Blue Collar Leadership

By Mack StoryEducation Self-Improvement

Blue Collar Leadership episodes

September 20, 2024418: He’s leading multiple teams without a formal leadership position!
In this interview, Brandon Kluthe discusses:
How discovering the Blue-Collar Leadership Podcast impacted him

Why he feels it’s so important to be developing yourself and your team

How he began applying what he was learning

Seeking support from his leaders to begin developing others

Stepping up as a front line team member and leading multiple book studies without being in a formal leadership role

Why he wanted to lead book studies in the first place

How his co-workers responded to the book studies

How he plans to continue developing himself and his team moving forward
Brandon Kluthe is in a Safety Coordinator role in the electrical division within the City of Grand Island Utilities in Nebraska.
Brandon spent most of his 20+ year electrical career working on the front lines, literally in the trenches doing the hard, hot/cold, and dirty work. For 14+ years, he installed and replaced high voltage underground cables, transformers, and related equipment while also operating trenchers, backhoes, cranes, etc.
Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/BrandonKluthe
Don't miss the 29th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Brandon Kluthe interviewed by Mack Story.
You can also watch the video recording of this episode by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership⁠ where you can check out this interview and previous interviews in this series. Both can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #resultsdriven #bluecollarleadership #safety #safetyindustry #electricalindustry #teambuilding #leadershipvideos #utilities #successmindset #leadership
57 min
September 13, 2024417: This Sr. Operations Manager is focused on developing himself and his team.
In this interview, Carlos Cody discusses:
His passion for personal development

How intentional development has impacted him personally and professionally

The impact of personal development on his income

How leading book studies has benefited him and his team

How he’s learned to deal with toxic team members

How personal development will make you stand out when applying for jobs

Many of his favorite books and why reading is so important
Carlos Cody is a seasoned operations leader with a track record of driving efficiency, profitability, and operational excellence. He thrives on optimizing supply chain processes and leading high-performance teams that exceed organizational goals. With a solid background in managing multi-site operations, P&L optimization, and implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Carlos has consistently delivered results that enhance business growth and customer satisfaction.
Carlos is committed to developing others and fostering a culture of engagement which always leads to significant improvements in employee morale and retention. He also publishes the “Leadership Operating System” newsletter biweekly on his LinkedIn profile.
Connect with Carlos on LinkedIn at Linkedin.com/in/CarlosCody
Don't miss the 28th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Carlos Cody interviewed by Mack Story.
You can also watch the video recording of this episode by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership⁠ where you can check out this interview and previous interviews in this series. Both can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #resultsdriven #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset #warehousemanagement #supplychain #logistics #teambuilding #culturaltransformation #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipvideos
1 hr 25 min
September 06, 2024416: This Director of Manufacturing is modeling high impact leadership!
In this interview, Justin Poss discusses:
His 15 year journey from entry-level worker to operations leader

Taking ownership and developing yourself

His passion for developing others

Feeding the “hungry”

How he intentionally mentors his leadership team

Caring about those on the frontlines

The importance of working hard and producing results

How learning about he “pause button” changed his life

How leadership has made him a better father, husband, and friend

Some of his favorite leadership principles
Justin Poss is a high impact leader with a strong desire to develop himself and his team. He’s also got a track record to prove it.
Justin started on the front lines at Chobani in an entry-level position. Today, he’s the Director of Manufacturing in a Chobani facility working with ~1,200 team members.
Don't miss the 27th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Justin Poss interviewed by Mack Story.
You can also watch the video recording of this episode by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership⁠ where you can check out this interview and previous interviews in this series. Both can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #resultsdriven #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset #manufacturing #leadershipdevelopment #workforcedevelopment #Chobani #yogurt #teambuilding #ChobaniYogurt
1 hr 13 min
September 05, 2024415: He grew up in Mexico City, Mexico and retired as a Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force!
In this interview, Eric Alonso-Bernal discusses:
Growing up in Mexico City, Mexico

Losing his dad at an early age

Growing up alone with his brother while his mom worked 3 jobs

His journey to become a US citizen

Learning to speak English

His time working in a restaurant and serving as a Texas Corrections Officer

Joining the the Air Force and his growth journey from an E-1 Airman to an O-5 Lt. Colonel

