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Ricki Zebik is an Operations Director with vast experience in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

He now earns a living improving manufacturing companies by utilising all the skills he has learnt.

This episode offers a real insight into exactly how companies improve by utilising the staff and ideas they already have.

Culture is probably the most important aspect of any business, and it has never been more important, than it is right now!

In this episode Ricki talks about how companies improve, and what they need to do turn it around.

Thank you Ricki for this insight!

I hope you enjoy the episode!

We discuss:-

1 Min – What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

6 min - Should the company clearly familiarise all staff with its goals, and what’s the best way to do it?

8 min - Valuing staff - recent change

11 min - Emotional intelligence in business

14 min - What challenges were there at the beginning?

15 min - Advice for more experienced managers (things to look out for)

20 min - How concerned should we be about the changing work ethic of the newer generations?

23 min - How to manage mindset when faced with a new role?

26 min - How nerve-racking is management today?

28 min - What are the key things to look at to improve a business?

30 min - What’s the first step to take to tackle any issues?

32 min - The value of feedback

36 min - How can you replicate the successful principles in other industries?

39 min - What 3 things make a good leader?

41 min - What makes a good manager?

42 min - How can we improve manufacturing?

46 min - What’s the most important consideration when introducing major changes?

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

After 12 months and 28 guests it was my turn to get the other side of the desk!

FULL LINK TO PODCAST EPISODE IN COMMENTS 

Shaun Campbell was the man to step up to the Mic and interview me on the journey so far...

I was a little nervous, but thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew how important it would be for me to be 100% honest and transparent about running a business, and we get properly into the highs and lows of it. 

I am incredibly proud of what we have built over the last 7 years and this felt like the right time to go through it all.

Thank you Shaun for playing the part so well.

I would be extremely grateful for anyone liking and subscribing to our podcast on your preferred channel of Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

I really hope you enjoy the episode!

1 min – What does being a leader mean to you?

5 Min – Why did you start the Podcast?

9 Min – The early days – Where you entrepreneurial? 

12 Min – Why did you get into recruitment?

14 Min – Best memories in the early days?

16 Min – Starting the business – What we didn’t think about

22 Min – Did anyone try to stop you starting the business?

26 Min – Managing the stress – How do you do it?

28 Min – What plans did you have for the business in the early days?

30 Min – Proudest moments 

32 Min – Being different, how is that possible in a diluted marketplace?

37 Min – Why are you not living the ‘entrepreneur life?’

40 Min – Have the plans changed?

42 Min – Best moment in the business?

44 Min – Worst moment in the business?

49 Min – Stress and pain, how did you deal with it?

55 Min – Raising money for charity

57 Min – Self evaluation & the importance of a good support network

65 Min – How to manage mental health in the work place 

68 Min – Plans for Theo James & Legacy 

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

 Kevin Harland, is the Senior Operations Manager at Intelligent Steel Solutions in Peterlee.

 
He has a brilliant reputation in the industry, having worked for some excellent businesses like Cleveland Bridge and Mechtool. 

This was a such an interesting episode, where we really dig into both management and good old British Manufacturing?

How important is culture in a workplace? How does an experienced manager adapt in different situations, and should they have an open door policy?

Just some of the questions we tackle In today’s episode. 

Kevin is passionate about the industry and we discuss in depth about the challenges it is facing, but what also makes it great.

I hope you enjoy!

We discuss :- 

-       1:15 - What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

-       4:20 - The early years, how he got to where he is today

-       8:50 - Should Managers have an ‘open door’ policy?

-       12:30 - Have challenges changed on management over the years?

-       13:30 - How have previous Managers influenced you over the years?

-       15:20 Adapting to the situation – What type of Manager are you?

-       17:00 – How crucial is culture to an organisation?

-       20:22 – The importance of a work-life balance & mental health

-       23:40 – How has Manufacturing changed over the years?

-       24:00 – Britain should be the biggest powerhouse in Manufacturing!

-       26:35 – How do we improve British Manufacturing?

