Aron discusses the importance of having a clear mission and focus in manufacturing leadership. He emphasizes the need for a breakthrough metric that can drive overall improvement, such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) or throughput. He shares examples of plant managers who achieved significant results by focusing on specific metrics, like reducing unplanned stops or increasing throughput. He introduces a four-tiered approach to metrics: breakthrough, control and improve, control and maintain, and track. He also encourages leaders to identify and focus on one or two breakthrough metrics to create momentum and improve plant performance.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Manufacturing Mentorship with Aron Kolosik


Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://aronkolosik.com/newsletter/

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the importance of strategic planning in manufacturing leadership, emphasizing the need to assess current operational status and set clear goals. He highlights key metrics such as safety results, productivity, OEE, and cost per unit, and stresses the importance of understanding team capabilities and processes. He advocates for benchmarking against industry standards to inform future aspirations and action plans. He also underscores the significance of aligning team members and senior leaders around a shared vision, which can lead to improved performance and reduced burnout. The conversation aims to help manufacturing leaders create better plans and lives by focusing on data-driven decision-making and future-oriented strategies.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Manufacturing Mentorship with Aron Kolosik


Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://aronkolosik.com/newsletter/

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron continues his discussion on the challenges faced by manufacturing and operations leaders, emphasizing the need for balance between professional and personal life. He reintroduces the concept of "better plants, better lives," highlighting 10 pillars for achieving this balance. These pillars include operating rhythm systems, mission and metrics, leadership bench, talent development, communication, time mastery, physical health, relational health, mental health, and financial health. Aron stresses the importance of developing systems and accountabilities, fostering a strong leadership bench, and maintaining personal well-being to effectively manage plants and personal lives.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Manufacturing Mentorship with Aron Kolosik


Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://aronkolosik.com/newsletter/

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the challenges of balancing work and personal life for manufacturing and operations leaders. He emphasizes the pressures of running a factory, including safety, product quality, and cost management, and the impact of these pressures on personal relationships and health. He advocates for intentionality in all aspects of life, including time management, mental health, and community support. He highlights the importance of recovery during the day and delegating tasks to others. He also promotes his Manufacturing Mentorship Program, which provides a comprehensive system for improving work-life balance and leadership skills.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Manufacturing Mentorship with Aron Kolosik


Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://aronkolosik.com/newsletter/

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron reflects on his journey in manufacturing, highlighting the impact of mentors like Terry Cravada, Mike Damji, Mike McCleary, Mike Burnett, and Liz Radke. He discusses the evolution of his podcast from "Unstuck" to "Manufacturing Mentorship," emphasizing the need for mentorship in the industry. He shares his growth from a 19-year-old co-op student to a C-suite leader, noting the importance of long-term relationships and personal development. He announces plans to launch a YouTube channel for manufacturing conversations and invites listeners to subscribe for mentorship and support.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Manufacturing Mentorship with Aron Kolosik


Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://aronkolosik.com/newsletter/

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing the "stage two" experience in plant managers' careers of feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. He shares his personal journey from Iowa City to Cincinnati, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to a new role and the critical support from a mentor. He introduces the Conscious Competence Model, explaining the stages of learning and development from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence. He stresses the need for senior leaders to provide coaching and support to help plant managers navigate these stages effectively, preventing burnout and improving overall performance.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Unstuck: Break The Mold And Become Unstoppable!


Life Assessment Link - www.unstuckmasterplan.com

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the critical first 90 days for new plant managers, emphasizing the importance of learning, building relationships, and setting clear priorities. He shares his experience at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he increased production from 350,000 units to over 750,000 units in six months. Key strategies include preparing before arrival, establishing a personal operating rhythm, building relationships, trusting instincts, filtering priorities, managing up, and delegating early. He also highlights the value of mentorship and support systems, such as his manufacturing mentorship program, to help new leaders navigate challenges and succeed.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Unstuck: Break The Mold And Become Unstoppable!


Life Assessment Link - www.unstuckmasterplan.com

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses his journey to becoming a plant manager and the impact of his experiences on his life and career. He highlights his travels to Europe, India, and other countries, emphasizing the importance of family, leadership, and cultural immersion. He reflects on the challenges of moving away from family and adapting to new environments, such as living in Switzerland and learning French. He shares profound moments, like visiting a castle where Martin Luther translated the New Testament, and leading diverse teams in India. He also encourages young manufacturing leaders to pursue their careers, noting the personal and professional growth opportunities they offer.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Unstuck: Break The Mold And Become Unstoppable!


Life Assessment Link - www.unstuckmasterplan.com

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the importance of managing up in leadership roles, using the example of two plant managers who left their jobs due to micromanagement and lateral promotions. He emphasizes the need to understand business needs, build a plan, align with senior leadership, and over-communicate progress. He shares his experience at Phoenix, where he improved production from 350,000 to 750,000 cases per month by addressing supply chain issues and increasing efficiency. He highlights the significance of proactive communication and collaboration to achieve organizational goals and reduce pressure.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Unstuck: Break The Mold And Become Unstoppable!


Life Assessment Link - www.unstuckmasterplan.com

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik

Aron discusses the concept of Leader Standard Work (LSW) in manufacturing and its application to personal life management. He argues that time constraints are often misdiagnosed as time management issues when, in reality, they stem from inefficient work processes. He emphasizes the importance of structured rhythms and daily cadences to improve efficiency and reduce reactivity. He shares practical examples from his experience, such as tracking batch records and implementing daily meetings to streamline operations. He also suggests applying LSW principles to personal life, advocating for elimination, automation, delegation, and batching of tasks to reclaim time and energy.

Listen In!


Thank you for listening to this episode of Unstuck: Break The Mold And Become Unstoppable!


Life Assessment Link - www.unstuckmasterplan.com

Linked In @aronkolosik
Instagram @aronkolosik
Facebook @aronkolosik