Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Chain Mountain - the podcast for leaders who move fast and think deep. Hosted by Hank Ackerman—Co-founder of Chain Mountain and a seasoned leader in operational transformation—the show delves into the high-stakes, high-impact world of industrial operations and technology through the voices of those leading the charge. Tune into weekly episodes featuring current and emerging operational executives who are transforming industry from the inside out.

Episodes

  1. JAN 29

    SE01E12 | Leadership Lessons Under Pressure | with Leonid Naboyshchikov

    Leonid Naboyshchikov went from counterterrorism operations in Southeast Asia to leading teams in the US space program. In this conversation, he breaks down how high-stakes fieldwork shaped his approach to servant leadership, building trust in distributed teams, and keeping people connected to mission over decades-long timelines.We dig into why only one in five aerospace employees are under 35, the unsexy but critical roles that make launches possible, how AI is changing space operations without replacing human judgment, and what it really takes to make working on rockets in Huntsville as appealing as coding in Silicon Valley. Leo shares straight talk on soft skills gaps in young hires, the intersection of civil, commercial, and defense space sectors, and why the space industry needs to get better at telling its story. Key topics covered:Leadership under pressure and servant leadership principlesManaging distributed teams in post-COVID work environmentsMission-focused culture and long-term team motivationAttracting young talent to aerospace careersCommunication and soft skills gaps in recent graduatesThe unsexy but critical roles in space missionsAI integration in mission-critical operationsGrowth opportunities across civil, commercial, and defense space sectorsAdvice for aspiring space industry professionalsWhether you're leading technical teams, managing distributed workforces, or trying to sustain long-term motivation around big missions, this conversation offers practical insights on building trust, enabling ownership, and creating conditions where people do their best work. Connect with Leonid NaboyshchikovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonid-naboyshchikov/ We hope you enjoyed this episode! - Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :) Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    52 min

  2. JAN 15

    SE01E11 | The Future of Agriculture: Resilience Through Transparency | with Heather Messer | Chain Mountain

    In this episode I speak with Heather Messer, The vice president of US operations at Wilbur-Ellis.  Wilbur-Elis is a leading agribusiness company that provides crop protection products, seeds, and nutritional solutions to growers around the world.  We discuss the critical role of agriculture in the U.S. economy and the specific supply chain and operational challenges faced by the agricultural sector. We also discuss the importance of innovation,  especially in the context of consumer trends towards organic foods, and the regulatory challenges that hinder the rapid adoption of new agriculturaltechnologies. Using the impact of tariffs on the soybean market as a case inpoint, we highlight how difficult it can be to forecast elements that are outof our control Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.   We hope you enjoyed this episode! - Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :) Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    50 min

  3. JAN 1

    SE01E10 | Breaking Barriers in the Medical Industry | with Justine Franchina | Chain Mountain

    In this week's episode, Justine Franchina shares her journey in the male-dominated chemical industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, diverse experiences, and customer engagement. She discusses the critical role of safety and continuous learning in her leadership philosophy, as well as the challenges of implementing effective processes and systems like SAP. Justine highlights the significance of building trust and seeking feedback to foster collaboration and drive organizational success. Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.   We hope you enjoyed this episode! - Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :) Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    49 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    SE01E09 | Hire problem-solvers with real-world experience | with Douglas Hardesty | Chain Mountain

    In this week's show we have a conversation with Doug Hardesty, COO ofMycoWorks. In this conversation, Doug discusses the innovative production of their cutting edge material innovation, its sustainability benefits, and the challenges faced in biotech manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of future-focused innovation, the role of venture capital, and the need for a shift in perceptions about manufacturing careers. Doug also highlights the significance of bridging the education gap in technical skills and predicts a future where biomaterials and a better work-life balance in manufacturing will be prioritized. Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.   We hope you enjoyed this episode! - Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :) Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    51 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    SE01E08 | Get the basics right before pursuing enhancements | with Nick Jackson | Chain Mountain

    In this week's episode we speak with SAP Implementation Guru, Nick Jackson, Global Director of SAP/ERP and HB Fuller.  HB Fuller is a 3.5Billion dollar adhesives manufacturer focusing on adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products.  Nick has spent the past 25 years implementing systems across large global manufacturing companies.In our discussion we cover his takes on why ERPs implementations often don’t meet expectations, the importance of educating executives, and reducing complexity . He also emphasizes the need for a well constructed data model, effective change management, and understanding business process first.  Our discussion also touches on the future of leadership, communication, and ends with a hot take on life in 2075…  Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.   Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nljackson/ We hope you enjoyed this episode! - Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :) Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    1h 8m

  6. 11/20/2025

    SE01E07 | The Impact of Geopolitics on Supply Chains | with Chris Jackson | Chain Mountain

