How can success drive more success? By pulling it apart to discover what made that success happen!

In manufacturing, we are no strangers to pulling apart problems, doing root-cause analysis or applying Lean and continuous improvement principles. But how often do we take a pause to recognize a 𝐰𝐢𝐧 and find out what steps made it happen?

In this episode, Ellen and Jenny walk us through an exercise of narrowing down a big win into smaller parts and then pulling it further apart to discover what actions and behaviors enabled the success.

This is a great exercise to close out the year on a positive note that will lead you to further success in the new year. You can do this exercise by yourself or grab a friend/coworker or even your whole team!

Do you want more of Ellen and Jenny? Their team at The Bolder Company can help support sessions like this and much more: https://www.theboldercompany.com/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

In this episode, Lisa Brown, Market Segment Director at Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense (EBAD), shares transformative insights on navigating career growth without falling into the social media comparison trap.

Lisa discusses the importance of learning in your first year, using lateral moves to build diverse skills, and the value of mentorship and networking. She emphasizes self-reflection, realistic timelines, and focusing on personal growth rather than external validation.

Whether you're starting out or seeking to level up, Lisa’s advice will help you approach your career with clarity and purpose.

Where you can find Lisa:

Lisa's LinkedIn ASSA ABLOY

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company Podcast executive production by Gael Communications Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions

What does it mean to truly find your fit in the manufacturing world?

For Mia Merrel, Director of Product Management at ASSA ABLOY, it’s about combining creativity, collaboration, and a fearless drive to learn.

In this inspiring episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Mia shares how she carved out her role, from seeking mentorship to launching innovative projects that transformed how her company communicates.

This episode also dives into Mia’s leadership philosophy, exploring how she uses collaboration and creativity to build inclusive teams and innovative solutions.

Finally, Mia shares valuable advice for listeners looking to develop their own passion projects and highlights the importance of addressing small problems to drive big organizational changes.

Where you can find Mia:

Mia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-merrel/ Company: https://www.assaabloy.com/ ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

On this episode with Jayme Coates, COO of Juniper Biomedical, Jayme shares some of her key career insights.

Jayme talks to Ellen and Jenny about gaining inspiration from nature – both to clear her head AND in its simplicity. She's discovered that reducing complexity is often the key to solving really challenging problems.

Jayme's background and experience also underlines why it's so important to keep an open mind, challenge your assumptions and stay curious. She talks about career choices she thought would be boring, but later discovered they absolutely fascinated her.

Finally, Jayme concludes with some excellent advice to women working in technical fields...but you'll have to listen to hear that!

Where you can find Jayme:

Jayme's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymecoates/ Company: https://www.juniperbiomedical.com/ ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Kristina Pacheco's story challenges conventional ideas of who “belongs” in the manufacturing industry and proves that career paths may be a bit winding before finding the right one.

When Kristina realized she didn't want to go into college debt, she started her journey to find a hands-on career. At first she landed on traditional female-dominated fields in the beauty industry before she realized those really weren't for her. Eventually she was introduced to the fields of welding and then machining, and she became hooked!

When starting her first jobs, Kristina thought she had to change who she was...she dressed down and hid her personality. Over time—and with a surprising push from her younger sister—she realized that embracing her true self could help her find success and fulfillment on her own terms. Now, as an authentic, confident professional, Kristina brings her creativity and individuality to a role that she loves, while inspiring others around her.

Where you can find Kristina:

Kristina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-pacheco-329b16187/ Company: https://kamatics.com/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Amanda Wiriya's story is a testament to the power of listening, being transparent, and exploring your transferable skills.

She began her career at Wepco Plastics as an Administrative Assistant, seeking stability and flexibility. But leaders at Wepco saw her potential and her ability to use skills derived from previous (non-manufacturing) roles, leading ultimately to her rise to the role of Vice President of Operations.

Today, Amanda leads Wepco’s operational strategy, finances, and human resources, working closely with an all-male leadership team to foster an environment of transparency and growth.

Amanda opens up about the unique challenges and advantages of being "the only" woman on her team —a journey that many women in manufacturing can relate to. She shares valuable insights into how she proceeded.

We discover that Wepco has an incredible commitment to transparency, a practice of assuming “the process failed, not the person.” This supportive, process-focused approach drives innovation and morale. By consistently questioning assumptions and fostering open communication, Amanda has played a key role in shaping a culture that values each individual contributor.

Where you can find Amanda:

Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wiriya-322545141/ Company: https://wepcoplastics.com/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Sit down with Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO of CONNSTEP, a leading force in Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Beatriz shares key moments from her career journey. She opens up about an early career situation where she doubted her readiness for a leadership role, only to realize later that she had underestimated her unique strengths. She reflects on our tendency, as women, to need to feel "overqualified" before taking a leap - a mindset she urges others to overcome.

From Colombia to Connecticut, Beatriz has navigated male-dominated environments, leveraging her engineering and business skills while continuously learning. She discusses her experience leading CONNSTEP, helping Connecticut’s manufacturers thrive, and the importance of mentorship in her success.

Her message: take risks, trust in your abilities, and embrace opportunities as they come—even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or leading a team, Beatriz’s advice to "lead with courage, not fear" will inspire you to shake up your own path to success.

Where you can find Beatriz:

Beatriz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrizgutierrez/

Company: https://www.connstep.org/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Catherine Pratt, Program Manager at HyAxiom, shares her inspiring journey in the world of sustainability. Charting a path through chemical engineering, she now leads projects that address one of the biggest global challenges—climate change. She takes her mission personally as both a professional and a parent.

Catherine shares how her career evolved from individual contributor to leadership, and the mindset shifts that helped her get there. Along the way, we learn how Catherine’s transparent leadership style builds trust and ownership among her team, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Tune in for a conversation on aligning your career with a purpose—identifying the problems you want to solve and finding a way to contribute using your strengths.

Where you can find Catherine: Catherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pratt-0a88811b/ Company: https://hyaxiom.com/ -------

Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/