Manufacturing Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Renan Devilliers, co-founder of OSS Ventures. Renan shares his unique journey from a military upbringing to becoming a leader in the manufacturing technology industry. He discusses the importance of organizational culture, his experiences at McKinsey, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him. Renan emphasizes the need for innovation in manufacturing, the mission-driven approach of OSS Ventures, and the core values that guide their work. He also explores the future of manufacturing, the impact of technology, and the opportunities available within the industry.TakeawaysCulture is what gets people to thrive or leave an organization.Renan grew up moving frequently due to his father's military career.He transitioned from a career in violin to mathematics and consulting.Renan discovered his passion for manufacturing while at McKinsey.OSS Ventures aims to revolutionize manufacturing through technology.The future of manufacturing will involve gigafactories and small factories.Renan believes in paying shop floor workers as well as tech workers.OSS Ventures has a mission-driven approach from day one.Values are crucial for guiding company culture and decision-making.Renan emphasizes the importance of listening to shop floor workers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Renan de Villiers01:55 Defining Organizational Culture02:41 Renan's Unique Background and Education04:40 Career Path: From McKinsey to Manufacturing08:35 Discovering the Entrepreneurial Spirit09:51 The Allure of Manufacturing11:50 OSS Ventures: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Tech14:05 The Future of Manufacturing and Reshoring16:42 Personal Growth and Leadership in Startups18:11 Mission-Driven Approach at OSS Ventures19:20 Core Values and Their Impact24:48 Staying True to Values in Business30:53 Beliefs Guiding OSS Ventures35:10 The Future Landscape of Manufacturing37:59 Opportunities at OSS Ventures40:02 Embracing Change in ManufacturingDon't forget to register for MEDevice Boston!

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer engages with Ellen Feldman-Ornato and Jenny Drescher to explore the intricacies of organizational culture, personal journeys, and the importance of behavioral change in the workplace. They discuss the significance of defining culture, the challenges of implementing change, and the impact of generational dynamics on workplace behavior. The conversation also highlights the birth of the Boulder Company, their podcast initiative, and the importance of humor and lightness in navigating workplace challenges.TakeawaysCulture is essential and should be considered table stakes for any organization.Good culture varies from organization to organization, but respect and positive behaviors are key.Behavioral change requires time, practice, and accountability among team members.Consultants must engage deeply with clients to foster real change, not just surface-level fixes.Generational differences impact workplace dynamics and behaviors significantly.Humor can be a powerful tool in navigating workplace challenges and fostering connection.The Boulder Company was born from a shared passion for applied improvisation and culture work.Effective communication is crucial for a thriving workplace culture.People need to focus on personal growth and deeper understanding rather than just accumulating knowledge.The podcast aims to elevate the voices of women in manufacturing and promote the industry as a viable career path.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers04:25 Defining Culture in Organizations07:40 Personal Journeys and Early Experiences12:36 The Birth of the Boulder Company16:42 Behavioral Change and Effective Training21:56 The Evolution of Manufacturing Support23:34 Embracing Uniqueness and Personal Growth25:40 Going Deeper in Leadership Skills28:21 The Reality of Behavioral Change in Organizations31:05 Finding the Right Fit in Consulting33:12 Vetting Clients for Effective Change35:54 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace39:20 Highlighting Women in Manufacturing41:46 Lightening Up in the Workplace47:13 Building Trust and ConnectionDon't forget to check out MEDevice Boston and join the fun!

