How to Turn Curiosity, Connection & Data into Real-World Leadership Impact
What do silent LinkedIn followers, fine wine investors, AI leaders, and crypto regulators have in common?
They’re all redefining what influence, trust, and innovation mean in 2025. This week’s Top Voices lineup dives deep into the future of business and leadership—from uncovering the hidden power of your quietest audience to understanding how policy, people, and purpose shape global progress.
Whether you’re learning how to engage invisible supporters, turning AI trends into measurable results, investing in fine wine and digital assets with confidence, or reimagining leadership for a reshored workforce, these six conversations deliver clarity in a noisy world.
Because the next era of growth isn’t just technological—it’s human, ethical, and intentional.
Why Are Reshored Factories Still Struggling to Hire — and How Do We Fix It?
Manufacturing is making a comeback — but not because of automation alone.
On Top Voices Tuesday, host Michael Lopez sat down with Joe Sprangel, DBA a manufacturing veteran turned leadership consultant, to unpack what truly powers reshoring: people, purpose, and perception.
Sprangel, who spent decades in factories and now mentors executives on human-centered leadership, argues that the future of U.S. manufacturing won’t be built by machines — it’ll be built by workers who feel seen, skilled, and valued.
Together, they unpacked the leadership crisis, labor shortages, and technological opportunities shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing—proving that the sector’s revival depends less on machines and more on mindset.
Before any new facility breaks ground, Joe challenges leaders to rethink what manufacturing looks and feels like in 2025.
Here are the four people-driven lessons reshaping America’s industrial revival.
1. How to Close the Manufacturing Talent Gap with Purpose and Perception
“Over 65 % of manufacturers struggle to recruit, and the skills gap remains the number-one challenge in reshoring.” — Joe Sprangel, DBA
Joe Sprangel emphasized that reshoring can’t succeed without fixing manufacturing’s biggest blind spot — its image problem. Many younger workers still associate factory jobs with outdated stereotypes: “dirty, monotonous, and low-paying.” In reality, today’s advanced manufacturing facilities often resemble high-tech labs filled with automation, robotics, and clean production environments.
A Deloitte + Manufacturing Institute study predicts that 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, largely because of these outdated perceptions. Similarly, Investopedia reports that nearly half of new U.S. manufacturing jobs created over the next decade may remain vacant due to a shortage of skilled labor and limited awareness of career potential — reinforcing that perception and education are just as vital as policy and technology.
To attract the next generation of skilled talent, manufacturers must reframe their story — shifting from a narrative of labor to one of innovation, sustainability, and purpose.
2. Why Inclusive Hiring May Be the Hidden Solution to Labor Shortages
“Eighty-five percent of autistic individuals lack meaningful employment, yet many thrive in repetitive, detail-oriented work.” — Joe Sprangel, DBA
Sprangel emphasized that inclusion isn’t charity — it’s competitive advantage. Neurodivergent employees often excel in roles requiring pattern recognition and attention to detail.
Harvard Business Review reports companies that embrace neurodiversity see higher innovation and retention.
🔗 Learn how inclusive hiring builds resilient organizations in this Harvard Business Review analysis.
3. How Human-Centered Leadership Can Revive Productivity
“Treating employees like family boosts engagement and retention.” — Joe Sprangel, DBA
Sprangel emphasized that leadership grounded in empathy creates both loyalty and innovation. He shared an example inspired by Bob Chapman, who chose salary reductions over layoffs during downturns—a move that preserved morale and productivity.
This philosophy mirrors research from Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report showing that engaged employees drive 23% higher profitability.
4. How AI Can Augment People—Not Replace Them
“AI should eliminate the mundane so humans can do the meaningful.” — Joe Sprangel, DBA
Sprangel believes AI’s role is to empower—not erase—the workforce.
He cited Salesforce’s redeployment strategy, where staff were upskilled instead of laid off after automation improvements. This approach mirrors PwC’s AI at Work Study, which found that AI augmentation can boost productivity by up to 40% without job loss.
What Ethical Leadership Teaches Us About the Future of Manufacturing
Sprangel’s vision reframes U.S. manufacturing as a human enterprise—one where technology supports people, not the other way around.
