In manufacturing, we often emphasize complex processes and new technologies, like artificial intelligence. But to bring true change and productivity to your organization, don’t forget about your people!

In this episode, learn all about the balance of technical skills and human connection with guest Emily Nichols! As a professional engineer with decades of experiences in manufacturing and innovation, Emily has worked with organizations like PepsiCo, Janssen, and Henkel. She now works with organizations who want to strengthen the human skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technical world. In this episode, she shares more about the important role of human skills, and offers lessons and insights for forming stronger connections, breaking down systemic barriers, and how to improve your “people score.”

2:01 – Even in fields like manufacturing, human skills play a very important role

5:43 – Current and emerging trends, like AI, make human connection even more important in retention and recruitment

8:29 – To form connections, increase your presence on the shop floor

12:36 – Visual uniformity can foster better connections and help you break down perceived barriers

19:39 – If you want more connections, you need to listen to and respect the expertise of everyone on your team

20:37 – To support women in your organization, you need to address systemic issues

23:39 – Even small changes, like using more inclusive language, can have a big impact on your culture

25:06 – We are people first, not machines

Connect with Emily Nichols

Visit her website

Connect on social media: @connectbettertoday

In the busy field of manufacturing, how do you make yourself stand out? Find out in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with Mark Levy. Mark is a “differentiation expert,” who helps his clients find bold, innovative ways to showcase their big ideas and differentiate themselves from the competition. Mark has worked with dozens of corporations, brands, and thought leaders, including Simon Sinek, Amazon, Harvard Business School, and Major League Baseball, as well as leaders from government bodies like the United Nations. He was also a recent speaker for Tedx Talk, where he spoke about using the obvious to stand out in business and in life.

In this episode, Mark talks more about the importance of finding your “big sexy idea” and shares compelling stories from his own consulting experience to show how leaders can differentiate themselves and communicate their organization’s values, mission, and other unique aspects in an engaging and memorable way.

2:18 – To inspire your organization, articulate your values and missions in clear, engaging, and memorable ways

3:44 – When making a claim or sharing information, back it up with stories and facts to make it memorable and relatable

10:22 – To help your team learn your organization’s key values, keep a sheet with facts and stories that highlight your organization’s strengths, mission, values, and other key facts

12:17 – In manufacturing, we often overlook successes in favor of focusing on problem-solving

26:11 – As a leader, communicate in a way that ensures your team members feel valued and integral to your organization’s success

27:00 – Consider staring your meetings by sharing proud moments and highlighting recent successes

Connect with Mark Levy

Watch Mark’s Tedx Talk

Visit his website

In manufacturing, it’s easy to get stuck in the four walls of our organization. But when you look beyond your organization—and even beyond your industry—you can find the insights and lessons you need to transform your leadership, improve your culture, and show up for your team! In this episode, hear from outside the manufacturing industry with Dr. Renee Thompson!

Renee is the CEO & Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute and works with healthcare organizations to cultivate a professional workforce by addressing bullying and incivility. Renee has authored several books and is one of only 30 nurses worldwide who have achieved the prestigious certified speaking professional designation. Through her work, Renee is on a mission to create a world where bullying and incivility are immediately rejected, and kindness, respect, and professionalism become the new norm. In this episode, she shares her strategic insights for cultivating a more inclusive and positive workplace.

4:14 – In the workplace, bullying and negative relationships can occur between coworkers, as well as between bosses and employees

5:34 – As a leader, it’s important to equip yourself with the skills needed to address bullying and incivility

7:57 – There are many psychological barriers that can lead to challenges or inaction when faced with problematic workplace behavior

9:30 – Scripting is a way to effectively handle difficult conversations

12:27 – Learn the difference between overt bullying and subtle, more convert bullying, and find the strategies for dealing with both types of behavior

16:40 – Even though all industries are different, strategies for addressing bullying and incivility can still be applied across different industries

Connect with Dr. Renee Thompson

Learn more about Healthy Workforce Institute

Find her on LinkedIn

Connect on Facebook and Instagram

When your team is aligned, it leads to more productivity, higher morale, and a healthier workplace . . . and on the flip side, a misaligned team can contribute to issues like high turnover or an inability to attract or keep great new team members. What can leaders do to enhance teamwork and bring more functionality to their organization?

In this episode, Mark Kenny gives the solutions! Mark is a speaker, consultant, and expert in team building and leadership. He’s also the author of The Hippo Solution: Eliminate the Territorial Thinking and Unleash the Power of Teams, which focuses on how leaders can transform their teams and create healthier, more productive cultures. In this episode, he uses stories from his own life to show the importance of team connection, plus offers insights manufacturing leaders can use to strengthen their team, transform their culture, and find the best solutions.