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Darryl Gratrix, who shares his insights on manufacturing culture, leadership, and the importance of attracting the next generation to skilled trades. Darryl discusses his career path in tool and die, the transition to leadership, and the cultural turnaround he has experienced in his workplace. He emphasizes the need for collaboration in the industry and the importance of promoting skilled trades to younger generations. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry and the initiatives being taken to enhance training and apprenticeship programs.TakeawaysTreat others the way you want to be treated.Darryl's career path was unconventional; he didn't grow up in trades.Leadership requires a different skill set than technical expertise.Cultural turnaround is essential for a thriving workplace.Attracting the next generation to skilled trades is crucial.Virtual reality training can engage younger audiences.Collaboration among companies can enhance the industry.Government support is increasing for skilled trades training.Perception of trades needs to change to attract talent.Darryl is passionate about promoting the skilled trades. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker04:16 Understanding Culture in Manufacturing08:18 Darryl's Journey into Tool and Die12:14 Transitioning to Leadership15:14 Cultural Turnarounds in the Workplace19:08 Hiring for Culture and Skills19:59 Building Career Pathways for Young Machinists21:36 Perceptions of the Trade and Community Engagement23:04 Innovative Approaches to Attracting Youth24:45 Challenges in the Skilled Trades26:10 The Value of Skilled Trades in Today's Economy27:39 Government Support and Future Opportunities30:53 Changing Perceptions of Skilled Trades34:04 Personal and Professional Growth in the IndustryDon't forget to check out MEDevice Boston!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marcus Sheanshang, CEO of JBM Packaging, as he shares his journey from working on the shop floor at age 11 to leading a company that embraces second chances. Discover how Marcus transformed a labor strategy into a purpose-driven mission, providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and reshaping company culture.Key Highlights:Marcus's early experiences in the family business and his path to leadership. The development and impact of the Fair Chance program at JBM. Insights into building a culture of collaboration and learning. The importance of aligning company values with personal growth and community impact.TakeawaysEvery business has a culture, whether intentional or not.Collaboration and support are key to a positive workplace culture.Transitioning from family business to leadership can be challenging.Experiences outside the family business can provide valuable insights.Effective communication is crucial in leadership roles.Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.Purpose-driven programs can enhance employee engagement.The Fair Chance program has transformed JBM's workforce.Building trust with employees is essential for success.Investing in community and employee well-being is beneficial for business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marcus Sheanshang03:51 Defining Culture in Business05:59 Marcus's Journey in the Family Business08:51 Early Experiences on the Shop Floor11:25 Transitioning to CEO13:36 Doubts and Leadership Challenges15:58 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture21:19 Operationalizing Core Values24:21 Reinvigorating Company Culture30:27 Enhancing Employee Engagement and Performance31:37 The Genesis of the Fair Chance Program33:41 Building Bridges: From Prisons to Employment35:15 Transforming Perspectives on Rehabilitation38:43 Establishing Trust with Fair Chance Employees40:09 Support Systems for Successful Reintegration43:57 Criteria for Inclusion in the Fair Chance Program45:17 Training and Development for Fair Chance Employees49:47 Vision for the Future: A Sustainable and Inclusive Workplace01:03:13 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture01:04:09 Leadership and Second ChancesDon't miss this episode! Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated with more inspiring stories from industry leaders. Visit themfgconnector.com for more episodes and connect with us on social media.Planning to attend MEDevice Boston? Join 1,500+ medtech professionals and 200+ suppliers at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Sept 30 – Oct 1. From the Innovation Showcase to hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, this event is built to move your projects forward.Learn more and register: MEDeviceBoston.com

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Craig Coyle, a former Apache pilot and now a leadership consultant. They discuss the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the need for effective leadership in manufacturing. Craig shares his insights on how to create a positive work environment that inspires employees and the significance of community in both military and civilian settings. He emphasizes the importance of treating leadership as a profession and the need for continuous development and support among leaders.TakeawaysCulture is a result and a lag measure of organizational health.Leadership is not just about hard work; it's about inspiring others.The military experience teaches valuable lessons about pressure and leadership.Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in finding community.Manufacturing has a unique opportunity to create positive change in people's lives.Effective leadership requires understanding and developing relationships.Organizations must focus on higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy to retain talent.Leadership should be treated as a profession with proper training and development.Community and support are crucial for leaders to succeed.The future of manufacturing depends on creating environments that inspire and engage employees.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker05:55 Understanding Culture08:03 Early Life and Background10:19 Choosing West Point11:49 Military Experience and Leadership19:41 Transitioning to Civilian Life22:59 Finding Community in Manufacturing24:10 Building Community in Manufacturing25:17 The Birth of Operation Lead26:12 Challenges in Military and Manufacturing29:21 Understanding Labor as a Commodity31:37 Tapping into Maslow's Hierarchy33:21 The Gap in Leadership Development35:12 Leadership as a Profession39:57 The Importance of Internal Culture42:24 Opportunities in Manufacturing44:12 Encouragement for New Leaders

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Lori Highby, a digital marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Keystone Click, to explore the stories manufacturers aren’t telling.They unpack what culture really means inside an organization, why storytelling is manufacturers’ biggest missed opportunity, and how AI is changing, not replacing, the creative process. Lori shares her journey from a night school marketing student to agency owner, her values around lifelong learning, and what it means to lead with clarity.From founding a business during a recession to building a team around education, trust, and curiosity, Lori brings sharp insight to the intersection of manufacturing, marketing, and human-centered leadership.TakeawaysCulture is a collective energy and vibe within an organization.Lori's journey began with a passion for art and sociology.Education is a core value for Lori and her organization.Integrity and creativity are essential in business.AI should be seen as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it.Storytelling is crucial for manufacturers to differentiate themselves.Community involvement is a priority for Lori and her team.Digital marketing can significantly impact manufacturing sales.Personal hobbies provide mental clarity and focus.Mentorship and paying it forward are important values for Lori.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers05:08 Understanding Culture in Organizations06:11 Lori's Journey into Marketing and Manufacturing10:34 Starting a Business During a Recession12:44 Core Values and Organizational Culture15:10 The Role of AI in Creativity and Education18:37 Leveraging AI in Education and Workforce19:28 The Importance of Future Thinking21:16 The Drive to Teach and Share Knowledge22:47 Helping Businesses of All Sizes24:01 Impactful Marketing Success Stories31:45 AI's Role in Shaping Industry Culture33:19 The Future of Marketing in Manufacturing34:53 Understanding the Customer Journey with AI

