Material Handling Masters Podcast

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of  The CX Edge, sits down with Pamela Barnum—former undercover police officer, federal prosecuting attorney, and now a highly sought-after communication expert. Pamela, a featured speaker at MHEDA’s upcoming Emerging Leaders Conference, shares her expertise on building trust, decoding nonverbal communication, and improving workplace dynamics in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Drawing from years of high-stakes experience, Pamela offers practical tools for navigating conflict, adapting to different communication styles, and leveraging emotional intelligence to foster stronger relationships at work and beyond.

The #1 Workplace Issue: Communication

Active Listening & Nonverbal Cues

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Communication Across Generations

The Impact of Technology on Workplace Interactions

Pamela Barnum, a former undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, is now a trust strategist and nonverbal communication expert. Drawing on her 20-year career in law enforcement and the courtroom, she shares real-world techniques for building trust, detecting deception, and enhancing communication—skills honed while working undercover and refined through advanced study in corporate negotiation.

Join us in Chicago for the Emerging Leaders Conference!

Unlock the transformative power of effective communication in leadership. Designed for aspiring leaders, this dynamic event offers engaging sessions, expert keynotes, and interactive roundtables focused on building the skills to articulate vision, inspire teams, and foster meaningful connections. Discover how mastering communication can elevate your leadership journey and empower you to lead with confidence and clarity — Learn More! 

With mental health emerging as a top priority in the workplace, this episode explores how companies are evolving their approach to employee wellness. From implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to expanding counseling access and wellness initiatives, leaders share how they’re creating cultures of care and support.

Guests discuss the importance of manager training, daily one-on-one check-ins, and fostering open communication to identify and respond to employee needs. The conversation also highlights the rise in mental health conversations since 2020 and how companies are leveraging health insurance programs to offer resources like fitness, nutrition, and stress management.

Whether you’re building a stronger support system for your team or looking for fresh ways to prioritize well-being, this episode offers practical ideas to promote a healthier, more resilient workforce.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of  The CX Edge, sits down with Gene Marks, President of The Marks Group and featured speaker at the upcoming MHEDA Convention later this month. Gene shares timely insights on the top challenges facing businesses in 2025, including economic uncertainty, labor shortages, tax shifts, and the rapid evolution of AI and automation in the material handling industry. Learn why uncertainty isn’t all bad, how to plan strategically, and what long-term moves can help your business stay competitive and sustainable through 2026.

Gene Marks is the President of The Marks Group, a consulting firm that helps small to mid-sized companies improve their operations and growth strategies through technology and smart business planning. As a nationally recognized columnist, author and business expert, Gene frequently presents at industry events—including MHEDA’s Annual Convention—where he shares practical, forward-thinking advice to help businesses navigate change and stay competitive. Gene frequently writes for leading publications like The Hill, Forbes, Inc., and The Philadelphia Inquirer, offering insights on business trends, public policy, and emerging technologies.

In the April 2025 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.

This report and its contents are the exclusive property of MHEDA and are intended solely for the use of its registered members.  All rights are reserved.

As companies navigate an uncertain economic landscape, industry leaders are closely monitoring a variety of signals—real estate activity, warehouse construction starts, unemployment rates, and ITA data—to better anticipate market shifts. This episode explores how those indicators are shaping business strategy and hiring decisions going into 2025.

Guests discuss shifting trends in e-commerce vs. brick-and-mortar, the normalization of supply chains, and how companies are using data and AI to gain efficiencies. From cautious optimism to strategic expansion, hear how material handling professionals are planning for growth in the year ahead.

Whether you’re forecasting your next fiscal year or looking for ideas to sharpen your strategy, this episode provides timely insights to help you stay informed, adaptable, and prepared for the opportunities of 2025.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of The CX Edge, speaks with Andrea Jones, CEO of The Executagility Company and Principal at Andrea Jones Consulting (AJC) and an upcoming speaker at the MHEDA Convention in April. They discuss the concept of change management, the challenges organizations face when implementing change, and practical strategies for successful execution. Andrea explains the importance of understanding the people side of change, ensuring employee buy-in, and avoiding common pitfalls that cause change initiatives to fail. She also shares insights on leadership’s role in driving transformation and maintaining engagement in an evolving work environment.

Andrea Jones is the Founder and CEO of The Executagility Company and Principal at AJC Company, specializing in change management and business strategy. She will be a featured speaker at the 2025 MHEDA Convention, leading two sessions: “I’m Too Busy – How to Execute Growth Initiatives” and “Three Tips for Big Change.” With extensive experience helping companies navigate transformation, Andrea brings practical advice and actionable insights to leaders looking to drive meaningful change.

With automation and AI playing a larger role in day-to-day operations, cybersecurity has become a top concern for businesses across the material handling industry. This episode explores how leaders are implementing company-wide training programs, strict access controls, and advanced email security measures to defend against potential breaches. Learn how your workforce can become your strongest line of defense—and why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a company-wide responsibility.

Whether you’re a business owner, IT leader, or operations manager, this episode offers valuable insights into minimizing cybersecurity risk and building a more resilient organization.

In this Table Trends episode, hear from experienced executives as they share insights into integrating new technologies into their businesses. Topics include safety innovations, overcoming the fear of change within teams, customer hesitations, and the transformative role of AI tools in day-to-day operations. Discover how to stay competitive and agile as technology continues to reshape the industry.

Featured Guests

Whether you’re evaluating automation solutions or building a tech-savvy workforce, this episode offers practical advice and forward-thinking strategies to help you lead with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace.

In this episode, Katie Richards interviews Daniel McKinnon to explore the exciting world of ProMat 2025 and its impact on the material handling industry. Daniel shares his journey into the exhibitions industry and how his passion for connecting people and ideas has shaped his career. He offers an insider’s perspective on what makes ProMat a must-attend event, from cutting-edge technology showcases to invaluable networking opportunities. With practical advice for both seasoned attendees and first-timers, Daniel emphasizes the importance of being open to spontaneous conversations that often lead to game-changing insights.

Daniel McKinnon is the Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, where he oversees the strategic planning and execution of ProMat and MODEX, two of the largest material handling and logistics trade shows in North America. With over 25 years of experience in the exhibitions and events industry, Daniel has a proven track record of creating dynamic platforms that connect businesses, technologies, and industry leaders. His passion for fostering innovation and facilitating meaningful connections has made him a key figure in the growth and success of MHI’s trade shows.

In this episode, Katie Richards sits down with Darin Boik to explore his professional journey and insights into the material handling industry. Darin reflects on his early career experiences, from working in produce fields to his transition into automation and sales. He shares how his technical background has shaped his leadership style and how Advanced Equipment Company differentiates itself with a customer-first approach. As MHEDA’s 2025 Convention Chair, Darin provides an inside look at what attendees can expect, emphasizing the power of networking and industry collaboration.

Darin Boik is the President of Advanced Equipment Company and a board member of MHEDA. With a background in electrical engineering and extensive experience in automation and material handling, Darin has spent over two decades in the industry. His expertise spans sales, engineering, and leadership, making him a key figure in driving innovation and customer-focused solutions. As the 2025 MHEDA Convention Chair, Darin is dedicated to fostering industry connections and helping members maximize their MHEDA experience.