Thoughts on leadership
Eric Alonso-Bernal (Retired USAF, Lt Colonel) was born in Mexico City, Mexico. After serving in the enlisted ranks as an accounting and finance technician from 2000 to 2004, he received his commission from the Air Force Officer Training School. Today, he’s supporting the Air Force JROTC program as a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.
Ret. Lt Col Alonso-Bernal previously served as a Level III Acquisition Professional. His contracting experience included serving as SquadronCommander, Director of Business Operations, Contracting Officer, Flight Commander, Deputy Chief, and Contracts Manager.
Don't miss the 26th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Eric Alonso-Bernal interviewed by Mack Story.
Visit the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #contracts #leadershipmindset #success #resultsdriven #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset #USAF #AirForce #USAirForce
1 hr 28 min
August 23, 2024414: He’s been leading his team through weekly book studies for 2 years!
In this interview, Chris Boyd discusses:
How he has progressed during his nearly 29 year career

Leading as an introvert

Choosing to intentionally get out of his comfort zone

Leading his team through weekly book studies

How his team has responded to book studies

How facilitating book studies has helped him grow

How participating in book studies has helped his team strengthen their relationships

Opportunities within the City of Roswell, GA
Chris Boyd has been with the City of Roswell, GA for almost 29 years and held many positions as he climbed his way to his current position, Water Utility Manager.
Chris believes the key to great leadership is to be intentional about building a strong culture based on character development at every level.
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at:
LinkedIn.com/In/ChrisBoyd123
Email Chris at: [email protected]
Learn more about the City of Roswell, GA at: RoswellGov.com
Don't miss the 25th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Chris Boyd interviewed by Mack Story.
Visit the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #resultsdriven #successmindset #leadership #bluecollarleadership #growthmindset #teambuilding #waterindustry #wastewater #stormwater #utilityindustry
50 min
August 16, 2024413: He's helping leaders engage the front line to improve the bottom line.
In this interview, Mack Story discusses:
Having to rebuild the relationship with his teenage son

The greatest leadership principle he’s ever learned

Overcoming his short temper

What he finds to be most rewarding

The impact of taking personal responsibility, personally and professionally

Leading 110 leaders in a $1 Billion organization through a book study

The importance of maintaining a “leadership drip” within an organization

The power of facilitating a book study
Mack Story helps leaders engage the front line to improve the bottom line by developing high performance team players at every level, from the top of the organizational chart to the entry-level, front line workforce and those who lead and support them.
Mack and his wife Ria conduct on site development sessions and speak at conferences and seminars of all sizes and types across all industries. You've got enough things to deal with, so Mack makes developing your team easy by offering a flat fee within the USA which includes free books and all of his related travel expenses.
After 20 years in the manufacturing industry, Mack started his own business in 2008. Some of his clients include: Chick-fil-A, the US Military, Association for Talent Development, Auburn University, Blue Bird Bus, various city and county governments, Koch Industries, and many more large and small organizations. Highlights for Mack was receiving a personal invitation from Les Brown to speak at one of his speaker training event in Los Angeles, CA in 2014 and speaking at Yale University’s School of Management in 2018.
Website: BlueCollarLeadership.com
Preview Mack’s Books: BlueCollarLeadership.com/download
Online Video Courses: BlueCollarLeadership.com/Academy
Cell: (334) 728.4143
Email: [email protected]
Don't miss the 24th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Mack Story interviewed by Ria Story.
Watch this episode on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
1 hr
August 09, 2024412: She’s a high achiever who helps others achieve success!
In this interview, Ria Story discusses:
Overcoming an unimaginable childhood

Beginning her career as a server at Pizza Hut and choosing to start climbing

Her professional journey and the various jobs she had along her climb

Getting it wrong by being confident but arrogant early in her career

Understanding that if we want life to be different, we must do something different

How personal growth and development allows us to avoid and/or overcome problems

Sharing her personal story on stage in front of hundreds for the first time in 2013

Les Brown inviting her to speak at an event he was hosting in Los Angeles, CA

How her growth led to her speaking at Yale and the U.S. Capitol
Ria Story is a leadership speaker, author, and trainer. She loves eating healthy and fitness. She ran many marathons including the Boston Marathon and is 4X state mountain bike champion. Be sure to check out her newsletter (LinkedIn), her podcast (Spotify and most other podcast apps), and her YouTube channel for tons of FREE content.
Ria understands first hand the frustration and challenges leaders face. She understands, from experience, the discouragement of vague, confusing, and theoretical “leadership” materials that don’t help you understand how to develop the team you want to lead and become the leader they want to follow. Ria understands the sacrifices of leadership, and she believes leaders deserve simple and effective leadership tools that will help them be successful. Ria specializes in helping you Become the Leader You are Destined to Be.®
Ria is a motivational leadership speaker, TEDx Speaker, certified leadership trainer, and author of 20 books and journals, including: Leadership Gems for Women, and The Ladder of Influence®. She has spoken on leadership at Yale University and on Capitol Hill. Ria has spoken several times at International John Maxwell Certification Events and with motivational speaker Les Brown in Los Angeles, CA. Ria has an MBA, a BS in Human Resources Management, and has more than 20 years of experience in leadership and management.
Ria’s website: RiaStory.com
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (334) 332.3526
Watch her powerfully inspiring TEDx video: RiaStory.com/TEDx
Preview her books: RiaStory.com/download
Don't miss the 23rd episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Ria Story interviewed by Mack Story.
Watch this episode on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
1 hr 1 min
August 02, 2024411: She’s making it happen in the railroad industry!
In this interview, Denise Williams discusses:
Being raised in her family’s blue-collar salvage business

