Shift Talk

Brian DeVries has been around some of the biggest names in manufacturing ADM, Stanley Black & Decker, now Cornerstone Building Brands. And he'll tell you flat out that attracting and keeping people is the fight, full stop, no matter the company size. 

If you're managing people through change, or you're just tired of feeling like your plant is the only one dealing with this stuff, give this one a listen. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

A teacher once told Matt Guse he had no future. That teacher later sat across from him at a school board negotiation table. Matt Guse, president of MRS Machining, is an expert in what leadership in manufacturing actually looks like. Hiring the people others gave up on. Building a culture of trust. His 40+ year story is full of grit, second chances and the belief that one of the best things a leader can do is walk the floor.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

In this episode of Shift Talk, Sytease Geib from the Manufacturing Institute shares how manufacturers can continue building future-ready workforces by focusing on skills. We talk about making skills more visible, opening clearer pathways into manufacturing careers, and why recognizing potential - especially from veteran talent - strengthens the industry as a whole.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

Manufacturing won’t move forward without culture catching up. Petra Weiser explains why women on the floor are often unseen, why empathy matters as much as policies, and how simple leadership shifts can improve retention and opportunity for everyone.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

Manufacturing is in a tough spot. Hiring is slowing, investments are stalling, and shifting policies are keeping everyone guessing. Economist Michael Austin talks about what this uncertainty really means for the industry and how leaders can build a plan that holds up when everything keeps changing. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

“Don’t overthink it.” That’s the advice manufacturing consultant Lute Atieh gives to facilities struggling with training in an industry where turnover is high and veteran knowledge is walking out the door. 

In this episode, Lute shares how manufacturers can move from outdated onboarding processes that piles new hires into classrooms, pairs them with an overworked veteran, and hopes for the best. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

For Gordon Patterson, leading Talent Acquisition is about building something that lasts. In this episode, he shares how he shaped a mission-driven team at LKQ. From aligning with Ops to developing future talent pipelines, Gordon shows how people, process, and technology can become your playbook for success. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

Jamey Quelle survived a brain tumor and came back with a new mission: fix what’s broken in manufacturing. In this episode, he shares lessons from 20+ years in the industry, how reffing basketball taught him about workforce dynamics, and why flexibility isn’t just a Gen Z perk - it’s the future of retention. This one’s for leaders looking for creative solutions to today's workforce problems.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

What happens when HR and Ops don’t share the same goals? You lose money and people.

In this episode of Shift Talk, Nicola Worthy, founder of Talent Worthy and a former Director of Talent Development, breaks down why manufacturers keep missing the mark on retention, communication, and leadership alignment. 

From the myth of "just hire better" to why autonomy (not flexibility) is the future of work, Nicola shares practical, factory-tested insights on building a workforce that sticks around and actually performs.

Whether you're on the plant floor or in the C-suite, this conversation will change how you think about turnover, leadership KPIs, and the true cost of doing nothing.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces. 

HR leaders in manufacturing hear it all the time: “We just need better people.” But when turnover is at 300-400%, is it really a hiring problem—or is work itself broken?

Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute and author of Employment is Dead, breaks down why traditional employment models no longer work for frontline employees and what manufacturers must do to compete for talent. 

From rethinking flexibility in hands-on roles to fixing outdated incentives, this episode outlines a roadmap for leaders who want to stop the churn and start building a workforce that stays.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.