#253 – Reflections on Q1: Operational Leadership, Learning, and Building Better in the Real World

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

In this solo episode of Building Better, host Brandon Bartneck reflects on the first quarter of 2025. Drawing from recent episodes and his own evolving role leading engineering at PJ Wallbank Springs, Brandon shares the four themes that defined Q1: intentional innovation, operational leadership, learning and growth, and strategic problem-solving.

This quarter marked a shift in the show’s tone—toward practicality, execution, and leading where the rubber meets the road. Whether you're growing a hardware business, managing complex systems, or trying to lead more effectively, this episode offers real-world insights from the front lines.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Themes from Q1 2025:

• Intentionality in Innovation – Featuring lessons from guests like Ross Blum (Skyline Robotics), Tony Kinsman (Polaris), Xiaodi Hou (Bot Auto), Casey Freeburg (Orbis), and the FlexGen team

• Operational Leadership – How leaders like Trevor Blondeel, Casey Freeburg, Tony Kinsman, and Xiaodi Hou are building real impact through thoughtful execution

• Learning and Personal Growth – Insights from Brandon’s solo episodes on self-learning and doing hard things

• Strategic Problem Solving – Highlighting Felix Leach and Nick Molden’s data-driven approach to vehicle sustainability as a standout example of practical, high-leverage thinking

Links & Resources:

• Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/q1reflection

• Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: Brandon Bartneck

Connect with Building Better:

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