Podomation

In this episode, we're taking you inside the ISA Automation Summit and Expo in Orlando. The tech was great: robots, AI, and new standards. But the same theme kept coming up in hallway conversations. Automation depends on people. And people, even the most accomplished ones, doubt themselves. This episode features interviews with our keynote speaker, our president, our president-elect, and some of the best voices in our community, on how to build courage, find your people, and grow your career.

This episode of Podomation is an encore presentation of a panel presented during the ISA Automation Summit & Expo in September 2026.

This session examined practical, risk-focused methods for securing operational technology in the water sector. We explored how frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443 and programs like the NRWA Cybersecurity Circuit Rider help utilities of all sizes prioritize meaningful risk reduction rather than merely checking compliance boxes.

Presenters:

The recent cyberattacks against water systems have raised concerns throughout the US water sector. What should system operators consider as they move to assess their risk, shore up vulnerabilities and ensure that water systems are adequately protected? This episode addresses the role of standards such as ISA/IEC 62443, the impact of regulation and perhaps the most significant factor of all: operator training and preparation. 

Interested in more on this topic? 

Join ISA for a recap of day two of the OT Cybersecurity Summit, held in June 2026 in Prague. Speakers include:

Join ISA for a recap of day one of the OT Cybersecurity Summit, held in June 2026 in Prague. Speakers include:

Operational technology (OT) systems are vital for the control, operation and security of shipboard processes. But in today's threat landscape, is the maritime sector adequately defending against cyber attacks?  

Panelists
Morgan Foor, Moderator
Marco Ayala, Director, Technical - Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CoE), Global Energy, ABS Consulting
Steve Mustard, President and CEO, National Automation, Inc.

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, repres...

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:

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/Sust...

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, C...

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:

Just a qu...

Welcome to Podomation, a new podcast from ISA, the International Society of Automation. 

We will be covering all things automation and industrial cybersecurity. 

Our guests are subject matter experts from throughout the industrial automation community. And they will talk about industry 4.0, digital transformation, manufacturing and machine control, connectivity and cybersecurity for operational technology, and continuous and batch processing.

Some episodes will be live from ISA events, and others recorded in studio. But no matter what, we will focus on the critical role that automation plays in making the world a better place.