I work with manufacturing leaders who are navigating AI, automation, and workforce change without losing the human judgment and knowledge their operations depend on. My work explores a question I believe every manufacturer needs to be asking: How do we gain the advantages of intelligent technology without engineering human capability out of the operation?
I'm a Certified Speaking Professional, host of the Manufacturers' Network podcast, and author of 13 books, including my newest, Smart Plant™: Aligning AI, Automation, and People. Before becoming a professional speaker, I spent more than 13 years in industrial sales, including seven years in the welding industry, which gave me plenty of time on manufacturing floors and an appreciation for the people who really know how things work.
I earned my MBA from Cleveland State University and am a Past President of the National Speakers Association Ohio Chapter. I'm also a proud Cleveland native. Scott and I have been blissfully married since 1996, and we share our home with three very spoiled cats, Simba, Bonnie and Clyde (and yes, the kittens are just as much trouble as their name suggests.)
Please choose this time slot if you are a guest on "The Manufacturers Network" podcast. The interview will last 25- 30 minutes. The extra time may be needed for tech checks and pre- and post-interview conversation. Thanks!
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“Lisa spoke at our highly-attended Annual Meeting in Napa and honestly challenged the very experienced leaders in the room, which led to an incredible presentation and discussion... Lisa made it apparent that we all have our work cut out for us and gave us important and tangible insight that inspired those in attendance. She isn't just a speaker, she becomes part of the team.”
Rebecca Brinkley
Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance / AGMA
“Lisa Ryan was great to work with and a true professional... Her presentation resonated with our attendees, connecting workplace culture and employee retention directly to the challenges facing manufacturing and fabrication companies today. Lisa brought tremendous energy to the room, kept the audience engaged, and had people smiling throughout the session. Attendees continued talking about her presentation for the rest of the meeting.”
Tim O'Toole
Executive Director - STI/SPFA
“Lisa was a very effective speaker. She engaged the crowd, had us interact, and it was the perfect balance of presentation and camaraderie.”
Mike Meyer
President, NADCA
“I've worked with a lot of speakers over the years, and Lisa Ryan was one of the few who actually took the time to understand our organization before the event... Her keynote connected immediately because it felt specific to our industry, not generic.”
Paul Kaspszak
Executive Director, Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association