Episode 18: From Information to Engagement: Inside Human-Centric Change with Ella Malara

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Ella Malara, a communication expert and human behaviour specialist. Ella is the founder of Ella Malara Strategic Consulting, where she helps managers and organizational leaders boost productivity, reduce turnover, and strengthen engagement through communication strategies rooted in behavioural science. She empowers organizations to view communication not as a soft skill, but as a strategic driver of innovation, trust, and change. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: meaningful human connection is what unlocks real potential—because for Ella, good communication isn’t just about talking, it’s about transforming how people work, lead, and grow together.In our conversation, Ella shares powerful insights on: ⚉ Ella’s Nonlinear Journey from Arts to Organizational Change ⚉ Redefining Communication: Beyond Words and Information⚉ The Shift Toward Visual and Digital Communication⚉ Common Communication Mistakes in Digital Transformations⚉ Building Trust as the Foundation of Any Communication Strategy⚉ Measuring Impact Through Behavioral Change (KBIs)⚉ How Behavioral Science Shapes Ella’s Approach CONNECT WITH ELLA: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenamalara/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, hosts Beatriz Gonzalez, Jos Voskuil, and Maria Morris come together to reflect on an impactful year of conversations across the global PLM community. From human-centric transformation and sustainability to leadership alignment and cultural change, this conversation captures the essence of what shaped PLM in 2025—and what will matter even more in 2026.Let’s take a closer look:⚉ A Broader Range of Voices in the PLM Conversation ⚉ 2025: The Year of the Human Factor in PLM ⚉ The First Human-Centric PLM Conference ⚉ Learning from Both Small and Large PLM Transformations ⚉ Sustainability as a Core PLM Responsibility ⚉ From Training to Early Engagement ⚉ Diversity and Representation in PLM Leadership ⚉ What’s Next for the Share PLM Podcast ⚉ The Share PLM Summit Returns in 2026 ⚉ Bringing the C-Level into the PLM DialogueThe Share PLM Summit 2026Register Here! https://shareplm.com/the-share-plm-summit-2026/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us, and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Torben Pedersen, Head of PLM Program Office at Grundfos and a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in project and portfolio management, digital transformation, and team leadership. With a career spanning senior roles at global companies such as Grundfos, Siemens Gamesa, and Maersk, Torben has led strategic initiatives in Product Lifecycle Management, R&D, and business development.Known for his analytical and structured approach, Torben excels at turning both unstructured ideas and formalized projects into tangible results, always with a strong focus on financial and business value.Outside the corporate world, Torben nurtures his creative side as a passionate music creator. When he’s not leading transformation projects, he produces and shares his own music.In our conversation, Torben dives into a wide range of topics—from the mindset leaders need for successful PLM adoption to the practical steps that move an organization toward digital maturity. Below are the key themes we explored throughout the interview:⚉ Engaging Users Early and Building User Communities⚉ Avoiding a Big Bang Approach: Small, Targeted Implementation Projects⚉ Ownership Within the Business, Not Just the Program Team ⚉ How Grundfos Measures Success Without Traditional ROI Calculations⚉ PLM as an Enabler for New Business Models and Managing Complexity⚉ Governance First: Setting Up Strong Structures Before Execution⚉ The Risk of KPI-Driven Behavior⚉ Early Career Lessons: Meet People Where They Are⚉ The Human Side of PLM: People, Culture, and Communication⚉ Partners, Not Suppliers: A Collaborative Approach to ConsultingMENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:⚉ (Spotify) Golden Grayline: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14DQ2kFzKCkK8NxbK2az3l CONNECT WITH TORBEN: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedersentorben/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Inga Müller, Strategy Manager Digital Twin & Data Lifecycle at WAGO.Inga is a passionate shaper of the future who believes that innovative technologies and new ways of thinking can help us create a better world. As part of WAGO’s Smart Data team, she plays a key role in defining the strategic direction of the company’s Digital Twin initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering, Inga bridges the gap between the product lifecycle and the data lifecycle, connecting the physical and virtual worlds. Her mission is clear: to ensure these two dimensions work hand in hand—unlocking their full potential and delivering maximum value.In this conversation, Inga shares why collaboration and data transparency are key to driving real digital transformation, and how a strategic, people-centered approach can make technology truly impactful.Here are some of the key topics we explore in this episode:⚉ The Meaning and Vision Behind the Digital Twin⚉ Understanding the Digital Product Passport (DPP)⚉ From Requirements to Systems: Building the Foundation Right⚉ The “Big Three” Systems at WAGO⚉ Collaboration Across the Organization⚉ Advice for Organizations: Start EarlyCONNECT WITH INGA: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inga-m%C3%BCller/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Alejandro Espejel, Head of Sales Cement Business Line at Alcemy.Alejandro is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in General Management, Business Development, and Digital Strategy, with a strong focus on the cement industry. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered outstanding results by optimizing business unit performance, leading international teams, and driving large-scale business transformation initiatives.With an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset, Alejandro blends strong analytical capabilities with excellent communication skills and sharp business acumen. As a leader, he believes in co-creating a clear vision, fostering a sense of direction and purpose, and building collaborative, engaged teams that thrive on shared goals. A passionate advocate for diversity in all its dimensions, Alejandro brings both empathy and strategic clarity to his work.He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Monterrey Tech (Mexico, 2003) and an MBA from Copenhagen Business School (Denmark, 2012), both awarded with honors. Currently based in Sweden, Alejandro works in Denmark and travels internationally to connect, learn, and lead in the evolving world of industrial innovation.Here’s a glimpse into what we discussed in this episode:⚉ Understanding the Cement Industry’s Unique Challenges⚉ Balancing