Operational excellence looks different in every plant, and chasing cookie-cutter solutions rarely delivers results. In this episode, we unpack why mid-market manufacturers are often underserved by big consultancies and how compliance, efficiency, and competitive advantage must be balanced differently in each organization. From the importance of honest assessment to avoiding the trap of shiny solutions, we discuss how manufacturers can right-size strategies, tailor continuous improvement to their environment, and achieve ROI that actually fits their business.

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Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Faster changeovers are critical in food manufacturing, but they cannot come at the expense of quality or safety. In this episode, we explore how to balance efficiency with rigorous standards by focusing on organization, preparation, and doing it right the first time. From reducing wasted effort around cleaning to understanding the true cost of poor quality, we discuss practical ways manufacturers can improve productivity while protecting both consumers and the bottom line.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Growth is not just about hitting bigger revenue targets, it is about helping people grow with the organization. In this episode, we explore what it means to scale culture, not just business results. From navigating uncharted change and AI pressures to closing the executive bubble and creating space for honest conversations, we discuss how leaders can build organizations that adapt with agility while keeping people at the center. It is about scaling maturity, resilience, and trust as much as scaling profit.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ENELP0_MD6w

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Scaling a business is not just about growth; it is about readiness. In this episode, we explore the real signs that show whether a company is prepared to scale. From aligning capital allocation with true priorities to balancing innovation with healthy systems and knowing when not to scale at all, we discuss the hidden pitfalls that derail organizations. Drawing from inside experience leading transformations, we uncover how leaders can spot misalignment early and build the foundations for sustainable growth.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ENELP0_MD6w

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Discipline in leadership is not about rigid control, it is about consistent execution that keeps the organization moving forward without burning it out. In this episode, we break down what the discipline muscle looks like day to day and how leaders can start building it early. From aligning leadership teams and pacing growth to managing integration complexities and evolving company culture, we explore the practices that help organizations scale with resilience while staying true to their people and purpose.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ENELP0_MD6w

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

A strategy is only as strong as the story behind it. In this episode, we explore how to craft a strategic narrative that resonates across the organization. From grounding every story in relationships and change to setting expectations with a three-act structure, we break down practical ways to keep teams aligned and engaged. Drawing on lessons from improv, real-world case studies, and transformation projects, we share how authenticity, empathy, and storytelling turn abstract strategies into powerful movements people believe in.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Rn17PNFgS44?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Enterprise projects rarely follow a straight line. Obstacles, setbacks, and resistance to change are inevitable, but success depends on whether the organization can keep returning to a shared story. In this episode, we explore how leaders can define success not just by metrics but by alignment around the why. From guiding teams through roadblocks to building trust across departments, we discuss how storytelling, empathy, and collaboration keep everyone moving toward the same outcome even when the path is messy.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Rn17PNFgS44?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

When projects drag on, it is easy to lose sight of the original goals and focus only on deadlines. In this episode, we discuss how to keep strategy at the center rather than letting arbitrary go-live dates drive decisions. From spotting red flags when leadership shifts the focus to timelines, to reinforcing the mission in every meeting, we explore how organizations can maintain authenticity, align stakeholders, and keep the why front and center until the work is done right.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Rn17PNFgS44?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Before diving into methodology or technology, every organization must answer one fundamental question: why do we exist? In this episode, we explore how defining a clear organizational why aligns leaders across finance, sales, operations, and IT. From connecting cloud projects to enterprise goals to putting yourself in others’ shoes, we discuss how a shared purpose builds stronger buy-in, closes communication gaps, and ensures transformation projects drive real value.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Rn17PNFgS44?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Seventy percent of transformation projects fail, and poor communication is often the reason. In this episode, we explore why defining the “why” and telling it through stories is critical before spending millions on new software. From the neuroscience of how stories engage our brains to real-world examples where vital information was lost in the data, we highlight how storytelling builds empathy, drives alignment, and can determine the success or failure of major initiatives.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Rn17PNFgS44?feature=share

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/