🎅✨ Here’s the problem: Santa’s operation defies all logic. One night. Billions of deliveries. Zero defects. A global supply chain that never misses a deadline.
So…what if Santa is an industrial and systems engineer?
In this festive special of Problem Solved, IISE members and volunteers share short, creative voice memos imagining how Santa’s North Pole operation uses IE/ISE tools—from logistics optimization to quality management, ergonomics, capacity planning, predictive analytics, Just-In-Time systems, continuous improvement, facility layout, human factors, and more.
You’ll hear six fun, clever, and surprisingly insightful takes on Santa’s world-class system—including:
🎁 Why Santa’s naughty-or-nice list is really a data governance process
🎁 How his workshop rivals Amazon
🎁 How ergonomics keeps the elves injury-free for 500+ years
🎁 Why Santa’s sleigh route is the ultimate Traveling Salesman Problem
🎁 Lean Six Sigma at the North Pole
🎁 And—what the Grinch, Jack Skellington, and Santa can teach us about operations
Then we wrap it all up with a special story from IISE CEO Don Greene, who shares the tale of the Christmas Eve when Santa called IISE for help…and how industrial engineers saved the holiday.
Whether you’re an ISE, a student, a Santa enthusiast, or someone who loves a good systems-thinking twist, this episode is full of joy, clever insights, and holiday magic—the ISE way.
🎄 Happy Holidays from all of us at IISE and Problem Solved!
Thank you to our guests who shared their creativity with us! Ali Anderson, Gordon Quach, Kristine Dungo, Madeline Shoot, Laura Albert, Ashley Benedict, and Don Greene!
🎧 Listen now, share with a colleague, and spread some IE cheer.
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Across industries, teams are solving massive, complex challenges — but too often, those breakthroughs stay hidden inside their organizations. The IISE Innovation Cup, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Knoxville, changes that. It gives teams a global stage to showcase measurable results, real-world impact, and the power of industrial and systems engineering in action.
In this episode of Problem Solved, we take you inside the Innovation Cup- what it is, why it matters, and what great innovation truly looks like.
You’ll hear from:
• Tom Mazzone, Innovation Cup committee member, on why the Cup exists and how it elevates ISE work
• Aniket Ramekar (Mayo Clinic), on the digital door-sign project that transformed clinical workflows
• Rishabh Bhandawat (Smurfit WestRock), on optimizing spare-parts inventory
• Bill Harrington, Innovation Cup committee member, on the criteria that separate a good project from a great one
Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, aerospace, or continuous improvement, this episode will inspire you to look at your systems in a new way — and maybe even submit your own project.
Submissions for the IISE Innovation Cup are now open.
Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup.
Bill Harrington's unedited interview on IISE Innovation Cup judging criteria:
https://youtu.be/fHlwnq74Hqw
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Go behind the scenes of the IISE Innovation Cup, one of the most impactful showcases of industrial and systems engineering innovation. Hear from:
• Tom Mazzone – Why the Cup exists
• Aniket Ramekar – Gold Award winner
• Rishabh Bhandawat – Silver Award winner
• Bill Harrington – What judges look for
Discover how teams across industries are solving complex challenges — and what it takes to stand out.
Make sure you subscribe to Problem Solved so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about the IISE Innovation Cup.
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Large language models aren’t just improving — they’re transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions. In this upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE’s David Brandt talks with Bucknell University’s Dr. Joe Wilck about the true state of LLMs after the first 1,000 days: what’s gotten better, what’s still broken, and why critical thinking matters more than ever.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Autodesk FlexSim
https://www.autodesk.com/
https://www.flexsim.com/
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Large language models aren’t just improving — they’re transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions. In this upcoming episode of Problem Solved, IISE’s David Brandt talks with Bucknell University’s Dr. Joe Wilck about the true state of LLMs after the first 1,000 days: what’s gotten better, what’s still broken, and why critical thinking matters more than ever.
Sponsored by Autodesk FlexSim
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Process, People, and Purpose: Operations the Chick-fil-A Way
Behind every lightning-fast drive-thru order at Chick-fil-A is a carefully designed system supported by real people who care — and continuous improvement that never stops. In this episode of Problem Solved, Elizabeth Grimes talks with Sam Hartman, multi-location Owner/Operator, and Matt Riley, VP of Enterprise Solutions, to uncover how Chick-fil-A balances efficiency with genuine hospitality.
