Workforce Programs, Technology Development and More with Jason Wells

Inside IALR

#Science #Tech #Government #Institute For Advanced Learning And Research #Institute For Advanced Learning #Podcasting Education #Workforce Development #Economic Development #Research #Economic Growth #Public-private Partnerships

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 26:37

MP3•Episode home

Jason Wells, who recently joined IALR as the Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, joins the show to outline the division's impact and how he plans to contribute to its success. Wells highlights

His career experiences (1:06)
What led him to take this new role with IALR (4:42)
Some of the different programs and focus areas of the Manufacturing Advancement division (7:00)
A three-pronged partnership with the U.S. Navy (13:00)
His vision for the division (19:45)

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching.
Get updates from IALR on other channels:

46 episodes

Workforce Programs, Technology Development and More with Jason Wells

Inside IALR

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

His career experiences (1:06)
What led him to take this new role with IALR (4:42)
Some of the different programs and focus areas of the Manufacturing Advancement division (7:00)
A three-pronged partnership with the U.S. Navy (13:00)
His vision for the division (19:45)

46 episodes

All episodes

Inside IALR

1
The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program 30:51

4 days ago30:51

30:51

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Listen in as they share: Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work. Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability. Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience. How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates. The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense 25:09

18 days ago25:09

25:09

In this episode of Inside IALR , we dive deep into the world of metrology, a crucial trade that plays a significant role in national defense manufacturing. The episode features Tony Almeida, Regional Sales Manager at Mitutoyo, and Jarrod Hankins, Metrology Instructor at IALR's Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Metrology is the science of measurement. It ensures that parts are manufactured with incredible precision, often down to microns. Together, they highlight how metrology ensures that parts used in defense manufacturing, particularly in the Navy’s shipbuilding and repair operations, meet the highest standards of quality. Episode Highlights 0:47 - What is metrology, and how is it used in manufacturing? 3:09 - The role of IALR’s precision metrology lab in supporting the Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center 6:56 - Key metrology tools, from calipers to 3D laser scanning 8:36 - Inside the precision metrology lab: The significance of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) 17:04 - The importance of calibration and ensuring precision in every tool 22:06 - How metrology helps support the national defense industrial base The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Restoring Hope: the Mission of God's Pit Crew 27:56

6 weeks ago27:56

27:56

Let's hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God's Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God's Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries in their 26-year history. Randy shares the remarkable growth of God's Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment of constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact. Highlights include: • Origins and Growth of God's Pit Crew (00:45) • Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15) • Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30) • Local Community Impact (12:20) • Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50) • Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05) To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit godspitcrew.org. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools 32:13

8 weeks ago32:13

32:13

Let's hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers. Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement. Highlights include: What is GO TEC? (00:36) Rapid statewide growth (01:42) Hands-on career exploration (04:00) Partnering across Virginia (05:43) Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38) Bridging the high school gap (23:54) STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers 19:07

10 weeks ago19:07

19:07

Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR's Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience. • Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths • IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences • Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation • Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer • Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions • Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships • Internships don't have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work well Learn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/ The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey 30:40

12 weeks ago30:40

30:40

This episode features Daniel Hyler and Tim Holland—two graduates turned additive manufacturing instructors with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Hear them discuss lessons they picked up along the way, plus real-world applications of additive manufacturing in today’s job market. Listen in as they discuss: Jumping from Student to Instructor : How they found their calling in the classroom. The ‘Light Bulb’ Moment : Why watching a student finally “get it” is so rewarding. Industry Readiness : Helping companies embrace the possibilities of 3D printing. Career Pathways : Creating your own opportunities in an evolving field. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Building Stronger Local Food Systems 21:45

