Engineers Build and Maintain the World: Charles Calitri ’81, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Leader
In this episode, Christa Downey speaks with Charles “Chaz” Calitri ‘81, Vice President of Operations at Kyowa Kirin North America. Chaz reflects on his 40-year career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering—from leading Pfizer’s efforts to produce the COVID-19 vaccine to overseeing the construction of Kyowa Kirin’s first U.S. biomanufacturing facility. He shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of empathy, global experience, and technical depth in engineering. Chaz also discusses the evolving role of AI in pharma, the impact of collaboration in solving complex problems, and his belief that “time is life” when it comes to innovation that improves human health.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Simpkins Family COMPASS Program: https://www.engineering.cornell.edu/selander-center-engineering-leadership/simpkins-family-compass-program/
International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering: https://ispe.org/
Transcript Link: https://tinyurl.com/ECCtranscript1
Editor: Melissa Bazley
9 Sept 2025
Founding a Renewable Energy and Analytics Company: Matt Richwine ‘08, M.Eng. ‘09
Matt Richwine ‘08, M.Eng. ‘09, co-founder and CEO of Telos Energy, is designing, testing, and analyzing thermal and renewable power generation equipment. Matt discusses his career journey, the unexpected connections that shaped his professional path, and the evolving role of AI in the energy industry. Matt shares memorable stories about mentoring Cornell students, including one that led to his longest-serving employee, and reflects on the value of curiosity, networking, and trying new things.
He can be found at: LinkedIn
Matt recommends:
Utility Dive: https://www.utilitydive.com/
Energy Systems Integration Group: https://www.esig.energy/about/
IEEE: https://www.ieee.org/
CIGRE- www.cigre.org
The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1l2QJj8EOK2ywLZ1jQMuAI
Transcript Link: https://tinyurl.com/ECCtranscript1
Editor: Melissa Bazley
3 Sept 2025
Leading During Periods of Evolutionary and Revolutionary Change: Patrick Nichols ‘97
In this episode, alum Patrick Nichols ‘97, Managing Director at Vista Equity Partners, shares his career journey from computer science student at Cornell to technology executive and investor. He reflects on his early work as a developer, his transition into business leadership, and his experience applying an engineering mindset to private equity, where he helps companies grow by leveraging data, analytics, and operational improvements. Patrick discusses the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence, emphasizing both its transformative potential for business efficiency and the need for responsible leadership to manage its societal effects.
Transcript Link: https://tinyurl.com/ECCtranscript1
Editor: Melissa Bazley
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YouTube views
504,939
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
63
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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