Manufacturing Greatness | Productivity | Retention | Profits | Continuous Improvement | Safety | Workforce Development | Labor Challenges | Skills Gaps | Industry 4.0

Manufacturing Greatness | Productivity | Retention | Profits | Continuous Improvement | Safety | Workforce Development | Labor Challenges | Skills Gaps | Industry 4.0

By Trevor BlondeelBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementManagement
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Manufacturing Greatness | Productivity | Retention | Profits | Continuous Improvement | Safety | Workforce Development | Labor Challenges | Skills Gaps | Industry 4.0 episodes

  • Performance + Accountability for Operations Managers: Closing the Gap Between Good and Great to Drive Consistent Results P2 with Horst Prelog and Scott Turner #15

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    Enjoy part 2 and pick up where we left off on episode 14!

    1. 1:12 Do something small. Horst talks about being a Plant Manager and you are behind financially and on resources, do something small, take a small step and this is not expensive and is better than doing nothing.
    2. 2:59 You can't be a spreadsheet manager. You can't drive results from a spreadsheet, you have to help people hands on and be an inspired manager and help build the teams. I cannot promise anyone it is easy, in manufacturing as a leader it is challenging but very rewarding.
    3. 4:26 How did you manage your ego? Scott explains they helped each other keep it in check, talking and having frank discussions. Even though he is my boss I had to more than once have a heart to heart and kick each other in the butt. It goes back to our relationship and having different skills, we could move mountains and we did. Horst talks about bringing some ice cubes and cooling down, honesty and saying what you need to say.
    4. 7:40 A lot of it is around empathy. Scott tells a story about Horst. Horst didn't get angry much but when he did we knew it and we called it, "you used to lose your lips" your lips would tremble, we would talk about it and joke about it but that was always a cue for us and we would refocus. It's your job as a team to tell the leader when he is losing his lips or becoming angry, or driving off the cliff, if the leader is open minded and mindful, they will listen. This is key to a collaborative environment.
    5. 13:23 Alignment. Horst talks about alignment and you as a leader being aligned with the organization, shareholders and your boss that's basically ownership. If you are not you will eventually run into trouble. This applies for everybody. I would also focus on work life balance; I was mostly working so I would do that differently. Scott talks about work life balance and his experiences with this.
    6. 15:40 What is important for you? Horst discusses the importance of each of us truly knowing what is important to us "The purpose of life is happiness" so you should ask yourself are you happy? If you are not you should change it, it's your life! Do what make you happy!
    7. 19:54 Go slow to go fast. Sometimes you need to slow down and consciously make good decisions. Horst shares his experiences on the importance of stepping back when under stress, step away and make good choices. Most of the time we don't need to react right away, get all the facts and then make the move. You have to "Go slow to go fast"!
    8. 24:10 The 3-legged stool. Horst explains his vision and the analogy of "The 3-legged stool". We used this analogy of having 3 parts of your business, your customer, investor and people. It's important that all 3 legs are successful and to focus on each of them. One can be very strong but if the other legs are shorter or not as strong than your business is not balanced. Each of them needs attention and balance. The bottom line is you need a balanced business. There will be times when one leg is stronger or shorter but over time the responsibility of the Manager is to balance these. This applies to any business.
    9. 31:04 What are you guys doing now? Horst and Scott talk about their lives today and what each of them are busy at and enjoy doing.

    If you would like to learn more about Horst and his daughters business, check it out at https://dancingspirittours.com/.

    36 min
  • Performance + Accountability for Operations Managers: Closing the Gap Between Good and Great to Drive Consistent Results P1 with Horst Prelog and Scott Turner #14

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    Horst Prelog and Scott Turner join the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast as we explore how their backgrounds and accomplishments shaped their impact on manufacturing leadership.

    In this episode, we talk manufacturing leadership, growth mindset, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    We cover communication skills, accountability, and trust building, plus how learning from experienced leaders helps strengthen culture, improve engagement, and drive better results on the shop floor.

