AI, Stress, and Retention Executive Panel
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Chase McCown, Managing Director of Heartland Partners, and Monica Hamling, VP of HR at Nortek Systems, discuss how manufacturers can strategically manage stress, cultivate a strong culture, and leverage AI. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: ...
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More in Store for Members in 2026
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Kirby Sneen talks with Monica Smith, Member Services Manager at Manufacturers Alliance, about making training a habit and what manufacturing leaders can expect in 2026. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube:
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Safety Success for Supervisors
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Katherine Syverson, former EHS Director, reveals how supervisors can lead safety success through proactive metrics, cross-department observations, and tools that make safety sustainable.
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Demonstrating Responsibility Daily
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Jeff Weber, Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality at Graco, reveals how to build accountability without micromanaging, from better meetings to coaching through missed deadlines.
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Dealing with Difficult Behaviors
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Ashlie Weller, HR Manager at InsurTech, shares how to address difficult behaviors immediately, document incidents effectively, and avoid taking toxic behavior personally on the manufacturing floor.
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Improving Plant and Line Layouts
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
Learn how to improve plant layouts without disrupting production. Discover proven methods for flow optimization, bottleneck identification, and team-driven layout planning that keep customers happy.
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2025 Manufacturer of the Year Winners
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Mike Sosnoski from Wilson Tool and Andrew Craig from Prima Power share how they built crisis-resilient manufacturing operations and scaled efficiently through strategic continuous improvement.
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Mistakes People Make When Using 6 Sigma
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
In this episode, Shuang Shi, Senior Manager of Supplier Quality Engineering, reveals the biggest Six Sigma mistakes that cause project failures and shares proven strategies for success. Turn your best problem solvers into data-driven improvement leaders.
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Teaching People to See Waste
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
Learn how to teach manufacturing teams to identify the 8 forms of waste. Discover why culture beats training and practical tools for waste walks that drive real, continuous improvement results. Manufacturing leaders don’t have to figure it out alone. and tap into workshops, tools, and a network of peers who are ready to share what works.
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Anything is Possible, Everything is Not
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast
Learn how manufacturing leaders balance ambitious goals with limited resources without burning out their teams. Discover prioritization strategies and resource management techniques. Transform your top performers into confident, capable supervisors.
info_outlineManufacturing leaders often struggle with delegation, but mastering this skill is critical for leadership growth and organizational success. In this episode, Jennifer Schwan, Vice President of Operations at CDI Curbs, shares proven strategies for effective delegation. Learn how to identify your "why" for delegating, build trust through alignment rather than process control, and shift your perspective from personal achievement to team development.
Podcast Resources:
- Digital Course: Watch The Role of the Leader: Trust - What Builds It & What Destroys It
- Podcast: Listen to “Best in Class One-on-One’s” with Dan Powley
- Certification: Supervision Fundamentals
Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Attend an upcoming Webinar as our guest!