Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader: Onder Ondimir

In the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Onder Ondemir, the co-founder and president of Ubiros, a company specializing in soft robotic gripper technology. Ondemir shares his journey from a PhD in industrial engineering to leading a startup in the robotics industry. He explains how Ubiros' soft gripper technology allows for the delicate handling of objects with the precision and care of human touch. The technology has applications in various industries, including food packaging, e-commerce warehousing, medical device handling, and humanoid robotics. Ondemir also discusses the contrast in leadership style between a large multinational organization and a startup. Onder Ondemir shares his insights on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship in this conversation. He emphasizes the power of aligning values within an organization and the importance of being vulnerable as a leader. Onder also discusses the role of hobbies in clearing the mind and improving productivity. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action on their ideas and embrace the unknown. Overall, Onder's experiences in acting, judo, and other hobbies have shaped his leadership journey and provided valuable lessons.

Takeaways

• Uberos is revolutionizing the way we think about robotic packaging with its soft gripper technology.
• The soft gripper allows for the delicate handling of objects with the precision and care of a human touch.
• The technology has applications in various industries, including food packaging, e-commerce warehousing, medical device handling, and humanoid robotics.
• Leadership styles differ between large multinational organizations and startups, with startups requiring a more focused and agile approach. Aligning values within an organization is crucial for creating a solid culture.
• Being vulnerable as a leader can foster open communication and trust.
• Having hobbies outside of work can clear the mind and improve productivity.
• Taking action on ideas is more important than just thinking about them.
• Embracing the unknown and taking risks is a key aspect of entrepreneurship.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:13 Soft Robotics and the Soft Gripper Technology
• 08:49 Applications of Soft Gripper Technology
• 14:11 Soft Robotics and Cultural Change
• 26:29 The Power of Culture
• 28:42 The Power of Values
• 30:11 Leadership and Vulnerability
• 32:46 Building a Team of Experts
• 34:01 Challenges in Hiring
• 36:35 Effective Communication and Feedback
• 37:29 The Influence of Acting and Judo
• 42:40 The Support of a Spouse
• 46:14 Advice for Entrepreneurs
• 49:49 The Importance of Hobbies
• 52:00 Closing Remarks

Connect with Onder

Check out Ubiros

Thank you to our Collaborative Partners

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