PELS Podcast Series

About PELS Podcast Series

The Power Electronics Society Podcast is a series of interviews with the people behind the magic of the development and innovation of the power electronics industry. This interview-style podcast series talks to the leaders, researchers, and practitioners of the power electronics industry.

Publisher

pelspodcastseries

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Mar 2020

Latest episode

14 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jan 2026

   Fireside Chat with Rivian Vice President of Electric Power Conversion, Dr. Silva Hiti

   Tune in with Marium Rasheed, member of the IEEE PELS WIE Committee, as she hosts the podcast, Power At the Table, in a fireside chat with Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian. Abstract:Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from writing control algorithms in grad school to leading power electronics and motor development for an entire electric-vehicle company? Or how engineers choose between OEMs and startups, stay technically sharp while moving into leadership, and build confidence in industries not originally designed with them in mind? In this fireside chat, Dr. Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian, shares her journey from growing up in former Yugoslavia to contributing to the pioneering GM EV1 program, shaping technologies in multiple startups, and now leading vertically integrated power electronics and motor development at Rivian. She reflects on navigating ambiguity, making fast strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving EV landscape, and building high-performing engineering teams. Silva also speaks candidly about mentorship, identity, and the realities of being a woman in engineering, as well as how she stays grounded while operating at an executive level. Attendees will gain insights on making career moves across OEMs and startups, leading teams in high-velocity environments, understanding emerging EV technology trends, and balancing technical passion with business realities. The conversation also offers practical guidance for early-career engineers and women in engineering on confidence, mentorship, and taking opportunities even when you don’t feel 100% ready. Whether you’re an aspiring technical leader, an EV enthusiast, or a student charting your path in power electronics, this session delivers both a strategic perspective and the human story behind a leader helping shape the future of electric mobility.

2. 

   6 Jan 2026

   Fireside Chat with Rivian Vice President of Electric Power Conversaion, Dr. Silva Hiti

   Join the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) for an inspiring conversation with Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian, and a prominent figure in the electric vehicle industry. The transition to electric mobility is redefining not only vehicle technology but also the essence of engineering leadership. Silva Hiti has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable mobility sector—advancing power electronics, motor drive systems, and electrification technologies that are driving the next generation of transportation. From her early contributions at General Motors to her leadership of innovative teams at Rivian, Silva’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and mentorship. The fireside chat offers a unique opportunity to learn from her story—a journey that demonstrates how visionary engineering, system-level thinking, and inclusive leadership can transform both technology and teams. Participants will gain invaluable insights into how great engineering leaders balance innovation with empathy, strategy with creativity, and ambition with purpose.

3. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Fireside Chat with Maria Cortez on Driving Leadership and Innovation in Engineering

   Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Maria Cortez, Senior Vice President at Advanced Energy Industries. In this episode, Maria shares her remarkable journey in driving transformative growth within engineering and technology. As a seasoned global executive, she discusses the challenges of launching breakthrough technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and leading large teams toward ambitious goals. Tune in to hear Maria’s insights on resilient leadership, strategic foresight, and how she is shaping sustainable, future-ready solutions in the tech world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary leader at the forefront of innovation.

4. 

   25 Feb 2022

   Imparting Cognitive Learning Abilities into Power Electronics

   In this episode, we had a chat with Dr. Huai Wang from Aalborg University, who shares his views on how artificial intelligence will become a very powerful tool for power electronics in reducing design time and accurate decision making. Besides this, he also talks about the growing interest of AI from the industries ensuring reduced time-to-market.

5. 

   18 Nov 2021

   An Excerpt of Experiences and Design Challenges in IFEC 2020

   In this podcast, we talk to the young and bright minds of h-bridges from the University of Belgrade, one of the runners up team in IFEC 2020, who share their experiences and embark on the importance of design challenges and competitions for qualitative learning.

6. 

   5 Oct 2021

   A Fireside Chat with Professor Ned Mohan

   We had an inspirational conversation with Professor Ned Mohan in this episode. You will hear about his professional journey in the field of power electronics, power systems, and motor drives, as well as some professional advice.

7. 

   19 Aug 2021

   Perspectives on a Career Path After (Graduate) School

   Considering your future career path? Weighing interests between a career in Academia, Industry, or an International Laboratory? Join hosts from the IEEE PELS Young Professional committee in a conversation with three panelists: Yongheng Yang (Zhejiang University), Samantha Gunter (General Motors), and Lalit Patnaik (CERN), who share their experiences and perspectives working on varying challenges in the power electronics industry across the globe. Additionally, hear their advice for students and young professionals looking for future employment opportunities.

8. 

   19 Jul 2021

   Spotlighting the Future of Design Trends in Power Electronics with Dr. Alan Mantooth

   In this episode, we had a chat with Dr. Alan Mantooth from the University of Arkansas, who puts forth his views on the significance of AI/ML, cyber-physical security and design automation for power electronics and about the scope & missions of the newly formed Technical Committee on Design Methodologies (TC10). Presented by the IEEE Power Electronics Society Technical Committee on Design Methodologies

9. 

   7 Jun 2021

   A Fireside Chat with Professor Annette Mütze

   Internationalization has become a buzz word in many ways.  Academics are expected to make themselves at home internationally. In this talk, I would like to share with you my own years of experience living internationally and how this has impacted my career, my thinking, and my day to day challenges as a professor.

10. 

    22 Apr 2021

    A Fireside Chat with Professor John Kassakian

    In this episode, we had an inspirational conversation with Professor John Kassakian. You will hear about his exciting journey in the field of power electronics as well as some professional advice.

11. 

    22 Feb 2021

    A Fireside Chat with Thomas Jahns

    In this episode, we had an inspirational conversation with Professor Thomas Jahns. You will hear about his professional journey in the field of power electronics, electric machines, and drives and some exciting advice.

12. 

    7 Dec 2020

    Tool Kit: How to Transition from Academia to Industry-A Conversation with Pradeep Shenoy

    Are you ambitious? After your hard-earned graduate degree or post-doctoral fellowship, you want to grow and succeed in the power electronics industry, but do not know how. Then this episode is for you. Join hosts Arijit Banerjee and Sheldon Williamson in this IEEE PELS Podcast as they chat with Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, Manager of Power Design Services at Texas Instruments, who sheds light on identifying your goals and interests before you launch a job search. The show provides the inspiration and knowledge you need to build and grow in the power electronics industry for today and beyond.

13. 

    25 Sept 2020

    Development & Testing: A View from Industry with Uday Deshpande

    In this episode, we spoke with Uday Deshpande from D&V Electronics. Uday is a Chief Technology Officer at D&V Electronics, he discussed his industry view on electrical and electromechanical systems and their applications.

14. 

    3 Aug 2020

    IEEE ITRW: Everything You Need to Know

    In this episode, we sat down with Braham Ferreira and Peter Wilson as they spoke about the IEEE International Technology Roadmap for Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductors (ITRW) and everything you need to know about.

15. 

    15 Jul 2020

    A Fireside Chat with Dragan Maksimovic

    In this episode we sat down with Professor Dragan Maksimovic and we will hear some fascinating inside stories about his life and perspectives while being in the field of power electronics for the last thirty years.

16. 

    15 Jul 2020

    The 411 on Wireless Power Transfer featuring Andrew Daga

    In this episode, we chatted with Andrew Daga from Momentum Dynamics about Wireless Power Transfer. Andy is the founder, President and CEO of Momentum Dynamics who touched upon the prospects of wireless power transfer and its various applications.

17. 

    23 Mar 2020

    A Conversation with Dr. Alan Mantooth, Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics

    In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Alan Mantooth of the University of Arkansas about the IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.