EPIC Office Hours brought together industry professionals for straightforward discussions about the challenges and opportunities in the pumps and rotating equipment community. We had upcoming EPIC speakers and experienced experts join us – people with decades of hands-on experience in leadership, engineering, maintenance, and business development. The conversations covered both technical complexities and the human factors that drive successful operations.
The AI discussion was practical and focused on fundamentals rather than chasing trends. Participants shared how to determine when AI actually solves problems versus when it’s just technology looking for an application. The conversation showed how our industry adopts new technology thoughtfully, where proven methods and human judgment remain essential for complex problem-solving.
We spent significant time on bridging the gap between experienced professionals and emerging talent. The experienced folks bring context and hard-won knowledge, while younger professionals contribute fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Events like EPIC create opportunities for these different generations to learn from each other, with both sides benefiting from the exchange.
The session explored how historical engineering knowledge continues to provide value, with examples from 1927 mining records to 1944 aqueduct design calculations that helped solve current problems. These stories reinforced that while new technologies evolve rapidly, fundamental engineering principles and well-documented experience remain valuable assets.
Throughout the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of creating positive workplace cultures, developing talent, and ensuring young professionals understand the opportunities available in our industry. The conversation showed that effective leadership extends beyond technical skills to include mentoring and building environments where people can grow.
Keep the Conversation Going:
Want more of these discussions? Join us at EPIC 2025 – November 5-6 in Pasadena, Texas. It’s a great way to continue these conversations in person and connect with more industry professionals who get it.