From inclusive hiring to radical humanism, his insights underscore a truth many leaders overlook:
“Companies that inspire and care for employees will always attract the best talent.” — Joe Sprangel, DBA
As reshoring accelerates, the path forward isn’t just about machines—it’s about meaning, culture, and care.
What’s Next?
📺 Catch the full episode on-demand: The Manufacturing Conundrum: People at the Heart of Reshoring
- In YouTube
Connect with speakers:
- Check out Joe Sprangel’s LinkedIn for more on human-centered manufacturing and leadership transformation.
Join the next episode of Top Voice Tuesday with Marcus Chan on November 11 at 12:00 PM EST on LinkedIn Live. Register here!
📬 Get the most of the insights from our featured Top Voices in this episode!
- Connect with Michael Lopez to explore global conversations on leadership, innovation, and community building through Top Voices Tuesday.
- Learn from Michael’s latest thinking on change and transformation, along with current topics discussed on the Top Voice Tuesday Podcast and subscribe.
Are You Missing LinkedIn’s Hidden Signals That Boost Your Reach?
What makes silent followers so powerful, even when they’re not engaging visibly? Denise Murtha Bachmann explains why these followers often convert to loyal customers—and how to spot their subtle signals.
Stop worrying about low likes and comments. The brutal truth?
Silent followers are often your most valuable audience, influencing buying decisions without ever interacting publicly. In her latest Blue TV episode, LinkedIn Top Voice Denise Murtha Bachmann revealed why these invisible supporters should be your focus.
Here's what most creators miss: The key to engaging silent followers lies in tracking their indirect signals—like profile views and connection requests—not just likes and comments.
The Breakthrough: Recognizing and Engaging Silent Followers
Denise emphasized how silent followers drive business growth despite their lack of visible engagement. These “silent watchers” are still invested and are likely to make a purchase. You just need to recognize the signals they’re sending.
- Profile Views A sudden uptick in profile views after posting means silent followers are checking you out, even if they’re not commenting.
- Connection Requests An increase in connection requests, especially from second-degree contacts, indicates growing interest.
Infographic on engaging silent followers with indirect signals like profile views and connection requests.
Engage Silent Followers with Subtle Tactics
Denise shared actionable strategies to connect with your silent audience without overwhelming them. Instead of focusing solely on likes and comments, track the following indirect engagement signals:
- Profile Views Monitor the uptick in profile views after you post. This is a key indicator that silent followers are paying attention.
- Connection Requests Watch for an increase in connection requests, especially from those who may not engage with your posts directly.
Building Trust with Consistent Engagement
Denise also highlighted the importance of consistency. Silent followers trust consistent, authentic engagement, even when they’re not interacting openly. Showing up regularly and authentically builds long-term credibility.
Action Step:
- Track Indirect Engagement: Monitor profile views and connection requests to see if they correlate with your posts.
- Build Trust: Engage consistently, even if it’s not always visible. Silent followers are paying attention.
💡 Stat to Know
LinkedIn profiles with strong headlines receive 30% more profile views (SocialPilot)
What you can do?
Audit your last 10 posts—did you track profile views and connection requests? Start monitoring these indirect engagement signals to ensure you’re connecting with your silent followers effectively.
Replay + Resources
📺 Watch the Full Replay of this week’s Blue TV episode!
- In YouTube
- In LinkedIn
Catch the next episode of Blue TV on November 5 at 11:00 PM EST on LinkedIn Live. Register Here!
📬 Learn more from our LinkedIn Top Voice! Denise Murtha Bachmann
→ Book a 1:1 Sales Strategy Call with Denise!
Can You Really Profit from Collecting Fine Wine? The Insider’s Guide to Auctions & Authenticity
In the November 5, 2025 episode of Inspired Money, host Andy Wang sat down with experts from the wine investment world — Nick Pegna (Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Sotheby’s), Callum Woodcock (Founder & CEO, WineFi), Dustin Wilson, MS (Master Sommelier & Co-founder, Verve Wine), Amanda McCrossin (Sommvivant), and Robbie Steven (Head of Broking, Liv-ex) — to explore how wine auctions and the burgeoning wine investment market are providing new opportunities for investors.
This session provided expert insight into how wine can be viewed as both an investment asset and a passion that holds long-term value. The conversation focused on navigating the auction world, identifying trends, and ensuring authenticity, which are all crucial to making profitable investments.