14 weeks ago21:45

21:45

In this episode of Inside IALR , Value Chain Coordinator Mitchell Doss highlights a new initiative aimed at strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food ecosystem. Funded by a Tobacco Commission grant, Mitchell’s work focuses on helping farmers broaden their reach to new markets while ensuring communities gain greater access to fresh, local produce and products. Hear how Mitchell’s journey—from IALR intern to horticulture researcher—shapes his approach to connecting producers, institutions, and consumers for an economically vibrant and sustainable future. In this episode: What a Value Chain Coordinator does The importance of robust local food networks for economic growth Current gaps and opportunities in Southern Virginia’s food system Strategies for driving collaboration between farmers, buyers and communities Details on upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involved For more information on Mitchell’s work and how you can connect, visit IALR.org/valuechain. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
From Blueprint to Reality: Moving into the ATDM Maritime Training Center 18:46

16 weeks ago18:46

18:46

Question: How do you move an active training program with massive, sophisticated equipment into a new facility without halting progress? Answer: An abundance of planning—and the determination to make it happen. In this episode, Senior Facilities Manager Stewart East and Assistant Director of Advanced Training and Operations Wesley Cifers explain: Preparation: Months of logistical strategizing for a multi-phase relocation Execution: Coordinating staff, resources, and external partners over the holidays Outcome: A smoother transition to the ATDM Maritime Training Center, where the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program now has a permanent home Episode highlights include: • Transition to a significant new facility after years in a temporary space • Overview of the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing program • Importance of modern labs and dedicated training spaces • Planning and executing a complex multi-phase move • Coordination with internal staff and external partners • Growth goals of expanding student enrollment • Enhancements in the learning environment and student experience • Recognition of community and team support during the move The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Training the Workforce in Industrial Fermentation Processes 13:04

18 weeks ago13:04

13:04

Industrial fermentation—a core biotechnology process that harnesses living organisms—is a growing discipline used across multiple industries. In this episode of Inside IALR , we recap IALR’s first week-long fermentation workshop, offered in partnership with Virginia Tech and industry experts. Joining the conversation are Dr. Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President of Applied Research at IALR; Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor with Virginia Tech's Department of Biochemistry; and Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager for Bioprocessing at Distek, Inc. They share insights on: Fundamentals of fermentation and its real-world applications Workshop structure, participants, and hands-on training Interdisciplinary skills needed for success in fermentation Importance of collaboration between academia and industry Plans for expanding future fermentation training programs The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
A Decade of Service and Impact: Dan River Year AmeriCorps 33:07

20 weeks ago33:07

33:07

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program celebrates its decade of impact in the community. The episode highlights the evolution of the program and its multifaceted approach to address educational gaps in STEM and literacy. This episode features Dana Silicki (Director of STEM, Service, and Lifelong Learning at IALR), Audia Harris (Program Coordinator at IALR), and Adam Goebel (Executive Director of the Danville Science Center), each of whom share their unique perspective on the impact of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program. Episode highlights include: • Overview of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program • The evolution of focus from STEM to include literacy • Recruitment processes and member demographics • AmeriCorps members' roles in classrooms and mentoring • Success stories demonstrating program impact • Future directions for community service and educational efforts • Current recruitment opportunities for interested members The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Collaborative Forces in Maritime and Additive Manufacturing 56:14

25 weeks ago56:14

56:14

The U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE), a linchpin in maritime technological advancement, is located inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement on the IALR campus. This episode highlights the AM CoE as a collaborative hub of strategic importance in meeting the U.S. Navy's ambitious submarine production goals. This project is driving manufacturing innovation forward. IALR Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement Jason Wells is joined by Advanced Manufacturing Director Jesse Geisbert and Additive Manufacturing Program Manager Aaron Wiest, both from the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). They discuss the impact of the Navy’s AM CoE and the success stories where the project has prototyped and delivered mission-critical parts for ships and submarines much quicker than traditional methods, such as castings and forgings, and supply chains could have. This informative discussion includes: What is the Maritime Industrial Base? (01:03) Advanced manufacturing technology development (06:54) Partnering with the Maritime Industrial Base (08:54) Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (11:25) Public/private partnerships (18:41) Success stories (24:44) NASAM & ATDM (31:54) Another success story (40:04) AM CoE partners (50:27) Parting thoughts (53:15) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Transforming the Region for 20 Years - Building an Anniversary Special Series 52:57