    In this Episode, I sit down with Chris Jackson, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Watlow.  Watlow is a global industrial technology company that designs and manufactures advanced thermal systems, including heaters, sensors, and temperature controllers, for mission-critical applications in industries like semiconductor, energy, and medical devices. In this episode, Chris discusses the growth of industrial sectors, the impact of geopolitical influences, and the role of AI in supply chain management.  We also touch on the democratization of technology and its future implications for supply chains, as well as his predictions for the future of technology and leadership.Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.   Connect with Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjjackson/ Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    41 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    SE01E06 | The War for Talent | with Tom Boney | Chain Mountain

    In this engaging conversation, Tom Boney discusses the challenges and strategies in private equity, focusing on talent retention, improving EBITDA performance, and the importance of operational excellence. He shares insights from his experience in the automotive industry, the impact of NIL on college sports, and the significance of community engagement through nonprofits. The discussion also touches on the future of manufacturing, global trade, and the pressing issue of cybersecurity in business. Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    54 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    SE01E05 | Creativity is Power in Operations | with Jason Reid | Chain Mountain

    In this conversation, Jason Reid discusses the growth of the packaging industry, driven by e-commerce, sustainability, and material innovation. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and the impact of recent policy shifts on manufacturing. Jason provides an overview of Flint Group's operations and highlights the company's focus on customer service and innovation. He shares insights on leadership dynamics, the role of AI in operations, and personal experiences that shape his management style. Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    50 min

  9. 10/09/2025

    SE01E04 | The Resurgence of U.S. Manufacturing | with Jason Lhota | Chain Mountain

    In today's episode, I spoke with Jason Lhota for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state and future of American manufacturing. We dive into how the industry is evolving, the role mentorship plays in shaping the next generation of talent, and how automation and AI are changing the shop floor. Jason and I also explore the challenges and opportunities around re-shoring jobs back to the U.S., and we even touch on the surprising possibility of a resurgence in nuclear energy as a reliable power source. Throughout our discussion, one theme kept recurring:  the critical role of policy and investment in shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. It’s an insightful, forward-looking conversation that I think you’re really going to enjoy. Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests. Website Link: www.chainmtn.comConnect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    1h 24m

  10. 09/25/2025

    SE01E03 | Navigating AI Implementation Challenges | with Lauren Calhoun Anderson | Chain Mountain

    In this conversation, Lauren Calhoun Anderson discusses the challenges and opportunities in AI implementation within large organizations, particularly in the healthcare sector. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ROI, effective change management, and the need for better forecasting tools. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of healthcare, the significance of quality control in medical devices, and the potential of personalized medicine driven by AI. Lauren shares insights from her career journey, highlighting the importance of networking and learning from various functions within an organization. Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.   Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencalhoun/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    1h 3m

  11. 09/11/2025

    SE01E02 | Emotional Intelligence is Vital in Business | with Mike Klimavicius | Chain Mountain

    In today's episode, I spoke with Mike Klimavicius, CPO of Scientific Games.  Scientific Games is a global leader in lottery and gaming technology.  So think instant games, sports betting platforms, and the digital solutions to execute a lottery securely.  They sell to governments and regulated operators worldwide.  In this episode, we had a terrific conversation that covered a very wide range of topics, including the booming business of Lottery Games, Private Equity's foundation for success, are tariffs here to stay?, how aliens might decode Mike's calendar, today's victim mentality, storytelling for success, will college remain the norm, and other great topics.   Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.   Website Link: www.chainmtn.com Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/Connect with Mike Klimavicius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-klimavicius-89bb5a11/ Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain #Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

    54 min

  12. 08/28/2025

    SE01E01 | We Expect a 108% Return Rate | with Mickey McCallion | Chain Mountain

    In today's episode, I spoke with Mikey McCallion, COO of Emerald Textiles.  Emerald is the largest acute care linen service provider on the west coast.  he oversees a suprisingly complex supply chain and twelve state of the art linen processing facilities.In this episode we talked about the business and operations of industrial laundry, the technology that makes it work, Private equity and what it takes to be successful in that ownership model, the importance of being a good team mate, and the definition of masculinity.Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.Website Link: www.chainmtn.comConnect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/Connect with Mickey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccallion-6319863/ Listen to Chain Mountain on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruAA9wz3YzI

    49 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Chain Mountain - the podcast for leaders who move fast and think deep. Hosted by Hank Ackerman—Co-founder of Chain Mountain and a seasoned leader in operational transformation—the show delves into the high-stakes, high-impact world of industrial operations and technology through the voices of those leading the charge. Tune into weekly episodes featuring current and emerging operational executives who are transforming industry from the inside out.

Information

  • Creator
    Hank Ackerman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hank Ackerman