Four Steps to Learn the Art (and ROI) of Fine Wine Investing
1. How to Maximize Wine Auction Success by Knowing the Market
“The market’s not only about trends, it’s about understanding what’s moving — and moving quickly.” — Nick Pegna
Nick Pegna explained that auction houses track the demand for specific regions, years, and producers. Successful bidders should focus on supply and demand dynamics, especially for rare bottles. For instance, Bordeaux and Burgundy remain strong performers. Keeping a close eye on auction platforms like Sotheby’s will help investors follow market shifts and predict high-value opportunities.
2. Why Provenance Is Crucial for Wine Investment Success
“A bottle’s history and storage condition can raise or destroy its value.” — Amanda McCrossin
Amanda McCrossin stressed that provenance—the history of a bottle’s ownership, storage, and care—is vital when investing in fine wine. Bottles with clear provenance and ideal storage conditions hold higher value and have stronger potential for appreciation. If a bottle’s origin is unclear or poorly documented, it can hurt its investment potential. 🔗
Supporting insight: Wine Spectator explains the role of provenance in wine investment here
3. How Data Analytics Can Revolutionize Wine Investments
“We’re using data models to identify the next big wine that will hit its peak value in a few years.” — Callum Woodcock
Callum Woodcock highlighted the increasing use of data analytics in predicting which wines will appreciate in value. Through data models, investors can better understand market trends and pinpoint wines that will perform well in the future. WineFi uses these data-driven methods to provide actionable insights, helping investors make smarter purchasing decisions.
🔗 Supporting insight: WineFi Blog: How We Model Estimated Returns
4. How to Avoid Pitfalls with Wine Fakes in Auctions
“Authenticity is a huge concern in the wine market—fakes can completely ruin your investment.” — Dustin Wilson, MS
Dustin Wilson, MS, pointed out the dangers of wine counterfeiting. In the fine wine market, fake bottles can appear convincing, but they can destroy an investor’s return. Verifying authenticity is key. Trusted auction houses and professional authentication services are vital in keeping the market honest.
Liv-ex shared in a webinar how they authenticate wine for investment by featuring rigorous vetting, provenance checks, and advanced authentication technologies, offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in the buying and selling of wine. The session also touches on emerging tools, including AI, blockchain, and carbon dating, which are transforming how we authenticate wine.
What This Means for Your Investment Strategy
The world of fine wine is rapidly evolving, combining passion, expertise, and data-driven insights to transform it into an asset class. For long-term success, investors should focus on provenance, authenticity, and market trends, while also leveraging the growing data tools that are shaping future wine values. By doing so, they can gain access to a unique investment that is both timeless and lucrative.
“Wine has never been just about drinking—it’s about appreciating, investing, and building long-term value.” — Nick Pegna
With the right knowledge and strategy, wine can become a powerful part of a diversified investment portfolio, ensuring that both passion and profit coexist.
What’s Next?
🎧 Catch the full episode on-demand: Wine Auctions and Collectible Bottles: Unveiling Investment Opportunities for Inspired Money
- Listen on YouTube Wine Auctions and Collectible Bottles: Unveiling Investment Opportunities for Inspired Money
- Listen on LinkedIn: Wine Auctions and Collectible Bottles: Unveiling Investment Opportunities for Inspired Money
🎙️ Listen to past episodes of Inspired Money Podcast in different platforms here: Inspired Money with Andy Wang
Follow the Experts:
- Nick Pegna - Master the art of fine wine auctions with Nick’s deep industry insights.
Check Sotheby's the world’s premier destination for art and luxury.
- Callum Woodcock - Learn how data and analytics are shaping the future of wine investments with WineFi.
Explore WineFi 🍷’s platform to know more about how fine wine investment made seamless, cost-effective, and data-driven
- Dustin Wilson, MS - Dive deeper into the world of wine expertise and investment with Dustin at Verve Wine.
Visit Verve Wine to be inspired and to supply joyful experiences with wine.
- Robbie Stevens - Stay ahead of the fine wine market trends with Robbie at Liv-ex.
Go to Liv-ex, to know more about fine wine market data and insight.