-       29:30 – We need to improve the awareness within Manufacturing 

-       32:45 – Differences between SME’s and larger organisations 

-       34:40 – Guest Question from Atif Syed  - How do we improve North East Manufacturing? + How will technology change Manufacturing?

-       38:50 – What have you implemented within the business that’s had positive change?

-       41:30 – Plans for Intelligent Steel Solutions 

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today we interview Atif Syed, on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast. Atif is the CEO and Founder of Wootzano. A business who make dexterous robots.

This episode literally blew my mind and changed my opinion about how robots will effect the world and workforce. 

We talk about his journey and building a business and how important it is to have a vision that the team is on board with.

If you are interested in robotics and automation or want to find out more like I did, then this is the episode for you. It really did change the way I see them coming into our lives in a big way.

Atif is a true inspiration, and has built a business in under 5 years that is flying year on year and was even awarded a £300 million contract.

You are going to love this one!

We discuss…

2min – What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

6 min – What makes a good leader – calculated risks

7 min – The early years, the robotics and tech journey

13 min – Business owner or scientist?

15 min – Wootzano – the business

16 Mins – The robots are coming!

20 mins  - “robots will give you the luxury of time”

22 min – Upskilling and adapting to improve the manufacturing market 

27 min – Building a business and closing a £300Mil project

31 min – The American dream

33 min – Affordable robots to increase productivity and reduce costs 

34 min – Guest Question – Nicky Gallagher

36 min – Motivating and inspiring a team, as a leader

38 min – Self reflection

41 Min – Plans for Wootzano

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

 Nicky Gallagher is the Head of HR at Zentia in Gateshead, The UK’s market-leader in complete ceiling solutions.

I couldn’t wait to interview Nicky and she did not disappoint! 

In this episode, we go into her own journey of working her way up at Nestle, and then later moving to the North East to Join Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, before their acquisition to Zentia in 2020.

We get right into employer engagement, working within an acquisition and increasing awareness in manufacturing for minority groups.

This was a really inspirational episode from an inspirational leader and you will take a lot from it
 
 

I hope you enjoy

We discuss – 

What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

The early years

Experience gained at Nestle

Moving to the North East – Armstrong World

How do you implement big change in a business and bring staff along with you?

Going through an acquisition – Challenges and managing expectations 

Influencing and adding benefits to staff – employer engagement / recognition 

Branding and promoting the Zentia brand 

Diversity & Inclusion – How do we improve within Manufacturing?

Women and menopause – Increasing awareness 

Has your management style changed over time?

Who was your biggest inspiration in and out of work?

How important is legacy to you within the role?

Challenges over the last 12 months

Guest question from Nigel Freeman

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today, I interviewed Adam Childs on the Manufacturing Leaders podcast. Adam is the Ops Director at Daikin Applied in Cramlington.

What an episode this is. Adam is a brilliant example of a passionate and driven leader, who empowers his staff.

We go through his journey in detail. From Apprentice Mechanic, to senior management roles within manufacturing.

We talk about the importance lean techniques and continuous improvement has had in his career, and also how crucial it is to manage your own mindset through tough times.

Adam’s personality is infectious and you are going to learn a lot from this one!

·      What does it mean to you to be a leader? (Some slight wifi issues here for 20 seconds only)

·      The Early Years – Moving and working around the UK

·      Transferable management skills

·      The North East – Any cultural differences?

·      Influencing the younger generation into manufacturing 

·      Challenges of a young manager 

·      Should you be a transparent manager with your team?

·      The importance of clearing your head away from work (26)

·      Managing mindsets through Covid

·      Arm around the shoulder, or a kick up the backside?

·      Academic or working your way up?

·      Do you ever lose your trade as a manager?!

·      Who is you biggest inspiration? 

·      Quickfire questions

·      How do we improve Manufacturing?

·      Staff Question

·      Daikin Plans!

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

“Allow your team to make decisions”

It’s the second BTS takeover on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast! This time with

Operations Director Nigel Freeman

I’ve had a few requests to get him on, and he did not disappoint!!

The world needs more leaders like Nigel. Someone, who gives you a platform and

opportunity to have a voice and succeed.