    1. 3:42 A challenging undertaking. Horst spends time talking about taking over a successful organization and the challenges that go along with this. Explaining how important it is to have goals and everyone moving in the same direction with good alignment. Focus on the people and what is expected.
    2. 5:50 People and Different mindsets. We were great but how do we become greater? Horst references good to great and not to become complacent and giving good direction.
    3. 7:40 Hands on, Scott and I were hands on people! We established a clear vision of where wewanted to go, what is our mission on this journey and what are the values we are achieving to get there. We created a credo writing down our goals and what is important for everyone to have and understand.
    4. 10:04 A collaborative approach. Horst talks about collaboration as well asnon negotiables for the team and how important this is with leadership.
    5. 12:00 The credo! Horst explained the credoand how we wrote this down and handed it out to every person in the organization that created accountability and the team held us to it. Respect, trust, values and commitment, we decided on and we always helped each other.
    6. 16:21 I can't say that this is an easy thing to do. Horst talks about if you choose not to follow these values you will find trouble down the road. It's a slippery slope violating our commitments and how important it is to stick to it.
    7. 19:40 We changed the compensation model. Horst explains how he and Scott changed the compensationmodel so each person's compensation (bonus) was affected if there were challenges. This was not an easy undertaking but the right thing to do.
    8. 22:00 Howdo you handle that one plant who doesn't want to help the other plants? Horst explains how he would spend time talking with these plants and helping them understand and convincing them the right thing to do is help each other. There are certain percentages who don't want to, and we would ask if they would want to be a part of this team. The right seat of the bus and if you didn't want to be a part of it then exiting the bus.
    9. 25:27 Scott and I were a fantastic team! We worked so well together and as a leader you have to recognize what are your strengths and when do you need to fill in with people who can help you.
    10. 27:10 The learning environment, why is that so important? Horst and Scott talk about the importance of being a learning organization and without that you are limited. You always requirelearning; all businesses have to do this. Firing people is not the answer, no one is perfect, and you have to learn that hiring and firing is not the way, becoming a learning company is the way. Horst shares under his and Scott's leadership the different leadership learning programs offered.

    35 min
  • Accountability for Manufacturing Managers: Moving from Individual Contributor to Team Captain to Drive Stronger Performance with Bo Horvat #13

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    In this episode, Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat joins the podcast to share insights on leadership, resilience, and mindset that translate directly to manufacturing leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    We talk about the transition from player to captain, what that shift requires from a mindfulness and accountability perspective, and how communication skills, trust building, and authentic leadership help teams stay focused under pressure and perform at a high level.

    1. 2:10 Being out of the game. Bo shares his thoughts on getting the team back in the mode once they return to the ice. Getting back to the team aspect again and in the same mindset, everyone is on the same page. Team bonding.
    2. 4:40 Promoted within the same group. Trevor asks how did you find going from player to the captain? Bo explains he had tremendous support from the players, the coaching staff and the city. Leading by example, it was challenging but if you have the right guys around you it makes all the difference.
    3. 6:50 Positivity. Bo talks about the importance of being positive and displaying that to the players, win or loss. He thinks it is so important to be this way even when you have bad days. It comes natural to him and if someone is down then it can disperse amongst the group and that doesn't make anyone better.
    4. 9:04 It's good to get away from it. Although I love the game, it's good for me to get away from it. I like to decompress and think about other things and coming home to my wife and dog. I don't like to sit in my hotel when on the road, I like to see the cities we are in, get out and do things.
    5. 11:54 The white noise. Bo talks about how he handles the media and passionate fans. Blocking out the white noise as his coach would call it and focus on the guys and listening to the coaching staff really helps with this.
    6. 13:20 The advantage of a small community. Bo talks about how the whole town of Rodney is like one big family and how that community has always supported him and his hockey career. This speaks to how I grew up and where I am today has to do with the community.
    7. 15:29 Grateful to wear the C. Bo talks about how happy he is to play for a Canadian team and how his dream of being drafted and playing in the NHL came true. Can't really think of anything he would change, very happy with where he is and his past.
    8. 17:00 Get to be yourself. Bo talks about living who he is and being himself. This is something he works hard at staying true to himself and not allowing his head get too big or take for granted where he is and how he got here. It's a great career but not a long one so I make the most of it and am grateful for what I have.
    9. 17:42 Role Model who's yours? Bo talks about his parents and how they did everything to get him where he is today. I wouldn't be where I am if it was not for them. Bo talks about surrounding himself with the right people is so important and how his wife is his rock and is so great for me to come home and talk to, it keeps me sane.
    10. 20:20 What was the first concert you went to? Nickelback, my parents took me to it, I was 15 and I loved it.
    11. 20:50 If you were stuck somewhere, who is the one artist you would take with you? That's a tough question, I like country music, I really like Eric Church. Bo talks about his diverse interest in music, lots of depth in Eric Church, great choice.
    24 min
  • Frontline Supervisors: Building New Habits That Strengthen Focus and Daily Performance with Trevor Blondeel #12