27 weeks ago52:57

52:57

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years. For the fourth and final anniversary episode, guest host Daniel Dalton is joined by two important guests who are vital to driving economic transformation: IALR President Telly Tucker and Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Regional Alliance (SVRA). There aren't many facilities that serve such a multi-purpose function as the main IALR building, which offers a full-service conference center, on-site café, educational classrooms, research labs for different purposes and a high bay, all in one building. The building has hosted visiting international patrons and guests, governors, various ranking military officials, regional representatives and educators. As economic developers, Telly and Linda have also used the building (and now the IALR campus as a whole) as one of the primary selling points for companies interested in locating in Southern Virginia. Background and early career (00:45) Reactions to the construction of IALR (05:13) Catalyzing economic transformation (08:39) Since day one (15:30) Evolution of IALR (16:30) The building as a tool for economic development (27:41) IALR as a host (35:32) Flexing to meet demands (44:51) Hopes for the next twenty years (46:33) Parting thoughts (51:12) For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/ . The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Conference Center Tales - Building an Anniversary Special Series 57:50

29 weeks ago57:50

57:50

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years. This third-anniversary episode features the two longest-tenured employees of both the Conference Center and all of IALR: Diana Parrish (Event Planner and Services Operations Coordinator) and Ellen Bass (Sales and Marketing Manager). From moving into the building and holding an event before it was fully completed to now hosting multi-day, international conferences, Diana and Ellen share their conference center story experiences and stories from the last twenty years. Throughout all those years, updates and technological improvements, Ellen and Diana highlight how the mission of the Conference Center remains the same: serve excellence and open IALR to the public. Background and early career (00:44) Nearing completion and moving in (02:51) The first event/getting the word out & educating the public (07:09) Catering challenges (10:24) Megabytes Café (14:15) Initial responsibilities and early events (18:20) Trading spaces – how the building has changed (24:27) Home to the Piedmont Governor’s School (29:18) Conferences, baby showers, birthday parties, radio dance parties, weddings, Old McDonald’s Farm, oh my! (30:02) Keeping up with the times (41:36) Service Excellence (44:02) Connecting the IALR Conference Center (48:01) Renovating in 2020 (49:51) Looking ahead twenty years (53:15) Closing thoughts (56:22) For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/ . The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
Better Call Maintenance - Building an Anniversary Special Series 54:08

31 weeks ago54:08

54:08

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years. This second special anniversary episode features two maintenance professionals who have kept the building operational all these years: Jeff Forlines (retired Facilities Maintenance) and Stewart East (Senior Facilities Manager). From opening locked office doors to changing 4,000 light bulbs in 2,800 light fixtures, Jeff shares how he did some of everything as a one-man maintenance team for almost nine years before Stewart was hired. They share stories about moving large research equipment through a standard-size door, explain the process of painting the Atrium’s tall ceiling and highlight their special trick to get helium balloons down from a 30-foot ceiling. Jeff fondly remembers getting to watch fireworks from the roof on the Fourth of July because he was fixing the AC unit. Jeff’s background and early career (00:37) Stewart’s background and early career (07:01) Advantages of seeing what’s behind the walls (08:47) Growing campus brings Stewart on board (20:08) Fitting equipment through a door (24:30) Challenges of a growing campus (25:28) Installing a walk-in freezer (28:21) Cleaning all this glass (34:12) Jeff’s reaction to seeing IALR for the first time (37:19) Converting to LED (39:00) Tight spaces and a hot roof (41:45) Lessons learned during employment (43:25) Getting familiar with the building and campus (46:38) Looking ahead twenty years (48:03) Closing thoughts (50:46) Help desk ticketing system (51:26) For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/ . The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories…

Inside IALR

1
The Mind Behind the Iconic IALR Building: Dewberry's Larry Hasson - Building an Anniversary Special Series 1:05:14

34 weeks ago1:05:14