-       Intro

-       What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

-       Different types of management styles

-       The early years – Forces / Getting into business and manufacturing

-       Thorn Lighting, working his way up

-       Academic route or on the job learning?

-       Working  abroad and understand different cultures

-       The importance of process 

-       Allow the team to make decisions 

-       Leaving a legacy

-       Moving from a blue chip organisation to a SME

-       BTS and the community  / culture they have built

-       Biggest challenges in Manufacturing

-       Quick Fire Questions 

-       Guest Question – Russell Richardson  

#UKMFG  #MANUFACTURING

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

 ‘Turning any situation into a positive ‘

Wow, what an episode this is. It was a real privilege to have Russell Richardson on the Manufacturing Leaders podcast.

 A true leader in every sense of the word, who worked his way up from an Apprentice Welder to Head of Operations at Caterpillar, before working at Komatsu helping them through an MBO to SE-TEK

Russell is another reason why the North East is such a powerhouse in UK Manufacturing.

I was blown away by his outlook on life and it’s something we can all learn from.

We discuss…

-       Intro

-       What does it mean to be a leader? 

-       The early years growing up in the North East to Apprentice Fabricator 

-       Early working conditions and environment 

-       Managing a team when very young without experience

-       Taking the opportunities that seem scary or risky

-       The influence his dad had on his mindset and career 

-       Managers who have influenced him

-       Investing in people to improve manufacturing

-       The importance of listening and giving people a voice 

-       Leaving Caterpillar after 30 years and transitioning 

-       Working in a Management Buy Out 

-       Taking the positives out of any situation 

-       Managing time and mindset when out of work

-       Quickfire question

-       Guest question from Don Murray

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

‘The importance of having high standards in management’

I am over the moon to bring you this episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, with Patrick Cowan of Birtley Group.

It was a privilege to hear Patrick’s story of how he was thrust into the management world at such a young age.

You will take away real tips and strategies in this episode in exactly how to build efficient teams and manage staff.

I learnt so much from Patrick from this episode and there is so much value here.

This is exactly why I started up this podcast in the first place!

We Discuss:-

-       Introductions

-       What does it mean to you to be a leader? 

-       The early years – The education route into industry

-       Managing a large experienced team at 24 years old 

-       Standards – ‘Don’t turn a blind eye to things that aren’t acceptable’

-       Management styles – Has it changed over the years?

-       Early inspirations – Son of a miner!

-       Management inspirations 

-       Key Steps for the first 12 weeks in a role 

-       Using your notice period effectively (20

-       Can you change a culture?

-       The most challenging aspect of management

-       Managing your own mindset

-       How manufacturing has changed over the years

-       Is the UK Behind the rest of the world in Manufacturing?

-       Succession planning in manufacturing

-       Quickfire questions

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298. 

Send us Fan Mail

I am delighted to bring this amazing episode to you. Shirley is the Production Manager of AKZO Nobel and one of the key reasons the Ashington site built up the reputation they have, alongside some influential colleagues she mentions as a crucial part of the journey so far

In this episode we initially talk about what led Shirley into the role she is in now, before digging deep into the AKZO Nobel world 

You will learn about the importance of a documented process, culture, training, interviewing , hiring and so much more 

This is genuinely an episode where you will not only be inspired. But, take away key bits of information and tips to implement straight away

·      What does it mean to you, to be a leader?

·      The early years / Jobs / growing up / community

·      Being a woman in Manufacturing – Breaking the stigma around it 

·      Alcan – Culture an utilising lean

·      Akzo Nobel – building a site from scratch

·      Documenting processes and procedures to train and scale 

·      Northumberland a hidden gem and manufacturing hub

·      Working with and not against our competitors to create talent and build

·      The importance of continuous improvement 

·      Measuring and hiring people against cultural principles

·      The recruitment and hiring process

·      Putting staff retention and progression first -pathways process

·      Ongoing improvement and feedback – ‘The Pitman Painters’

·      Working with schools and young adults with SEND

·      Previous Guest question 

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK. 

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.