Better yet, you start out as an intern and end up becoming the CEO. (Not in ten minutes, of course).

Today’s guest on the Manufacturing Masters Podcast, ironically, experienced both!

Brent Hardman from Powell is pulling back the curtain to share insights and experience to help you succeed, whether you’re an intern or a CEO.

Allison originally interviewed Brent three years ago and his episode turned out to be the most popular of all on the MFG OutLoud podcast.

They unpack a St. Louis sized boatload (that’s Michigan, not Missouri) of truth bombs, including:

• Taking risks

• Hiring a “couples” counselor

• Giving your team permission to fail

• Using digital marketing to improve your culture, recruiting, and make sales easier.

 HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME? MY JOB? WILL I BE FIRED?

This doesn’t exactly create, what Manufacturing Masters expert, Paul Vragel, calls an “improvement seeking environment!”

Instead, Paul recommends 4 key things you can do to get enthusiastic buy-in AND implement RAPID change to improve your manufacturing business. 

As he reminds us, change that happens in 2 years or 2 months doesn’t matter. SPEED is key!

Tune in to this episode of the Manufacturing Masters podcast to start before you’re ready, get your team excited about change, and experience rapid results for faster growth. 

Imposter syndrome, anyone? 

That dreaded paralyzing self doubt that keeps us from showing up, trying, contributing, and recognizing our true potential and worth.

In this special episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast, Allison and our founder, Darrin Mitchell, are diving head first into imposter syndrome and uncovering why it happens, how to recognize it, and what to do to overcome it.

Get ready for some personal stories, examples and advice that will help you move past the fear and step into your value and self worth.

You’ll also learn some of the tell-tale signs of a true imposter and how quickly to cut them loose.

Plus, the 4 words that will change your life when it comes to imposter syndrome!

Strap in and enjoy the ride.

This episode is brought to you by the Letter E!

Eddie Saunders Jr.

Expert in Manufacturing

Empathy in Marketing

Evangelist for Manufacturing

All the important E’s today in this episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast where Eddie and Allison meet up for the first time.

Unsure about empathetic marketing? You’re not alone. In this must-catch episode, you’ll learn why it’s more important than ever, how to buddy up with another manufacturer to drastically improve your results, and the sheer value of ’stealing’ attention often and with the right people.

If you noticed an employee limping or complaining about sore wrists would you feel uncomfortable asking them if they hurt themselves or need to see a doctor? Probably not, it’s physical!

How about if they seem a little emotional, depressed, anxious, or they’re suddenly always “short” with co-workers? Probably somewhat uncomfortable…it’s more mental.

For so long, the subject of mental health has felt so taboo.

Fortunately, today, we’ve realized that your brain and your body are connected (OBVIOUSLY) and it’s equally important to take good care of both.

One of our experts on the Manufacturing Masters platform is Elizabeth Eldridge from Arpeggio Health Services. In this episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast, she sits down with Allison DeFord to dispel some of the myths and offers suggestions about starting the conversation with someone, understanding before we try and fix, and the benefits of being proactive and paying attention to your employees mental health.

Think, improved culture and healthier bottomline!

THIS is worth talking about.

What do you do when your CFO tells you, “We’ve got to increase sales by 10%! GO!”
Before you stress out (because you know you’ve been busting your bahooky already and you can only spread yourself so thin) wipe that sweat off your brow and listen to this episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast with expert Ken Cheo from MySalesCoach.
And, if you’re the CEO or CFO, have your team listen to this one!
Ken's got your back with:
 
- the right questions to ask first
- the strategy that will make the difference
- the power of tracking your results.
 🎁 Plus some bonus insight, Allison DeFord gets Ken to reveal the difference between EXPECTATIONS and AGREEMENTS!
Now, you have a sales coach that can help you exceed your goals AND reduce your stress!
Everybody, here we grow!

Are you familiar with a Digital Twin?
The concept of mirroring your sales team in digital format. (No 3D printer required)
In this episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast you’ll learn firsthand from expert Greg Mischio from Winbound:
1) What’s the one challenger we’re all facing and how to overcome it
2) Why content isn’t as effective without a strategic approach
3) How your flesh and blood sales team can leverage the digital twin
And, most importantly, the power of SHOWING vs. TELLING to market way more effectively and make sales easier and faster.
🚀 If you’re struggling with lack of time or resources to boost your sales THIS episode is for you!
🥫 If you’ve been afraid to “share your secret sauce” THIS episode is for you!
And, Allison DeFord may or may not have gotten Greg to share his anti-aging secret!

What’s your go-to reaction when a brand new employee tells you how to run your business better? 🙄
Lisa Ryan, CSP, founder of Grategy, and an expert on the Manufacturing Masters platform swears by this:
"Always resist the eye-roll and say, “thank you for sharing, that’s a great idea!”
Why? Listen to them.
It’s an opportunity for you to show up and show you give a rip. And, to show your employee that they’re seen and heard.
You then have the option to consider and dismiss OR act on it and take your business to the next level.
Lisa has a treasure-trove of tools and techniques you can use right now to invest in your current talent and keep them from becoming someone else’s!
Because, it’s no longer 2019, and you’re not just losing your best employees to competitors, you’re up against Door Dash and Amazon, and Uber.
Grab your helmet and tighten your seat belt. This episode is nothing short of a FAST PASS, note-taking, thrill ride.
At [6:09] don’t miss it when Lisa reveals why the EXIT interview is too late, not so great! 😂
And, we want to hear from you! Let everyone know which of Lisa’s tools resonates with you the most 👍 or 👎
Leave your 2¢ in the comments.
And, if you find value in this podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague.
Everybody, here we grow!

Finding talent starts from the inside out!
Like, figuring out WHY somebody would want to work with your company/team/culture in the first place.
In this episode of the Manufacturing Masters Podcast, you’ll learn from expert Andrew Lavoie, CPBC what you need to do to become a preferred employee this year.
-Hiring a recruiter…essential or not?
-Poaching…casting a wide net!
-Foster strong employee engagement ahead of time
And, listen to the end when Andrew serves up the 3 things you can do today to start acting like a preferred employer!
If you’re a manufacturer who wants to improve productivity, profitability, and employee engagement by finding a hiring ROCKSTARS and DIAMONDS in the rough, this is the episode for you.
And, we want to hear from you! Struggling with finding the right talent?👍or👎
Leave your 2¢ in the comments.
And, if you find value in this podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague.
Everybody, here we grow!