Material Handling Masters Podcast

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Kristen Ziman, former Chief of Police for Aurora, Illinois, about leading through uncertainty, challenging traditional leadership expectations and finding the courage to act.

Kristen reflects on entering a profession where she was frequently underestimated and eventually becoming the first woman to lead her department. Rather than conforming to an established leadership mold, she learned to lead with authenticity, collaboration, empathy and humor—qualities that helped her build trust without sacrificing accountability.

The conversation also reframes optimism as a practical leadership strategy. Kristen explains that optimism does not mean ignoring difficult circumstances or simply thinking positively. It means recognizing reality while maintaining the agency to ask, “What can we do next?”

Kristen also shares why effective leaders cannot wait for complete certainty before making difficult decisions. Leaders must prepare, seek input from people willing to challenge them, make the best decision possible with the information available and have the courage to change course when necessary.

Listen now for practical insights on making decisions under pressure, building a culture of honest feedback and turning moments of disruption into opportunities for growth.

Kristen Ziman is a nationally recognized leadership expert, author and former Chief of Police for Aurora, Illinois. During her 30-year law enforcement career, she became the first woman to lead the Aurora Police Department and guided her organization and community through crisis, organizational change and intense public scrutiny. Today, Kristen helps leaders and organizations strengthen workplace culture, navigate uncertainty and make confident decisions under pressure. She is the author of Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing.

Kristen will present “Reckonings: Moments of Truth That Change Everything” at MHEDA’s 2026 Women in Industry Conference. Learn more about Kristen and the Women in Industry Conference.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Nate Andrews, President of Morse Manufacturing, about leadership, business continuity and guiding an established organization into its next chapter.

Nate reflects on his path into the family business and the experiences that prepared him to lead. He shares why future leaders need opportunities to learn, make decisions and develop credibility throughout the organization rather than relying solely on a title or family connection.

The conversation also explores how Morse has balanced its long history with continued investment, innovation and growth. Nate explains the value of listening to employees, involving the team in strategic planning and creating a shared sense of ownership around the company’s future.

Listen now for practical insights on developing leaders, navigating change and building a business that can continue to thrive across generations.

Nate Andrews is President of Morse Manufacturing, a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer of drum handling equipment. Under his leadership, Morse has expanded its capabilities, invested in advanced manufacturing processes and strengthened its international reach while preserving the people-centered values that have guided the company for more than 100 years. Nate is also actively involved in the manufacturing community and has served in leadership roles with several industry, business and nonprofit organizations. In 2026, he was named to the MACNY Manufacturers Wall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to manufacturing and the Central New York Community.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Brittany Neish, founder of What You Do Matters and host of MHEDA’s NextGen Virtual Series, about building stronger leadership skills through care, compassion and self-awareness.

Brittany explains why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, explores common blind spots such as an “I” versus “we” mentality and discusses why high performers do not automatically become effective managers. She also shares why people skills are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven workplace. Listen now to learn why leadership is not something you are simply born with—it is a skill that can be practiced, developed and strengthened.

Brittany Neish is the founder of What You Do Matters and a leadership expert known for her holistic, people-centered approach. With a master’s degree in organizational development and change, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies to develop integrated leadership strategies that strengthen people and organizations. Through engaging, practical learning experiences, Brittany helps leaders recognize their blind spots, build essential people skills and lead with greater care, compassion and confidence.

Join us for the NextGen Virtual Series: Foundations of Leadership, where Brittany will lead four interactive sessions focused on sharpening your strategic thinking, improving communication, overcoming leadership blind spots, and developing the habits and mindset to empower your team and deliver high performance – Learn More & Register Today >>

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards welcomes Tim Dawson, Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, to discuss MHEDA’s new partnership with Interact Analysis and the value of industry sentiment data.

Tim shares how sentiment reports help capture the industry’s collective outlook by measuring trends in areas such as new orders, backlog, sales cycles, deal size, lead times, staffing, and employee retention. Unlike traditional benchmarking reports that require detailed financial input, sentiment reports provide a quick and confidential way for members to share their perspective on current market conditions and future expectations.

The conversation explores how sentiment data complements economic reports and other industry resources by providing a real-time view of how material handling professionals are experiencing market conditions. Tim also explains how members will be able to compare trends across MHEDA’s business communities—including industrial trucks, storage and handling, and systems integration—to gain additional context and perspective.

Listeners will learn how sentiment analysis can help leaders benchmark their business against industry peers, identify emerging trends, and better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the material handling market.

Tim Dawson is the Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, a leading market intelligence firm specializing in supply chain automation, robotics, warehousing, and industrial technology. With extensive experience in market research and economic analysis, Tim leads the company’s research initiatives, helping businesses understand market trends, industry performance, and future opportunities. He is passionate about transforming complex data into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making across the material handling and supply chain industries.

Manufacturing Industry Output Tracker (MIO)

Exclusively available to MHEDA members, this quarterly report provides insights into global manufacturing output and machinery sector trends to help you plan for the future. Explore regional forecasts, understand changes in industrial demand, and gain perspective on the economic forces shaping manufacturing markets. . — Learn More! 

