Our guests this week are Kathy Miller and Shannon Karels.

Both of these women have racked up decades of experience in manufacturing and operations, and now they're the duo that leads OPSisters where they focus on advising operations through coaching, training, and speaking.

Beyond that, they've also distilled some of the best lessons in their book "Steel Toes and Stilettos," and we're going to be learning quite a bit from them today as well.

Tune in to this episode to hear the origin story behind this fantastic business duo, their thoughts on leadership, building connections, leading with empathy, and why they use the lean manufacturing concept in their work.

In this episode, find out:

• How Kathy and Shannon first met
• How they took the leap to quit their jobs and start a new business
• Advice for anyone looking to start a business with a business partner
• What a lean manufacturing roadmap looks like
• The soft skills you need to be a great leader
• Why you need to make the mission of the business meaningful
• How to avoid the grind of manufacturing
• Why you should lead with empathy
• How to find a work-life balance
• Kathy and Shannon reflect on their careers

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “When I was given the autonomy to build a team I wanted with the best skills that I could find and people who brought diversity of thought to that team was when it was not a grind, it was when it was fun. We were all working toward a common mission.” – Shannon Karels
• “I think it's just important to know that there will be trade-offs, and you just have to do the best you can with the information that you have. When you're somewhere, be present there. Be thankful for where you are and don't spend a lot of energy on where you can't be.” – Kathy Miller
• “Know your strengths, use your strengths to help others, and bask in your authentic self. And if it's not a match with where you are, move on and don't look back.” – Kathy Miller

Links & mentions:

• OPSisters, operations leadership advising that includes coaching, training relationships, realities, and results
• Steel Toes and Stilettos, a true story of women manufacturing leaders and lean transformation success by Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.