In every manufacturing organization, company culture is key to success. But what does company culture really mean? And how can manufacturing leaders ensure the culture in their organization is the best it can be? 

Jim Mayer, founder of TCO Strategies and host of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share his thoughts. He provides a super-simple definition of company culture, describing it as the alignment of values between employees and the organization. 

In the episode, we also look at what got Jim interested in manufacturing culture to begin with and how he caught the podcasting bug, sharing insights into industry culture on his weekly show. Jim tells us how his podcast guests have shifted his perspectives of the industry and provides actionable advice for budding podcasters in manufacturing. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What got Jim interested in manufacturing 
• What he has learned from carrying out engagement surveys 
• Something Jim has learned since starting his podcast 
• His thoughts on the automation culture paradox in SMB manufacturers 
• How companies can become culturally ready for automation 
• The stories that shifted Jim’s perspective of manufacturing culture 
• Jim’s favorite comedy movies 
• What to do if you think you’re late to the game with your concept or idea 
• Jim’s advice for budding manufacturing podcasters 
• Jim’s questions for Chris 

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Tweetable Quotes: 

• “There’s a lot of ways people can get the podcast exposure they’re looking for, without having to take the time, money and effort to do it on their own.” 
• “If you start talking about culture and engagement and what you want that to be, then you don't do anything with it, your culture is going to plummet.” 
• “When it comes to podcasting – if you’ve got that niche, give it a go.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Wild Roots, seed-to-table dining to satisfy both heart and soul in West Allis, Wisconsin 
• Chelsea’s Kitchen, an Arizona roadhouse celebrating the cuisine of the Great American Southwest 
• Bourbon & Bones Chophouse and Bar, a fine dining experience in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, with attentive service, USDA Prime grade steaks, fresh seafood, bourbon and signature cocktails  
• Connect with Jim on LinkedIn 
• Tune into The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, where Jim sits down with a manufacturing leader each week and explores where their culture was, where it is now and where they want to get it 
• The Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show, the industry-leading Midwest manufacturing trade show – from additive manufacturing to robotics, machining centers to welding, tooling and fabricating equipment and many more technologies in between 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.