How her father and grandfather modeled different styles of leadership

The importance of intentionally developing our character

How we can impact others at work no matter our title or position

How having a mission to help develop others changes the way you show up

How having a desire to make things happen motivates her

How she connects with those working on the frontlines

Leveraging humility to build trust
Denise Williams has gained a lot of experience during her time working in the railroad industry. She’s currently in a Project Manager and Industrial Development role. She’s a high impact team player who values growing and developing herself with the intention of growing and developing others.
Denise was chosen as one of eight individuals to undertake a three-year rotational assignment across various functions within her organization. This journey began in 2021 with a one-year immersive assignment in Health, Safety & Environmental. In 2022, she transitioned into working in leadership roles in four areas of Operations (Network Operations, Transportation, Mechanical, and Engineering). Then in 2023, Denise joined the Leadership Development team in support of operations leadership training and development.
Through her participation in the “LEAD Program,” Denise honed her leadership skills, gained extensive cross-functional experience, and developed a strong understanding of the inner-connected functions across a Class I Railroad Network.
Don't miss the 22nd episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Denise Williams interviewed by Mack Story.
Watch this episode on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
56 min
July 26, 2024410: This VP is intentionally developing himself and his team!
In this interview, Kevin Creedon discusses:
How developing people creates a competitive advantage

How developing people leads to more and better referrals when jobs need to be filled

How facilitating book studies helps his team work better together

Why intentionally developing his team is a priority

How developing the workforce and the leadership team has enhanced organizational culture

How leadership development helped the leaders better understand their teams
Kevin Creedon is a Partner and VP of Sales and Business Development at Element Designs, a manufacturer located near Charlotte, NC.
Element Designs has been in business over 20 years and is an industry leader in providing premium, contemporary aluminum, glass, and acrylic surfacing materials and components to the top kitchen, office and closet manufacturers. Custom products include NEW protective glass panels, aluminum frame cabinet doors, back painted glass, marker boards (glass whiteboards), high gloss solid acrylic, aluminum frame base systems, sliding door systems, decorative hardware, shelving and organization solutions that are proudly manufactured right here in the United States.
Kevin became intentional about developing himself and his team in 2018 after Mack & Ria Story conducted on site workforce and leadership development sessions. After the visit, he was inspired to begin reading personal growth and leadership development books and facilitating book studies with his team. For the past several years, he and his front office administrative team have been participating in book studies on a weekly basis.
Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/KevinCreedon
Company Website Element-Designs.com
Don't miss the 21st episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Kevin Creedon interviewed by Mack Story.
Watch this episode on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"
Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
56 min
July 19, 2024409: This high impact leadership coach wants to help you succeed!
In this interview, Maggie Jean discusses:
What a professional coach is

How a professional coach can help

Who needs a professional coach

What it takes to climb to the next level and beyond

Her passion for helping you get better, so you can live a better life

When you get better, everyone around you wins

The importance of being able to communicate well

DISC personality profiling and why it’s important

How having a coach will elevate you within your organization

Maggie Jean is empowering organizations, professionals and leaders for unprecedented success through personalized coaching and strategic training, challenging potential and propelling success beyond expectations.

As a seasoned Leadership Accountability Coach, Speaker, and Team Trainer, Maggie specializes in guiding executives and their teams towards unparalleled success. Her mission is to pinpoint and overcome obstacles hindering progress, enabling leaders to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.

With a wealth of experience and expertise, Maggie offers tailored solutions to reignite enthusiasm and drive among employees, encouraging a culture of productivity and unparalleled quality customer care. Through a dynamic blend of cutting-edge training techniques and personalized coaching, she empowers individuals and teams to surpass predefined objectives.

Website: MaggieJeanCoaching.com

Don't miss the 20th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Maggie Jean interviewed by Mack Story.

Watch this episode on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"

Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future releases in this series.
1 hr 4 min

About Blue Collar Leadership

From the publisher's feed

Leadership development for everyone in the blue collar workforce, those who support them, and those who lead them. Leadership is influence. Influence is built daily, not in a day.