Adrian Koehler, a founder and senior partner at Take New Ground, shares his journey and expertise in leadership, culture, and transformation. He discusses his background growing up in a small town in Illinois and his passion for sports and competition. Adrian emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in understanding different perspectives. He also shares his experience in nursing and pediatric intensive care and his involvement in activism and philanthropy. Adrian's work in community building and his impact through the Ready for Life program are highlighted. In this part of the conversation, Adrian Koehler discusses the importance of shifting from a victim mindset to a responsible one, especially for imprisoned individuals. He shares the impact of leadership training in prison and how it helps inmates find purpose and dignity. Adrian also discusses his transition to coaching and leadership challenges in high-profile organizations. He explains his coaching process and the role of emotional intelligence in shaping and maintaining a healthy company culture. In this episode, Adrian Koehler discusses the importance of accessing dynamic range and becoming emotionally aware. He emphasizes the need to befriend sorrow and suffering to empathize with others. Adrian also encourages listeners to explore the depth of life and take a fresh look at areas they may be avoiding. He invites them to seek help and play to win, reminding them that miracles can happen. The episode concludes with a call to share the insights gained and continue the journey towards excellent company culture.

Takeaways

Curiosity and empathy are essential in understanding and honoring different perspectives.
Engaging in in-depth and sincere conversations can lead to personal growth and connection.
Leadership involves building community trust and empowering others.
Making a positive impact often requires stepping outside comfort zones and taking risks. Accessing emotional range allows for a deeper connection with others.
Becoming emotionally aware is the first step towards emotional intelligence.
Befriending sorrow and suffering enables empathy towards others.
Exploring the depth of life leads to a greater appreciation for its beauty and challenges.
Asking for help is essential for personal growth and transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
01:19 Adrian Kahler's Background and Expertise
04:38 Adrian's Journey and Childhood
08:00 Sports and Competitive Mindset
11:16 Curiosity and Empathy
13:46 Desire for Depth and Sincerity
18:18 Transition to Nursing and Pediatric Intensive Care
21:39 Passion for Helping Marginalized People
25:24 Transition to Leadership and Community Building
29:16 Engagement in Activism and Philanthropy
34:42 Impact of Ready for Life Program
34:47 Shifting from a victim mindset to a responsible mindset
36:10 Finding purpose and dignity in prison
37:31 Creating a vision for life after prison
38:25 The impact of leadership training in prison
40:13 Transitioning to coaching
42:25 Challenges of leadership in high-profile organizations
45:26 The process of coaching and leadership development
52:41 Identifying leadership aspects that impact company culture
58:28 Changing the leadership dynamic in small organizations
01:01:40 Navigating leadership dynamics in family-owned businesses
01:08:08 Leadership in small manufacturing organizations
01:10:16 The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and company culture
01:10:22 Accessing Emotional Range
01:11:45 Becoming Emotionally Aware
01:12:57 Befriending Sorrow and Suffering
01:14:11 Empathizing with Others
01:15:06 Exploring the Depth of Life
01:17:49 Creating a Miraculous Year
01:18:31 Asking for Help

A special thanks to our sponsor, Speroni, for their support in bringing this insightful discussion to you.

Stay connected with Mike White and learn more about Secchi:

In this insightful episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer engages in a fascinating conversation with Matt Kownick, the visionary owner of Left Hand Engineering. They discuss the evolving culture and significant changes within the manufacturing industry, focusing on equipment utilization, the impact of automation, and foresight into the future of manufacturing.

Matt Kownick shares the proactive approach of Left Hand Engineering in educating employees about business operations and emphasizes the critical importance of preparing for the era of automation. He also discusses the necessity of transparency in manufacturing processes and envisions how AI and machine learning will likely transform office jobs.

Additionally, the conversation takes a personal turn as Kownick shares his journey, passion for water skiing and beer, and unique experiences at various trade shows.

We extend our gratitude to Speroni for sponsoring this episode and supporting the exploration of these vital topics in manufacturing.

For more insights into Matt Kownick’s philosophy, visit Left Hand Engineering's website and connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

Tune in to this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast for an enlightening experience that bridges the gap between personal passions and professional advancements in the manufacturing world.

In this captivating episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with the esteemed Terry Iverson, the visionary former President and CEO of Iverson and Company. Terry delves into his remarkable journey through the manufacturing landscape, shedding light on the transformative culture of Iverson and Company and the pivotal role of values in hiring practices.

Terry opens up about his strategic decision to sell the company and passionately discusses his involvement with CHAMPION Now!, an initiative dedicated to reshaping the narrative around manufacturing careers. He also gives us an insider's view of his influential books that challenge and change perceptions in the manufacturing realm.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the crucial topics of diversity and technology in the manufacturing sector. Terry shares insights about his innovative initiative, Camp CHAMP, which ignites a passion for manufacturing among students, introducing them to the field in an engaging and hands-on manner.

This episode is not just a journey through Terry's illustrious career but also a profound exploration of the vital role of manufacturing in today's world and the urgent need for inclusivity within the industry.

A special thank you to our sponsor, Speroni, for their support in bringing this enlightening conversation to our listeners.

Discover Terry Iverson and his groundbreaking work by visiting his website and connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Tune in for an episode that's as educational as it is inspiring, underscoring the undeniable importance of manufacturing and the collective effort required to drive the industry forward.

Get ready for an electrifying journey on the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, brought to you by the fantastic team at Speroni! This episode, hosted by the ever-curious and engaging Jim Mayer, features a powerhouse of the manufacturing world – Ryan Kuhlenbeck, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Pico MES.

In a world where digital technology is rapidly transforming the manufacturing landscape, Ryan stands at the forefront, navigating through challenges and leading the charge toward a brighter, more connected future. He shares his riveting story from his early days in automotive manufacturing to spearheading Pico MES, a beacon of innovation in digital manufacturing technology.

Dive deep into the heart of what makes Pico MES tick – from its mission to bridge the digital divide for small to midsize manufacturers to the transformative company culture that propels them forward. Ryan's insights into their unique hiring process, the embrace of technological evolution, and the power of cultural shifts will leave you inspired and ready to think differently about the manufacturing world.

The episode crescendos with Ryan's invaluable advice on the art of continuous improvement and the strategic importance of laying solid foundations for lasting benefits in the manufacturing industry.

A must-listen for those eager to catch a glimpse of manufacturing's future, where culture and technology intertwine to create something truly spectacular!

Sponsored by Speroni: Leaders in tool presetting and measuring systems.

Connect with Ryan Kuhlenbeck on LinkedIn

In this all-star episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer invites you to step up to the plate with guest Chris Caves. From knocking it out of the park in minor league baseball to hitting home runs in the insurance industry, Chris brings a unique perspective to teamwork and leadership.

Together, they dig deep into the playbook to reveal the hidden strategies that make a manufacturing team championship-worthy. From mentorship and interdependence to crystal-clear communication, Chris shares the invaluable lessons his sports background bestowed on him. But that's not all—discover how these principles can revolutionize intergenerational collaboration and cultivate a caring, supportive work environment.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply directly to your team, ensuring you're always playing at the top of your game.

A special shoutout to our fantastic sponsor, Speroni. They're the real MVPs behind this episode, ensuring we bring you quality content that inspires and motivates.

Want to connect with Chris? Find out more about his game-changing approaches and connect with him on LinkedIn.

So, grab your glove, dust off those cleats, and get ready to be inspired. Trust us—you won't want to miss this one!