They discuss:
This conversation reveals what truly drives Chick-fil-A’s reputation: not just speed, but purpose, consistency, and care.
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
Here’s the problem — running a restaurant that serves thousands with consistency and care isn’t easy. At Chick-fil-A, every second counts, and every process is engineered for excellence.
In this Problem Solved trailer, Chick-fil-A owner Sam Hartman and Matt Riley, VP of Enterprise Solutions, share how they build systems that balance speed, quality, and human connection.
🎙️ Full episode coming November 11— only on Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast.
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
Here’s the problem: Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most organizations can keep up — and the risks of falling behind are real.
In this episode, futurist and ethnographer Mike Courtney, CEO of Aperio Insights, joins IISE’s David Brandt to unpack how AI is reshaping the way we work, think, and lead. Together they explore:
From dark factories and automation to collaboration, creativity, and behavioral change, Courtney sheds light on how to balance speed, ethics, and adaptability in an AI-driven world.
🎙️ Presented by The Poirier Group — unlocking organizational potential through results-driven solutions.
🔗 thepoiriergroup.com
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
Here’s the problem: AI is evolving faster than most organizations can keep up — and the risks of falling behind are real.
In this episode, futurist and researcher Mike Courtney, CEO of Aperio Insights, joins IISE’s David Brandt to explore how industrial and systems engineers can lead through the AI revolution. From balancing innovation with ethics to building systems that keep “humans in the loop,” this conversation reveals how to harness AI’s power without losing our human advantage.
Full episode available October 28.
🎙️ Presented by The Poirier Group — unlocking organizational potential through results-driven solutions.
🔗 thepoiriergroup.com
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
Much of the world around us—our workplaces, products, and public spaces—was never designed with everyone in mind. That oversight can create barriers, limit performance, and even put people at risk. But when ergonomics meets universal design, inclusion becomes innovation.
In this episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we hear from two leading voices in human factors and ergonomics: Bobbie Watts, past president of IISE’s Applied Ergonomics Society, and Anuja Patil, current president and risk control director at CNA Insurance.
Together, they unpack how universal design principles are reshaping the way we work, build, and live—from accessible workplaces and flexible production lines to AI-powered safety systems and healthcare environments designed for all.
🔹 Learn how “solving for one benefits many.”
🔹 Discover real-world examples of design that improves performance, safety, and longevity.
🔹 Explore how ergonomics and inclusion fuel innovation in the age of AI.
Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or leader, this episode will change how you think about accessibility, efficiency, and the human side of systems design.
🎙️ October is National Ergonomics Month — celebrate with us by learning how thoughtful design makes work better for everyone.
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Learn more about The Applied Ergonomics Division
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
What does it mean to design without limits? In this trailer for Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, past AES president Bobbie Watts and current president Anuja Patil preview their upcoming conversation on how ergonomics and universal design are shaping the workplace of today and tomorrow.
From the curb cut effect to AI-enabled tools, discover how design choices can reduce injuries, improve performance, and expand opportunities for all.
Episode Available October 14.
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Learn more about The Applied Ergonomics Division
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
What happens when an athlete applies industrial and systems engineering principles to her training?
In this inspiring bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, Anwaar Zyoud shares how she earned her black belt in just one month, rose to the national team of Jordan, and competed on international stages all while discovering the power of ISE.
By recording, analyzing, and optimizing her performance just like an engineer would, Anwaar transformed challenges into victories and carried that mindset into her professional career. Today, she serves in the office of His Majesty King Abdullah II.
Her story is proof that ISE can open doors everywhere from the arena to the workplace.
Anwaar Zyoud's video, How ISE Wins Fights
Hannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving Picture
All top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmB
ISE Impact - Short Video Contest Details
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
What do food security, taekwondo, and industrial engineering have in common?
They’re all part of the stories featured in the ISE Impact Short Video Contest—a creative initiative inviting students and professionals to explain the value of industrial and systems engineering (ISE) in just one minute.
In this episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we speak with with Dr. Ana Muriel from UMass Amherst, who helped to spearhead the contest, along with contest winners Hannah Brooks, a nursing student who tackled food security through animated storytelling, and Anwaar Zyoud, an industrial engineer from Jordan who used ISE methods to improve her taekwondo performance.
You’ll hear how these short videos are helping prospective students and the public better understand the power of ISE—and how this field impacts nearly every industry imaginable.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just curious about the hidden role of engineering in everyday life, this episode will challenge you to explore and expand your view of what ISE can do.
👉 Subscribe to Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast for more conversations that showcase how industrial and systems engineers solve the world’s toughest problems.
Hannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving Picture
Anwaar Zyoud's video, How ISE Wins Fights
All top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmB
ISE Impact - Short Video Contest Details
Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Problem Solved on LinkedIn
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org
Many students have never heard of Industrial & Systems Engineering — and even fewer understand the incredible impact it has on the world. This episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast explores a creative solution to that challenge: the ISE Impact Short Video Contest, which invites students and professionals to explain ISE’s value in just 60 seconds.
You'll hear from:
Together, they show how creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving can inspire the next generation of engineers.
What if the way we think about problems is holding us back from solving them?
Tom Wujec — designer, technologist, and multiple-time TED speaker — joins Problem Solved to explore how visual problem solving can help industrial and systems engineers tackle challenges of every size, from simple process fixes to wicked problems like climate change and AI disruption.
In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you work in manufacturing, healthcare, tech, or supply chain, Tom’s approach will expand your toolkit and transform the way you lead teams through today’s most complex challenges.
Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tom's method's in action!
Ted Talks
Build a Tower, Build a Team
Got a Wicked Problem? First, Tell me how you make Toast
Making Ideas Visible
3 Ways the brain creates meaning
"Art Before Breakfast" by Danny Gregory
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by IISE’s Performance Excellence Webinars.
Learn from global thought leaders on operational excellence, data analytics, leadership, and more.
Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Join us for our conversation with Tom Wujec - designer, technologist and multiple TED speaker known for his work in visual collaboration and wicked problem solving.
-Why do traditional approaches often fail when problems get more complex?
-Tom has shared his visual framework with Fortune 500 companies around the world, and now he shares it with us.
See his visual work unfold in action by watching this episode on YouTube! Or catch it wherever you normally listen to your podcasts.
Episode available on September 15, ISE Day!
Special "thank you" to this episode's sponsor, IISE Performance Excellence Webinars - your chance to boost your career and expand your ISE toolkit. From leadership development, to supply chain resilience, to operational analytics, and more — these sessions help you sharpen your skills and improve your organization. Join thought leaders and practitioners from around the world. Learn more at iise.org/performance-excellence.
Get ready for Season 6 of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast! This season we're spotlighting human-centered solutions in areas like AI, leadership, and process improvement. You'll hear from TED Talk speaker and innovator, Tom Wujec, Chick-fil-A franchise leader Sam Hartman, young professionals at the start of their ISE journey, and more.
The season kicks of on #ISEDay, September 15 - a global celebration of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Join us to hear how every great solution is a story worth telling!
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A new season, a new direction. Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast is back!
New executive producer, Elizabeth Grimes, and the show’s creator, David Brandt take you behind the mic of Problem Solved. Hear how the podcast began and what’s coming in Season 6, with new episodes beginning on September 15, ISE Day!
Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi from the University of Rhode Island, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.
SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.
Listen to this #IISEAnnual2025 podcast break with Jingfei Chen, senior principle product manager at ServiceNow, recorded live on the floor of the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2025 in Atlanta. Hit play to relive the energy, steal an idea before your next coffee refill, and stay plugged into the #IISEAnnual2025 buzz — wherever you engineer impact.
SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING: At the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department prepares students not just to be team players — but to become dynamic leaders. Ranked among the Top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, both the College and department are recognized for academic excellence and innovation. With flexible programs and industry-relevant certifications, such as our Lean Six Sigma program at lss.uh.edu we equip learners at every level to break through outdated systems and lead meaningful transformation. Discover more at ie.uh.edu.