- Amanda McCrossin - Explore the intersection of storytelling, education, and lifestyle with Amanda, the voice behind Sommvivant, as she brings a fresh perspective on wine culture and collecting
For more fine wine investment strategies, follow our experts and get ahead in the world of luxury asset investing.
🔎 Explore more from our Inspired Money host and guest speakers in this episode!
- Andy Wang to explore more insights and opportunity for the podcast
Company Website: Runnymede Capital Management
✉️ Subscribe to Andy's email newsletter for investment insights: https://www.runnymede.com/newsletter
How to Stay Human in an AI-Driven World: Lessons from “AI Zombies”
In a recent episode of AI Zombies, Nick Larson welcomed an expert panel including Michael Noffsinger (VP, LotusPetal.AI), Nikki Estes (CEO, Market Me More), José Joaquin Bitar Name (Founder & CEO, TUOM), and Denise Murtha Bachmann (Founder, Sellovatorz Inc) to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, education, and human connection.
This engaging conversation explored how automation, geopolitical tensions, and AI education are transforming the global landscape — and how we can stay grounded, ethical, and innovative in the process.
From AI-generated marketing and decentralized AGI to energy bottlenecks and workforce readiness, the guests shared how to balance technology’s rapid evolution with a renewed focus on creativity, ethics, and human purpose.
How to Turn AI Disruption into Your Biggest Opportunity
1. Learn to Work with AI, Not Against It
“AI isn’t coming for us—it’s coming with us. How we teach it will define how it teaches us back.” — Nick Larson
Michael revealed that AI-generated material now surpasses human-written content online, marking a new era in digital communication. Platforms like Pomeli and Manaus automate UGC (user-generated content) by creating lifelike avatars that boost engagement across social media.
Yet, amid this wave of automation, the real opportunity lies in authentic human experiences — live events, real voices, and emotional connection.
As Michael put it, “People will crave human authenticity in a machine-driven world.”
Learn how AI-driven storytelling is transforming brand authenticity, from Data to Trust: AI-Driven Storytelling for Brand Credibility
2. Understand the Energy Behind AI — The New Digital Fuel
“Any company investing in energy right now is likely to profit—because AI is pushing global power demand through the roof.” — Michael Noffsinger, LotusPetalAI
AI’s biggest limitation isn’t code — it’s energy.
China now produces nearly 3x more power than the U.S., fueling its AI boom, while America leads in chip design and manufacturing (Nvidia, TSMC).
Michael emphasized that AI infrastructure and renewable energy are the twin pillars of future innovation. He noted his own 67% ROI on a nuclear energy stock basket — showing how energy investments can align with AI growth.
3. Rebuild Education and Workforce Models for the AI Generation
“The less we educate our kids about AI, the harder it will be for them to do something meaningful with it.” — Denise Murtha Bachmann, Sellovatorz
Denise and Nikki discussed the urgent need for AI literacy — both in schools and workplaces. While China integrates AI into its curriculum, much of Latin America still lags due to infrastructure and affordability gaps.
José emphasized:
“If Latin America and Africa fall behind on AI adoption, we’ll see economic divides deepen for generations.”
Initiatives like BizWorld.org were highlighted as essential for early AI education and youth entrepreneurship.
4. Shape the Future of AI Ethics — Teach It Like a Child
“What if AGI learns like a human child — capable of self-correcting and growing beyond its biases?” — José Joaquin Bitar Name, TUOM
The panel delved into AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) — its risks, autonomy, and moral foundations.
Michael explained that closed models often prioritize user engagement (dopamine-driven design), while open-source AIs can be powerful but unpredictable.
Denise Murtha Bachmann added a note of caution:
“We should welcome AGI with cautious arms. The problem isn’t AI — it’s who trains it.”
Nikki Estes offered a hopeful counterpoint:
“Instead of fearing it, we should steward it — teaching AI empathy, respect, and responsibility.”
This balance between optimism and responsibility defines the path toward a truly human-centered AI future.
🔗 Explore ethical AI trends and social impact strategies with Market Me More Blog
Knowledge Impact & Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a discussion about technology — it was a call to leadership and learning. From energy policy and education reform to workforce evolution, the conversation underscored one powerful truth:
“Human creativity is the real AI advantage.”
