Editor’s Note: Download the audio version below.
Welcome to another episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing, a podcast that asks young people about their journeys in manufacturing, how they intend to influence the industry and what they are looking for from an employer.
This episode welcomes Emily Molstad, a 27-year-old CEO and co-founder at VALIS Insights, a startup and member of Manufacturing USA Institute REMADE that develops AI-powered software designed to close the loop on a circular economy for metal fabrication.
Molstad co-founded VALIS after spending over five years at Solvus Global, a technology-solution provider that specializes in additive manufacturing, machine learning and sustainable materials processing. The concept for VALIS originated at Solvus and was eventually entrusted to Molstad and a co-founder by one of her mentors in 2022.
Molstad was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 North America 2024 edition for manufacturing and industry.
In this episode, Molstad discusses:
- How to give young talent a seat at the table (1:29)
- The entrepreneurial side of Gen Z (4:15)
- Why Gen Z is drawn to the startup culture (6:48)
- How Gen Z views an executive role (8:46)
- How to avoid generational divides in the workplace (10:52)
- What will manufacturing look like when Gen Z is in charge (16:11)
Please make sure to like and share this episode. To view previous episodes, visit Manufacturing.net. If you are a member of Gen Z and would like to discuss your experience in the manufacturing industry, please contact Nolan Beilstein at [email protected].