notes: LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7171212265625374720/

MIT professor, entrepreneur, and manufacturing visionary Dr. John Hart joins the show to continue the podcast’s focus on what it will really take to bring back American manufacturing. Together, John and Barbara explore how revitalizing U.S. industry will require more than cutting-edge technologies—it will take collaborative ecosystems that span education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. From insights into the latest trends in automation and 3D printing, to a bold rethinking of who today’s “technologists” are, this conversation dives into what it takes to transform both greenfield and brownfield operations. With expertise drawn from the intersection of the lab and shop floor, Dr. Hart helps paint a picture of what’s possible when ecosystems align—and how we can turn this manufacturing moment into lasting progress.

Show notes

Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter

Press Release: Siemens Founding Member of MIT Initiative designed to transform U.S. manufacturing through research, innovation and training

MIT Technology Review Insights, created in partnership with Siemens

Washington Post Live Podcast: Siemens CEO Barbara Humpton on the 'fourth industrial revolution'

In the latest episode of Optimistic Outlook, Barbara dives into the heart of America’s manufacturing revival, drawing parallels from the high-octane world of IndyCar racing to the industrial tech sector driving economic growth.

Discover how cutting-edge are not just giving racing teams a competitive edge but also fueling the transformation of U.S. manufacturing. Learn why these advancements matter to manufacturers, business leaders, policymakers, and workers eager to shape the next chapter of American industry.

If you care about strengthening supply chains, creating high-paying jobs, and fostering innovation, this episode is for you. From revitalizing small and medium-sized factories to building a resilient workforce and modernizing energy infrastructure, Barbara outlines a clear roadmap to accelerate industrial growth. Tune in to uncover how we can hit the accelerator on America’s industrial future—and why now is the time to start those engines.

Show notes

Subscribe to Barbara's LinkedIn Newsletter

Andretti Global Announces Siemens as Indianapolis 500 Primary Partner for Kyle Kirkwood