Manufacturing Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Sean Walters, General Manager at CapTron North America. Sean shares his insights on the importance of culture in manufacturing, his journey into the industry, and the role of mentorship in business development. He emphasizes the need for a customer-centric focus in leadership and discusses the challenges and strategies for building resilient supply chains. The conversation also touches on fostering mentorship within teams, balancing personal and professional life, and the innovations CapTron is bringing to the market. Sean highlights the significance of the Four Disciplines of Execution in driving accountability and performance, and addresses the generational differences in the workplace, advocating for a supportive environment for younger employees. The episode concludes with Sean discussing current job opportunities at CapTron and his passion for automation.takeawaysCulture will make or break an organization.Creating a healthy culture requires constant effort.Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.Customer satisfaction should always be the priority.Resilient supply chains are essential for business success.Investing in inventory is key to customer service.Transparency fosters a healthy work environment.Accountability drives performance and team cohesion.Automation creates better jobs and enhances skills.Finding the right cultural fit is vital for organizational success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Culture in Manufacturing02:47 Defining Culture in Manufacturing05:29 Sean Walters' Journey into Manufacturing08:24 The Role of Mentorship in Business Development11:23 Customer-Centric Focus in Business Development14:14 Building Resilient Supply Chains17:32 Fostering a Customer-Centric Culture20:10 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership23:13 Mentorship and Coaching in Leadership25:12 Navigating Startup Challenges27:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life29:31 Finding the Right Company Culture33:24 Innovations at Captron35:23 The Four Disciplines of Execution42:44 Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Hedstrom, the executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition. They discuss the importance of reshaping perceptions around skilled careers, the role of culture in organizations, and the challenges faced in building a talent pipeline for the skilled trades. Mark shares his journey from anthropology to leadership roles in various sectors, emphasizing the need for collaboration among educators, businesses, and government to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. The conversation also touches on generational trauma, the significance of leadership, and the importance of finding passion in one's career.TakeawaysCulture is crucial for organizational success.Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.Destigmatizing skilled trades is essential for attracting talent.Collaboration among stakeholders is key to solving workforce issues.Generational trauma affects perceptions of skilled careers.The skilled trades offer viable career paths with good pay and opportunities.Leadership should focus on creating a culture of learning and acceptance of failure.Engaging youth through authentic content can inspire interest in skilled careers.The coalition aims to increase the number of students in skilled trades education.Philanthropy should focus on significance over mere fundraising success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast01:49 Mark Hedstrom's Journey and Background04:39 The Importance of Culture in Organizations11:59 Overview of the Skilled Careers Coalition16:33 Challenges and Rewards in Skilled Careers21:51 De-stigmatizing Skilled Careers28:08 Addressing Generational Trauma in Skilled Careers30:45 Understanding the Skilled Trades Gap33:02 The Future of Skilled Careers35:16 Building Coalitions for Change37:29 Lessons in Leadership40:53 The Human Experience in Career Choices44:58 Significance Over Success48:45 Advice for Career Seekers

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Tom Ricciardelli, founder of Select Tech, about his journey from studying chemical engineering at MIT to creating innovative flooring solutions from recycled materials. Tom shares insights on sustainability, company culture, and the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in business and discusses the future of Select Tech in the static control flooring market.TakeawaysTom's journey began with a passion for the environment and hands-on work.Select Tech focuses on creating products from recycled materials.Innovation in flooring includes adhesive-free interlocking systems.Company culture is about fostering a positive, problem-solving environment.Mentorship plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship.Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming business challenges.Tom believes in trying new ideas, even if they fail.Sustainability is at the core of Select Tech's mission.The future of Select Tech includes expanding into healthcare static control solutions.Tom's proudest accomplishments are his family and their joint business ventures.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast02:52 Tom Ricciardelli: Journey from MIT to Select Tech10:40 Innovating with Sustainability in Flooring Solutions18:01 Company Culture and Leadership Philosophy21:09 Balancing Work and Personal Life25:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs29:25 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Bryan DeBois, the director of industrial AI at Rova-Sys. They discuss Bryan's journey from a young programmer to a leader in AI, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving role of AI in manufacturing. Bryan shares insights on generational differences in the workforce, the challenges of implementing AI, and the significance of building a positive company culture. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancements. Takeaways Discovering a passion for programming at a young age can shape a career. Transitioning from technical roles to leadership requires preparation and willingness. AI has the potential to solve real operational problems in manufacturing. Generational differences impact how employees are motivated and managed. Building a positive company culture is essential for innovation and engagement. High expectations should be paired with coaching and support. Empowering employees to solve problems fosters a proactive work environment.Capturing expertise before it is lost is crucial for organizational knowledge. AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Continuous learning and preparation are key to seizing opportunities.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Vince Sassano, CEO of Strategic Performance Company, Inc., about his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the evolution of manufacturing culture, the importance of data-driven management, and the need for effective communication on the plant floor. Vince shares insights on empowering frontline workers, the challenges of integrating technology, and the significance of understanding operational problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of culture in manufacturing and offers valuable advice for newcomers in the industry.TakeawaysVince Sassano has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing.The culture of manufacturing has evolved from old management styles to data-driven approaches.Empowering frontline workers is crucial for success in manufacturing.Technology has become more affordable, making it accessible for manufacturers.Effective communication is key to solving operational problems.Data trustworthiness is a significant challenge in manufacturing.Understanding the needs of the plant floor is essential for technology integration.Culture in manufacturing means every employee matters and has a role to play.Newcomers should not be afraid to identify and propose solutions to problems.Leadership should focus on helping employees help themselves.