Bridging IT and OT: Lessons from the Factory Floor with Steve Goudreau

Everyone’s rushing to AI, but few have the foundation to make it work.

In this episode of Next Gen Network Heroes, Bob sits down with Steve Goudreau, Director of IT at Ice Industries, to explore what it really takes to lead in today’s evolving technology landscape. With over three decades of experience, spanning military service, financial services, and manufacturing, Steve brings a grounded, people-first perspective to an industry often obsessed with tools and trends.

The conversation dives into the critical intersection of IT and OT, the realities of implementing AI in manufacturing, and why strong data foundations matter more than ever. Steve also shares candid insights on career growth, mentorship, and the importance of staying curious in a field that never stops changing. Along the way, he brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing reminder: technology works best when it’s built around people, not the other way around.

Takeaways:
→ Start with the foundation, not the hype: AI and new tools are only as effective as the data behind them. If your data isn’t clean and structured, the technology won’t deliver real value.
→ Bridge the gap between IT and OT: Real success in manufacturing happens when IT and OT collaborate closely. Aligning technical strategy with on-the-ground operations leads to better outcomes.
→ Let interest guide career growth: The best career paths are built on genuine curiosity, not forced direction. Lean into what interests you, and the growth will follow.
→ See challenges as opportunities: The toughest, least glamorous problems often create the most growth. Tackling them head-on builds skills that set you apart.
→ Play the long game in your career: Short-term wins fade, but deep knowledge lasts. Invest in continuous learning that compounds over time.
→ Stay close to the people doing the work: The most valuable insights often come from those closest to the action. Listening to frontline teams leads to smarter, more practical decisions.
→ Don’t rely on AI without context: AI is powerful, but it’s not infallible. Human judgment and context are still essential to making the right decisions.

Quote of the Show:
“You have to see challenges as opportunities—not just for the organization, but for yourself.”

Links:
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-goudreau-2b61a9/
→ Website: https://www.iceindustries.com/en