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    1. 2:55 I've never spent so much time at home. Trevor discusses the challenges of changing habits and the time we all have right now and how that creates space. With space you have a chance to get to know the inner self more, understanding self-awareness.
    2. 5:27 Why are you going so fast? Trevor talks about the feedback given by Mike as to why Trevor was driving so fast. There is no reason to rush or speed. You can take that and apply it to your own life. What have you felt during these times and will it change to help you make a difference? Out of tough times comes good things and choices.
    3. 7:58 What do you see in yourself? Are you going fast? Have you asked for feedback from others to be better? Feedback should come from a point of caring and being genuine.
    4. 10:00 Time available, what do you do to get better? What fits for you to make your state of wellbeing, be the best for you? It's important to find your outlet and what really works to keep you stable. Once you find it, practice and be disciplined to do so.
    5. 12:15 The "What If's" Falling into the trap of the what ifs and what if this or that happens and the negative effects the what ifs can have on all of us. Take time to ask yourself if the what ifs are real and if they are then do something with it, if they are not then let them go.
    6. 15:03 Committed to have a better self. What can we take away during these times to be better? What's the good stuff you take with you when everything starts to move again? We all have negative thoughts especially during these times and that's okay.
    7. 17:10 I can spend some time to myself and that's okay. Learning things through these times that help us. Making use of technology and connecting worldwide with friends and family and what works for you to feel better.
    8. 19:04 The intent. Our intent always is, looking to provide questions and discussions that make people think and how it can help make you be better. When we talk about mindfulness how do you personally find your stability. How do you work to be better and minimize the chaos? One person can make a difference.
    9. 21:25 Can you just let it happen? We see something good coming out of this. What's worked for you, it's in you to develop yourself and help others. Thanks to all the front-line workers, very appreciative and thanks so much for listening.
    23 min
  • Resilience for Operations Managers: Lessons from an NFL Center on Overcoming Adversity and Driving Team Performance with Eric Wood #11

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    What a great connection with former NFL Pro Bowler Eric Wood.

    In this episode, Eric joins the podcast to share insights on leadership, accountability, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    We talk about impacting others, communication skills, growth mindset, and what it takes to lead under pressure, along with a few football stories and real-world lessons that translate directly to building trust, engagement, and performance on the shop floor.

    1. 1:20 Eric Wood introduction and background. Listen as Eric talks about his NFL career and when his world was rocked and how God had different plans for him and his family.
    2. 3:18 Looked like one of the everyday members in the gym. Eric talks about humility and how he played a game where he got to throw a ball around for a living. Not taking himself too seriously and not holding himself in too high of a regard and staying grounded.
    3. 6:03 Servant Leadership. Eric talks about what he wants to see in a leader. Getting better or getting worse there is no grey area. Eric talks about taking time and getting to know his teammates and making friends and following a servant leader.
    4. 8:22 Trust. Mike discusses trust and how that impacts teams and relationships. Podcast 0, Eric's introductory podcast speaks from a place of authenticity and sincerity. Eric talks about how he got into his podcast "What's next with Eric Wood".
    5. 11:11 Receiving the news on your career coming to an end. Eric talks about his career ended and how he felt at that time. He took the approach of motivating himself and realizing he is starting in an industry he was not familiar with. Eric talks about doing a lot of inner work to be better and help to get through tough times.
    6. 14:08 Others oriented. As soon as it's about you, you are going to struggle in your life. Eric talks about helping others through community and church and controlling your mental being and being there for other people.
    7. 15:19 Walter Payton award. Eric talks about the Walter Payton award and what that means to him and the sport. How you treat people is completely within our control. Eric talks about how good it feels that his peers voted him in for the Walter Payton award.
    8. 19:00 Mindfulness. Eric talks about where he sees mindfulness going. More and more studies show how visualization and mindfulness play such an important part in our lives.
    9. 20:54 Float around on auto pilot. To be living based on routines we all have, meditation allows us to stop and look at doing things differently. Be intentional, do things that benefit you. Enjoy the moment and enjoy where you are in life.
    10. 23:15 Serving others. Eric discusses the way we share, and others share with all of us. Having a daily gratitude practice will fill you with peace and help uplift others around you.
    11. 24:56 Make an impact at home first. Eric talks about a life coach he has worked with in the past and the question of "are you making an impact at home first"? So much more value in taking the opportunity to make the impact in your own home. Just be home with family.
    12. 27:00 Trevor asks a few quick questions.
    13. 29:08 The ways to follow Eric Wood.
    31 min
  • Productivity for Manufacturing Leaders: Building Stronger Teams and Sustaining Performance Through COVID-19 with Trevor Blondeel and Mike Hillman #10

