Manufacturing Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Vince Sassano, CEO of Strategic Performance Company, Inc., about his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the evolution of manufacturing culture, the importance of data-driven management, and the need for effective communication on the plant floor. Vince shares insights on empowering frontline workers, the challenges of integrating technology, and the significance of understanding operational problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of culture in manufacturing and offers valuable advice for newcomers in the industry.

Takeaways

• Vince Sassano has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing.
• The culture of manufacturing has evolved from old management styles to data-driven approaches.
• Empowering frontline workers is crucial for success in manufacturing.
• Technology has become more affordable, making it accessible for manufacturers.
• Effective communication is key to solving operational problems.
• Data trustworthiness is a significant challenge in manufacturing.
• Understanding the needs of the plant floor is essential for technology integration.
• Culture in manufacturing means every employee matters and has a role to play.
• Newcomers should not be afraid to identify and propose solutions to problems.
• Leadership should focus on helping employees help themselves.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Demi Knight Clark, a trailblazer in the construction industry, about her journey from the trades to leadership roles. They discuss the importance of empowering women in trades, the legacy of female pioneers, and the need for more skilled workers. Demi emphasizes the significance of third spaces for community building and the evolution of trade tech, highlighting how these changes can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in skilled trades.

Takeaways

• Demi Knight Clark is a trailblazer in the construction industry.
• Empowering women in trades is crucial for diversity.
• The legacy of female pioneers in trades inspires future generations.
• Welding is a viable and lucrative career path.
• We need to inspire the next generation to consider skilled trades.
• Third spaces are essential for community building and connection.
• Trade tech is evolving and offers new opportunities for women.
• The narrative around trades needs to change to attract more talent.
• Career transitioners can find fulfillment in skilled trades.
• Exploring hands-on classes can lead to new career paths.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Ashleigh Walters, former president and current chairwoman of Onex, about her transformative leadership journey. Ashleigh shares her experiences redefining Onex's culture, transitioning to employee ownership, and the importance of storytelling in manufacturing. She emphasizes the need for a people-first approach, the significance of community impact, and the challenges of developing future leaders in the industry. Ashleigh also discusses her book, 'Leading with Grit and Grace,' and her commitment to empowering others in their leadership journeys.

Takeaways

• Ashleigh transformed Onex into a people-first organization.
• Cultural change is essential before any other improvements can be made.
• Storytelling is crucial for attracting new talent to manufacturing.
• Employee ownership can ensure the longevity of a company in its community.
• Leaders should empower their teams to solve problems.
• Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills.
• Leadership styles can evolve through experience and necessity.
• Succession planning should start early and involve trusted advisors.
• Training and development are fundamental for future leaders.
• Creating thriving communities is the responsibility of manufacturers.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Yushiro Kato, the CEO of CADDi, who shares his inspiring journey from a young entrepreneur in Japan to leading a transformative company in the manufacturing industry. Yushiro discusses his early ventures, the pivotal decision to leave McKinsey, and the evolution of CADDi from a manufacturing platform to a comprehensive data-driven solution. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer pain points, fostering a strong company culture, and the role of AI in the future of manufacturing. Yushiro's insights on leadership, values, and innovation provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.

Takeaways

• Yushiro Kato's journey reflects hard work and thoughtful leadership.
• Understanding customer pain points is crucial for innovation.
• Company culture should align with core values.
• Success is defined beyond monetary gains.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes.
• Fostering talent is essential for product evolution.
• Cultural influences shape leadership styles.
• The importance of hands-on experience in manufacturing.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success.
• Building a supportive infrastructure is vital for growth.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Jason Anthoine, a veteran in employee engagement and internal communication. Jason shares his journey from a small town in Georgia to working with major corporations like GE and Coca-Cola, emphasizing the importance of understanding and improving workplace culture. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating effectively in large organizations, the evolution of employee engagement strategies, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. Jason also discusses his initiatives, including the 'What Employees Want' research project and the Connect conference, to bridge the gap between employees and management. The episode concludes with insights on the future of internal communications and the significance of a 'what if' mindset in driving change.

