How Manufacturers Improve

Kirby Sneen
  • 4.9 (10)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

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. 20H AGO

    How Kaizen Events Work

    In this episode, Scott Connor, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Emerson, breaks down how to run successful Kaizen events, from the weeks of prep work required to maintaining momentum and securing leadership buy-in that drives results. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter:https://www.mfrall.com/hmi/ Become a Member:https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    28 min

  2. FEB 3

    How to do a Waste Walk

    In this episode, Eugene Arrington, Senior Lean Leader at Starkey Hearing, breaks down how to conduct waste walks that deliver real results, from team selection to systematic observation to action planning with accountability. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter:https://www.mfrall.com/hmi/ Become a Member:https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    33 min

  3. JAN 20

    How to Have a Great One-on-One

    In this episode, operations executive Bart Hoemann reveals his proven strategies for conducting one-on-ones that build trust, drive performance, and develop manufacturing leaders at every level. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: https://www.mfrall.com Become a Member: https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    21 min

  4. JAN 6

    AI, Stress, and Retention Executive Panel

    In this episode, Chase McCown, Managing Director of Heartland Partners, and Monica Hamling, VP of HR at Nortek Systems, discuss how manufacturers can strategically manage stress, cultivate a strong culture, and leverage AI. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: https://www.mfrall.com Become a Member: https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    45 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    More in Store for Members in 2026

    In this episode, Kirby Sneen talks with Monica Smith, Member Services Manager at Manufacturers Alliance, about making training a habit and what manufacturing leaders can expect in 2026. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: https://www.mfrall.com Become a Member: https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    32 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Safety Success for Supervisors

    In this episode, Katherine Syverson, former EHS Director, reveals how supervisors can lead safety success through proactive metrics, cross-department observations, and tools that make safety sustainable. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what's working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: https://www.mfrall.com Become a Member: https://www.mfrall.com/membership/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5orRRXkVgAkbAeUuCj1dP5 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-manufacturers-improve/id1677078610 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfj2OPOknywMeVwzPJX7Ifw

    34 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Demonstrating Responsibility Daily

    In this episode, Jeff Weber, Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality at Graco, reveals how to build accountability without micromanaging, from better meetings to coaching through missed deadlines.

    33 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Dealing with Difficult Behaviors

    In this episode, Ashlie Weller, HR Manager at InsurTech, shares how to address difficult behaviors immediately, document incidents effectively, and avoid taking toxic behavior personally on the manufacturing floor. Connect with other HR leaders facing similar challenges and opportunities. Click here to learn more and join the HR Peer Group to share strategies, solve real-world issues, and strengthen your organization's people practices.

    21 min
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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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