Manufacturing Greatness

On Manufacturing Greatness, Trevor Blondeel invites guests from the manufacturing industry (and beyond!) to have candid discussions about leadership and share stories from a place of experience, transparency, and authenticity. Through the stories and insights shared on this podcast, you'll find new ways manufacturing greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits.

Manufacturing Leadership Development for Plant Managers: Driving Continuous Improvement Through Curiosity on the Shop Floor with Bruce Mayhew #163 02/18/2026

Manufacturing Leadership Development for Plant Managers: Driving Continuous Improvement Through Curiosity on the Shop Floor with Bruce Mayhew #163 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In this episode, Bruce Mayhew, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and trust building for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. You’ll learn why traditional command-and-control leadership no longer works in today’s plants — and how curiosity-driven leadership, authentic communication, and continuous improvement help manufacturing leaders close the skills gap, strengthen employee engagement, and drive real team performance. Bruce breaks down how everyday leadership behaviors directly impact culture, safety, accountability, and results — especially as manufacturing organizations face labor shortages, workforce challenges, and generational shifts on the shop floor. This conversation connects soft skills with operational excellence, showing leaders how to move from reaction to intention, from blame to curiosity, and from siloed management to connected leadership. 01:30 – As generational shifts place millennials in leadership roles, it can create tension between siloed leadership and collaborative, flatter manufacturing cultures. 03:49–Purpose and meaning drive effective leadership, stronger relationships, and healthier workplace culture. 06:12–Disconnects between executives and the shop floor weaken teamwork and long-term manufacturing performance. 07:19–Self-awareness and emotional intelligence enable leaders to adapt communication styles across manufacturing teams. 08:58–Respect on the shop floor comes from meeting people where they are, not talking down to them. 09:44–High performance in manufacturing is unlocked through meaningful conversations rather than top-down directives. 16:27–Transparency grows when leaders listen first and elevate frontline voices. 18:33- Shared pride in quality and reputation strengthens team identity and manufacturing excellence. 20:15–Curiosity-driven leadership replaces blame-focused problem solving with appreciative inquiry. 23:31–Positive exploration increases engagement by empowering teams instead of punishing them. 25:09 - Accountability works best when leaders replace interrogation with curiosity-based performance conversations. Connect with Bruce Mayhew Visit his Buy his Find him on Following him on Instagram @bruce.mayhew /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/40086760

Employee Engagement in Manufacturing for Plant Managers: Designing Time for Frontline Connection with Brian Herriot #162 02/04/2026

Employee Engagement in Manufacturing for Plant Managers: Designing Time for Frontline Connection with Brian Herriot #162 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In this episode, Brian Herriot shares insights on manufacturing leadership, productivity, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Brian brings a practical, human-centered approach to help manufacturing leaders rethink work, leadership, and scheduling so they can build stronger teams — without burning people out or lowering standards. You’ll hear why traditional shift models are breaking down, how “time freedom” shows up on the shop floor, and what leaders can do right now to improve engagement, retention, and ownership amid labor shortages and skills gaps. This conversation connects soft skills with operational results, showing how curiosity, authentic leadership, and better communication skills directly impact manufacturing culture, workforce retention, and daily productivity. 02:10 – Frontline leadership must acknowledge that traditional manufacturing management models no longer align with modern workplace culture or employee engagement in manufacturing. 03:30 – Gen Z expects leadership in manufacturing plants to adapt to their lives, not the other way around 06:55 – Great manufacturing culture comes from seeing teams as humans first, not just labor inputs on the production line 09:10 –Employee ownership models and open-book management strengthen trust in leadership, manufacturing relationships, and accountability in manufacturing 11:25 – Manufacturing retention improves when leaders focus on team engagement in manufacturing rather than just output and efficiency 12:45 –Frontline leaders must recognize that many employees juggle multiple jobs and need coaching in manufacturing that supports life beyond the plant 14:10 – Flexible schedules, job sharing, and project-based roles can close the showing up gap while improving manufacturing innovation and retention 15:35 – Time Freedom as a Leadership Strategy Leadership transformation happens when manufacturing leaders design roles that allow experienced workers to scale back without fully exiting 18:55 –Helping employees understand their financial future reduces anxiety and strengthens employee engagement in manufacturing 22:35 –Deeper conversations about money, time, and work build emotional intelligence, vulnerability in leadership, and a stronger coaching culture Connect with Brian Herriot Learn more about Pre-order Time Freedom and use the code Trevor to get free access to the audiobook /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39936315

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Frontline Supervisors: How Structure, Curiosity, and Accountability Build Strong Teams with Ken Handsaeme #161 01/21/2026

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Frontline Supervisors: How Structure, Curiosity, and Accountability Build Strong Teams with Ken Handsaeme #161 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! How do you turn a one-machine operation into a thriving business? Find out in this episode with Ken Handsaeme, founder of On Time Precision. Ken’s unique journey started as a machinist, but when he decided he wanted a better retirement plan, he started his own business, initially operating out of a barn with a single machine. It eventually grew into a thriving manufacturing company serving military, aerospace, and medical customers — and helped Ken fulfill his retirement dreams. In this episode, Ken shares the lessons he learned throughout his career, ranging from the importance of intentional leadership and the root causes of common operational problems to how curiosity-driven conversations and trust-building behaviors drive retention, accountability, and long-term performance. He also shares stories from his own career, giving a practical look at what it really takes to build a manufacturing business that can grow, endure, and succeed beyond the owner. 02:00 – Operational challenges on the shop floor often signal leadership and communication gaps rather than process problems alone 04:15 – Shifting from working in the business to working on the business enables leaders to focus on production leadership and long-term operational excellence. 05:30 - Protected time for quoting is essential to production flow, customer trust, and employee stability 06:45 – Connecting the top to the shop creates shared accountability 08:55 – To accelerate growth, leaders must balance hiring, retention, and capacity planning in manufacturing plants. 10:10 - Structured one-on-one conversations are a powerful tool for supervisor development and deeper team engagement in manufacturing. 11:30 - Curiosity-driven leadership conversations outperform traditional performance reviews in building trust and accountability. 14:00 – To reinforce trust, respect, and leadership credibility, prioritize employee conversations like customer meetings 16:40 –Involving operators in problem-solving and process improvement builds ownership and continuous improvement culture. 17:55 – Have transparent discussions on transparency in manufacturing management, including sharing expectations without overwhelming teams with financial complexity. 20:30 – Self-awareness, vulnerability, and trust in leadership are foundational skills in modern manufacturing environments. 21:50 - Consistent leadership behaviors create workplace culture that supports retention and manufacturing excellence. 23:10 – To prepare for succession, you need to build systems, people, and leadership beyond the owner. Connect with Ken Handsaeme Connect on Instagram: @kenhandsaeme /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39797225

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Reducing Uncertainty to Build Engaged Teams with Falisha Karpati #160 01/07/2026

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Reducing Uncertainty to Build Engaged Teams with Falisha Karpati #160 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing plants, the same leadership action can motivate one employee and overwhelm another. Why? It comes down to brain science, communication skills, and how leaders show up under pressure. In this episode, guest Falisha Karpati shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and inclusive leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Falisha is a Brain-Based Inclusion Consultant based in Montreal, Canada. She holds a PhD in neuroscience and brings more than a decade of experience studying how the brain works. Through her UNITING BRAINS framework, she helps organizations build human-centered cultures using practical, brain-based strategies. In this conversation, Falisha explains how differences in brain wiring directly impact frontline leadership, communication skills, trust building, and team engagement on the shop floor. She breaks down the neuroscience behind introversion and extroversion, why uncertainty increases stress in manufacturing environments, and how leaders can improve manufacturing culture by asking better questions, minimizing ambiguity, and running more inclusive meetings 01:05 –Recognition can backfire when manufacturing communication ignores individual brain differences 02:12 – Neuroscience explains how self-awareness in leadership shapes perception, behavior, and relationships in manufacturing plants 04:54 –Manufacturing teamwork and employee engagement manufacturing improve when leaders understand natural brain diversity 9:53 – Brain science brings data—not opinions—into manufacturing management and leadership in industrial operations 11:20 – A powerful reminder that perceptions matter more than intentions in building trust in leadership and strong manufacturing relationships 13:39 – Curiosity-driven leadership starts by asking instead of assuming to close the showing up gap 15:32 – High-stimulus environments explain why leaders take shortcuts that undermine manufacturing culture and clarity on the shop floor 17:11 – Autonomy looks different for everyone, redefining supervisor development, coaching in manufacturing, and performance conversations. 19:55 – Minimizing uncertainty strengthens manufacturing safety culture, emotional intelligence, and consistent leadership behaviors 20:21 – Transparent expectations help close the expectation gap and improve accountability in manufacturing plants 22:40 – Inclusive meetings unlock manufacturing innovation by improving manufacturing communication and psychological safety 24:30 – Simple meeting practices support continuous improvement culture and better team engagement in manufacturing 28:53 – Inclusive discussions fuel operational excellence and authentic leadership across manufacturing organizations Connect with Falisha Karpati Visit her Connect on and Read her Full Transcript [00:00:00] We have some changes today. We've changed the name of the podcast since 2019. It's been mindfulness manufacturing our company name changed a few years ago to manufacturing greatness. So we're just aligning that 'cause we're gonna be here manufacturing greatness today, and we're gonna be talking about building some bridges and, and you know, how we continue to manufacture and, how we deal with changes people's moods and what's going on. And it remind me of a time when we were, had a great manufacturing line at the kickoff meeting in the morning, we recognized one of the team members showed appreciation, [00:00:30] put this person's name and picture up and gave them a little gift. they were upset with us and we're kind of like, well, hold on a minute. we did all this and this person's not very appreciative and getting to learn them a little bit more is that they didn't. They don't like that type of attention. people's brains are different. And in manufacturing it just complicates it for us 'cause we don't understand it. So fortunately I have a great guest on and friend today, Falisha Caridi. Welcome to the show. Thank you so much. [00:01:00] It's a pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me. you are an inclusive consultant. You harness brain science to build inclusive human-centered workplaces. You create space where all brains thrive. And you studied the neuroscience, having a PhD in neuroscience, which for those who don't know what it takes to get a PhD, it's a mountain. So congratulations on that. Thank you. excited to get your knowledge and expertise to talk about this on the show what did we miss Falisha when we upset that team member? how are [00:01:30] people's brains working here? a key point is that everybody's brain works a little bit differently, Humans in general share a core brain structure. we generally have the same parts that do the same functions, but our brains also have differences. like how big certain parts are, how different parts connect to each other, and when different parts get activated. this connects with differences in behavior. so when we [00:02:00] think, behave, communicate, everything we do. Is filtered and processed through our brain. there's a, well-known quote that I love, that says You don't see the world as it is. You see the world as you are. Mm-hmm. And what that means, it's really rooted in brain science. And it means that everything you perceive, take in, think, and express. Goes through your brain. what happened [00:02:30] that day was there was a disconnect between what some team members who created that recognition process, thought this person would want and what they actually wanted, So if we take that recognition experience, maybe it's, getting an award in front of a group And having your name called out and going on stage. if you put two people in that exact same [00:03:00] situation, their brains might react completely differently. we don't necessarily know how people are going to react, what they like, what they don't like. Unless we have those conversations and ask them. just diving into a bit more about why those differences exist, why can you put two people in the same situation and they can react completely differently? our brains are shaped by two main factors. the first is natural [00:03:30] variation in how we're born. there's a wealth of research that shows genetics are connected with many aspects of how our brain works. natural variation is great. It's what keeps us interested. Yeah. We don't wanna, you know, be communicating with people who are exactly the same as us. the natural variation is there for a reason. It's super productive and positive. the second factor is our environment. each of us is shaped from our observations and experiences over time. this includes a whole range of [00:04:00] experiences like our early childhood, our family and community environments. our experiences at school, at work, even our hobbies and interests can change our brain. there's a huge body of neuroscience research that shows brain differences related to living in different cultures. practicing different skills, traumatic experiences and much more. Basically everything you're exposed to, everything that you experience over time, especially if they're repeated or intense, experiences, can change your [00:04:30] brain. what really resonated with me is that Trevor's way is not always the best way. the way you explain like my biases, right? Like. My bias was show appreciation in front of the team. Right? And, and why would I need to check in with that person? in my early manufacturing leadership days, I missed the mark. Often, I just didn't know better. Right? Like, I just thought, you start to learn that. that's why we're hoping that if you're driving into work today, through my mistakes and Falisha's knowledge, we can save you that pain. we're gonna leave you with [00:05:00] some ideas of, what you can do today, to get in front of that. 'cause it makes sense. What you're saying is that, we just have how we grew up and, and our different, you know, the. I think of Lisa Feelman Barrett and, and the theory of constructed emotions. your personality and emotions are based on your experiences and we have different experiences Right. they're just different. And that's what makes us unique and I like that. I was going through some of your material and I'm trying, 'cause I'm trying to, you know, like our listeners. To understand and better [00:05:30] equip ourselves so that we can, respond differently. But you had some neat research on introverts and extroverts, and I was reviewing it with Ryan, a client today, and he's kinda like, Hey, I think you skimmed over, that whole concept on introverts and extroverts. So can you unpack that for us and help us understand? Definitely. so I also wanna clarify, my background and what I'm doing now compared to what I did before. I have a background in neuroscience research, that was focused on brain plasticity and how our brains, are impacted by training. so what I [00:06:00] do now is, work with the wealth of research that's there. I don't do, neuroimaging research anymore. I used to, so I know exactly how these things work and I bring that experience now into. Applying neuroscience research in organizational context. Mm-hmm. so I summarize research, I communicate it. but the research, for example, an introversion extroversion is not something that I did myself. there's amazing researchers all around the world that have done this, so I'm more of a curator and a communicator Of the [00:06:30] research now. That's why you're on the show, right? Because we need to apply. So you're kind of like the translator for us, right? Because we're not gonna go through all this research, but we need someone like you that can say, Hey, here's the simpler version of it and here's what you can do today. So thank you for doing what you do. Yeah, my pleasure. I love it. so introverts, extroverts is one example of how. Our brain structure and how our brain works is really aligned with the behaviors that we see in the workplace and beyond. there's a spectrum of traits, of [00:07:00] introversion, extroversion. many people will fall somewhere in the middle and people can also express themselves differently. depending on different situations, different contexts might bring out, different types of behavior. so I'm just gonna generalize a little bit here, for time. And so there's research that compares people who tend to, behave more introverted ways and people that tend to be more extroverted. introverted meaning, getting energy by recharging alone, extroverted meaning, getting energy from, spending time with [00:07:30] others. And there's a really cool study that, people were in the brain scanner and while they were in the brain scanner, they were showed a series of pictures. Some of the pictures were flowers and some of the pictures were faces. So flowers is a non-social stimulus. and so, you know, we don't associate that with people, whereas the face is very social. the study found that introverts and extroverts showed different patterns of electrical activity in the brain in response to these images. So [00:08:00] in the introvert, if there was a bunch of flowers shown in a row and then a face, their brain sort of went, eh, well, it didn't really process a difference, but an extroverts, when there was flower, flower, flower face, when the brain saw the face, It got super excited. So the brain really processed a difference between the non-social and the social images. so that just shows that personality [00:08:30] traits and behaviors. And those differences we see in people are actually rooted in how the brain is processing information. we can also see structural differences. in how the brain is built, there's other research that has looked on that. And they found that, introverts tend to have bigger brains in areas responsible for behavior inhibition. Meaning stopping yourself from behaving impulsively. that is a trait commonly associated with introversion is introverts [00:09:00] tend to think before speaking, before acting. and extroverts, brain extrovert brains were bigger in areas responsible for regulating emotions. And smaller in areas related to social information processing. And the way that was interpreted is that extrovert brains can be more efficient at processing social information, maybe selecting what's important and what's not. I could feel that I've had to work on pulling out my introvert. [00:09:30] I think we all have some of both, right. But I've had to practice not everything that I say people want to hear and just that filter and pause. I'm fascinated with the technology. here we are working, manufacturing, all kinds of technology, but when I hear brain scans it's not people's opinions, It's the signals as a neuroscientist, with a PhD you can see that, right? that's just, wow. Like you talk about, one of the sayings we have is that, you bring data. not opinions to a meeting and, well, here you're bringing the data. There are scans that says, Hey, this is what people do. [00:10:00] What I just did was, for that individual, I just had, a reaction which was negative to that person. And if we don't, see that and recognize that, then we may miss that. I wanna bring back the, initial story with the recognition as well. now that we have some foundation about why our brains are different and how, our behaviors actually connected with brain differences, if we reflect back on that person getting recognized when that wasn't what they're inclined for, we can imagine what was happening in their brains. [00:10:30] It wasn't. The reward circuits and the social connection circuits. It was the pressure, stress. Everybody's watching me. So that same circumstance of being recognized in one person can activate reward and in somebody else can activate stress and anxiety. we like to say that. perceptions matter more than good intentions. Yes. Right. And I think that's what we're [00:11:00] focused on learning here. so I've got my manuscript I'm working on this week and I got, I got a hand in at the end of this week for my book, I've written a new chapter on this relationship audit. it's like an internal 360, but instead of. Fixing what's wrong? We're just moving more towards what's right, right? We wanna do more of the behavior. So I've, you know, we've got some questions we ask individuals, direct reports, managers, peers, and we just ask 'em, when do you tune into me? you know, what expectations do we have of each other? Those types of conversations. [00:11:30] And I think that this work that you are doing really helps us with ideas of. How can we be more mindful? Because what we did after that event is that before we ever gave someone an appreciation, we stopped surprising people and we just started asking them, are you okay if we mention you at the meeting this morning? getting their permission seemed to work. and what I liked was when I went over, some of your material, you had three kind of takeaways That you can do now, maybe when you're [00:12:00] having one-on-ones with people or you're just interacting with them. Absolutely. it's great to hear that you took action after, that experience and learned from it Asking people for permission to, to recognize 'em, to ask them something in public is a really great practice and not connect. With the first practice, area that I, like to share, which is asking people what they want, need or prefer. [00:12:30] especially if people are really busy and don't have time and are overwhelmed, it can be really easy to make assumptions our brain naturally does that. there's a known brain bias. called the false consensus effect. Where we tend to think that people agree with us and have the same beliefs, behaviors, knowledge as we do, that's definitely me. Everyone does it. It is a human brain bias. We all share that. especially in times [00:13:00] of busyness and stress, our brains do tend to fall back on those natural shortcuts to save time and energy. but they can end up causing some strains, some conflict, reduced productivity because we're making assumptions instead of asking. So, hold on. You gotta say that again. We're taking shortcuts and what'd you say after that? we're taking shortcuts basically to save [00:13:30] time, to save time and energy. Our brains naturally do that in many different contexts. like there's so much information coming into our brains constantly Choosing what to filter, choosing what's important. That's a natural state. we're in that all the time. Can you imagine if your brain right now was processing. Absolutely every single thing that was present in your environment. It's impossible. We can't do that. Oh no. Hang on a minute. For the listeners. Falisha has not ran manufacturing [00:14:00] plants. I. She hasn't even spent a lot of time with them, but she just described our life that is our life. this is why it's important. This is why we need to listen to you and say, okay, so what can we do? 'cause you just described manufacturing, there's so much stimulus. it's how many parts we make the last hour. Is the machine running right now? is the quality inspection done? and then we take shortcuts. That's what we do. Thank you for describing us. [00:14:30] Brain science applies everywhere. I'm happy to hear that resonates and we can make the connection with the manufacturing processes as well. so what can we do about it? So we know, you know, from the manufacturing experiences, from the brain science that. When we're busy, we take shortcuts and tend to assume instead of asking. making that intentional space to invite sharing is really important, and that can happen in some different formats. It can happen in one-on-ones. It doesn't even [00:15:00] need to be a new one-on-one, just to ask what your work preferences are. if you're already having these kinds of conversations. We can integrate questions into that. So even asking someone a general question of, you know, what can I do? What can we as an organization do to make work more productive, fulfilling, enjoyable, whatever your objective is, to make the workplace better for you? the reason you really got me thinking about [00:15:30] this was in our relationship audit was really looking as when we have a team of say, 10 people, one of the practices to sustain relationships is having regular, one-on-ones or certain touchpoints, certain meetings. but when I hear you say about, you know, ask people what they want. Right. So just because. I say, you know what? We should have a one-on-one every two weeks. I'm the leader, but that may not be the right [00:16:00] approach. that's a great example. when we're asking people what they want, need or prefer, that encompasses so many things. It can be, how they work best, schedules, certain times of day they work best. It can be a physical space, it can be communication preferences, what motivates them. There's so many different aspects here that we can touch on, and that's a great example with, how they would like to have communication with a leader How they would like to have check-ins. some people love space, [00:16:30] love autonomy, and autonomy is great for the brain. in general, autonomy is awesome. some people love to have lots of autonomy and that can look like having a conversation once every two weeks and giving space. We'll have the chat, some general objectives, some goals for the next couple weeks, and then I will go and do my work on my own with my team. I don't need to be checked in on unless I have a question. Okay. There are other people who, that [00:17:00] feels overwhelming and the way... /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39614890

Leadership Effectiveness in Manufacturing for Plant Managers: Closing the Showing Up Gap to Increase Influence with Susan M. Barber #159 12/24/2025

Leadership Effectiveness in Manufacturing for Plant Managers: Closing the Showing Up Gap to Increase Influence with Susan M. Barber #159 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, it often feels like nothing matters more than performance. Leaders are told to hit their targets, keep the line running, and solve problems as quickly as possible. But performance alone rarely drives real career growth. If you want to advance in manufacturing leadership, it’s time to place more emphasis on visibility, curiosity, communication skills, and building stronger relationships. In this episode, Susan M. Barber, a former Fortune 500 leader with more than 25 years of experience at Kraft Heinz, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, authentic leadership, and career development for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Susan is also the author of The Visibility Factor: Break Through Your Fears, Stand in Your Own Power, and Become the Authentic Leader You Were Meant To Be. She helps leaders build authentic visibility, overcome imposter syndrome, and close the gap between performance and recognition. In this conversation, Susan offers a behind-the-scenes look at key lessons from The Visibility Factor, along with practical stories and strategies manufacturing leaders can use to strengthen communication skills, improve trust building, and increase employee engagement on the shop floor. You’ll learn how curiosity-driven conversations, authentic leadership, and relationship-building directly impact career growth, workforce retention, and long-term performance in manufacturing environments facing labor shortages and skills gaps. 1:40 – Performance matters in manufacturing, but career growth depends on more than just shop floor results 5:15 – Voice matters in leadership meetings 7:10 – Thoughtful questions are a powerful way for manufacturing leaders to build credibility and influence 10:45 – Louder voices often gain exposure over quiet high performers 12:55 - Leaders must go beyond their job descriptions to demonstrate readiness for the next level in manufacturing 15:05 - Trust, relationships, and visibility all play a role in how promotion decisions are made 16:55 - Ask for what you want and “do the job to get the job” before the title arrives 19:05 - The 10–30–60 framework highlights how performance, image, and exposure drive career success 22:45 – Psychological safety, authenticity, and confidence are key factors in leadership visibility 25:40 – By reflecting on past visibility successes and missed opportunities, leaders can understand what holds them back Connect with Susan M. Barber Visit her Connect on Find her on and /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39426145

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Purpose, Optimism, and Stronger Relationships with Kathy Miller #158 12/10/2025

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Purpose, Optimism, and Stronger Relationships with Kathy Miller #158 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Welcome back to Kathy Miller, Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame member and former leader at General Motors, Delphi, and Rolls-Royce. She is the author of MORE Is Better, which provides practical frameworks for frontline plant leaders. In this episode, Kathy shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and operational excellence for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Drawing on her background in applied positive psychology and real-world plant leadership, she explains how leaders can strengthen manufacturing culture, improve trust, and boost productivity — without adding complexity. You’ll walk away with practical tools to improve accountability, reduce burnout, and build stronger teams on the shop floor. 1:22 – Representation and diversity strengthens manufacturing culture 3:02 – Positive psychology research is a valuable tool for frontline supervisors, plant managers, and shop floor leadership teams 5:03 – Strengthen manufacturing relationships through creative safety leadership and by supporting accountability without blame 7:22 – Authenticity improves team engagement and manufacturing retention, especially in high-stress environments 08:20 - Transitioning teams from command-and-control to inclusive lean leadership is essential for creating a continuous improvement culture 12:36 - Helping employees find meaning boosts employee engagement and manufacturing retention. 15:56 – Putting curiosity over compliances helps leaders avoid punitive approaches and improves performance conversations on the floor 21:15 – Creating psychological safety encourages employees to speak up early, which fuels continuous improvement culture and operational excellence 22:56 - Finding a balance between realistic optimism and toxic positivity is essential for credible manufacturing communication and decision-making 24:41 – Relationships are the core foundation of manufacturing teamwork 26:22 – Your mindset shapes manufacturing relationships and every interaction on the plant floor 28:37 – Active listening is one of the most effective tools for better coaching in manufacturing. Connect with Kathy Miller Visit her and check out the resources Connect on Buy Listen to her /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39323745

Manufacturing Team Performance for Operation Managers: Driving Better Outcomes Through Deeper Conversations with Reggie Davis #157 11/26/2025

Manufacturing Team Performance for Operation Managers: Driving Better Outcomes Through Deeper Conversations with Reggie Davis #157 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Strong manufacturing leadership isn’t just about process improvement or hitting production targets. It’s about how we show up for people on the shop floor. And real leadership growth often starts with leaning into discomfort. In this episode, Reggie Davis, founder of UpLift Coaching and Consulting and author of Better Together: Embracing the Discomfort of Difference, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and team engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Reggie explains how tough conversations strengthen manufacturing culture, improve employee retention, and build trust on the shop floor. You’ll learn practical strategies for coaching in manufacturing, creating psychological safety, and developing frontline leadership habits that drive both accountability and performance. From plant managers to supervisors, anyone responsible for production leadership or safety culture will walk away with new tools to improve communication, foster ownership, and build stronger teams. 1:15 – Inclusive leadership and authentic communication improves teamwork, safety, and innovation 3:21 – Discomfort can be a valuable tool for growth 4:33 – Better people create better parts 5:19 – Great leaders focus on results and relationships 6:22 – When you welcome diverse perspectives, you drive teamwork and improve your processes 8:09 – For better conversations, replace “why” with “tell me more.” 13:50 – Be aware of how everyday language impacts morale and inclusion on the plant floor 17:30 – Invest in your people through coaching, frontline leadership, and communication training 19:31 – Stay focused on growth, even when the path is uncomfortable 20:40 – Conversations and self-awareness are key to sustainable manufacturing innovation 22:06 – To drive continuous improvement culture, lead with humility and openness 26:39 – Always remember the human side of manufacturing excellence to build trust, reduce turnover, and create a stronger sense of belonging across teams Connect with Reggie Davis More about /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/39079395

Accountability and Teamwork in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Leading with the Thermostat Mindset with Sheri Holt #156 11/12/2025

Accountability and Teamwork in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Leading with the Thermostat Mindset with Sheri Holt #156 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Are you leading like a thermometer or a thermostat? If you find yourself reacting to problems instead of setting the tone for your team, you may be acting like a thermometer. With the right mindset, you can become a thermostatic leader who creates stability, clarity, and accountability on the shop floor. In this episode, Sheri Miller Holt, author of Thermostatic Leadership: The Quiet Power of Creating Balance and Influence, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Sheri explains how thermostatic leadership helps manufacturing leaders balance firmness with compassion, strengthen trust, and build shared accountability. You’ll learn practical strategies to improve manufacturing culture, develop frontline leadership habits, and create workplaces where people feel supported, engaged, and motivated to perform. 2:20 - Leaders must decide whether they simply react like a thermometer or adjust and influence like a thermostat. 4:00 - Thermostatic leaders empathize, mobilize, and shift the energy in a room toward positive outcomes 6:50 - Real organizational change begins when leaders change their own behaviors and mindsets 8:30 - Leaders should remove barriers that prevent people from performing at their best 10:50 - The biggest obstacle to better leadership is simplicity — people think it has to be more complex than it really is 11:30 - Knowing your team personally builds trust and motivation 12:40 – Sheri’s Dr. GRAK framework focuses on shared results, resources, accountability, and agreed-upon consequences 14:20 - Both leaders and their teams should share outcomes, both good and bad 16:30 - When people understand shared consequences, they self-manage and become more invested in team success 22:40 – Shift your “you” statements to “I” statements to avoid accusations and foster empathy 24:50 - Compassionate leadership doesn’t weaken accountability — it deepens it. When people feel cared for, they perform better and take ownership Connect with Sheri Holt Find her on and Buy her /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/38894500

Manufacturing Culture Improvement for Plant Leaders: Building Self-Aware Leadership That Drives Results with Anne Bonney #155 10/29/2025

Manufacturing Culture Improvement for Plant Leaders: Building Self-Aware Leadership That Drives Results with Anne Bonney #155 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Change can be uncomfortable — but learning how to navigate uncertainty is essential for manufacturing leaders who want to grow their mindset, lead with intention, and show up stronger for their teams. In this episode, Anne Bonney, certified speaking professional, leadership expert, and TEDx speaker, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, resilience, and communication skills for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Anne breaks down the psychology of change and explains how leaders can shift from panic to curiosity, manage fear of the unknown, and better understand how the brain reacts to disruption. You’ll learn practical strategies to improve employee engagement, strengthen trust, and lead more effectively through uncertainty on the shop floor. 2:10 – Our brains react to uncertainty by triggering fear in the amygdala, but we can contradict this by shifting our thinking into the prefrontal cortex 5:35 – To cultivate curiosity and self-awareness, leaders need to embrace discomfort and aversion 7:30 – Practice getting out of your comfort zone with small, low-risk actions 10:00 – In moments of stress or uncertainty, take a pause 12:45 – With trust-based leadership, you can attract and retain Gen Z talent 16:20 – Gen Z thinks differently than other generations, so you may need to shift your thinking to meet their needs 19:15 – In times of changes, leaders need to be self-aware 21:30 – You must model the behavior you want to see in your team Connect with Anne Bonney Visit her Listen to her Listen to her Connect on /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/38726270

Problem-Solving Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Breaking the Blame Cycle to Drive Better Outcomes with Maggie Harlow #154 10/15/2025

Problem-Solving Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Breaking the Blame Cycle to Drive Better Outcomes with Maggie Harlow #154 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! If you want to change your results, you need to change your approach. In this episode, Maggie Harlow, co-owner of Signarama Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, problem-solving, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Drawing from her experience in custom sign manufacturing, Maggie explains what it really takes to balance quality, speed, and culture in a high-mix, low-volume environment. You’ll hear practical strategies for improving communication skills, building trust, and leading with curiosity — while maintaining accountability and performance on the shop floor. 3:06 – In high-stress environments, creativity and craftsmanship keep people engaged 6:08 – It is important to have communications between all departments 7:00 – When systemic issues occur, remember that it may be a focus issue, not a people problem 8:14 – Quality is the most important thing 9:17 – As a leader, if you want something to improve or change, you need to bring it to your team’s attention 10:28 – When leadership is present on the shop floor, it shifts perception 11:41 – To get sales and production to truly collaborate, you may need a cultural shift 13:09 – To find healthy balances between departments, have honest conversations 14:35 – Focus on ownership, not blame 15:26 – When breakdowns occur, it’s often because team members don’t understand each other’s realities 17:44 – Give your team space to try, fail, and grow within safe boundaries 20:00 – For honest problem-solving, assume everyone is doing their best Connect with Maggie Harlow Find her on Visit her Learn more about /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/38511365

Generational Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Closing the Generational Gap to Strengthen Engagement with Michelle McCullough #153 10/01/2025

Generational Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Closing the Generational Gap to Strengthen Engagement with Michelle McCullough #153 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! anaging a multigenerational workforce baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z,can feel challenging, but building trust and engagement across all generations is possible. In this episode, Michelle McCullough, nationally recognized speaker and workplace culture expert, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and retention for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Michelle offers key research on how trust, support, and human connection transform retention and performance on the shop floor. You’ll learn practical tools to improve communication, foster a resilient culture, and lead teams that feel valued and motivated regardless of generation. 2:50 – Emotional intelligence is especially important in a high-pressure industry like manufacturing 4:10 – Gen Z crave connection, purpose, and mental well-being in the workplace 6:30 – Older generations tend to prioritize stability, while younger generations want social connection 8:00 – When employees understand the impact of their work, they feel more connected and motivated 9:50 – Show an interest in your team member’s lives outside of work 11:00 – Understand that different generations have different motivations 21:00 – Team building exercises can improve cohesion and morale 23:10 – Happiness and resilience training can improve mental health and team connection 24:15 – You should also understanding gender gaps in the workplace 27:50 - When trust is broken, it can be rebuilt through intentional actions like growth, vulnerability, and transparent communication. 29:00 - Employees are more likely to stay and be engaged when they feel supported and understood by their leaders. Connect with Michelle McCullough Visit her Follow @SpeakMichelle on social media /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/38367650

Employee Motivation in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Why Teams Disengage and How to Reignite Performance with Jim Pancero #152 09/17/2025

Employee Motivation in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Why Teams Disengage and How to Reignite Performance with Jim Pancero #152 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! When you’re dealing with disengagement or low morale on the manufacturing floor, a motivated team can feel like a myth. But with the right leadership mindset and workplace culture, you can improve engagement, productivity, and performance. In this episode, Jim Pancero,sales and leadership coach with over 40 years of experience working with manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution teams shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Jim explains what truly motivates teams and how positive communication, trust building, and clear expectations drive retention and accountability. You’ll learn practical strategies to reduce negativity, strengthen culture, and create a manufacturing environment where people want to show up and perform at their best. 1:43 – You can’t always motivate people, but you can create an environment for self-motivation 3:30 – Build self-worth, recognize contributions, and create a culture where people are comfortable to engage 6:23 – Offering meaningful benefits can drive retention and a sense of belonging 8:15 – The balance between positive and negative feedback directly influences motivation 12:27 – When you focus on problems rather than solutions, it hurts motivation 14:48 – Through positive affirmations, you shift the tone and drive a positive environment 18:03 – Immersive onboarding helps new team members foster connection and builds empathy across teams 19:32 – Be curious and separate system issues from personal blame in your daily plant operations Connect with Jim Pancero Connect on Visit his websites at or Find his videos on /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/38192650

Manufacturing Workforce Engagement for Plant Leaders: Asking Better Questions to Attract and Retain Talent with Chad Littlefield #151 09/03/2025

Manufacturing Workforce Engagement for Plant Leaders: Asking Better Questions to Attract and Retain Talent with Chad Littlefield #151 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Do you want drive results, retain your team, and create a culture where people show up and stick around? Then it’s time to embrace the art of powerful questions! Through curious questions and intentional conversations, you can change the way people think and work. Learn more in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Chad Littlefield, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of We! Connect cards, which help leaders ask powerful questions and cultivate deeper conversations. Chad shares stories that highlight the power of questions, unpacks the struggles many leaders face when it comes to genuine dialogue, and offers actionable tips for using curiosity and intention to engage your team. If you’re ready to learn how to drive better results, ask stronger questions, and build a workplace where people want to stay and grow, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 1:02 – In manufacturing, we often struggle with creating genuine conversations 2:18 – Intentional plays a critical role in building safe conversations 4:17 – When initiative is met with gratitude, it can lead to long-term loyalty and promotion 8:14 – Expressing intentions directly creates clarity and stronger connections 14:40 – People want to work, they just don’t want to work for someone who doesn’t care about them 16:35 – Leadership at the top influencers your entire organization 17:59 – Ask the second question to take a conversation to a deeper level 21:20 – Use open-ended questions to deepen reflection and learning Connect with Chad Littlefield Watch his videos on Visit his and find /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37947990

Leadership Resilience in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Commanding Chaos and Driving Results with Angela Billings #150 08/20/2025

Leadership Resilience in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Commanding Chaos and Driving Results with Angela Billings #150 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Are you ready to handle a crisis at your manufacturing plant? This episode focuses on crisis communication and how leaders can stay calm, clear, and effective under pressure. In this episode, Angela Billings, a strategic communication professional with more than 20 years of experience in the Air Force, including during September 11 while stationed at the Pentagon, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and resilience for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Angela explains how strong crisis communication improves employee engagement, trust building, and team performance. She shares real world lessons on proactive planning, clear messaging, and empowering frontline teams so leaders can reduce uncertainty, strengthen accountability, and protect manufacturing culture during high stress situations. You will walk away with practical strategies to improve leadership presence, support your people, and confidently guide your plant through disruption. 1:00 – In any field, you need to anticipate crisis and be prepared to manage and own them 6:46 – Having a chain of command and clear communication channels are crucial for effective crisis management 9:12 –The proactive connection of supervisory teams is essential to crisis management 10:14 – To prepare, do tabletop exercises to act out likely and worst-case scenarios 12:04 – All employees should act as ambassadors for their organization 15:05 – Media training can be a strong tool for employees at all levels, not just executives 16:03 – To safeguard your brand, own your stories 17:32 – Even everyday issues need transparent communications 19:30 – Consider the role of public communications channels 21:21 – Apply the same urgency to communications that you do to everyday production challenges on the floor Connect with Angela Billings Visit her Learn more about Find her on /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37866865

Employee Loyalty in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Trust and Retention Through Story-Driven Leadership with David Semersheim #149 08/06/2025

Employee Loyalty in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Trust and Retention Through Story-Driven Leadership with David Semersheim #149 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In modern manufacturing, employees want more than just a paycheck. To feel engaged and perform at their best, they need to believe they are part of something bigger. If you want to improve employee retention, productivity, and team performance, you must transform the way you communicate and connect with your people. In this episode, David Sermersheim, team leader, public speaker, and founder of Celebrate Audio, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. David explains how storytelling and curiosity strengthen trust building, improve culture, and increase accountability on the shop floor. You will learn practical strategies to use stories as a leadership tool, build stronger relationships, and create a manufacturing environment where people feel valued, motivated, and committed to shared results. 1:33 – Through personal and professional commitment, you can transfer customer-focused strategies to employee-focused leadership 2:51 – Autonomy plays a key role in employee retention rates 6:22 – There are many creative ways to connect with remote team members, like starting a podcast 7:35 – During new hire orientations, embed core company values and the “why” behind your organization 10:35 – Employees need to connect with something beyond just your mission statement 11:51 – Make sure your job postings reflect your organization’s value and purposes 13:18 – Connect orientation, behaviors, and metrics to your organization’s core values 13:53 – Quarterly reviews and structured feedback sessions can improve job satisfaction 18:20 360-degree feedback is important for self-awareness and leadership 22:02 – Be genuinely interested in the people you lead and take the time to understand everyone’s unique story Connect with David Semersheim Learn more about Email David at david@celebrateaudio.com /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37665825

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Reducing Risk Through Transparent Accountability with Christopher Santomassimo #148 07/23/2025

Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Reducing Risk Through Transparent Accountability with Christopher Santomassimo #148 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Are you tapping into your team’s full potential? As manufacturing continues to evolve, many leaders are searching for better ways to improve employee engagement, drive productivity, and build a culture where people feel motivated to perform. In this episode, Christopher Santomassimo, lawyer and founding partner of Outside General Counsel Solutions, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, accountability, and workforce engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Drawing on more than 30 years of legal experience, Chris explains how transparent accountability strengthens trust building, supports retention, and helps leaders address personnel challenges. You will learn practical strategies for improving communication skills, fostering ownership, and unlocking the potential of your current workforce even as labor shortages and skills gaps continue to impact manufacturing. 2:30 – When companies hold people accountable in a transparent and uplifting way, they tend to see higher engagement and productivity 2:58 – Accountability is about building trust and team spirit through setting clear goals and expectations 7:10 – By listening to employees and celebrating their contributions, you can boost morale and retention 11:52 – Transparency fosters ownership and reduces negative incidents, like HR issues 14:47 – When employees feel like they’re part of a team, it drives productivity and lessens workplace conflicts 16:37 – Accountability is about coaching and support, not penalization 19:40 – For long-term improvement, you need consistent practices at all levels of your organization Connect with Christopher Santomassimo Listen to his Connect on Learn More About /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37455850

Sustainable Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Energy That Lasts and Preventing Burnout with Kathy Oneto #147 07/09/2025

Sustainable Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Building Energy That Lasts and Preventing Burnout with Kathy Oneto #147 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, leaders are constantly balancing productivity, performance, and rapidly changing technology. For many, it can feel impossible to meet goals while also setting boundaries, managing energy, and avoiding burnout. In this episode, Kathy Oneto, consultant, executive coach, and author of Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, resilience, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Kathy offers practical strategies for managing pressure, aligning ambition with purpose, and building sustainable leadership habits. You will learn how growth mindset, authentic leadership, and communication skills help leaders reduce burnout, strengthen manufacturing culture, and maintain productivity while creating healthier workplaces. 2:43 – With the rise of modern technology, we often feel like we have to be “on” all the time, which leads to overload 4:08 – Humans can’t operate like machines 7:52 – In manufacturing, pressures like hitting targets and dealing with setbacks can quickly became unsustainable 8:36 – To find sustainability and align your ambitions, you need to make the right choices for yourself 10:00 – Just like machines, manufacturing leaders also need regular, preventative maintenance 16:06 – Language plays a key role in helping people clarify what really matters to them 17:09 Practice micro-reflections and intentional focus 19:49 – Learn to move beyond the stigma of taking breaks and allowing time for recovery Connect with Kathy Oneto Connect on Visit her and Tune in to her /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37256035

Purpose-Driven Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Using Vision to Motivate Results with Simon Vetter #146 06/25/2025

Purpose-Driven Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Using Vision to Motivate Results with Simon Vetter #146 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, it is easy to get caught up in daily production numbers, KPIs, and hitting targets. But what about the bigger picture? How do leaders inspire teams to not only do great work, but to want to be part of something meaningful? In this episode, Simon Vetter, Vision Architect, executive coach, and co author of Leading with Vision: The Leader’s Blueprint for Creating a Compelling Vision and Engaging the Workforce, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, vision, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Simon explains how vision driven leadership strengthens trust building, improves communication skills, and increases accountability on the shop floor. You will learn practical strategies to move beyond metrics, emotionally connect with your team, and build a manufacturing culture that supports productivity, retention, and long term performance. 1:24 – As generational shifts drive change in the workface, vision is more important than ever 5:51 – Some manufacturing leaders truly on data, KPIs, and goals, while others may use imagery and emotions to convey their vision 10:00 – There is a gap between managers who deliver results but burn out their teams, and leaders who inspire but don’t always deliver KPIs. 13:40 – Mistaking goals for vision is a common pitfall 14:15 – Make your organization’s vision relevant to employees at all levels 15:12 – A strong leader uses both data and emotion 17:15 – Ask clarifying questions to make sure your team understands your vision 19:10 – Understanding the difference between changes for commitment and change for compliance 20:32 – Have open conversations instead of just enforcing goals 25:51 – Vision is for everyone, not just senior leadership Connect with Simon Vetter Visit his Connect on on Leading with Vision /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/37041325

Change Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Leading Through Uncertainty and Big Transitions with Cara Moeller Poppitt #145 06/11/2025

Change Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Leading Through Uncertainty and Big Transitions with Cara Moeller Poppitt #145 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Modern manufacturing leaders are navigating unprecedented change, from tariffs and labor shortages to rapidly evolving technologies. As guest Cara Moeller Poppitt puts it, manufacturing is experiencing some big freakin’ change. In this episode, Cara Moeller Poppitt, founder of two award winning companies and author of Big Freakin’ Change: How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, resilience, and growth mindset for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Cara discusses the real challenges facing today’s workforce, including the skills gap, uncertainty, and hiring challenges. She also introduces her practical process for getting unstuck, building momentum, and navigating change with confidence. You will learn how authentic leadership, strategic thinking, and trust building help leaders improve employee engagement, strengthen manufacturing culture, and guide their teams through disruption. 1:46 – Manufacturing (and business in general) is in a constant state of change 5:45 – If you’re feeling stuck, it could be due to a lack of confidence 6:15 – To get unstuck, make the shift from problem-based thinking to possibility-orientated thinking 7:20 – The first step in shifting your thinking is recognizing when you and your teams are stuck 7:54 – You also need to learn to identify whether the root of your issue is behavior, financial, or relational 12:38 – Making small, daily improvements can help your team build momentum 13:08 – Define what success looks like for your team 14:48 – Use empowering questions to gain feedback and increase engagement 20:29 – Act boldly and drive change outside your comfort zone 22:42 – Don’t forget to enjoy the journey and acknowledge small victories Connect with Cara Poppitt: Connect on social media @CaraPoppitt /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/36689260

Strategic Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Playing to Win on the Factory Floor with Joel Block #144 05/28/2025

Strategic Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Playing to Win on the Factory Floor with Joel Block #144 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! What does successful manufacturing leadership have in common with winning big at the casino? It comes down to becoming an advantage player and learning how to make smarter decisions under pressure. In this episode, Joel Block, former professional blackjack player turned Wall Street strategist, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, mindset, and team performance for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Joel draws from his experience in blackjack, venture capital, and hedge funds to explain how leaders can improve strategic thinking, boost employee 1:26 – There are many lessons from card games like blackjack that can be applied to business and manufacturing 2:58 – To succeed, learn how to Think, See, and Act (TSA) differently 4:40 – Many people stay busy without actually accomplishing meaningful work 5:00 – The difference between average performers and advantage players is that advantage players seek out and create opportunities 8:33 – All organizations can find ways to improve, even top-performing companies 11:50 – To change your strategy and find more success, schedule time to step back and gain perspective 12:15 – Use “high limit questions” to push thinking forward 15:51 – In business, advantage players learn how to anticipate workforce needs 18:37 – Everyone has a role to play when it comes to a team’s success 20:07 – Motivate your team by making sure everyone is connected to a meaningful goal 21:20 – When you’re successful, it lifts your business, family, and community Connect with Joel Block Visit his Connect by email at joel@theadvantageplayer.com Subscribe to his /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/36625360

Manufacturing Leadership Transformation for Operations Managers: Moving Beyond Command-and-Control to Drive Results with Brian Gottlieb #143 05/14/2025

Manufacturing Leadership Transformation for Operations Managers: Moving Beyond Command-and-Control to Drive Results with Brian Gottlieb #143 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, leaders often rely on the same tools to solve very different problems. But just like a hammer does not work for every project, one leadership style will not work for every team member. To build stronger teams, leaders must go beyond the hammer and create deeper connections. In this episode, Brian Gottleib shares insights from his book Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams. He discusses manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Brian explains how curiosity, trust building, and authentic leadership improve manufacturing culture and accountability. You will learn practical ways to strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and create a more connected shop floor that supports productivity, retention, and long term performance. 1:18 – Beyond the Hammer is an approachable, actionable book which uses a parable format to make a positive impact on leaders 2:38 – A leader’s mood and presence directly shapes their team’s culture and performance 3:34 – As a leader, be aware of the tone you’re getting for the rest of your team 6:24 – The ceiling of a business is limited by the ceiling of the people 8:56 – For true growth to occur, you need to focus on relationships and understanding how each team member’s work connects to a larger goal 12:10 – Be honest about your priorities and save time for self-growth and reflection 17:13 – To form relationships, your one-on-one conversations need to be deep and intentional 18:33 – Make your employees feel valued and they’ll be less likely to leave your organization 22:14 – While performance can be copied, culture cannot 24:05 – When teams believe in themselves and each other, it creates a stronger and more positive culture Connect with Brian Gottleib Visit his Connect on – Brian recommends checking out the audiobook for a more personal connection on Beyond the Hammer /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/36508380

HR Partnerships in Manufacturing for Executive Leaders: How Coaching Relationships Accelerate Leadership Growth with Kristin Rivait and Joe Carrothers #142 04/30/2025

HR Partnerships in Manufacturing for Executive Leaders: How Coaching Relationships Accelerate Leadership Growth with Kristin Rivait and Joe Carrothers #142 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! When there is a leadership shift in a manufacturing organization, it brings major change, along with new team dynamics, cultural adjustments, and growing pains. But with the right approach, leadership transitions can also create powerful opportunities for growth. In this episode, Joe Carrothers, President of SWT Group, and Kristin Rivait, HR Director at SWT Group, share insights on manufacturing leadership, trust building, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Joe and Kristin offer a behind the scenes look at their leadership transition as Joe moved from CFO to President. They share honest lessons from both their successes and struggles, along with practical strategies for strengthening culture, improving communication skills, and leading with curiosity and patience. You will learn how authentic leadership and thoughtful change management can turn uncertainty into alignment, accountability, and long term performance. 1:07 – Some leaders struggle with being results-focused and being seen as unapproachable by teams 2:02 – During a time of transition, executive coaching can be a valuable tool 2:54 – How do you quantify the ROI of people-focused initiatives? 6:15 – If you want to grow and learn, you need to be willing to have tough respectful conversations 8:26 – Shift away from pre-formulated answers to truly listening and responding 11:17 – Patience and curiosity are key ingredients to a strong partnership 16:29 – When there is transparence and humility at the top of an organization, it contributes to a more accountable and open culture 18:00 – By being present on the floor as a leader you create a stronger sense of unity and collaboration 21:51 – It is important to be your authentic self and build true relationships with your team 28:13 – In times of leadership transition, practice patience and perseverance Connect with Joe Carrothers and Kristin Rivait Learn More about /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/36295295

Negotiation Skills in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Influencing Better Outcomes on the Shop Floor with Fotini Iconomopoulos #141 04/16/2025

Negotiation Skills in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Influencing Better Outcomes on the Shop Floor with Fotini Iconomopoulos #141 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! On the manufacturing floor, leaders face negotiation opportunities every day, from discussing pay increases with team members to working through supplier agreements. In those moments, how can you say less, get more, and drive better outcomes? In this episode, Fotini Iconomopoulos, master communicator and author of Say Less Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and strategic thinking for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Fotini explains how stronger negotiation skills improve accountability, trust building, and employee engagement. You will learn practical techniques for handling difficult conversations, influencing outcomes, and strengthening your leadership presence on the shop floor. 1:00 – Learning how to negotiate and communicate is an important skill for manufacturing leaders 3:20 – Negotiation plays a key role in many manufacturing scenarios, like working with suppliers and retailers 4:25 – Be mindful of negotiation opportunities in your everyday interactions 6:44 – Negotiation isn’t just about getting your own way, but about changing the thinking of another person 7:00 – To improve your negotiation skills, stay curious and ask questions 7:34 – When negotiation, think about your own emotions and the emotions of the other person 9:19 – Practice striking the balance between logic and emotions in your negotiations 15:12 – Use language that aids cooperation and mutual benefit 18:54 – Opening with an extreme can set you up for a success negotiation, but be sure to consider the ethics involved 21:37 – People are often motivated more by what they might lose, rather than what they stand to gain 22:22 – Silence can also be a powerful tool in negotiations Connect with Fotini Iconomopoulos Vist her Learn more about Read my /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/36052600

Manufacturing Safety Leadership for Plant Leaders: Using De-Escalation to Prevent Conflict and Protect Teams with Carol Cambridge #140 04/02/2025

Manufacturing Safety Leadership for Plant Leaders: Using De-Escalation to Prevent Conflict and Protect Teams with Carol Cambridge #140 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! When your manufacturing organization faces a crisis, the last thing you want is to add fuel to the fire. Yet in technical environments, many leaders lack the skills needed to safely de escalate conflict or clearly communicate safety concerns. In this episode, Carol Cambridge, authority on workplace violence and founder of the Stay Safe Project, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, safety culture, and communication skills for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Carol explains how critical thinking, trust building, and clear communication help leaders manage conflict, address threats, and strengthen employee engagement during high stress situations. You will learn practical strategies to improve safety awareness, support your teams, and create a manufacturing culture where people feel protected, prepared, and empowered. 2:23 – In manufacturing, there can be a lack of critical thinking skills, and this plays a big role in crisis management 5:43 – When someone feels unsafe at work, they may be reluctant to report threats 8:22 – There is a different between “tattling” and “reporting” 15:41 – When a potential threat occurs, form a team to handle it, rather than simply leaving it to HR alone to address 18:54 – When you have clear communications and focus on making your employees feel safer, it creates a culture where people can report potential threats without fear 21:18 – Learn to recognize the behavioral signs that might indicate a potential for violence or distress 23:16 – When it comes to confliction resolution or handling heated conversations, timing is key Connect with Carol Cambridge Learn More About Connect on /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/35854285

Leadership Resilience in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Embracing Discomfort to Build Stronger Teams with Paul Taylor #139 03/19/2025

Leadership Resilience in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Embracing Discomfort to Build Stronger Teams with Paul Taylor #139 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, stress is familiar. But too much comfort and not enough challenge can also hurt mindset, productivity, and performance. In this episode, Paul Taylor, former British Royal Navy crew member and PhD candidate in applied psychology, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, resilience, and growth mindset for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Drawing from his book Death by Comfort, Paul explains how discomfort builds confidence and psychological strength. You will learn practical strategies to rethink stress, improve employee engagement, strengthen communication skills, and create manufacturing environments that support accountability, resilience, and team performance. 2:20 – In manufacturing, stress can be inevitable, so you need to find the right level of stress in your environment 3:36 - You can use principles from physical fitness and apply them to stress management 7:11 – To stay healthy and keep a productive mindset, you need to balance stress and recovery 11:54 – When you practice self-efficacy and do hard tasks, it builds your confidence 16:21 – Uncomfortable yet necessary conversations play a key role in workplace environments 17:38 – To change and improve how you give feedback and have challenging conversations, use the SBI (situation-behavior-impact) model 18:36 – Use the OARS model for motivational interviewing to encourage open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing 24:58 – Take time to understand your purpose and the impact of your work 24:58 – Don’t overlook the role of accountability in psychological safety Connect with Paul Taylor Visit his Listen to Buy Death by Comfort on or at your favorite bookseller on Death by Comfort /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/35673050

Cost Savings in Manufacturing for Operations Managers: Using Deliberate Creativity to Improve Performance with Amy Climer #138 03/05/2025

Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Improving Decisions and Preventing Repeat Problems with Bob Latino #137 02/19/2025

Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Improving Decisions and Preventing Repeat Problems with Bob Latino #137 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! Are you truly doing root cause analysis, or only scratching the surface of your manufacturing problems? In a fast paced environment, leaders want quick fixes. But without asking the right questions and considering the human element, you may miss deeper and more sustainable solutions. In this episode, Bob Latino, seasoned root cause analysis expert, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, root cause analysis, and operational excellence for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Bob explains how effective RCA goes beyond fixing broken equipment. You will learn how communication skills, accountability, and a growth mindset help leaders improve systems, strengthen reliability, and reduce recurring issues. This conversation highlights how focusing on human performance instead of blame leads to stronger culture, better productivity, and long term manufacturing success. 1:48 – RCA has a PR problem, and is typically only associated with technical failure rather than human factors 6:00 – To improve sustainability and reliability, consider how you approach accountability and blame 7:19 – When an organization is stuck in crisis mode, it looks very different from an organization with experienced reliability 11:32 – “What does right look like to you?” is a great question to ask when a problem occurs 15:41 – Understanding the difference between proactive and reactive approaches can help you shift your mindset when it comes to finding solutions 18:05 – Reliability and maintenance are different departments, as they have different focuses 22:04 – With improved reliability, you can address issues like high turnover and poor leadership retention Connect with Bob Latino Find him on , where he shares extensive content Visit the Prelical Solutions /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/35271255

Manufacturing Productivity for Plant Leaders: Reducing the Hidden Costs of Mental Health on Team Performance with Adam Nemer #136 02/05/2025

Manufacturing Productivity for Plant Leaders: Reducing the Hidden Costs of Mental Health on Team Performance with Adam Nemer #136 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, mental health is often overlooked, but ignoring it can lead to disengagement, burnout, and higher employee turnover. In this episode, Adam Nemer, former CFO and senior operations leader and founder of Simple Mental Health, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and workforce retention for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Adam draws from his personal mental health journey to explain how leaders can strengthen trust building, improve communication skills, and create healthier manufacturing cultures. You will learn practical ways to support your team, reduce stigma, and build workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to perform. 1:00 – In manufacturing, one out of every five employees struggles with a diagnosable mental illness 7:58 – To promote better mental health in your manufacturing organization, learn to recognize the signs of mental health struggles, like changes in appearance, behavior, or performance 8:35 – Be aware of team members who might be showing up for work, but aren’t mentally engaged 12:25 – To improve mental health at work, you need to have deep conversations that go beyond just talking about work 16:20 – When your employees are unhappy or struggling with mental health issues, it can lead to a massive drop in productivity, as well as high turnover 21:46 – As a leader, there is power in sharing your own mental health experiences 27:45 – When leaders normalize discussions about mental health, it improves performance and transforms lives Connect with Adam Nemer Visit his Connect on and Learn more on /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/35027565

Problem-Solving Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Shifting from Blame to Solutions with Darcy Luoma #135 01/22/2025

Problem-Solving Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Shifting from Blame to Solutions with Darcy Luoma #135 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, it often feels like everything is go go go. But what happens when leaders slow down, think more intentionally, and lead with purpose? In this episode, Darcy Luoma, author, consultant, and creator of the Thoughtfully Fit approach, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Darcy explains how intentional leadership strengthens manufacturing culture, improves team dynamics, and builds accountability. You will learn practical strategies to connect with your team, develop a growth mindset, and bring more thoughtfulness and clarity to daily leadership on the shop floor. 1:30 – Intentionally or unintentionally, culture is set from the top 2:39 – Using curiosity helps separate accountability from blame 4:21 – As a leader, you can help your team stay accountable by setting clear expectations and benchmarks 6:40 – Change your mindset to shift away from blame and toward solutions 8:26 – Don’t ignore your team’s dynamic, or else it can lead to issues like decreased morale and effectiveness 11:04 – By creating intentional space to address team dynamics and communicate styles, you’ll find better results 17:10 – Through a Thoughtfully Fit model, focus on pausing, thinking, and acting intentionally 21:31 – Practicing self-awareness as a leader can improve your team’s dynamics 23:20 – When applying Thoughtfully Fit principals, be consistent and practice even in small situations Connect with Darcy Luoma Visit her Take the /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/34788225

Frontline Engagement in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Rethinking Shop Floor Time to Better Support Technical Teams with Emily Nichols #134 01/08/2025

Frontline Engagement in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Rethinking Shop Floor Time to Better Support Technical Teams with Emily Nichols #134 Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit and to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter. Now, let’s jump in! In manufacturing, leaders often focus on complex processes and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. But lasting productivity and performance still depend on people. In this episode, Emily Nichols, professional engineer and manufacturing leader with experience at PepsiCo, Janssen, and Henkel, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, soft skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Emily explains why human connection remains essential in a highly technical environment. You will learn how communication skills, trust building, and authentic leadership strengthen manufacturing culture, improve retention, and increase team performance. She also offers practical strategies for breaking down systemic barriers and improving your people score on the shop floor. 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 Connect on social media: @connectbettertoday /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/33898842

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