The panel agreed that collaboration beats competition in the long term — a “hybrid model” of innovation where nations, companies, and creators share best practices to sustain global progress.
When the future feels uncertain, empathy, education, and ethics become our most strategic tools.
What To Do Next
📺 Watch the Full Episode: Hot Takes on Tech: AI Zombies - Full Replay
- In YouTube: Hot Takes on Tech: AI Zombies - Full Replay
- In LinkedIn: Hot Takes on Tech: AI Zombies - Full Replay
🔗 Connect with the Speakers:
- Michael Noffsinger — AI for smarter government contracting
- Nikki Estes — Building community through AI storytelling
- José Joaquin Bitar Name — Merging mood science and AI for mental wellness
- Denise Murtha Bachmann — Humanizing AI in sales and business
How to Secure the Future of Crypto: Lessons on Policy, Power & DeFi from Carole House
In the latest episode of Crypto Zombies, hosts HOOMAN KHALILI, Chris Kelley, Nick Larson and Bryn Nguyen sat down with Carole House —a national-security and digital-assets expert whose career spans U.S. military intelligence, the Treasury and the White House—to discuss how cybersecurity, decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital assets are reshaping global power.
From North Korea’s record-setting crypto heist to the evolving U.S. regulatory landscape, Carole shared why blockchain and AI are rewriting the rules — and why protecting people in the digital era requires new ethics, new rules and new resilience.
4 Powerful Lessons to Navigate the New Era of Crypto & National Security
1. How Policy Shapes Power in the Crypto Era
“We’ve seen administrations love and hate crypto—but what we need now is coherence, not chaos.” — Carole House
Carole emphasized that U.S. crypto policy has swung between extremes—hostility, then modernization—but the real issue is fragmentation of enforcement and uncertainty about frameworks. For example, her testimony before the House Committee explained the urgent need for a clear stablecoin and digital-asset regulatory framework.
2. What North Korea’s $1.5B Heist Teaches Us About Cyber-Defense
“If you can’t manage your keys, you can’t manage your crypto.” — Carole House
One of the biggest warnings Carole highlighted: the February 2025 Bybit exchange hack—$1.5 billion stolen by North Korean-linked actors. This incident underscores how “decentralized finance” can become “defenseless finance” without robust safeguards.
🔗 Read the detailed breakdown: Bybit heist & its implications
3. How to Build Trust in Decentralized Finance
“Decentralization isn’t binary—it’s a spectrum. Even the Fed is decentralized to a degree.” — Carole House
Carole reframed decentralization not as pure anarchy but as a balance between freedom and accountability. She explained that protocols, validators and DeFi apps all need to embed responsible governance and hybrid models of both innovation and oversight.
4. Why Ethics and Regulation Matter More Than Ever
“I chose not to invest in crypto yet—not because I don’t believe in it, but because credibility matters.” — Carole House
Carole shared how she still refrains from investing in crypto personally due to the gap in ethics guidance for digital assets. This highlights the importance of trust, transparency and governance in the digital asset ecosystem. (Atlantic Council)
Learn why trust is the real currency: Why crypto leaders are feeling optimistic about the future (TIME)
What Does This Mean for the Future of Crypto and National Security?
This episode wasn’t just about blockchain — it was about governance, security and the fight for digital democracy. Carole’s insights remind us that technology alone does not define progress: policy, ethics and collective resilience do.
“Crypto’s destiny isn’t just financial—it’s political, ethical and human.” — Carole House
Whether you’re a founder, policy-maker or user, the message is clear: innovation without structure is fragile; freedom without responsibility is risky.
What To Do Next
📺 Watch the Full Episode: Crypto Zombies: Policy, Power & DeFi – Full Replay
- In LinkedIn: Crypto Zombies: Policy, Power & DeFi – Full Replay
Connect with the Speakers:
- Carole House – National Security & Digital-Asset Policy Expert
- Chris Kelly– Tech Investor & Former Facebook GC
- HOOMAN KHALILI – Host & Creative Strategist
- Bryn Nguyen and Nick Larson – Hosts & Founders
How to Turn AI Tricks into Real-World Business Treats: Insights from Nitin Gupta
This week’s Voices of the Week livestream featured Nikki Estes , Founder & CEO of Market Me More, in conversation with Nitin Gupta, renowned AI and Data Science leader, LinkedIn Top Voice, and speaker at the AI Realized Summit 2025, discussing how organizations can translate AI trends into tangible business outcomes.
