In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Hedstrom, the executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition. They discuss the importance of reshaping perceptions around skilled careers, the role of culture in organizations, and the challenges faced in building a talent pipeline for the skilled trades. Mark shares his journey from anthropology to leadership roles in various sectors, emphasizing the need for collaboration among educators, businesses, and government to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. The conversation also touches on generational trauma, the significance of leadership, and the importance of finding passion in one's career.

Takeaways

• Culture is crucial for organizational success.
• Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
• Destigmatizing skilled trades is essential for attracting talent.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is key to solving workforce issues.
• Generational trauma affects perceptions of skilled careers.
• The skilled trades offer viable career paths with good pay and opportunities.
• Leadership should focus on creating a culture of learning and acceptance of failure.
• Engaging youth through authentic content can inspire interest in skilled careers.
• The coalition aims to increase the number of students in skilled trades education.
• Philanthropy should focus on significance over mere fundraising success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast
• 01:49 Mark Hedstrom's Journey and Background
• 04:39 The Importance of Culture in Organizations
• 11:59 Overview of the Skilled Careers Coalition
• 16:33 Challenges and Rewards in Skilled Careers
• 21:51 De-stigmatizing Skilled Careers
• 28:08 Addressing Generational Trauma in Skilled Careers
• 30:45 Understanding the Skilled Trades Gap
• 33:02 The Future of Skilled Careers
• 35:16 Building Coalitions for Change
• 37:29 Lessons in Leadership
• 40:53 The Human Experience in Career Choices
• 44:58 Significance Over Success
• 48:45 Advice for Career Seekers