From the next generation to ensuring our current automation professionals are prepared for leadership roles, developing career skills is a huge part of what we do at the International Society of Automation (ISA). Leadership and culture are the multipliers—building psychological safety, clarity, and opportunity. Attendees at the recent Automation Summit & Expo said that their favorite session was about leadership lessons from bees. ISA sat down after the event with the presenter of that session to get her thoughts.

Speakers:
- Liz Neiman, Host
- Leigh-Kathryn Bonner, Bee Downtown

In this special episode of our podcast, we cover ISA’s flagship event, the Automation Summit and Expo, which took place on 5-7 October 2025. From the expo floor to the keynote stage, everyone was focused on one idea: adapt faster. Today, we’ll go deep on security and cyber resilience, explore edge intelligence and how automation informs data-to-decisions, and hear how immersive training and ISA’s community are shaping the next generation.

Speakers:
- Liz Neiman, Host
- Matt Bolick, Fortinet
- Mike Bova, Acronis
- Sachin Vasudeva, ZEDEDA
- Adne Olsen, representing ISA100
- Tom Liston, Bad Wolf Security
- Joe Bastone, Honeywell
- Bob Rice, Control Station
- Brandon Turnage, IglooVision
- Steve Mustard, National Automation, Inc.
- Andrea Holovach, ISA
- Elijah Bracken, Missouri University of Science and Technology
- David Sanni, Houston Community College
- Leigh-Kathryn Bonner, Bee Downtown
- Ashley Weckwerth, ISA President-Elect
- Leticia Zarpellon, Audubon Companies
- Felipe Sabino Costa, MOXA Americas
- Scott Reynolds, ISA President
- Douglas Hurley, retired NASA astronaut

Farming is one of the oldest industries, but it faces some very modern opportunities and challenges in today's environment. Our panelists share how automation technologies can have a positive impact on farmers, and what cybersecurity measures those who work in the agriculture field should address.

Panelists:

• Leo Staples, Staples Farm, ISA Past President
• Jim McGlone, CTO, Automation Strategy and Performance
• Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, Founding Director, Cyber Science Lab, University of Guelph

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated annually on 23 June to recognize the achievements of women engineers and to encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in engineering. To support our women in engineering and STEM programs we brought together some leading experts, who are all female, under 40, and in high level positions. Let’s get to know our guests, how they got into engineering, who influenced their career paths and what advice they have for the next generation.


Panelists:
Morgan Foor, Moderator
Dr. Lauren Goodwin, Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, AI/Cybersecurity/Sustainability
Colleen Goldsborough, Industry Sales Manager, United Electric Supply
Megan Samford, Chief Security Officer, US National Security Agreements and US Federal Business, Schneider Electric
Lauren Neal, Founder and Chief Programme Creator, Valued at Work

The landscape of maritime cybersecurity has evolved significantly, driven by current events, increasing digitization and the adoption of emerging technologies. These changes enhance operational capabilities, but also introduce vulnerabilities. Regulation and standards introductions have been pivotal in guiding the integration of cyber risk management into safety management systems onboard ships. However, a primary concern in maritime cybersecurity is OT systems, which are vital for the control and operation of physical shipboard processes.

Panelists:
Sean Plankey, Global Head of Cybersecurity Software, Willis Towers Watson
Michael DeVolld, Senior Principal Consultant, American Bureau of Shipping
Kevin Duffy, CEO, Maritime Imperative
Marco Ayala, President, Infragard Houston

One of the largest issues companies worldwide face today is the technology gap between generations. How are universities working with students to get them ready to take on issues they may face with new technologies?

Panelists:
Paul Cooper, Michigan State University
Paul Graham, The University of Sunderland
James Sheridan, Head of Asia Pacific, IglooVision

Podomation is a podcast brought to you by ISA, the International Society of Automation.

As the world starts to think about how new technology and sustainability conversations impact their business, where is Australia in the process? Robotics and digital twins have made an impact on these major global issues in Australia. Our experts will reflect on the cutting-edge technologies, how they position Australia and how to keep the technology cyber safe.

Panelists:
James Sheridan, Head of Asia Pacific, IglooVision
Peter Jackson, Engineering Manager - Cyber, SGS
David Dickson, Senior Managing Director, Accenture

Podomation is brought to you by ISA, the International Society of Automation.

We are excited to launch our first episode with a panel discussion recorded live at the ISA OT Cybersecurity Summit in Aberdeen, Scotland. This was an awesome event with simultaneous tracks focused on supply chain and threat intelligence, and lots of information and best practices focused on how standards and conformance programs can support operational technology cybersecurity.

Panelists:

• Cheri Caddy, Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director, Office of the National Cyber Director, the White House
• Steve Mustard, conference chair, former ISA president, President & CEO National Automation, Inc.
• Chris Blask, Vice President of Strategy at Cybeats

Just a quick production note – because this was recorded live from a conference, the audio quality varies a bit depending upon the speaker. Unfortunately we had to cut a few things out, as they just could not quite be understood. All the same, the content is great and the speakers have a lot of wonderful insights to share, so thank you for bearing with us. We will take some of these lessons learned to the next time we record live from an ISA event!