How Manufacturers Improve Podcast

Kirby Sneen
  • 4.9 (10)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast

Welcome to How Manufacturers Improve, a Manufacturers Alliance podcast, where we help everyone who works in manufacturing become a better leader and problem solver so all manufacturers can remain competitive.

  1. 2D AGO

    Best in Class One-On-Ones

    Want to improve your one-on-one meetings? In this episode, Dan Powley, Senior Production Manager at Intricon Corporation, shares proven strategies for structuring impactful one-on-ones that drive engagement, alignment, and accountability. Learn how to create meaningful conversations, set clear expectations, and ensure follow-through. Whether you lead a small team or a large workforce, these insights will help you strengthen relationships, develop employees, and improve overall team performance through best in class one-on-ones.  Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here! Podcast Resources: Supervision Fundamentals Certification Free Download: Effective One-on-Ones Meeting Template

    23 min

  2. FEB 18

    Fix Problems, Not Just Symptoms with RCA

    Effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) goes beyond surface-level fixes to drive lasting improvements. In this episode, Helen Swanson, VP of Quality & Engineering at Sportech Inc., shares insights on defining problems, eliminating bias, and using RCA tools like the three-legged 5 Why to prevent recurring issues. Learn how to collect reliable data, engage cross-functional teams, and implement mistake-proofing strategies that create real change in manufacturing.  Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here! Podcast Resources: Professional Yellow Belt Certification 6 Sigma Problem-Solving Bundle - Free Download Root Cause Analysis Workshop

    21 min

  3. FEB 4

    Marketing's Role in Manufacturing

    Learn from Christine Olson, Marketing Manager at Midwest Rubber, as she outlines how manufacturers can integrate marketing to bridge the gap between technical processes and customer relationships. Gain practical strategies to align marketing with operations, utilize customer feedback for continuous improvement, and craft compelling stories that emphasize quality and expertise. This episode delivers actionable takeaways to drive collaboration, enhance processes, and build stronger customer connections. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here! Podcast Resources: Sales & Marketing Peer Group

    26 min

  4. JAN 21

    Shaping Culture, Talent, and Strategy

    Gain insights from manufacturing leaders, Steve Zweber, VP of Global Print Manufacturing, Operations & Distribution at Thomson Reuters, and Russ Soukup, President and CEO of Advanced Volumetric Metrics on economic trends, AI, recruiting, and retention. Together, they share their perspectives on economic trends, the evolving role of AI in manufacturing, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and implementing operational excellence across teams. From navigating labor shortages to leveraging AI for efficiency and innovation, this episode offers actionable insights for manufacturers aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced industry. This conversation is packed with strategic ideas you can implement in your organization. Podcast Resources: • Peer Groups - Find Your Peer Group to start benchmarking, networking, and learning best practices alongside fellow manufacturers • 5 Behaviors Sabotaging Senior Leadership Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

    37 min

  5. JAN 7

    Facilitation Skills from One of the Best

    Struggling with unproductive meetings that waste time and fail to move your team forward? Learn Facilitation Skills from One of the Best with Bob Dummer, an experienced manufacturing leader. In this episode, Bob shares actionable tips to help you facilitate meetings that drive engagement, encourage participation, and lead to clear decisions and action steps. Learn how to overcome common challenges like getting stuck in analysis paralysis, managing off-track discussions, and ensuring everyone has a voice. Transform your meetings into a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Podcast Resources: • Peer Groups • Toastmasters International Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

    20 min

  6. 12/17/2024

    Top Takeaways of 2024

    This week, Kirby Sneen, Jeremy Blake, and Monica Smith share their favorite episodes from the year, biggest lessons learned in 2024, and what you can look forward to from the Manufacturers Alliance in 2025!

    19 min

  7. 12/10/2024

    How to Speed Up Lean Using Data You Already Have

    Vivek Saxena, Founder & CEO of Factory Twin walks you through how his small manufacturing clients are leveraging the data already in their systems to drive process improvement and get better results. Learn why the current way of practicing lean is slow, the barriers to going digital, and how you can speed up the pace of improvement.  Visit FactoryTwin Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

    27 min

  8. 11/26/2024

    How to Reduce Conflict by Improving Collaboration

    Silos, poor listening skills, and even cultural differences can be some of the bigger challenges any leader in manufacturing faces when trying to get everyone on the same page. In this episode, Jody O'Neil shares how to foster a collaborative environment to counter these challenges and reduce potential conflict in the workplace.  Download the Leaders Guide

    30 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to How Manufacturers Improve, a Manufacturers Alliance podcast, where we help everyone who works in manufacturing become a better leader and problem solver so all manufacturers can remain competitive.

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