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Demi Knight Clark, a trailblazer in the construction industry, about her journey from the trades to leadership roles. They discuss the importance of empowering women in trades, the legacy of female pioneers, and the need for more skilled workers. Demi emphasizes the significance of third spaces for community building and the evolution of trade tech, highlighting how these changes can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in skilled trades.TakeawaysDemi Knight Clark is a trailblazer in the construction industry.Empowering women in trades is crucial for diversity.The legacy of female pioneers in trades inspires future generations.Welding is a viable and lucrative career path.We need to inspire the next generation to consider skilled trades.Third spaces are essential for community building and connection.Trade tech is evolving and offers new opportunities for women.The narrative around trades needs to change to attract more talent.Career transitioners can find fulfillment in skilled trades.Exploring hands-on classes can lead to new career paths.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Ashleigh Walters, former president and current chairwoman of Onex, about her transformative leadership journey. Ashleigh shares her experiences redefining Onex's culture, transitioning to employee ownership, and the importance of storytelling in manufacturing. She emphasizes the need for a people-first approach, the significance of community impact, and the challenges of developing future leaders in the industry. Ashleigh also discusses her book, 'Leading with Grit and Grace,' and her commitment to empowering others in their leadership journeys.TakeawaysAshleigh transformed Onex into a people-first organization.Cultural change is essential before any other improvements can be made.Storytelling is crucial for attracting new talent to manufacturing.Employee ownership can ensure the longevity of a company in its community.Leaders should empower their teams to solve problems.Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills.Leadership styles can evolve through experience and necessity.Succession planning should start early and involve trusted advisors.Training and development are fundamental for future leaders.Creating thriving communities is the responsibility of manufacturers.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Yushiro Kato, the CEO of CADDi, who shares his inspiring journey from a young entrepreneur in Japan to leading a transformative company in the manufacturing industry. Yushiro discusses his early ventures, the pivotal decision to leave McKinsey, and the evolution of CADDi from a manufacturing platform to a comprehensive data-driven solution. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer pain points, fostering a strong company culture, and the role of AI in the future of manufacturing. Yushiro's insights on leadership, values, and innovation provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.TakeawaysYushiro Kato's journey reflects hard work and thoughtful leadership.Understanding customer pain points is crucial for innovation.Company culture should align with core values.Success is defined beyond monetary gains.AI has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes.Fostering talent is essential for product evolution.Cultural influences shape leadership styles.The importance of hands-on experience in manufacturing.Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success.Building a supportive infrastructure is vital for growth.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Jason Anthoine, a veteran in employee engagement and internal communication. Jason shares his journey from a small town in Georgia to working with major corporations like GE and Coca-Cola, emphasizing the importance of understanding and improving workplace culture. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating effectively in large organizations, the evolution of employee engagement strategies, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. Jason also discusses his initiatives, including the 'What Employees Want' research project and the Connect conference, to bridge the gap between employees and management. The episode concludes with insights on the future of internal communications and the significance of a 'what if' mindset in driving change.TakeawaysJason's passion for employee engagement began in childhood.Cultural challenges in large organizations often stem from scale and complexity.Effective communication requires a personal touch, especially in large firms.The evolution of employee engagement reflects changing workplace dynamics.Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture.Cohesion and Audacity focus on improving employee experiences.The Connect conference was created to fill a gap in internal communications training.The 'What Employees Want' initiative emphasizes employee feedback.Riding Shotgun is a storycast sharing lessons from Jason's career.The future of internal communications will prioritize human connection over technology.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Willemijn Schneyder, the CEO and co-founder of Swipe Guide. Willemijn aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by simplifying work instructions and empowering frontline workers. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. The conversation explores the need for collaborative working cultures in manufacturing and how technology can be used to solve practical problems. Willemijn shares her experiences and insights on changing mindsets, creating a collaborative environment, and involving frontline workers in shaping processes. Willemijn is passionate about values that include diversity, equity, and inclusion in the manufacturing industry. She believes these values contribute to a more robust and innovative workforce. By incorporating diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures, companies can solve more problems and create a better product. Willemijn emphasizes creating a collaborative work environment where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. She also highlights the benefits of clear communication and the power of learning from mistakes. In the next 10 years, Willemijn envisions technology guiding work on a day-to-day basis and a shift in mindset towards embracing lifelong learning and collaboration in the manufacturing industry.TakeawaysWillemijn Schneider is challenging the status quo in manufacturing.Collaboration requires more intent than compromise.Diversity leads to faster problem-solving and better outcomes.Empowering frontline workers is essential for operational success.A flat organizational structure fosters collaboration and innovation.Recognizing and valuing contributions from all employees is crucial.Continuous improvement is driven by open communication and sharing mistakes.Technology should simplify tasks and empower workers, not control them.Intentional hiring practices can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.Curiosity and questioning the norm can lead to significant change.Connect with Willemijn on LinkedIn