UnfilteredFlow ELSC

About UnfilteredFlow ELSC

UnfilteredFlowELSC is THE podcast dedicated to the progression of the Fluid Power & Automation industries. We want you to meet our friends, our colleagues, our clients, and honestly some of the most brilliant minds in the industry…..so you can see what the fuss is all about. Who we're talking to: -Industry leaders who are shaking up the scene -Industry educators challenging the next generation -Industry Pros who are excelling in their current roles (Career Spotlights) -And sometimes we dive into recruiting trends and hot topics — after all we are Recruiters! We hope you enjoy!

Publisher

EastLake Search Consultants

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jul 2025

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

43 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Navigating Careers in Fluid Power. Featured Guest: Jackie Collins, Director Marketing and Training at Livingston and Haven

   Fluid power might be the most overlooked career path in engineering, and Jackie Collins makes the case for why that needs to change now. From her unlikely start at NC State to becoming Director of Marketing and Training at Livingston and Haven, Jackie shares how hands-on experience, culture, and real technical development create stronger employees and better companies. Jackie’s story starts with a recruiting visit that she almost ignored and turns into a lesson in why the best industry opportunities often hide in plain sight. She and Meghann unpack how a year-long associate development program gave her exposure to the shop floor, panel building, warehouse, inside sales, marketing, and outside sales—and why that kind of rotation still matters for building well-rounded talent. You'll discover why training is becoming a bigger priority for companies trying to keep employees engaged, how retirement is creating a dangerous knowledge gap across manufacturing, and why troubleshooting labs and hands-on learning are still the fastest way to build real competence. Jackie also explains how Livingston and Haven hires for character and curiosity first, then teaches the technical pieces, and why that approach works in a small, relationship-driven industry. We break down how customer expectations have changed too. Today’s buyers want more than a line card or a parts-in-a-box sale—they want subject matter experts who can understand the machine, the system, and the problem behind it. Jackie shares how the distributor role has evolved into a true solutions and integration mindset, especially as hybridization, automation, and electrification make the technical bar higher than ever. If you work in fluid power, automation, manufacturing, sales, training, or hiring, this conversation is a timely reminder that the next generation needs to be reached earlier, trained better, and shown that this industry still offers real variety, job security, and meaningful careers. Perfect for anyone trying to recruit talent, retain it, or understand where the industry is headed next. Featured speakers: Meghann Cook — Host of UnfilteredFlowELSC, guiding the conversation on industry progression, talent development, and the future of fluid power. Jackie Collins — Director of Marketing and Training at Livingston and Haven, bringing experience in engineering, sales, operations, marketing, hiring, and technical training.

2. 

   12 Aug 2026

   40 years of Valves with guest: Thomy Leibacher, Design Engineer, Leibacher Hydraulics & Electronics

   What does 40 years in hydraulics teach you about building better valves, better teams, and better products? Thomy Leibacher shares the hard-won lessons behind her global career, from Swiss apprenticeship floors to aerospace repairs in French Guiana to engineering projects across the US, Europe, and beyond. Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette sit down with Thomy for a wide-ranging conversation on the craft, culture, and standards that shape fluid power. Thomy explains how she got started as a mechanical technician, why flow testing and leak detection became her early obsession, and what still excites her after decades in the industry. You’ll discover: How a hands-on apprenticeship taught Thomy to build, test, and troubleshoot valves from the ground up Why differential pressure, contamination control, and leak detection matter so much in real-world hydraulics The surprising differences between engineering culture in the US, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands How standards, language, and unit systems can make or break a design Why she still starts with hand sketches before moving into 3D tools and digital workflows Thomy also breaks down one of her favorite applications, a high-stakes brake system project that replaced older servo valve technology with poppet valve control, and explains how engineering teams combine solenoids, software, hardware, and risk-taking to create something new. Along the way, she shares what young engineers need most: a great teacher, a deep respect for standards, and the willingness to keep learning. If you work in hydraulics, automation, engineering, or industrial manufacturing, this episode is packed with practical insight and real industry perspective. It’s also a reminder that the best engineers never stop being students. Perfect for anyone who wants the story behind the systems, the people behind the products, and the mindset that keeps innovation moving.

3. 

   8 Jul 2026

   From Engineering to Journalism: The Journey of Rachel Pasini - Editor in Chief at Design World

   In the fluid power and automation industries, understanding the intersection of technical knowledge and effective communication is crucial. In this interview, we explore the fascinating journey of Rachel Pasini, the Editor-in-Chief at Design World and Senior Editor of Fluid Power World, who transitioned from engineering to journalism. Her unique perspective sheds light on the importance of storytelling in technical fields and how it can bridge gaps in understanding. ## The Unexpected Turn: How a Passion for Writing Met Engineering Rachel's story begins with a passion for writing that dates back to her childhood. Always drawn to creative expression, she envisioned herself as a poet and novelist. However, her love for math and physics led her down a different path. After spending seven years in engineering school, she graduated with a degree in industrial and systems engineering, focusing on ecological and sustainable engineering. From her early days, Rachel's desire to explore various disciplines shaped her career. Despite her technical background, she found her niche in technical writing. This career choice allowed her to merge her engineering knowledge with her love for writing, ultimately leading her to the media industry. Rachel emphasizes the importance of following one’s passions and how it can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. ## A Fresh Perspective on the Engineering Community Rachel's transition into journalism provided her with a unique vantage point to observe the engineering community. She expresses admiration for engineers who dedicate themselves to solving complex problems, especially during rigorous academic training. Many students drop out during the challenging early years of engineering school, but those who persist prove to be resilient and passionate about their work. Rachel notes that engineering is often perceived as a rigid field; however, she encourages aspiring engineers to explore the vast opportunities within the discipline. The engineering community is diverse, offering a range of roles that extend beyond traditional engineering tasks. Rachel believes that many students do not recognize the breadth of possibilities available to them, and she seeks to illuminate these pathways through her writing. ## Connecting Engineers: The Role of Media in Fluid Power In her current role, Rachel focuses on connecting engineers with relevant information and each other. The fast-paced advancement of technology creates a need for continuous education among professionals. Rachel is passionate about highlighting innovative solutions and encouraging collaboration among engineers. She emphasizes the importance of media in bringing attention to the often-overlooked field of fluid power and automation. By sharing stories of engineers who have created solutions to industry problems, Rachel aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and keep the community informed about emerging trends and technologies. ## Finding Inspiration in Community Conversations Rachel leverages various platforms to identify trending topics and discussions within the engineering community. Social media, particularly LinkedIn and Reddit, serves as a valuable resource for gauging current interests and challenges faced by engineers. She mentions how Reddit, in particular, is a hotspot for engineers seeking advice and sharing experiences. By engaging with these discussions, Rachel can address real questions and concerns in her writing, making her content more relevant and engaging. This approach not only enhances her articles but also fosters a sense of community among engineers who seek to learn from one another.

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