Takeaways

• Jason's passion for employee engagement began in childhood.
• Cultural challenges in large organizations often stem from scale and complexity.
• Effective communication requires a personal touch, especially in large firms.
• The evolution of employee engagement reflects changing workplace dynamics.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Cohesion and Audacity focus on improving employee experiences.
• The Connect conference was created to fill a gap in internal communications training.
• The 'What Employees Want' initiative emphasizes employee feedback.
• Riding Shotgun is a storycast sharing lessons from Jason's career.
• The future of internal communications will prioritize human connection over technology.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Willemijn Schneyder, the CEO and co-founder of Swipe Guide. Willemijn aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by simplifying work instructions and empowering frontline workers. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. The conversation explores the need for collaborative working cultures in manufacturing and how technology can be used to solve practical problems. Willemijn shares her experiences and insights on changing mindsets, creating a collaborative environment, and involving frontline workers in shaping processes. Willemijn is passionate about values that include diversity, equity, and inclusion in the manufacturing industry. She believes these values contribute to a more robust and innovative workforce. By incorporating diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures, companies can solve more problems and create a better product. Willemijn emphasizes creating a collaborative work environment where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. She also highlights the benefits of clear communication and the power of learning from mistakes. In the next 10 years, Willemijn envisions technology guiding work on a day-to-day basis and a shift in mindset towards embracing lifelong learning and collaboration in the manufacturing industry.

Takeaways

• Willemijn Schneider is challenging the status quo in manufacturing.
• Collaboration requires more intent than compromise.
• Diversity leads to faster problem-solving and better outcomes.
• Empowering frontline workers is essential for operational success.
• A flat organizational structure fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Recognizing and valuing contributions from all employees is crucial.
• Continuous improvement is driven by open communication and sharing mistakes.
• Technology should simplify tasks and empower workers, not control them.
• Intentional hiring practices can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Curiosity and questioning the norm can lead to significant change.

Connect with Willemijn on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Eric Whitley, the Director of Industrial Transformation at L2L. Eric shares his extensive journey in the manufacturing industry, from his early experiences with his father's work in manufacturing to his current role in digital transformation. The conversation explores the evolution of manufacturing perceptions, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology on the shop floor. Eric emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in manufacturing to attract and retain talent, as well as the significance of balancing personal and professional life. The episode concludes with insights on the future of manufacturing technology and advice for the next generation entering the field.

Takeaways

• Manufacturing has been a part of Eric's life since childhood.
• The perception of manufacturing as dark and dirty is changing.
• Continuous learning is essential in the manufacturing industry.
• Tinkering and hands-on experiences are crucial for youth engagement.
• Teaching others is one of the greatest joys in Eric's career.
• Digital transformation is vital for modern manufacturing.
• AI and technology must be accessible to shop floor workers.
• Balancing work and personal life is key to success.
• The future of manufacturing relies on embracing new technologies.
• Everyone in the industry should be seen as a main character in their own story.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Lynn McMahon, a mechanical engineer turned PLC programmer, shares her journey and insights in the manufacturing industry. She discusses her early influences, career highlights, personal projects, and the challenges women face in engineering. Lynn also talks about advancements in the industry, such as the transition to cloud-based systems and virtualization. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability and her work in helping companies achieve their sustainability goals. Lynn is passionate about preserving the environment, particularly the lakes in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. In this conversation, Lynn McMahon shares her experiences as a mechanical engineer and her work in process controls and automation. She discusses the challenges and successes of her career, including her work on wind tunnels and her efforts to modernize process controls in various industries. Lynn also talks about the importance of sustainability and engineers' role in creating a more sustainable future. She shares her thoughts on the need for engineers to be adaptable and open to change and the importance of considering the long-term impacts of engineering projects. Lynn also discusses her interest in law and plans to attend law school. Throughout the conversation, Lynn emphasizes balancing and pursuing hobbies and passions outside work.