Together, they explored how AI can move from buzzword to business impact—revealing the mindset, education, and data strategy leaders need to stay ahead. From Nitin’s $250 million business impact record to his new Ivy Plus Alumni Circle (iPac) initiative, this session showed how real innovation happens when AI is paired with human curiosity, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
What Does It Really Take to Turn AI Curiosity into Real-World Results?
1. How to Replace AI Fear with Smart Education
“Don’t be scared of AI—get educated. It’s not replacing people; it’s empowering them.” — Nikki Estes
Nikki opened with a reminder that AI is no longer a “future tool” — it’s already part of every business. The key to thriving isn’t resistance, but understanding what AI can and can’t do.
Nitin emphasized that education transforms fear into stewardship. By learning how AI tools like Canva, HubSpot, and ChatGPT Enterprise actually work, companies can prevent misuse, boost efficiency, and build new jobs—not lose them.
“When you understand AI, you stop guessing and start growing.” — Nitin Gupta
Learn more about building AI literacy and confidence: How Gen AI could Transform Learning and Development
2. What the ‘Insight Detective’ Mindset Teaches Us About Growth
“Insight Detective isn’t just a costume—it’s the mindset that helps businesses stop guessing.” — Nikki Estes
During the live audience poll, the “Insight Detective” persona emerged as the clear favorite—symbolizing curiosity, data clarity, and measurable outcomes.
Nitin explained that successful AI adoption starts with viewing data as discovery, not decoration. His approach—rooted in analytics and real-world experimentation—has helped teams uncover growth opportunities, eliminate inefficiencies, and anticipate market trends before they happen.
As highlighted in a Mailchimp article, data storytelling goes beyond numbers, transforming insights into narratives that improve communication, strengthen relationships, and inspire smarter business decisions.
3. How Community and Collaboration Shape AI Leadership
“You can compete and still cooperate. That’s how innovation scales.” — Nitin Gupta
Nitin introduced his newest project, the Ivy Plus Alumni Circle (iPac)—a network uniting Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and other top-school alumni. The goal? To move beyond traditional networking toward co-creation, fostering collaboration between leaders across industries.
This initiative, supported by Market Me More’s Top Voices Unite community, promotes “co-opetition”—collaborating even while competing—to grow together through shared knowledge and purposeful business.
4. 3 Steps to Build Real-World AI Impact
“AI isn’t about automation—it’s about alignment.” — Nitin Gupta
Nitin’s sessions at the AI Realized Summit and CxO Insights Conference (sponsored by Nvidia and Supermicro) highlight how to tie AI directly to revenue and purpose.
Here are his 3 steps for turning AI into measurable impact:
- Align AI with business goals: Identify exactly which metrics (efficiency, cost, customer satisfaction) you want AI to improve.
- Collaborate across teams: Bridge the gap between data scientists and business leaders to translate insights into action.
- Measure, iterate, and optimize: Use analytics to refine strategies in real time rather than relying on intuition.
How to Lead the Next Chapter of AI-Driven Growth
This conversation reminded us that AI isn’t magic—it’s method.
“Curiosity connects us all. When you combine AI insights with human empathy, you get sustainable progress.” — Nikki Estes
The Voices of the Week platform reinforces Market Me More’s philosophy: turn curiosity into connection and connection into measurable impact.
It’s not about trends—it’s about long-term transformation through collaboration, education, and storytelling.
What To Do Next
📺 Catch the full Live with Top Voices Unite episode here: Voices of the Week: From AI Tricks to Real-World Business Treats
Explore more from our Voices of the Week host and guest speaker in this episode!
- Connect with Nitin Gupta , AI & Data Science Leader, LinkedIn Top Voice
- Connect with Nikki Estes CEO of Market Me More and founder of Top Voices Unite and Emerging Voices Unite , helping leaders navigate AI, generational shifts, and visibility with integrity.
🗞️ Subscribe for More to get behind-the-scenes leadership insights and community updates from Nikki Estes, Top Voices, Emerging Voices and the Market Me More team.