3:04 – There are some key differences between functional and misaligned teams

5:11 – When your team is disconnected, it can lead to issues like high turnover or struggles to recruit new talent

6:16 – As a leader, you play a critical role in setting the tone for your entire organization

8:07 – To strengthen your team, learn to look for dysfunctional team dynamics

10:17 – Connection, cohesion, and clarity are the pillars of a well-functioning team

14:47 – With more clarity and structure, you can improve your team’s functionality

18:39 – Improving your culture can be transformational for your team

24:31 – To find the best solutions, stay curious and build deeper connections within your team

Connect with Mark Kenny

Visit his website

Connect on LinkedIn

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What does a Taco Bell drive-thru have to do with manufacturing? Fast-food and manufacturing have more in common than you might think—and in her newest book Lessons from the Drive-Thru: Real Life Wisdom for Frontline Leaders, former Taco Bell general manager Monica Rothergy shares real-life stories to help leaders lead with ease, authenticity, and vulnerability, whether they’re working in a drive-thru or a manufacturing plant.

Monica recently came by the Mindfulness Manufacturing to talk more about her book and the career path that took her from a Taco Bell general manager to the first female chief operating officer and first LGBT executive for KFC US. In this episode, Monica also shares valuable insights for other frontlines leaders, including strategies for bringing more curiosity and vulnerability to leadership roles.

2:00 – Frontlines leaders often feel the need to jump in and fix problems themselves, rather than letting their team figure it out

4:00 – Shift your mindset to emphasize coaching and supporting, not micromanaging

7:00 – Practice servant leadership through supporting and recognizing your team

13:00 – Instead of just providing instructions, look for ways to observe and provide feedback

15:00 – When problems occur, have deep and curious conversations to find the root of the issue

19:00 – Training is often seen as the problem, but a lack of support can also lead to performance issues

22:00 – All employees are unique and have different standards, so be curious to find out the kind of support and recognition they need

Connect with Monica Rothgery

Buy her book

Visit her website

In manufacturing, there’s a big link between productivity and mindfulness—and shifting to a more mindful approach just might be the key you need to unlock your team’s productivity, decreasing burnout, and creating a happier workplace for all.

Find out more in this episode with guest Sarah Ohanesian! Sarah is a professional keynote speaker and productivity consultant on a mission to fight burnout and increase happiness at work. She works with busy professionals who are career-driven but face work-life imbalance, stress, and overwhelm. In this episode, Sarah draws on her own experiences and background to discuss the link between productivity and mindfulness in manufacturing, plus offers actionable tips for intentional time management, combating burnout, and more!

2:36 – There is a difference between busyness and productivity

4:20 – You can improve your productivity with practices like setting daily intentions or saving time for end-of-day reflection and planning

12:10 – Follow Sarah’s COAT framework to clarify, organize, act, and take time

17:10 – To save time and be more productive, figure out which tasks are the most important and set clear priorities

18:32 – If you have a to-do list, keep it in a single, trusted location

18:40 – Be intentional with your schedule and time and don’t be afraid to say no to requests

21:14 – Allowing time to rest plays a key role in creating sustainable, long-term productivity

Connect with Sarah Ohanesian

Visit her website

Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram

There’s power in your people—and if you learn to harness it, it can transform your organization! Learn more in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Hugh Hornsby, the vice president of Everflow Supplies. With a long career and a remarkable track record of turning around struggling businesses—and his own unique journey of surviving a life-changing head injury—Hugh has great stories and insights. In his episode, he shares more about the success of Everflow and his personal journey, and gives insights leaders can use to transform their hiring process, practice everyday gratitude, and find their team’s hidden gifts.

2:27 – Everyone has a unique gift, which you can find by overcoming labels and looking for their personal potential

5:52 – Reframe the way you see others and yourself

6:25 – With a more progressive mindset, you can find more potential in both others and yourself

11:21 – If you invest in your team, they’ll invest in your organization

14:13 – Hire for personality and to find the right cultural fit, not just because someone has a strong resume

15:35 – The hiring process should be curious, not transactional and restrictive

19:30 – Overcome your terror barrier

24:47 – Every day, find time for a gratitude check

27:00 – To transform your team, start by looking at the story you tell yourself

Connect with Hugh Hornsby

Learn more about Everflow Supplies

Connect on LinkedIn

Read my book review of Think and Grow Rich

What’s the secret to retaining your team members and creating an organization where people love to work? DigiKey, an electronic component manufacturing organization in Thief River Falls, Minnesota has it all figured out—and Shane Zutz, DigiKey’s vice president of human resources, is here to share the stories and insights behind DigiKey’s success!

In this episode, Shane shares stories highlighting the importance of curiosity, empathy, and leadership presence, and offers simple-yet-powerful strategies manufacturing leaders can put into action to build trust, accountability, and stronger connections at their own plant.

5:12 – Building a better organization starts with being present and making personal connections

8:13 – If your organization is in a small community, making personal connections is extremely important

9:00 – To find curious ways to engage your team, one strategy is to create a list of questions to ask

13:30 - With a strong foundation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle challenges or crises

15:11 - There is a lot of value in simple gestures, like greeting your team in the morning

18:12 - Personalization goes a long way

22:41 Show care and concern for your team members

Connect with Shane Zutz

Learn more about Digikey

Connect with Shane on LinkedIn and reach out to get added to his newsletter

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here.