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Tyler Marshall shares his journey from the seafood industry to consulting in manufacturing. He discusses the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges faced in food manufacturing, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the industry. Tyler emphasizes the need for alignment between employees and organizational goals, the impact of automation, and the future of manufacturing as it adapts to new technologies and workforce dynamics.TakeawaysCulture starts with alignment of values.The seafood industry presents unique challenges.Self-sufficiency is crucial in remote operations.Leadership requires being present on the shop floor.Change management is essential for successful automation.The future of manufacturing will focus on workforce development.Emotional intelligence is key in leadership roles.Attracting talent requires understanding their needs.Automation should not solely focus on cost-cutting.Continuous improvement is vital for success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun05:43 Defining Culture in Manufacturing09:30 Early Influences and Career Beginnings13:42 Adventures in the Alaskan Seafood Industry17:42 Transitioning to Broader Manufacturing Challenges21:26 Lessons Learned and Unlearning Myths24:59 Current Role and Company Overview26:43 The Importance of Leadership in Manufacturing29:51 Balancing Automation with Human Presence31:43 Change Management and Employee Involvement34:56 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace36:14 Future Trends in Manufacturing39:26 Leveraging Data for Workforce Improvement41:41 The Need for Continuous Learning and Adaptation

What does it take to rewrite your story—and help others do the same?In this unforgettable episode, Jim Mayer sits down with HR Huntsman: speaker, strategist, and founder of Leader’s Edge. From a turbulent childhood in the New Mexico desert to building global humanitarian projects and mentoring the next generation of leaders, HR’s journey is a masterclass in intentional transformation.You’ll hear how a single conversation reshaped his definition of success, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how real leadership means empowering others—not commanding them. Along the way, HR delivers raw insights on creative conflict, workplace culture, and what it takes to architect a future worth building.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more purpose, create a culture people believe in, or leave a legacy that actually means something—this episode is for you.TakeawaysCulture is how your people feel about work on Sunday.HR's childhood shaped his desire to change the world.Success is not the goal; being useful is.Leadership is about empowering others, not commanding them.Investing in young leaders is crucial for future success.Work is a noble endeavor that should be respected.Creative conflict is essential for innovation.You can architect your own future intentionally.Public speaking is a privilege to inspire others.Mindset is key to personal transformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun07:22 Defining Culture in the Workplace09:46 HR's Early Life and Influences15:04 The Impact of John Simmons18:38 Evolution of Leadership Philosophy20:52 Creating Leaders Edge Program24:19 Influential Leaders and Mentors25:19 The Essence of Leadership26:58 The Impact of Public Speaking28:40 Mindset and Personal Transformation34:56 Architecting a New Future38:38 The Future of Leadership in Manufacturing45:36 Creative Conflict and Workplace Dynamics

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer talks with leadership coach Nicki Straza about what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe, trusted, and able to contribute. Nicki draws from more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, trades, nonprofits, and mental health.The conversation covers how culture is shaped by the small choices leaders make every day, the importance of seeing employees as individuals, and how resilience grows when people feel supported. Nicki shares lessons from her own career about staying in organizations as culture shifted, and what she learned about power, trust, and the conditions that help people thrive.They also discuss the challenges of generational differences, the risks of losing knowledge as experienced workers leave, and how mentorship and co-creation help teams build lasting cultures.TakeawaysResilience grows when leaders create conditions of trust and safety.Culture is shaped by everyday interactions, not slogans or policies.Leaders need to see their employees as individuals, not just as resources.Generational gaps can create tension, but also opportunities for learning and mentorship.Knowledge transfer is essential as experienced workers retire.Real change happens when leaders and employees co-create their environment.Chapters00:00 — Cold open 01:00 — Welcome 03:00 — What culture looks like in practice 05:30 — Generational differences and shared understanding 08:00 — Co-creation and shared responsibility 10:45 — The role of mentorship in building trust 13:20 — Nicki’s early jobs and lessons about leadership 23:00 — When mission and culture start to drift apart 25:30 — The connection between culture and mental health 28:45 — What resilience means at work 30:20 — Why Nicki stayed when others left 36:45 — Helping leaders reclaim their power in healthy ways 39:15 — Building environments where people can thrive 41:00 — The value of personal contribution 43:00 — Helping others see their potential

In this conversation, Jeremiah Llewellyn, a Marketing Development Specialist at Horn USA, shares his inspiring journey from growing up deaf to thriving in the manufacturing industry. He discusses the importance of embracing imperfection for personal growth, how creativity fuels technological advancements, and the impact of his education on his career. Jeremiah emphasizes the need for innovative internship programs to nurture future leaders and explores how hands-on experiences in Mechatronics Engineering can reshape students' educational paths.