The Hidden Crisis Behind Your 5G: A CEO's Mission to Save the Telecom Workforce

CEOs Unscripted

In this compelling episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Letizia Latino, CEO of Neptune USA, to explore the unique challenges of leading in the telecommunications infrastructure industry. From managing the boom-and-bust cycles of wireless construction to championing workforce development through apprenticeships, Letizia shares her unfiltered insights on modern business leadership.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Industry Challenges & Innovation:

- The "all-you-can-eat buffet or starvation" reality of the telecom industry
- How AI and drone technology are revolutionizing tower inspection and engineering
- Navigating tariff impacts and supply chain complexities in steel manufacturing
- The critical infrastructure behind your cell phone connectivity

✅ Workforce Development & Talent:

- Why apprenticeship programs are the future of skilled labor
- The untapped potential of hiring military veterans in technical roles
- How to retain skilled workers during industry downturns
- Breaking the stigma around trade jobs vs. four-year degrees

✅ Leadership Lessons:

- Overcoming "we've always done it this way" resistance to change
- Managing change initiatives effectively through transition periods
- The importance of staying curious and aligned with your values
- Balancing family business legacy with personal identity

✅ Change Management Insights:

- Why most growth initiatives fail (hint: it's not the strategy)
- The critical role of middle managers in executing change
- Using AI to predict resistance to organizational change
- Communication strategies that actually work

✅ Featured Topics & Keywords:

Telecommunications CEO | Women in Leadership | Wireless Infrastructure | Tower Construction | Change Management | Workforce Development | Apprenticeship Programs | Veterans Employment | AI in Business | Drone Technology | Digital Twin Technology | Supply Chain Management | Tariff Impact | Business Strategy | Family Business | CEO Challenges | Trade Jobs | Skills Gap | Construction Industry | 5G Infrastructure | Telecom Innovation | Leadership Development

Guest Bio:

Letizia Latino is the CEO of Neptune USA, a telecommunications infrastructure company specializing in steel tower manufacturing and engineering services. Born in Venezuela to Italian immigrant parents, Letizia brings an international perspective to business leadership. Before joining the family business, she gained experience at Merrill Lynch and Nortel Networks. She's passionate about workforce development, serves on several FCC committees, and hosts the podcast "Back to Basics: Reconnecting to the Essence of You."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & Letizia's International Background
05:30 The Path from Corporate to Family Business
12:15 The "Buffet or Starvation" Challenge in Telecom
18:45 Innovation Through AI & Drone Technology
25:20 Change Management & Status Quo Resistance
32:10 Tariff Impacts & Manufacturing Challenges
38:00 Apprenticeship Programs & Trade Education
45:30 Hiring Veterans in Technical Roles
52:00 Rapid Fire Questions
58:30 Final Thoughts & Future Goals

About CEOs Unscripted:

CEOs Unscripted is a bi-weekly podcast by mid-market CEOs for mid-market CEOs, hosted by Jane Gentry. Each episode delivers unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversations about the wins, losses, and real-world strategies of leading and scaling businesses in today's dynamic landscape.

Subscribe for more conversations with CEOs who are changing the game.

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Category: Business | Entrepreneurship | Leadership | Technology | Telecommunications