In the July 2026 Economic Advisory Report, MHEDA presents insights from ITR Economics specifically focused on the material handling industry. The MHEDA Quarterly Economic Report, published by ITR Economics, provides an in-depth look into the latest economic data and forecasts. This report is designed to equip MHEDA members with critical insights to help navigate market trends, understand economic cycles, and make informed business decisions. By accessing both current and archived issues, MHEDA members gain a valuable, data-driven perspective to support their long-term growth and adaptability in a competitive marketplace.

To access the full report and explore archived issues, simply log in to your MHEDA member account and order the FREE report. This exclusive resource is part of MHEDA’s commitment to supporting members with relevant, actionable economic insights to fuel strategic planning and success.

ITR Economics is the oldest privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US. ITR Economics has provided business leaders with economic information, insight, analysis, and strategy since 1948. With a knowledge base that spans seven decades, ITR Economics has an uncommon understanding of long-term economic trends as well as best practices for changing market conditions. ITR Economics’ reputation is built on accurate, independent, and objective analysis.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with leadership expert, workplace performance specialist, and Emerging Leaders Conference keynote speaker Henna Pryor to explore how professionals can stand out in an increasingly AI-driven world. Henna shares insights on influence, communication, adaptability, and why human-centered skills are becoming more important—not less—as technology advances.

From navigating uncertainty to building meaningful relationships and increasing your impact, this conversation offers practical takeaways for leaders at every stage of their career.

Henna Pryor is a workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps organizations strengthen communication, influence, and leadership effectiveness. Known for her engaging, energetic, and research-backed approach, Henna has worked with global organizations to help professionals build confidence, navigate change, and create greater impact in their careers. She is the author of the upcoming book The Signal Gap, a modern guide to influence and communication in today’s workplace, featuring insights from leading thinkers including Adam Grant, Seth Godin, Robert Cialdini, and Dorie Clark.

Join us at the 2026 Emerging Leaders Conference July 15-16, where Henna will lead two interactive sessions focused on communication, influence, and leadership in today’s evolving workplace. Learn more and register today. — Learn More & Register Today!

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with Meredith Shay, Owner & CEO of InCord, and Robin Ritz, Owner & VP of Sales and Marketing at InCord, to discuss what it takes to create a workplace culture employees genuinely want to be part of.

Recognized as a top workplace year after year, InCord shares how intentional leadership, consistent communication, employee feedback, and personal growth initiatives have helped shape a culture built on trust, accountability, and connection. Meredith and Robin also explore the importance of balancing business goals with employee well-being, creating meaningful work experiences, and leading with both vision and empathy.

Meredith Shay is the Owner & CEO of InCord, a custom safety netting provider serving the material handling industry and other markets focused on workplace safety. Meredith is passionate about building strong teams, fostering accountability, and creating a workplace culture where employees can thrive.

Robin Ritz is the Owner & VP of Sales and Marketing at InCord. Robin is known for her people-first leadership style and focus on dream management, helping employees align personal goals with meaningful career growth while contributing to a collaborative and purpose-driven workplace culture.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, to explore what attendees can expect at MODEX 2026—one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the material handling industry.

Daniel shares a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s event, highlighting new show floor features, expanded educational opportunities, and the continued growth of emerging technologies shaping the industry. He also discusses key trends driving attendance, including the rise of automation, increased interest from venture capital firms, and the importance of workforce development.

In addition, Daniel offers practical advice for both first-time exhibitors and attendees on how to plan ahead, maximize ROI, and make the most of the MODEX experience, while still leaving room for unexpected connections and discoveries.

Daniel McKinnon is the Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, where he leads the strategy and execution of major industry events including MODEX and ProMat. With extensive experience in trade show management and industry engagement, Daniel plays a key role in shaping experiences that bring together thousands of professionals across the material handling and supply chain sectors. He is passionate about creating opportunities for education, innovation, and meaningful connections that drive the industry forward.

Let’s Connect!

MHEDA is excited to attend MODEX, April 13-16, at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Unplug from the show floor and re-energize in the MHEDA Recharge Lounge. Enjoy a comfortable space to relax, grab refreshments, charge your phone, and spark new conversations with fellow material handling professionals. Conveniently located in the B Concourse (Room B210), MHEDA’s Recharge Lounge is your headquarters for connection, comfort, and community at MODEX 2026. — Learn More! 

In the April 2026 Economic Advisory Report, MHEDA presents insights from ITR Economics specifically focused on the material handling industry. The MHEDA Quarterly Economic Report, published by ITR Economics, provides an in-depth look into the latest economic data and forecasts. This report is designed to equip MHEDA members with critical insights to help navigate market trends, understand economic cycles, and make informed business decisions. By accessing both current and archived issues, MHEDA members gain a valuable, data-driven perspective to support their long-term growth and adaptability in a competitive marketplace.

To access the full report and explore archived issues, simply log in to your MHEDA member account and order the FREE report. This exclusive resource is part of MHEDA’s commitment to supporting members with relevant, actionable economic insights to fuel strategic planning and success.

ITR Economics is the oldest privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US. ITR Economics has provided business leaders with economic information, insight, analysis, and strategy since 1948. With a knowledge base that spans seven decades, ITR Economics has an uncommon understanding of long-term economic trends as well as best practices for changing market conditions. ITR Economics’ reputation is built on accurate, independent, and objective analysis.