Cost, Quality, and Agility⚉ The Cement Industry’s Road to Net Zero⚉ Innovating for a More Sustainable Future⚉ Lessons in Leadership and ReinventionCONNECT WITH ALEJANDRO: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-espejel/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Aleksandra Matuszewska, a transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience at FLSmidth, where she most recently served as Head of Digital Transformation for Professional Services. Aleksandra has led large-scale rollouts of Microsoft Dynamics, introduced AI and remote support tools, and pioneered the use of mixed reality in service and training environments. Now moving into the next chapter of her career, she brings deep insights into what it takes to lead successful change in complex industrial organisations — and how to keep people at the heart of transformation. Aleksandra shared her career journey, leadership philosophy, and lessons learned, beginning with what was meant to be a three‑month internship at FLSmidth in Denmark. That short opportunity turned into 19 years of growth across multiple roles, each shaping her expertise and approach to transformation.⚉ From internship to the leadership⚉ Embracing change as opportunity⚉ Why people should be at the heart of transformation⚉ A blueprint for building global teams and community⚉ Securing stakeholder buy-in and communicating with top management⚉ Skills for digital transformation teams⚉ A proud achievement - Global field service scheduling tool⚉ Advice for women in tech⚉ Turning setbacks into launchpadsCONNECT WITH ALEKSANDRA:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandramatuszewska/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Alex Sampedro, Product Manager for PLM & Development Tools in SKF Group. With over 15 years of international experience across engineering, PLM, and digital transformation, Alex combines strong technical expertise with a people-first leadership approach. Based in Sweden and originally from Spain, he has led global teams across Europe, the Americas, and Asia—translating complex engineering and PLM concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Passionate about driving collaboration and innovation, Alex focuses on creating global standards, improving processes, and enabling teams through effective communication and training.In this conversation, we dive into topics such as:⚉ From Engineering to PLM: A Natural Transition⚉ The Importance of a Global Mindset⚉ Communication: The Heart of Effective PLM⚉ Building Global Standards That Work⚉ Driving Adoption Through Training and Empowerment⚉ Lessons in Leadership and Change Management⚉ The Future of PLM: Simplicity and IntegrationCONNECT WITH ALEX:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsampedro/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Michael Pieper, Managing Director at XPLM Solution GmbH. XPLM is a global provider of integration solutions that connect PLM systems with enterprise applications such as ERP, ALM, ECAD, and MCAD tools. Their focus is on enabling end-to-end digital thread visibility by bridging data silos across engineering and business systems, helping organizations streamline product development and lifecycle management.In this conversation, we take a deep dive into how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining integration—not just as a technical task, but as a strategic enabler of innovation, collaboration, and agility. Here are the core ideas unpacked:⚉ PLM as Strategic Infrastructure, Not Just Software⚉ XPLM’s Mission: Enabling Seamless Integration⚉ Deep Vendor Partnerships and Vendor‑Certified Integration⚉ User-Centric Integration: Making Integration Invisible⚉ Openness: A Growing Trend in Integration Ecosystems⚉ Mastering Data Migrations—With Agility⚉ Exploring AI & Future Innovation in Integration⚉ Integration as a Strategic EnablerCONNECT WITH MICHAEL:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pieper-ba1538116/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Thomas Winden and Kerstin Roulet from T-Systems. Thomas Winden works as Tribe Lead Emerging Business & Innovation at T-Systems. He joined the company in 2012 after eight years in consulting and has since focused on PLM, Agile methodologies, and business development. Since 2022, he has led PLM strategy, partnerships, and portfolio management.Kerstin Roulet is a Change Consultant at T-Systems with a background in PLM and IT. Since joining in 2012, she has specialized in Agile transformation and cultural change, leading initiatives to enhance communication, collaboration, and team dynamics within PLM projects.The conversation explores how T-Systems integrates human-centric methodologies into its PLM projects, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and cultural change as essential elements of success. The company prioritizes helping clients take ownership of their transformation journeys by embedding change management practices into technical implementations. With a clear long-term vision, T-Systems is actively expanding its PLM services beyond traditional industries and regions, positioning itself as a trusted partner in digital product lifecycle transformation. Here are the main themes that emerged:⚉ Organizational Transformation: From Hierarchy to Tribes⚉ “Agile Doing” vs. “Agile Being”⚉ Cultural and Soft‑Skill Enablement⚉ PLM’s New Identity at T‑Systems⚉ Insights for PLM Implementers⚉ Customer Ownership in PLM TransformationCONNECT WITH THOMAS AND KERSTIN:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-roulet-376365147/ ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-winden/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Christoph Klimt. Christoph has completed his bachelor’s in engineering and master’s degree in mechanical engineering at OTH Regensburg, while writing his master's thesis at BMW Group. He then started his career at Bertrandt Group, where he gained extensive engineering knowledge and methodical experience as Concept and Project Engineer. As Virtual Vehicle Lead and later Head of CAD/ PDM at Sono Motors, he was responsible for the optimization of the complete vehicle package and strategy implementation for product data management. He brings great mobility experience and a special focus on the optimization of the innovative Smart Pedal Vehicles at Mocci.Here are the key topics we unpacked:⚉ Implementing PLM Early in a Startup Journey⚉ Prioritizing User Experience from Day One⚉ Electric Bikes for B2B and Addressing Unique Market Demands⚉ Sustainable Design, Digital Transformation, and Out-of-the-Box Configuration⚉ Scalable PLM for Startups⚉ Real-Time Collaboration, Exploration, and Peer Learning⚉ Cloud-First Approach for Security and Scale⚉ Rethinking the Role of IT in PLM Adoption⚉ Standard Processes Work for Startups—If Used Wisely and Planning for Scalability from Day OneCONNECT WITH CHRISTOPH:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophklimt/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!