Operate Smarter
Operate Smarter
Podcast Description
There’s a reason why great operations leaders come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some started behind the wheel; others in finance offices, dispatch centers, or job sites. These diverse viewpoints are powerful — they help us see and solve problems in ways that others can’t.
This podcast unpacks the strategies and insights that drive the industries we rely on, giving you direct access to operations leaders who are making a positive impact. From reducing safety incidents at massive organizations to improving uptime and driving efficiency, they've reshaped operations by combining experience with technology.
Whether you’re in operations, leadership, or simply curious about how things really work, Operate Smarter reveals the strategy behind the operators keeping the world moving.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as safety culture, technological innovation in operations, and human-centered leadership. Episodes explore specific topics like reducing safety incidents during critical operations as discussed in the episode with James Banner, and balancing technology with the human touch in logistics as highlighted by Michael Keller, underscoring the intersection of experience and technology in operational success.
There’s a reason why great operations leaders come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some started behind the wheel; others in finance offices, dispatch centers, or job sites. These diverse viewpoints are powerful — they help us see and solve problems in ways that others can’t.
This podcast unpacks the strategies and insights that drive the industries we rely on, giving you direct access to operations leaders who are making a positive impact. From reducing safety incidents at massive organizations to improving uptime and driving efficiency, they’ve reshaped operations by combining experience with technology.
Whether you’re in operations, leadership, or simply curious about how things really work, Operate Smarter reveals the strategy behind the operators keeping the world moving.
What does it take to keep utility crews safe during everyday work — and in the middle of a hurricane? In this episode of Operate Smarter, host Sean McGee talks with James Banner, SVP of Administration and Safety at Pike Corporation, one of the largest utility infrastructure providers in the U.S.
James shares how Pike built a strong, top-down safety culture over the past two decades — and how real-time data is helping crews work smarter today. You’ll hear what it’s like to lead large-scale storm response efforts, why recognition is critical to retention, and how Pike is thinking about AI for frontline training and hazard prevention.
Guest:
- James Banner: Senior Vice President of Administration & Safety at Pike Corporation
- https://www.pike.com/
Host:
- Sean McGee: VP of Product Management at Samsara
Operate Smarter is an original podcast presented by Samsara.
www.samsara.com
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