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    For the first time, we recorded this episode from separate locations as we practiced safe distancing and continued bringing you meaningful conversations.

    In this episode, we focus on resilience in manufacturing, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    We talk about leading through uncertainty during COVID 19, managing fear, strengthening communication skills, and staying grounded when emotions run high. You will walk away with practical strategies to stay focused, support your team, and maintain perspective so performance and morale do not suffer during challenging times.

    1. 1:20. The topic today is resiliency. During these uncertain times keeping in mind we are not alone; we are in this together. How do we adapt to stress and the different landscapes we are in? With this comes growth and different ways of thinking and what will our world look like months from now.
    2. 3:30. If you don't like what your focused on change it! How do we do this? If you can focus on others, who can you help, who needs your help? Diverting your attention a lot of healing can come from that. Make best use of your day to be better! When you find meaning in your suffering it ceases to be suffering.
    3. 5:36 Labeling it is important. Once we identify something and label it we can focus on it and work through it. It's a good time to look deeper into self, ground yourself and look at what is important in your life. Look at one day at time.
    4. 8:00 It doesn't matter what your situation is, if you are working or not working, everyone has level of being uncomfortable. The fear is common for all of us, no better time for mindfulness and understanding our own emotions. Every one of us are capable of observing on our own emotions.
    5. 10:56 What will it be like in 6 months? We know great things will come from this, not totally sure what these are but it will happen. As the saying goes, you can go through it or you can grow through it! Looking for different ways, people are very giving right now!
    6. 12:24 The thinking for resiliency! We have the physical, how much sleep are we getting, exercise and finding ways to do new things. Making good use of our time, relationships and connecting with people, who needs that phone call? Using today's technology to see each other from all around the world. Use the different platforms that are available to all of us.
    7. 14:42 The only thing you can control is your reaction to what is happening around you! We are all human and accept the situation, diffuse the emotion and gain control over it. Have a little self-compassion. Don't be so hard on yourself. If you miss certain routines that's okay, get back on track and get back into your rhythm.
    8. 17:05 Watch a movie! Take the time to enjoy a movie, laugh and take your mind off of the everyday stress we are all faced with. Focus on what your in control of! Doing different things is so good during these times to help with these circumstances.
    9. 18:48 Social media. How can we use this to connect and express ourselves! so many different ways to spend our time!
    23 min
  • Trust for Manufacturing Managers: Practical Authenticity Lessons to Strengthen Credibility and Team Performance with Trevor Blondeel and Mike Hillman #9

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    In this episode, the guys take time to reflect on what they have learned about authentic leadership through both success and failure.

    We explore manufacturing leadership, self awareness, and growth mindset for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    You will hear practical insights on recognizing self awareness in others, strengthening communication skills, and showing up as your best self. We also talk trust building, accountability, and how authenticity directly impacts engagement, culture, and performance on the shop floor.