Takeaways

• Lynn McMahon's journey from mechanical engineering to PLC programming
• Challenges faced by women in engineering and the need for change
• Advancements in the manufacturing industry, including cloud-based systems and virtualization
• The importance of sustainability and Lynn's work in helping companies achieve their goals
• Lynn's passion for preserving the environment, particularly the lakes in her hometown, and the importance of modernizing process controls and automation in various industries to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Engineers must be adaptable and open to change to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field.
• The significance of considering the long-term impacts of engineering projects and prioritizing sustainability.
• The value of pursuing hobbies and passions outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Amy Teal, the CEO and co-founder of ShopFloor Coffee. Amy shares her journey into manufacturing, from studying drafting and design to working in project management and 3D printing. She explains how the idea for ShopFloor Coffee came about and how it supports workforce development programs. Amy discusses the importance of aligning values in company culture and the challenges of choosing which organizations to support. She also talks about the plans for ShopFloor Coffee, including product innovation and participation in trade shows like IMTS. In this conversation, Amy Teal discusses her company, Shop Floor Coffee, and how it combines coffee, community support, health and wellness, and leadership principles. Amy emphasizes the importance of having a plan when starting a business and continuously adjusting and adapting to meet the needs of the industry. She also highlights the significance of listening and understanding team members' personalities and learning styles as a leader. Amy encourages listeners to support Shop Floor Coffee by purchasing coffee and reaching out for collaboration opportunities.

Takeaways

• Amy Teal's journey into manufacturing was winding, from studying drafting and design to working in project management and 3D printing.
• ShopFloor Coffee supports workforce development programs by donating 20% of its proceeds to organizations that impact the manufacturing community.
• Amy emphasizes the importance of aligning values with company culture and finding the right fit for employees to thrive.
• Choosing which organizations to support and make an impact with ShopFloor Coffee is a challenge due to the many significant initiatives in workforce development.
• Plans for ShopFloor Coffee include product innovation and participation in trade shows like IMTS. Having a strategy is crucial when starting a business. It helps define goals and guide decision-making.
• Leaders should prioritize listening and truly understanding what others are communicating.
• Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. It involves recognizing and validating one's own emotions and understanding the feelings of others.
• Leaders should adapt and adjust their strategies based on feedback and industry needs.
• Supporting local businesses like Shop Floor Coffee can positively impact the community.
• Collaboration and networking with others in the industry can provide valuable insights and support.
• Taking care of personal health and wellness is important for maintaining work-life balance.
• Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential to personal and professional growth.

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn

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Jesse Casto, the owner of BetterCNC, shares his journey in the manufacturing industry and his passion for continuous improvement. He grew up in his father's machine shop, learning the importance of innovation and problem-solving. Jesse's vision for BetterCNC is to become the most innovative manufacturing company focusing on process efficiency. He started the company to do things better and constantly find a better way. BetterCNC serves multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and robotics automation. Jesse shares his journey and lessons learned in the manufacturing industry. He discusses his plans for the future, including acquiring a sheet metal shop and applying his golden processes and procedures. Jesse emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement and fosters a culture of innovation in the workplace. He also highlights the value of having a well-designed website to attract customers. Jesse's passion for finding a better way and his dedication to providing a top-notch customer experience shines through in this conversation.

Takeaways

• Jesse Casto's upbringing in his father's machine shop instilled a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
• BetterCNC's mission is to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by constantly finding a better way and focusing on process efficiency.
• The company serves multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and robotics automation.
• Jesse emphasizes the importance of diversifying the business to mitigate the impact of industry fluctuations. Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the manufacturing industry.
• Fostering a culture of innovation in the workplace is crucial for success.
• Having a well-designed website is important for attracting customers.
• Planning and having a clear vision for your business are key.
• Balancing work and personal life is important for productivity and well-being.

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn