Mindfulness Manufacturing

Our show is about providing listeners with real stories that come from a place of experience, transparency, and authenticity. Most importantly it’s about what we learn from these stories and applying Mindfulness in our everyday work and personal lives. Our intention is to create an environment where people can learn through open honest discussions on how we apply Mindfulness. Although our experiences and stories come from time in a manufacturing environment hence the title “Mindfulness Manufacturing”, we still see our discussions and topics relatable to any organization or profession.

100 Win the Day: Stories and Tips for Finding Motivation and Results with Eric Berdan 09/20/2023

99 How To Be Relentlessly Helpful with Susan Baier 09/06/2023

99 How To Be Relentlessly Helpful with Susan Baier “What else can I do to help?” For Susan Baier, the founder and president of Audience Audit, this question changed the trajectory of her career when she received generous assistance as a recent college graduate. She now gives back through her work with Audience Audit, where she helps businesses grow their ROI through transformational thought leadership reputations and stronger marketing. In this episode, Susan joins me to share her story and insights about how leadership can shift their mindset and find ways to be “relentlessly helpful” in their organizations and lives. 2:08 – To be relentlessly helpful, ask other what else you can do to help them and think about what you can do to help the others around you or in your organization 3:44 – Shift your mindset to think about the ways you can have an impact on others 3:54 – We all know things that someone else doesn’t know 8:15 – The people with the greatest experiences and the most unique perspectives are often not sharing their information 8:40 – Being generous reaps huge rewards and builds goodwill 10:37 – Being relentlessly helpful can also be a way to break out of your own routine and make yourself feel better about your own role 12:36 – Some days may have more opportunities to be helpful than others, but there are always small gestures you can make or questions you can ask to support others 14:34 – Both overconfidence and a lack of confidence can impact the ability to be relentlessly helpful 14:54 – Organizations, not just individuals, can embrace a culture of relentless helpfulness 18:39 – Learning on the job is a critical component of advancement 19:45 – To understand what is helpful for others, you need to listen and communicate 20:33 – As you shift your mindset, you’ll grow your listening skills and find more way to be helpful 22:18 – We often dismiss our own knowledge and forget to think about how our knowledge can be important to someone else, even in a small way 23:34 – Just being open and available for conversation can help others Connect with Susan Baier Audience Audit /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27946485

98 Write Your Own "Must-Read" with AJ Harper 08/23/2023

98 Write Your Own "Must-Read" with AJ Harper Have you ever wanted to write a book? Do you want to grow your writing skills or find new ways to use words to inspire your team and grow your organization? If you’re ready to take the first steps toward writing a book, AJ Harper is here to help! AJ is an editor, publishing strategist, and former ghostwriter who now uses her skills to help others write transformational books, grow their leadership, and make a unique impact on the world. She shares her methods through workshops like her Top Three Books Workshop, and she is also the author of . In this podcast episode, AJ shares more about Write a Must Read and her experiences as a ghostwriter. She also shares some practical methods manufacturing leaders can use to grow their storytelling skills, whether they’re getting ready to write a book or simply looking for new ways to engage their teams. 1:03 – In , we talked about speaking and growing your speaking skills to improve your impact in your organization. 2:39 – As a ghostwriter for bestselling books, AJ gained the experiences and insights she now uses to help others craft must-read books 5:01 – Like manufacturing, crafting a good book means developing strong systems and processes 5:30 – By having a strong and repeatable system, you can overcome challenges like self-doubt or your inner critic 6:28 – A key point of strong storytelling is remembering details 6:48 – To remember details you want to write down or share with your team, write them down in your phone or even record them for later 8:33 – Even if you have a very busy schedule, you can still find times in your day to write 9:17 – Writing doesn’t have to be daily and you don’t have to write a ton of words every day, as long as you find time to write on a regular basis that works for you and your schedule 10:42 – Other people may have already written ideas similar to yours, but the world still hasn’t heard it in your unique voice 11:43 – To connect with your audience, you need to put your reader first 13:35 – By using the reader first concept, you can also find better ways to connect and communicate with your team 14:50 – Even by just acknowledging an existing problem or condition, you can still motivate and support your team or audience 16:37 – Think about the hearts and minds of your audience and demographic 19:12 – Having a script is a way to prepare yourself before speaking, even if it’s just a few key points 20:42 – Instead of only focusing on your own objective, think about how you want to make others feel 21:35 – Don’t expect to be great at first Connect with AJ Harper , where you can sign up for her newsletter with more writing tips Learn more in /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27809286

97 "Yes, And . . . " Speaking and Performance Tips for Engaging Your Team with Michael Port 08/09/2023

97 "Yes, And . . . " Speaking and Performance Tips for Engaging Your Team with Michael Port What do manufacturing leaders have in common with performers? More than you think! In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Port, a bestselling author, former professional actor, and the founder of Heroic Public Speaking. Drawing from his experience as an actor and speaker, he joins me in this episode to talk about how leaders can improve their performance skills to heighten their impact, grow their role in their organization, and find the most effective ways to inform, persuade, and motivate their teams. 3:30 – Putting on a performance doesn’t necessarily mean showcasing a fake version of yourself, and performances can still be intentional and mindful 5:02: To change what other people do, consider what you make them think and how you make them feel 5:30 – You need to earn the privilege of influencing how others think 8:11 – To be a person who others want to help, you need to create value for them 10:48 – Success is not just about numbers and goalposts, but about growing every single member of your team 12:05 – To build a long-term, sustainable organization, it always comes back to being intentional and thinking about how your team feels and how you make them feel through your leadership and behavior 15:28 – As a leader or manager, you need to be careful and deliberate about what you say on a everyday basis, and think about how others might interpret your words 17:14 – Before starting a conversation, especially in a time of conflict, think about how the other person might react to your words, and what you can say to start an engaging dialogue without them feeling attacked or defensive 18:40 – To increase productivity and create a healthier workplace culture, you need to make your team feel like they’re in a safe environment 21:11 – You want to present you team with something that can get excited about, and show them something of value they’ll get out of it 22:41 – Along with showing your team members what they’ll get from your initiative, you also have to highlight the consequences of not doing it 23:59 – Most people don’t really hear you until you’re sick of saying the point you want me to hear 25:21 – To be a person who others want to help, you have to show others you can both make and fulfil commitments 29:55 – If you always shut down other’s ideas, they will eventually learn to stop coming to you 30:27 – To have productive conversations, you need to keep them moving Connect with Michael Port Heroic Public Speaking Heroic Public Speaking Follow @HeroicPublicSpeaking on social media /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27681801

96 How to Dress for Success and Authenticity with Morgan Wider 07/26/2023

96 How to Dress for Success and Authenticity with Morgan Wider In , guest Sylvie di Guisto talked about the factors that go into creating a successful and memorable first impression. One of these factors is appearance, particularly the way we dress. To dig deeper, I’m excited to chat with today’s guest, Morgan Wider! Morgan is a personal style expert, speaker, and the founder of Wider Style, as well as the author of Worthy Wardrobe: Your Guide to Style, Shopping, & Soul. Drawing on her decade of leadership experience at major retail giants, she now uses her speaking, consulting, and styling to help others increase their performance through their image. In this podcast, she talks more about why clothing and appearance matters, and how leaders—especially women in male-dominated industries like manufacturing—can use clothes to present themselves in an authentic, appropriate, and self-honoring way. 2:42 – You only have seven seconds to make a strong first impression, and your appearance is typically one of first elements others notice about you 4:03 – By dressing as your authentic self, you also encourage your team to be themselves and show up in their own authentic ways 5:18 – Even if your role requires a uniform, there are still ways to show your own authentic personality and style, like through hair or makeup choices 6:20 – In male-dominated industries like manufacturing, women may feel like they need to blend in with their fashion choices, but this can also keep them from showing up as their most authentic selves 9:12 – In your clothing and appearance, you need to be both authentic and appropriate 10:33 – Make style choices that honor who you are and truly present who you are in the best way possible 11:33 – By being mindful of factors like your body type, age, strengths, and weakness, you can dress in a way that’s both appropriate for your role and honors who you are as an individual 12:24 – When you’re comfortable and happy with how you look, it improves your productivity and morale, plus makes you feel better and more confident 13:23 – By putting effort into your appearance, you can get yourself into the mindset you need 14:39 – Different audiences and occasions can mean different style choices 18:40 – If you don’t put in the effort, it can affect how others perceive you and how you show up 25:30 – As a leader, think about what you can do to create a space than honors diversity 26:58 – If find yourself in a space or role where you can’t be your authentic self, it might be time to consider if it’s the right space for you Connect with Morgan Wider More on her book, /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27562383

95 Bringing Magic to the Manufacturing Floor with Jon Petz 07/12/2023

94 Emotional Intelligence Lessons from an Irish Pub with Dr. Irvine Nugent 06/28/2023

94 Emotional Intelligence Lessons from an Irish Pub with Dr. Irvine Nugent Why does communication break down and lead to conflict? Can we find a way to harness emotions for good, or are we always doomed to division and misunderstandings? As someone who grew up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Dr. Irvine Nugent is no stranger to questions like these. Living in a time of great violence and turbulence has given him a unique perspective on emotions and body language, and he now uses his skills to help leaders understand and master their own emotions, discover the power of emotional intelligence, and transform their ability to engage with others. He is also the author of Lessons from the Pub, where he shares leadership lessons learned while growing up in a pub. I’m excited to have Dr. Irvine as my guest for this episode, where he shares more about emotional intelligence, body language, and how to use emotion to build more meaningful connections. 1:57 – How we present our emotions has a big impact on how we forge relationships, avoid conflict, and find more productive outcomes 5:04 – Before you can lead others, you need to lead yourself 6:59 – One tip for increasing your self-awareness is to take a one-minute pause before entering a room and give yourself time to process your emotions and get rid of any emotions you don’t want to bring into the room 7:57 – You can’t always make your emotions disappear, but you can manage and acknowledge them 8:16 – If you don’t give people the information they need, they’ll fill in the gaps themselves and are more likely to jump to conclusions about your emotions and behavior 9:43 – Emotions are contagious 11:32 – By taking the time to have quality interactions, you can find better outcomes and change the way you show up for your team 14:54 – Leaders need to know the truth, and that truth becomes data 17:57 – On a strong team, everyone holds each other accountable 19:17 – Anger, fear, disgust, contempt, surprise, happiness, and sadness are the seven universal emotions 20:20 – By learning to recognize facial expression and body language, you can understand when you need to ask more questions or start a deeper dialogue 25:15 – Even in times of violence and conflict, there are always reminders of humanity’s resilience and potential Connect with Dr. Irvine Nugent More about /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27272673

93 Saying No to Burnout with Nina Nesdoly 06/14/2023

93 Saying No to Burnout with Nina Nesdoly Do you find yourself dreading Mondays ? Are you constantly stressed out about falling behind or not living up to your team’s expectations? You might be dealing with burnout, an occupational phenomenon that arises from chronic workplace stress. To learn more about burnout and what you can do to prevent it, check out this episode with guest Nina Nesdoly. Nina has an academic background in both neuroscience and organizational behavior, and she uses her niche expertise to help other manage stress, prevent burnout, and promote health and resilience in their organizations. In this podcast, she combines scientific insights and practical tips to talk about the causes of burnout and what leaders can do to combat burnout in themselves and their organizations. 2:43 – Burnout is different from just feeling tired or overwhelmed at work, and there are three major characteristics that set it apart from regular feelings of stress 2:50 – The first symptom of burnout is physical exhaustion, including physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension 3:13 – The second symptom is cynicism and depersonalization 4:20 – The third and most difficult to spot symptom is professional efficacy, or a feeling like you and your work are not good enough 6:01 – When you tried to compensate for feeling like you’re bad at your job or not meeting expectations, it can actually fed into the cycle of burnout 7:21 – The difference between stress and burnout is that stress is your body’s response to demands in your environment, while burnout is the consequences of chronic stress built up over time 8:46 – Over time, burnout can change your brain and make it harder to regulate your emotions and stress response 10:16 – To combat and prevent burnout, evaluate when you’re putting your energy and how you’re expending your energy 11:25 – Oftentimes, we are the ones putting unnecessary stress on ourselves 12:45 – When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to connect with others, and there are even hormones in your body that will push you toward wanting to connect with people 14:25 – To say yes to some things, you have to say no to others 15:34 – By being intentional about when you say no, you can make sure you have the time and energy to say yes to the projects that really serve your organization 16:36 – Thinking about your goals is another way to combat burnout, as we can get stuck in the same stressful trajectory 17:30 – If you find yourself in a position that doesn’t align with your values or goals, have the courage to say reevaluate and say no 18:50 – You can practice saying no in low stakes situations 19:32 – You can also practice the 24-hour rule to give yourself more time to evaluate a situation before saying yes or no 21:30 – There are also alternatives to saying no, like telling someone you need to shift your priorities or that if you do one task, it means you won’t be able to get to another 22:54 – To combat burnout, you need to REST, or recognize, evaluate, say no, and take care of yourself 33:00 – You can’t focus on everything at once, so be intentional about how you use your time Connect with Nina Nesdoly Find her on Instagam and Tiktok @WorkplaceClarity /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/27121365

92 The ABCs of a Great First Impression with Sylvie di Giusto 05/31/2023

92 The ABCs of a Great First Impression with Sylvie di Giusto In an interaction with someone new, you only have about seven seconds to make a great first impression. What can you do to make every second count? Find out in this episode with guest Sylvie di Giusto! Sylvie is a consultant, author, and international keynote speaker, who uses her years of corporate experience to help other professionals use emotional intelligence and conscious decision-making to change their behavior and find the best outcomes. In this episode, Sylvie joins me for a conversation about first impressions, overcoming biases, and why behavior and communications play a big role in setting yourself up for great conversations and exciting connections. 3:19 – In the first seven seconds of a new conversation, we all make up to eleven major decisions about the other person 4:21 – We all have unconscious biases, which are built on our past experiences 4:33 – One of these is confirmation bias, which is when we search for something to show that our initial opinion about someone was correct 4:47 – Another is anchoring bias, where we cannot get rid of information or perceptions we already have 5:04 – Overall, there are around 185 biases that influence our decisions every single day 6:11 – To form stronger relationships and get rid of biases, take a step back from your own mindset and stay curious in conversations with others 7:39 – In a diverse industry like manufacturing, first impressions are particularly important, and you will have interactions with a wide variety of people, from clients to your team on the floor 8:37 – First impressions are also especially important for women in the manufacturing industry, since it’s a traditionally male-dominated industry 10:24 – Instead of letting your gender drive other’s first impression of you, make sure they see your experience, expertise, skills, confidence, and leadership 11:53 – Making a strong first impression comes down to five elements, or the ABCDEs of making a good impression 12:00 - A is for appearance, or the way you look, dress, and present yourself 13:21 – B stands for behavior, which includes factors like your attitude, your charisma, and your mindset and ethics 14:15 – C is for communication, and this also includes your listening skills 15:44 – While making a first impression, it’s important to always do your best, even if you make mistakes in those first seven seconds 17:30 – Your reputation is what people say behind your back, not what they say to your face 18:05 – Authenticity is a lie 18:58 - You can show up different ways in different roles, but you are still the same person throughout your day 20:10 – Your core values don’t change throughout your day, but you just deliver them differently in different situations, like when interacting with your children or with your team on the floor 21:21 – The first 11 words of a conversation play a huge role in creating a first impression, but many of us waste them on small talk 22:00 – In the ABCDEs of first impression, the D refers to how your digital footprint and how you present yourself in the digital space like social media 24:22 – E is for environment, or how factors like your office space, car, and family reflect on you 25:00 – By focusing on factors you can control, like your appearance, you can take the steps toward making a strong first impression and forging great connections Connect with Sylvie di Guisto Learn more about Sylvie’s new book, Reach you to Sylvie on social media and let her know you loved the podcast! /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26977668

91 Connecting the Leadership Locomotive with Jason A. Hunt 05/17/2023

91 Connecting the Leadership Locomotive with Jason A. Hunt If the front isn’t connected to the caboose, a train won’t stay on the rails for very long! The same idea applies to manufacturing: if top-level leadership isn’t connected to the shop floor, there’s bound to be miscommunications, productivity breakdowns, and more. What can leaders do to keep the leadership locomotive running smoothly? Find out in this episode with Jason A. Hunt. With a background in both education and manufacturing, Jason is full of great stories about why connection plays a critical role in problem-solving. He also shares his tips on how leaders can use skills like delegation to help their teams solve problems and develop their critical thinking. 3:17 – When you’re a leader, it’s all too easy to set out to solve one problem, then get distracted by another problem and forget to solve the first issue 4:53 – Many leaders believe they have to have the answer to every problem, and feel like always having the answers is part of their job or what makes them important as a leader 5:58 – By always solving problems, leaders may actually be taking away valuable opportunities for their team members to learn, grow, and develop their own problem-solving skills 7:33 – Delegating can mean the difference between losing three minutes or losing three hours 9:36 – When you ask people to solve their own problems, they may pushback or be upset at first, but it’s a valuable opportunity for them to learn how to think critically and come up with their own solutions 15:12 – Leadership is about far more than your title, your knowledge, and your ability to manage others 16:08 – If the front of a train is moving ahead without connecting with the other boxcars, it’s not going to get to its destination 18:15 – Instead of solely focusing on KPIs or getting your products out the door, think about what you can do to connect with your team and really develop your relationships 21:29 Turn This Ship Around by L. David Marquet is a good resource for leaders 23:23 – To build better connections, shift your mindset and spend more time thinking about how you can build relationships with others Connect with Jason A. Hunt /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26743575

90 How to "SAVE" and Nurture Your Relationships with Sandy Gerber 05/03/2023

90 How to "SAVE" and Nurture Your Relationships with Sandy Gerber In our personal and workplace relationships, we’ve all come across this frustration situation: you’re telling someone about a topic that’s important to you, but the other person just isn’t understanding what you’re saying. In her fantastic book Emotional Magnetism, my friend (and fellow Canadian!) Sandy Gerber breaks why this happens and shares what we can all do to overcome our own communication blocks. In this episode, I’m excited to have Sandy as my guest to talk about her personal stories behind Emotional Magnetism, as well as how to use her “SAVE” communication motivators to improve communications and nurture relationships on the manufacturing floor and beyond. 3:11 – To get your message across, you need to connect emotionally with the person you’re speaking to 4:39 – Oftentimes, we’re too busy listening to rely that we forget to listen to understand 5:00 – When someone is telling you a story or about an experience, let them finish what they have to say instead of responding with your own story 9:23 – SAVE is an acronym for the four emotional magnets, safety, achievement, value, and experience 11:58 – SAVE and emotional magnets can be used to improve personal relationships as well as professional relationships 12:42 – To understand another person’s emotional magnet, you may have to shift your mindset and think about the best way to communicate with them 16:35 – Once you understand someone’s emotional magnets, you can approach conversations and conflict with more empathy and curiosity, which helps form stronger, lasting connections 20:00 – If you really want to connect with your team, you need to be engaged and open about your own communication blocks 20:59 – Taking the emotional magnets quiz can be a great exercise for strengthening your relationships and finding out more about yourself 22:29 – By getting rid of your own biases and assumptions about others, you take a big step toward improving relationships and understanding others 24:05 – By identifying your own emotional magnet, you can also get better at communicating what you need Connect with Sandy Gerber Take the Emotional Magnet Quiz on Emotional Magnetism /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26673291

89 Ignite Fires, Don't Put Them Out: How Leaders Can Shift Their Energy with Sara Canaday 04/19/2023

89 Ignite Fires, Don't Put Them Out: How Leaders Can Shift Their Energy with Sara Canaday In today’s busy manufacturing world, leaders are feeling more stressed and stretched-thin than ever, as they deal with the staggering expectations and everyday demands on their time, energy, and attention. In this episode on how leaders can discover productive, healthy ways to free up their time and energy, I’m joined by author and leadership development coach Sara Canaday. Sara uses her years of corporate experience to advocate for leaders and help them grow the skills they need to strengthen their leadership skills, enhance their relationships, and thrive in today’s complex, competitive climate. In this episode, she talks about why leaders often end up feeling burnt-out, plus shares some unique practices organizations can use to best support their leaders. 2:16 – Leaders are meant to ignite fires, not constantly put them out. If you’re a leader who finds yourself constantly acting as a firefighter, it’s time to reconnect with the meaning of your role. 3:22 – We’re conditioned from a young age to be productive and to feel like we’re only valuable if we’re doing something, which impacts the way we lead and show up in the workplace 4:40 – Even when you’re doing nothing, your mind is still very productive, which is why it’s important to take a strategic pause to declutter your mind, find more clarity, and make better decisions and better serve your team 7:43 – Deep discovery and creative problem-solving can’t fully happen when we’re multitasking 8:26 – It can be helpful to reach out to others and let them add structure to your thinking and gain a broader prospective 9:40 – You have more control and agency over your own time than you think you do 10:00 – To gain more control over your time, dig deeper into your schedule and challenge yourself to think about what is the most important. For example, you could start skipping meetings that you don’t really need to be at, or send someone else to takes notes for you. 10:25 – Instead of just thinking about your to-do list, consider starting a list of things you can stop doing or delegate to someone else on your team 10:48 – As a leader, you have an obligation to think about how your can use your time in a way that best serves your team and your clients 11:43 – A change in scenery, like a stop at a coffeeshop on your way to your plant, is a great way to shift your mindset and build productive new habits 13:50 – Leaders should be responsive, but they also have to clearly show their priorities to themselves and the rest of their organization 15:05 – Leaders deal with exponential and even sometimes unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to solving problems and facilizing productive conversations about important issues like social justice and employee mental health 16:08 – Leaders are doers and drivers, but they are also human beings and there’s only so much they can do 16:30 – There are many things team and organizations can do to support their leaders, including thinking about the most important priorities or even hiring someone to help with some of the leader’s other tasks 17:39 – Instead of impressing others, spend more time on thinking about what they really need to feel support and healthy in their role 20:00 – Shifting your mindset starts with putting aside your own biases and anything else that is clouding your judgment 20:43 – After putting aside your assumptions, spend more time discovering new, time-saving solutions by staying curious and seeking out productive, unbiased conversations with others 22:43 – If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to just ask 23:00 – It takes courage to ask for what you need, but it’s important to find ways to protect your time and energy 23:42 – Leaders deserve a better experience, and a good experience can create a domino effect that positively impacts the rest of their team Connect with Sara Canaday Sara’s courses /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26564361

88 Mastering the Art of 360-Degree Feedback with Brian Houp 04/05/2023

88 Mastering the Art of 360-Degree Feedback with Brian Houp To understand and improve our own behavior, we need feedback. But getting—or giving—authentic, actionable feedback isn’t always easy, especially in a fast-paced industry like manufacturing. In this podcast, I’m joined by my friend Brian Houp, a leadership development coach based in Louisville, Kentucky. One of his primary areas of expertise is 360 Feedback, which he uses to help executives and their teams improve behavior. In this episode, Brian talks more about the importance of feedback—and “feed forward!”—plus shares insight into 360-Degree Feedback and how leaders can harness the power of feedback and use it to strengthen their organization. 2:15 – Feedback is more than a buzzword 2:44 – 360 Feedback is based around the individual and getting a stronger understanding of how others in your organization see you as a leader or team member 3:49 – How feedback is set-up and delivered can make a huge difference between having a negative or positive experience 4:44 – Confidentiality also plays a big role in 360 Feedback and only other type of constructive criticism 6:56 – As a leader, if you don’t tell someone you want them to improve their behavior, then they have no idea of knowing there is an issue or area or improvement 7:24 – Feedback focuses on the past, but you can also look toward the future by giving feed forward and offering specific suggestions or advice others can use to improve their behavior 9:00 – To encourage others to share feedback, sometimes you need to think about the language and phrasing you’re using when asking for feedback 10:36 – You should also consider who you’re asking for feedback, and who in your organization you should talk to get the best feedback about a certain team member or problem on the floor 11:30 – People show up differently in front of different people, so be sure to get a wide range of feedback from different people, like executive, team members, or even vendors or clients who frequently interact with someone 14:55 – When you get feedback about your own behavior, take some time to digest and analyze it, but also get back out on the floor with your team and observe to get a stronger idea of what the feedback is talking about 16:44 – Sometimes, all you need is a new or fresh context 17:35 – It’s natural to feel nervous or even scared about hearing feedback 18:16 – Many leaders focus on their team members who need the most improvement, but don’t forget to also give feedback to the stronger members of your organization to help them get to the next level 20:00 – To get the best feedback, your whole team or organization needs to commit, especially supervisors and others in leadership positions 22:07 – Getting good feedback often also requires time and patience 25:41 – With feedback, you get what you give Connect with Brian Houp /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26429121

87 Using Personality Assessments to Determine How You Show Up with Christy Smallwood 03/22/2023

87 Using Personality Assessments to Determine How You Show Up with Christy Smallwood From DiSC assessments to the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, there are many different personality assessments leaders can use to identify their personality type and how it impacts the way they show up on the manufacturing floor. To get a better understanding of this unique topic, I brought in Christy Smallwood, a speaker and author who helps leaders “supercharge” their organization and find their own ways to make a positive impact. In this podcast, she shares information about the different types of personality assessments, plus gives personality assessment insights leaders can use to connect with and support their teams. 1:54 – There are many reasons for manufacturing leaders to consider implementing personality assessments 2:29 – One major benefit of personality assessments is learning your communication style and the communication style of others on your team – this helps you understand what you need to do to get the best results from conversations 3:32 – “We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are” 5:03 – As a leader, it’s important to take advantage of any tools you can use to better connect with your team, including personality assessments 5:14 – There are many different types of personality assessments to choose from, and you can pick something that best suits your team or organization 5:53 – One type of personality assessments is the DiSC assessment 7:26 – Some personality types assign an animal to go along with different personality traits 9:40 – If someone is acting differently from their normal personality type, it could be a sign they’re dealing with an issue, like a family problem outside of work 10:55 – In a personality test, there is no wrong answer 11:43 – When people have different personalities, it may sometimes lead to conflict or miscommunications – this is why it’s important to understand why others behave the way they do based on their personality 14:00 – With understanding, even people with vastly different personality types can get along 16:19 – Your personality type impacts the way you show up on a daily basis 18:31 – The COVID-19 pandemic has made personality assessments more important than ever 20:00 – By understanding a team member’s personality, you’ll have a better awareness of what they need to feel energized or supported 25:00 – We all have different aspects of our personalities Connect with Christy Smallwood /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26283852

86 Powerful Questions for Accountability and Autonomy with Jeff Nally 03/08/2023

86 Powerful Questions for Accountability and Autonomy with Jeff Nally Do you want to improve accountability and encourage autonomy in your organization? It all starts with asking the right questions! In this episode, I'm joined by guest Jeff Nally, the president of Nally Group Inc. and a coach and speaker who uses neuroscience-based solutions to help leaders improve their workplace interactions. He shares the questions leaders should ask to foster accountability and autonomy in their organizations, plus offers some great stories of his own to highlight the importance of mission, vision, storytelling, and more! 1:52 - Many leaders think that their team members simply want to be told what to do 2:12 - The #1 thing teams want from their leaders is a clear picture of the mission and vision 2:33 - When people know the "end game," they are more likely to follow instructions, be more autonomous, and find more success 3:25 - Leaders need to communicate their mission and goals to their team 3:39 - Leaders also need to be great storytellers 4:00 - If you don't believe in your mission and vision, your team won't either 7:06 - To really show off your mission and vision, weave it into your everyday behavior and actions 7:16 - As a leader, you can help your team by asking the right questions 8:10: Ask simple question like "are you finished with this task? How close to completion are you? What do you need to get it done?" to hold your team accountable 11:00 - Don't be afraid to ask "feelings" questions 11:52 - Support questions, like "what can I do to help you meet your goal?" are also very important for growing and encouraging your team 13:28 - If you hold your team accountable, you know they'll get the job done without you having to stay constantly involved 16:29 - You can also ask about concerns and apprehensions 19:58 - When a team is autonomous, it doesn't mean their leader has abandoned them Connect with Jeff Nally /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/26140965

85 Lessons from the Cockpit with Shawn Dawley 02/22/2023

85 Lessons from the Cockpit with Shawn Dawley In all industries, poor behavior and high emotions can lead to massive issues . . . and this is especially true in the aviation industry, where small errors can be the difference between a safe flight and a deadly accident. In this podcast, I’m joined by Shawn Dawley, the president of OT2 Consulting and a former Air Force pilot. Shawn often draws on his own combat experience to help leaders overcome challenges and inspire their teams, and has many great lessons about the importance of emotional intelligence, building healthy team dynamics, and finding the balance between intellect and emotions. 0:42 – Leadership is all about the balance between intellect and emotions 2:17 – In the aviation industry, crew relationships and emotions play a critical role in the safety and success of each flight 5:52 – Processes can only get better when there is a healthy environment and a positive organizational dynamic where people can point out issues and speak their mind 7:00 – If a leader is in a bad mood or creating a hostile environment, others might be less willing to draw attention to issues or voice their feedback 12:23 – Poor decision-making does just happen when you’re angry—it can even happen when you’re euphoric or excited 13:32 – When you’re at your “emotional worst,” it can be very difficult to make important decisions 14:42 – We all have emotions and “triggers” that make us feel certain ways—how we react is what sets up apart 16:15 –What role does our nervous system play in making us feel emotions or have specific reactions to stressful situations? 17:57 – By recognizing your triggers and response, you can improve your behavior and emotional intelligence 19:06 – Even if you give the exact same feedback to two different team members, it will land differently to each of them because they have different life experiences 20:56 – To understand a team member’s behavior reactions, form a relationship and find out more about their past experiences 21:56 – Leadership is innate to the human condition 23:16 – Take the time to listen to what others have to say 25:01 – Think about the qualities of people you admire—are you showing those same qualities to your own team? Connect with Shawn Dawley Shawn would also love to hear your feedback! Find him on Linkedin at to stay connected. /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25953150

84 Becoming the Ultimate Diffuser of Drama with Cy Wakeman 02/08/2023

84 Becoming the Ultimate Diffuser of Drama with Cy Wakeman Do you want to get rid of drama on the manufacturing floor? As a leader, you avoid drama, set boundaries, and inspire by your team by becoming the ultimate “drama diffuser!” In this episode, I’m joined by guest Cy Wakeman, the president and founder of Reality-Based Leadership and the bestselling author of books like No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results. I’ve been a fan of Cy’s writing for years, and I’m excited to have her as a guest to talk about how leader can use skills like curiosity and self-reflection to overcome drama in their organization. 1:30 – To avoid drama—and your own ego—approach every situation by considering what you know for sure 3:30 – It’s easy to fall into situations where you believe someone else is the villain or that you’re doing the right thing, which is why it’s important to consider facts, mindsets, and what details you know for sure 9:07 – The power of self-reflection is the ultimate drama diffuser 10:19 – Instead of judging or making assumptions, approach situations with curiosity, patience, and grace 11:49 – By extending an invitation instead of a lecture, you can “call people up to greatness.” 13:20 – “As the leader goes, so does the team.” 15:05 – If something happens that’s unpreferred, you need to step up and impact it 20:02 – As a leader, you can set an example and set your team up to avoid drama 21:32 – By setting a strong leadership example and empowering your team, you can find productive solutions while still maintaining healthy boundaries and not falling into the trap of being a “fixer” for everyone’s problems 23:05 – A question to ask yourself: if I see behavior I don’t want, how am I enabling it? 24:29 – When you quit buffering your team member’s relationship with reality, they will make better choices 29:32 – To get through to others, state reality and ask for what you really need 33:16 – As a leader, you can only make the invitation—it’s up to others to decide what to do with that invitation 34:59 – With the correct leader, your team will step into brilliance most of the time 35:16 – If you have drama in your workplace, it’s because people are venting instead of self-reflecting Connect with Cy Wakeman Reality-Based Leadership /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25846968

83 Taking Your Team from Average to Amazing with Dustin E. James 01/25/2023

83 Taking Your Team from Average to Amazing with Dustin E. James On the manufacturing floor, you don’t want your leadership and your team to be average . . .you want to be amazing! To learn more about how leaders can find the energy and inspiration to take themselves and their team to the next level of success, I’m excited to welcome my friend Dustin E. James to the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast. Through his work with Moments Leadership, Dustin uses motivational speaking and interactive learning experiences to help organizations find greater engagement, creativity, and inspiration. In this episode, he takes stories from his past experiences and turns them into lessons leaders can use to connect with their teams, find new inspirations, and manufacture greatness in their organization. 1:40 – Energy comes in many different forms 3:00 – What is the balance between having a routine and bringing fresh energy into work every day? 3:10 – There isn’t a single person on your team who doesn’t want to be recognized for their good—when your team feels like they’re being acknowledged for doing more than just the average, they’ll continue to show up with new energy and motivation 4:34 – As a leader, it’s your job to show your team how amazing they are 8:00 – We all have bad days filled with struggles, challenges, but there is always a life lesson to be found in hard experiences 8:25 – Even when you are doing something challenging or difficult, there are still opportunities to grow your own mindset or help or inspire someone else. You never know when you’ll find a great lesson! 8:45 – If we want to learn new lessons and find new energy, we have to show up and be present every day instead of just embracing “average” 11:09 – As a leader, it’s important to know your team member’s individual goals and what motivates them 12:22 – In order to really connect, you need to know what makes each team member tick! 14:03 – “I see that you’re doing your best” can be a powerful way to start conversations and better connection with your team 15:19 – As a leader, it’s important to recognize that your team members are often doing the best they can and embracing that fact can help you build trust and move forward in productive ways. 16:08 – Trying to get someone to improve to change their behavior can be a big drain of energy—what are some ways to deal with this? 17:16 – Everyone on your team has something good that can be said about them 19:04 – At the end of the day, it all comes down to showing up and being there as a leader to your team. There’s always going to be new challenges, but it’s up to you to find lessons and energy in each day 20:00 – Always give your very best. Don’t show up to be second! 21:52 – Our best days are always ahead of us Connect with Dustin E. James website /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25700511

82 How to Weave Appreciation into Everyday Interactions with Lisa Johnson 01/11/2023

82 How to Weave Appreciation into Everyday Interactions with Lisa Johnson Showing appreciation is a great way to connect with your team! But if you’re a leader in a busy organization, it can be difficult to find the time and discipline to show appreciation for your team. Or you might struggle to find the best ways to show appreciation, or even worry that you’re not doing enough. If this is you, don’t miss this episode on appreciation with guest Lisa Johnson. Lisa is a global human resources professional and the founder and owner of HR Know-How LLC, where she helps organizations bring consistency and humanity to their daily HR interactions. She is also the author of the upcoming Solutions for the Well-Intention Leader, which will release later this year. She offers her tips on how leaders can improve their ability to offer appropriate, genuine appreciation, plus shares some ways leaders can weave appreciation into their everyday interactions. 1:13 – The strongest managers and leaders have a consistent practice for showing appreciation 1:40 – Showing consistent appreciation has many benefits, including increased morale and employees who are willing to go the extra mile 4:10 – While general positive feedback is often well-received, it is even better to offer specific positive feedback to individual employees 7:00 – Appreciation shouldn’t be scheduled! Rather, you should weave it into your day-to-day interactions 8:15 – How you manage and organize you appreciation depends on your leadership style. One tip is to leave voice notes for yourself in your phone, so you can go back later and remember exactly what you wanted to say to your team member 11:58 – Giving appreciation can mean the difference between an average employee and an inspired employee who comes in feeling excited to work and ready to give it their all 14:37 – As a leader, you need to practice discipline to figure out the best feedback and appreciation practices 18:39 – Documentation matters. If you observe someone’s good behavior but later forget to say something, it won’t make a difference. 20:30 – Good appreciation practices can trickle-up to positively impact your whole organization 23:23 – Is there such a thing as too much appreciation? 24:00 – When showing appreciation, don’t forget to be transparent and specific Connect with Lisa Johnson /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25558815

81 Overcoming Miscommunications - It Starts With You with Dean Heffta 12/28/2022

81 Overcoming Miscommunications - It Starts With You with Dean Heffta “Put on your own mask before assisting others.” You’ve likely heard this phrase while listening to the safety instructions before a flight, but did you know it also applies to leadership in the manufacturing industry? In this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, I’m joined by Dean Heffta, a speaker and trainer with . With years of experience helping organizations overcome communication challenges and improve their impact, Dean has many stories about how leaders can analyze and improve their own behavior to overcome common communication issues on the manufacturing floor. 1:45 – “I know what I said, but I don’t know what you heard.” How do we overcome miscommunications on the manufacturing floor? 1:52 – As a leader, your role is to be aware, set expectations, and create a workplace environment that facilitates understanding 3:20 – Overcoming miscommunications begins with “healthy” leadership 6:45 – As a leader, put yourself not in a position of authority, but more of a position to facilitate. Taking less of a “boss” role and more of a collaborative role can lead to finding new solutions and creating a stronger workplace dynamic. 8:00 – Don’t assume you know what others are thinking or what they need! 9:15 – The people who get promoted into leadership roles are often hard workers who are very driven and can’t get the best results . . . but is this the mindset they need to be a great leader or manager? 12:00 – When miscommunications occur, it can often be attributed to “distress.” When people are under stress, they are more likely to make mistakes or be less engaged, which can lead to miscommunications. 14:00 – Different personalities are speaking different languages. If you’re not in tune with how another person communicates or “behavior signals,” it can also contribute to communications breakdowns. 17:05 – To start with fixing communication issues in your workplace, start with becoming more aware of your own behavior. Learn your own behavioral style, think about the everyday language you use, and work to become more energized and present as a leader 18:40 – “Put on your own mask before helping others.” You’ve probably heard this on planes during safety instructions, but it also applies to leadership and fixing your own behavior before you turn to helping others 21:45- It’s only natural to want to avoid stress or do things you find rewarding. But to improve your leadership behavior, be intentional and seek out ways to learn 22:30 – Because we are storytellers, we have a tendency to make up stories about people and their behavior. 23:00 – One way to increase your awareness is to write down how much time you spent with certain people, then use it to analyze who you should be talking to more to improve behavior and overcome your own communications barriers 26:00 – When avoid miscommunications, it all comes down to mindset Connect with Dean /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25431465

80 Right Time, Right Place, Right Mindset: The Serendipity Mindset with Noah Graff 12/14/2022

79 Finding the Fuel for Great Conversations with Phil M. Jones 11/30/2022

79 Finding the Fuel for Great Conversations with Phil M. Jones On the manufacturing floor, have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you made a conversation more complicated? Or have you asked a team member to do something multiple times, then felt frustrated when they still didn’t do it? Your words might be the problem! In this episode of the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast, Phil M. Jones is here to help! Phil is a master of influence and persuasion, and the author of international bestseller Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact. In this podcast, Phil breaks down how leaders can change their mindsets and language to find the fuel for sparking productive conversations, plus shares some of his insights on how we can all use our words to change the world. 3:00 – Leaders are often asked questions from their team, customer base, and others. As a leader, it’s not always your job to provide an answer. Instead, what you often need to do is add an increased layer of clarity. 4:30 – “Help me understand” is a very powerful phase. Example: instead of saying “why haven’t you done this safety check?” ask “help me understand why you believe it’s important that we need to do a safety check.” 5:30 – Don’t default to “tell” mode. Be curious and think about the best ways to serve your community and solve the problem. 6:30 – Questions are usually a strong way to start productive conversations. 8:00 – In great conversations, intentionality is key. This is important in all industries and even relationships outside work, like with your partner or children. 9:30 – Conversations should be fueled from a position of curiosity. 10:00 – If you don’t understanding someone’s context, your content is not going to get through to them. Take time to earn someone else’s context before you add more noise! 10:30 – To find someone’s context, try questions like “when was the last time . . .” or “how do you think it made us feel?” 11:11 – If you’ve told someone to do something multiple times and they’re still not getting it, the problem might actually be YOU and your communication 12:30 – Don’t focus on what you need to say. Ask yourself what the other person needs to hear to understand what you’re saying. 13:03 – “I’m guessing you haven’t got around to it . . .” is another impactful conversations starter that sets you up for productive dialogue and finding solutions. 13:30 – Let others “own” the solution. 13:37 – You don’t want an answer—you want things to get done! 16:45 – Even if you think you’re able to think quickly, time some extra time to think about what you need instead of just blurting out the first thoughts that come to mind 19:05 – People do things for their own reasons, not for yours 19:45 – Questions start conversations, conversations become relationships, relationships create opportunities, and from new opportunities you can drive new actions 22:45 – When you need to get someone’s attention, assume everyone is always busy and be dirct and intentional with your request 26:15 – Using the right words is important when communications by email, too. Don’t put too many questions into one email and be sure you give the other person something to respond to. Connect with Phil M. Jones: Find additional resources at /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/25097505

78 The Tools and Mindsets to Combat "Quiet Quitting" with Joe Mull 11/16/2022

78 The Tools and Mindsets to Combat "Quiet Quitting" with Joe Mull “I want to take a vacation, but I’m worried about falling behind at work.” Have you ever heard a team member express this sentiment, or even thought about it yourself? Fear of falling behind is the number one reason why employee hesitate to take time-off . . . and this mindset is leading to retention problems, unhappy employees, and even the dreaded phenomenon of “quiet quitting.” In today’s episode, speaker and author Joe Mull joins us to talk more about the causes of quiet quitting and other dilemmas facing modern manufacturing leaders, plus delves deeper into how leaders practice skills like boundary-setting and storytelling to make their organization into a place where people love to work. 2:00 – There is a massive recalibration going on right now about how work fits into our lives, which is something that started even before the pandemic 3:45 – The modern employee is firm about their boundaries and what they want from a workplace 5:20 – The number one reason why people don’t take a needed vacation is fear of falling behind at work – how can we combat this? 6:00 – It’s on the organization and leadership to set boundaries that will help others take time off to relax and recharge. They need to implement policies that honor time-off and their team’s concerns about falling behind if they take a vacation 10:00 – As a leader, sometimes you have to learn to operate without the team members you need, so they can set boundaries and take time off 13:50 – People aren’t “quiet quitting.” They’re just updating to a job that better fits their needs and boundaries. 15:30 – What are some of the reasons for a decrease in the labor force, especially in industries like manufacturing? 18:43 – In today’s labor market, employees aren’t going to settle for less or put up with a job where they’re treated unfairly or not given time off 22:00 – Sometimes, employees quit but “forget to leave” and just go through the motions without much effort or passion – these are the quiet quitters 26:00 – Leaders can embrace storytelling to show their employees how they’re doing valuable work every day – show how your organization’s everyday work changes real lives 28:30 – With supply chain shortages and other issues, we need to sustain ourselves and the people who work for us 29:48 – Commitment is the key! Connect with Joe Mull: /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24967806

77 Take a Deep Dive Into Your Personal Brand with Kenneth “Shark” Kinney 11/02/2022

77 Take a Deep Dive Into Your Personal Brand with Kenneth “Shark” Kinney There’s a lot manufacturing leaders can learn from sharks—just ask Kenneth “Shark” Kinney! Shark is a speaker, marketing strategist, and podcast host who helps leaders use curiosity and fearless to improve their brands and drive real change, all by incorporating insights he’s learned for his passion for sharks and shark diving. In this episode, Shark talks about how manufacturing leaders can expand their brand, connect with their community, and grow their social media toolkit . . . and of course, I couldn’t resist asking him to talk a bit more about his unique shark diving hobby, too! 1:00 – We can use our personal brands to make real change 3:12 – Manufacturing leadership is a lot like diving with sharks—you need curiosity, bravery, respect, and boundaries. Be fearless and dive deeper! 4:40 – Your leadership image goes far beyond the four walls of your manufacturing plant 6:00 – When telling your brand’s story, be clear, concise, and always remember who your real audience is. Focus on community, not just the company 8:45 – Show the humans behind your brand and organization, not just “stock imagery” 11:00 – When it comes to matters like supporting a charity, think about the true identity behind your brand and think about what will engage your team and community 15:00 – Your employees are going to talk on social media, so why not work to make sure they always have something positive to say about your leadership and organization? 18:00 – LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your brand and finding your community—one great tip for building your brand is to engage with other people’s post on LinkedIn 24:00 – When someone in your organization does a great job, don’t shy away from praising them on social media like LinkedIn 26:00 – If your employees are active on social media or talking about your organization online, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as long as you make sure they have positive things to say by treating your team well 28:00 – Social media is a great tool for showing your most authentic self 33:30 – You have to play an active role in your organization’s community, or else you’ll miss out on many opportunities for branding and engagement Connect with Kenneth “Shark” Kinney /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24857487

76 The Four Necessities of Leadership with Dr. Andy Neillie 10/19/2022

76 The Four Necessities of Leadership with Dr. Andy Neillie Becoming a leader—not just a manager or supervisor—can be a long, challenging process that requires tough conversations and changes to behavior. But in this week’s podcast, Dr. Andy Neillie is here to show that becoming a leader doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Dr. Andy is a speaker, corporate trainer, and coach with Neillie Leadership Group, as well as the author of The Golden Principle: Life and Leadership Lessons from a Rescued Dog. To help leaders find the skills and mindset they need to fully take charge of their team, he shares personal anecdotes about great—and not-so-great—leaders, plus offers insights on the four necessities of leadership. 3:30 – Due to COVID-19, the Great Resignation, and other recent events, leaders need to shift their mindset to understand their team member’s needs on issues like flexibility—as a leader, you need to evolve with the times 6:00 – As a leader, it’s not about you. It’s about your team! 7:00 “There’s nothing new in leadership. Once you get past Marcus Aurelius and Jesus Christ, there’s really nothing new.” 8:10 – To be a good leader, you first have to be a good person. If you show bad behavior or poor management, people will not respect you or want to work for you. 10:00 – “The four Cs of being a leader are conviction, competence, character, and covenant” 13:00 – If you shun hard conversations with your team, your employees will never grow, learn, or know when they’re missing an opportunity for improvement 14:45 – Being a leader takes bravery and you need to have the responsibility and stewardship to have those hard conversations and take care of the bottom line 15:50 – Once you’ve written someone off as no longer competent at their role, you’ve lost your title of leadership and your position to help them. If that’s your mindset, it’s either time for you to grow or let that team member go. 16:50 – It’s the leader’s responsibility to build and represent the rest of the team 18:00 – Your team isn’t necessarily your “family” because businesses have production goals and need to perform outward facing tasks – the goal isn’t to make everyone feel good about themselves, but to win the game when it comes to profits and production 21:05 – Don’t forget to document the positive feedback, too! However, you have to be geninue with your compliments and positivity 29:00 – “Extend grace to the teachable” 30:00 – Leadership takes courage Connect with Dr. Andy Neillie Download a copy of The Three Imperatives of Leadership Conversations . Buy /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24712617

75 Say What You Want to Say - With Confidence with Tracy Hooper 10/05/2022

75 Say What You Want to Say - With Confidence with Tracy Hooper Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about confidence with this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing featuring guest Tracy Hooper! Tracy is the founder of The Confidence Project, where she works with clients to improve culture, clarity, and confidence in their organization. She is also the author The Now Hello: What to Say/What to Do in the World of Work. To help manufacturing leaders improve their confidence, she came onto the podcast to share tips on everything from eye contact to the best ways to successfully kick off—and end—conversations on the floor. 1:36 – Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It can be learned from practicing and taking action 3:15 – Complimenting someone is a great way to kickstart a positive conversation—but make sure it’s an authentic compliment 6:00 – “How” and “what” are great magic words for starting a open-ended conversation with confidence, but avoid starting with “why” because it can make others feel defensive 9:00 – If you’re always talking and never listening, you’ll never really learn anything 10:06 – Use the three-sentence rule - saying three sentences, then pausing to let the other person speak or respond 11:15 – Pay attention to body language, too! 15:00 – Even introverted leaders can become confident speakers, especially if they practice first with people they respect and trust 16:30 – To speak with confidence, you always have to learn how to let others speak 17:20 – When giving difficult feedback, “I” statements can help you have a productive conversation without making the other person feel defensive 19:30 – There is power in being brief 23:00 – If you only have a few minutes for a conversation, be a timeframe and be direct by asking to-the-point questions 29:00 – Always look the other person in the eyes when having a conversation to make them feel valued and acknowledged Connect with Tracy Hooper /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24579708

74 How Manufacturing Leaders Can Prepare for the Tech-Driven Future with Kate O’Neil 09/21/2022

74 How Manufacturing Leaders Can Prepare for the Tech-Driven Future with Kate O’Neil As manufacturing becomes more reliant on machines, automation, and other emerging forms of technology, human leadership is more important than ever. To learn more about the best practices for leadership in a technology-driven world, I brought in “tech humanist” and technology expert Kate O’Neil. As the founder and CEO of KO Insights, Kate helps organizations create meaningful strategies for balancing human experiences and the tech-driven future. In this podcast, she shares some of her favorite tips for how manufacturing leaders can find the brightest possible futures for themselves and their organizations. 1:30 – How can we reclaim our agency? 2:53 – When a lot of manufacturing is being done by machines, it’s critical to find a balance between automation and human decision making 3:56 – As we use more and more technology and automation in the manufacturing sphere, human roles actually become more important than ever, especially when it comes to creating safe and effective procedures 7:19 – When using data, consider the humans on the other side 12:50 – Leaders need to determine the processes and nuances behind data, and this often means asking questions instead of just relying on hard data 16:30 “Machines are what we encode of ourselves” 17:50 – What does it mean to lead in a technology-driven world? 21:00 – Leaders and their organizations need to be careful about how they use public trust and responsibility with data and data gathering 23:00 – Due to issues like climate change, supply chain shortages, and labor issues, leaders are in a tougher position than ever, especially when it comes to decision-making 25:00 – Are you aligned with history in the way you want to be? 27:00 – Your actions today are tomorrow’s history 29:00 – Social media is important for manufacturing leaders, but be wary of false information 32:00 – When used correctly and responsibility, technology is a powerful tool for manufacturing leaders Contact Kate O’Neil: /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24445023

73 Six Steps to "Think and Grow Rich" with Ann McNeill 09/07/2022

73 Six Steps to "Think and Grow Rich" with Ann McNeill In his 1937 book Think and Grow Rich, author Napoleon Hill breaks down six steps leaders can take to increase their wealth and success. After reading his book, I knew I had to talk to someone who could take his classic advice and turn it into lessons for modern manufacturing leaders—and I knew Ann McNeill would be just the person! Ann is the president of MCO Construction Services and MCO Consulting, and the founder of the National Association of Black Women in Construction. She’s also an accomplished public speaker and the founder of the International Mastermind Association, which helps professionals with goal setting and financial empowerment. In this podcast, Ann highlights some of the key aspects of Think and Grow Rich, plus shares stories and tips for using Hill’s steps for success in everyday life. 2:13 – “Niche to be rich” 2:30 – To become rich, you have to start with the right mindset 3:00 – Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a great book on this subject 3:30 – In his book, Hill shares six steps and questions for success. 3:37 – How much money do you want to make? What are you going to do to make that money? What date do you want to have that money by? 4:00 – Create an affirmative statement to help find success, then say this statement to yourself twice a day 5:00 – Accountability is key to success 5:43 – “A confused mind makes no decisions.” 8:00 – What about people who don’t care about the money, but simply want to add value or serve others? 9:00 – Without money, you can’t fuel your passions 10:00 – You can’t just start a fire! First, you need to add the fuel and wood 11:40 – If you give, you will get back 14:00 – Think and Grow Rich includes some great stories to highlight the lessons in this podcast 16:30 – If you want to be rich and successful, you must be clear about your mindset and purpose 18:00 – You can train your brain and set yourself up for positive outcomes 21:00 – The path to riches and success isn’t always easy or perfect Connect with Ann McNeill If you’d like additional resources on the steps outlined in Think and Grow Rich, text “Ann” to 55678. /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24242223

72 Reaching From the Heart: Stories for Improving Diversity and Inclusion with guest Reggie Davis 08/24/2022

72 Reaching From the Heart: Stories for Improving Diversity and Inclusion with guest Reggie Davis When it comes to improving diversity and inclusion in your manufacturing workplace, it’s not always an easy road! Creating a more diverse environment can mean having difficult conversations—with yourself and others—about issues like unconscious bias, unintentional divides, and how employees with different views can support each other. Luckily, Reggie Davis is here to help! Reggie is the founder and CEO of Uplift Coaching and Consulting, where he helps organizations improve equity and promote unity. In this powerful and candid podcast, he breaks down some of the common diversity issues that organizations face. He also shares his own stories about bias and growth, offering valuable insights to help manufacturing leaders create more harmonious workplaces. 0:45 – We previously talked about unconscious bias with Michelle Maldanado in 1:30 – When companies didn’t keep up with changing technology, they ended up failing or going out of business – the same thing can be said about diversity and inclusion 2:30 – Many organizations have conversations about diversity, but don’t fully or authentically embrace it 3:13 – Don’t be all talk and not action! 4:25 – It’s a human instinct to be defensive when challenged or corrected 5:18 – How can people bring their “full selves” to the workplace? 6:00 – In an ideal workplace, a very conversative person and a very progressive person should be able to work in harmony, despite their different views 7:05 – Starting conversations about diversity and differences in the workplace can be awkward 10:21 – “What’s from the heart reaches the heart” 13:07 – Questions are a great way to start productive conversations 16:35 – Many people want growth, but don’t know where to begin 18:22 – Diversity and inclusion start at the “roots” of your organization 21:40 – Approach difficult conversations with intention and trust Connect with Reggie Davis: (901)483-7199 /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/24142212

71 Bringing Brain Power to the Manufacturing Floor with Dr. John B. Molidor 08/10/2022

71 Bringing Brain Power to the Manufacturing Floor with Dr. John B. Molidor In manufacturing, so much revolves around our brains. How we use our brain (and how well we take care of it!) can have a huge impact on many factors on the manufacturing floor, from how we communicate with our teams to how we budget our time. To gain a better understanding of the brain’s role in leadership, I welcomed Dr. John B. Molidor onto the podcast! Dr. John is the CEO and president of the Brain Based Leadership Institute and professor emeritus at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. In this episode, he shares some key details about brain structure and why people act the way they do, plus offers a few ways leaders can utilize a better understanding of brain power to help motivate, inspire, and empower others in their organization. 1:00 – Brains don’t fully form until we turn 25, so people from younger generations may have different ways of responding and behaving than older generations 2:42 – The main function of the brain is regulating energy 3:15 – Given a choice, your brain will focus on tasks that don’t expend a ton of energy 5:00 – To better help people understand and remember what you say, start with the big picture first, then move onto the details 6:17 – Your brain loves water, so stay hydrated! 6:56 – Later in the day, be mindful of the fact that people’s brains are trying to maintain their energy 9:15 – Help people understand the “why” behind your statements 10:40 – When assigning tasks to someone, try not to give them too many things at once 10:57 – If someone has a lot of tasks, they will probably focus on the easiest ones first 12:28 – Rewards and rest are important 13:51 – The brain is unique because it’s the only organ that can rewire itself 17:16 – Tell people which tasks you want them to focus on first, and what order you want them to accomplish the tasks in to help them prioritize 20:00 – Avoid “by the way” tasks thrown in with the others 21:02 – Set others by for success 24:00 – Brains are very predictive 27:00 – Culture often separates the head and the heart Contact John: /episode/index/show/mindfulnessmanufacturing/id/23878848

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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