    1. 2:55 The ways we got better. We discuss our offsets and the benefits of this. Being different is good as you learn from each other and grow. Emotional Intelligence.
    2. 5:05 If you have to announce it your likely not practicing it! Ways to be more mindful and come from a place of authenticity. Saying your something all the time doesn't necessarily mean your living it!
    3. 7:00 Your a good dancer. Mike tells a story from his past on how he would use big words to try and impress people and all he was doing was confusing people. It is so important to be yourself and not dance around the issues. Always be real and yourself.
    4. 11:35 The Asshole Pill! Discussion on the feedback we both received years ago on being more of a hard leader on the people, and to take an "Asshole Pill"! Rather than sending a person away crying we talked through situations on how we could do things different and be a good leader for the people.
    5. 14:25 Being open to change, can I show up a bit differently for the better. Partnering with the right fit and we share experiences on growing and learning all the time.
    6. 15:30 Mike your just too nice, take the "Asshole Pill'. Mike shares his experience on reflecting on how to be assertive and respectful to the people. Are you willing to trade in your beliefs for something you are not? Can you sleep at night knowing your being something you are not?
    7. 19:25 The autopsy review. Mike shares a story of how we can all get into a mode of deflating others and ourselves. A leader's job is to help pull the person out of being defeated and inspire others to have a purpose. What can I do different to get a different result? Can't just be about coming in and building product has to be about giving people purpose.
    8. 21:15 Ask for help. Trevor explains his current partnership with an organization and the steps this owner is taking to be a better leader with self-awareness.
    9. 24:20 The top of the organization and the willingness to want to make a change for the better. Being open to change has to start at the top for it to work.
    10. 25:40 How do you have mindfulness without human connection. You will have people that you don't connect with and that's okay, be curious and learn from each other. Offsets are so important for all of us.
    31 min
  • Emotional Intelligence + Accountability for Frontline Supervisors: Channeling Emotions with Intention to Improve Team Focus and Daily Performance with Lianne Gallie #8

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    Privileged to have Lianne Gallie join the podcast to share her journey of mindfulness across manufacturing Human Resources and now into teaching at the college level.

    In this episode, we explore manufacturing leadership, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    Lianne shares practical insights on communication skills, self awareness, and channeling emotions with intention, plus how staying curious and people focused strengthens trust, engagement, and performance on the shop floor.

    1. 2:19. My growing up phase. Lianne talks about her discoveries around emotion and passion and how they can work for you or against you.
    2. 4:40. Passion the definition. Lianne talks about how she portrayed passion and how this was perceived by her Leader and others and the impact that had on her and her career.
    3. 6:00. Mindfulness, the moment to moment awareness. Knowing in the moment where you are at and the importance of talking through things. Accept and let it go!
    4. 8:37. I moved on. Lianne goes into detail and explains the valuable lesson she learned years ago from a not so favorable situation.
    5. 10:04. My message is not, not to be emotional. Be conscious of what you do and say and try to learn this early on. Be aware of your emotions and knowing when it is good timing to show them.
    6. 12:45. Gas or water, you decide. As a leader and being mindful we have a choice to help resolve situations or add to them. Do you know what's inside your bucket? Are you bringing gas or water, how are you showing up?
    7. 14:45. The importance of H.R. experience and operations experience. The group discusses the experiences and the power of having worked in H.R and also working in operations. The value of being well rounded and how this helps.
    8. 17:40. Lessons learned.Lianne explains the importance of learning from mistakes and how we don't have to answer questions right away. Take a moment to understand and then answer.
    9. 21:00. You don't have to be the first to finish the race. The group discusses how manufacturing can be very hectic and it's okay to take time to step back or away and ensure you are handling situations appropriately.
    10. 23:10. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Lianne opens up the discussion on the importance of this statement and how important it is to allow yourself to be you.
    11. 24:40. Employee involvement. The power of asking the employees to assist in problems and creating ownership at shop floor level.
    12. 27:45. Lianne's closing comments "One last thing woman need to think about".
    31 min
  • Continuous Improvement + Accountability for Operations Managers: Lessons from a Manufacturing Legend to Strengthen Execution and Team Performance with Brian Skerrett #7

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    The legendary Brian Skerrett joins the podcast to share wisdom from his 40 plus year career integrating mindfulness and leadership development.

    In this episode, we explore manufacturing leadership, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    Brian shares practical insights on self awareness, communication skills, and growth mindset, plus how making small individual changes today builds stronger leaders, deeper trust, and more fulfilled teams on the shop floor.

    1:50 The beginning of Brian's career. Listen as Brian talks about his experience meeting the one and only Stephen Covey and the mindfulness journey.

    1. 4:00 Pushing yourself into a pretzel! Brian talks about the purpose of mindfulness and how it is meant to quiet the mind and create a healthy body.
    2. 5:40 EAP and the connection to mindfulness. Both management and employees were hurting, conflicts not being resolved, creating anxiety and frustration. That's when I introduced mindfulness practice and where do you put your attention.
    3. 8:20 You gave me a gift that I never opened until many years later. Trevor talks about meeting Brian and the approach to mindfulness. Brian talks about how most people have to go at mindfulness and come back to it many times until they grasp it.
    4. 12:16 Leaders intentionally creating conflict. What do you tell Leaders who operate this way? Creating an uncomfortable environment does not create a better environment. Brian shares how stress harms the body and the effects it has on us. Fight or Flight? Mindfulness allows us to avoid this type of behavior and not get hooked by the conflict and be present.
    5. 15:36 You're not chained there. You have options in how you handle things. It's only a gong show if you buy into the gong show. Mindfulness is key.
    6. 17:16 The speed of technology. Brian shares his experiences with technology over the years and how mindfulness plays into it.
    7. 19:00 Emotional Intelligence, it takes courage to embrace and stick with something. Learn how to adapt and advance your culture.
    8. 22:35 The sizes of our enterprises. The large companies have a hard time adapting to challenges and mindfulness. Working with the highest level and having an impact on the organization. Brian shares some great quotes and perspectives on leadership.
    9. 25:48 The bosses who listen to feedback. Brian explains the importance of a boss allowing others to give feedback to them and the impact and the need. Today it doesn't happen often enough.
    10. 27:42 It's around trust. It's a fundamental piece if a solid team, how do build trust, maintain trust and this is something that is sadly lacking.
    11. 29:22 Mistakes and failures. Brian talks about the leadership style of making mistakes and the learning opportunity. It's important in terms of people learning.
    12. 31:28 What things are like at home versus what things are like at work. Brian talks about the connection between home life and work life and the importance of these two. People have to have a life of their own and have a balance. Spending too much time working and not enough time at home.
    13. 34:35 Legacy. Brian describes what legacy means to him. How companies can push you until you are dry, and some are more in tune to the employees needs and got good results, they cared.
    40 min
  • Engagement for Frontline Supervisors: Leading from the Shop Floor to Build Trust and Improve Daily Performance with JC Wilkinson #6

    Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

    Now, let's jump in!

    Today we're joined by JC Wilkinson, VP of Business Transformation at Vivid Impact, to share practical insights from two decades of operational, financial, and consulting leadership.

    In this episode, JC joins the podcast to talk manufacturing leadership, strategic thinking, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

    We explore communication skills, accountability, and growth mindset, plus how operational discipline, continuous improvement, and people-focused leadership come together to drive better decisions, stronger engagement, and measurable results on the shop floor.

    1. 1:10 Transformation. Growing a company on what matters most and what matters least. Listen how J.C. explains the challenges of execution and how everything starts with the Leader. Leadership is commitment, devotion and alignment.

    1. 5:35 Leadership, hours on the floor. It's important the leaders are on the floor. J.C. explains how the process of tracking the number of hours each leader dedicates to the shop floor. He talks in detail about leading with humility and developing a culture of respect.

    1. 8:40 Language and people. We start at the top and establish a cascading effect right through to the operator, linkage is very important.

    1. 10:57 Measurement drives behavior. Safety, People, Quality and Cost, the people are super critical, the hiring of the right people in the hiring process is the most important thing.

    1. 13:34 Turnover. Check first to see, am I treating my external customer better than my internal customer? J.C. explains the impact the book, "The Dream Manager" had on him and how they incorporated this into their work place.

    1. 15:04 Emotional connection. We asked the team members, what are your dreams, what are your aspirations? We put out a culture survey to capture data, with questions such as, "what can the organization do to help you be a better version of you"?

    1. 17:10 Leadership alignment and consistency. Common challenges, managing through the chaos and fighting fires. J.C. explains the importance of standard work and how that helped to bring clarity and control to the work day.

    1. 22:15 People wanting leadership positions. Clarity, expectations are so important to people seeking leadership positions. When we are faced with problems, we always bring it back to, "how is this helping our customers"?

    1. 24:20 What do you look for in an employee? We established a criteria matrix comprised of skills and behaviors. We use a role descriptor not a job description and a team-based hiring approach. We quantify each candidate.

    29 min

About Manufacturing Greatness | Productivity | Retention | Profits | Continuous Improvement | Safety | Workforce Development | Labor Challenges | Skills Gaps | Industry 4.0

From the publisher's feed

Whether you're a plant manager, operations manager, or frontline supervisor, you'll discover practical strategies for lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. We cover critical topics like workforce development, employee retention, safety culture, and change management—helping you navigate challenges like labor shortages, skills gaps, and the evolving manufacturing landscape including Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.