The Manufacturing Shake-Up

Ellen Feldman Ornato & Jenny Drescher | A Gael Communications Production

The Manufacturing Shake-Up is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it’s a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!

  1. JUN 17

    Season One Finale: 47 women - Infinite wisdom

    It’s the Season 1 finale of The Manufacturing Shake-Up! 🎉  This week Jenny Drescher and Ellen Feldman Ornato enter the studio to look back at a year of powerhouse guests and unforgettable insights from women changing the face of manufacturing in Connecticut. Whether you’re early in your career or already climbing the leadership ladder, this highlight episode is packed with career-changing wisdom, real talk, and inspiration to take into your next chapter.  In this special wrap-up, Jenny and Ellen revisit some of their favorite guest moments:  ⭐ Christine Marcin (Stifel Marcin) gets real about networking fears and how to overcome them. https://youtu.be/sJou3arO51E   ⭐ Beatriz Gutierrez (CONNSTEP) reminds us that mentorship doesn’t have to be internal—and that fear is a terrible advisor. https://youtu.be/fB0Zvi3TQxg  ⭐ Mia Merrel (Assa Abloy) shows how simply asking, “Can you help me?” can change your whole career trajectory. https://youtu.be/IyuPoS18LTY  ⭐ Lisa Brown (EBAD) champions the courage to seek out your own mentors. https://youtu.be/r43rM4rfXGU  ⭐ Hannah Belmont (Westminster Tool) gives us the “hire for character” blueprint and redefines onboarding. https://youtu.be/WWjtBSWNfPk  ⭐ Lee Ulinskas (EBM Papst) shares how treating coworkers as internal customers builds a collaborative culture. https://youtu.be/-bTEIk5uN40  ⭐ Gina Greco (PTA Plastics) illustrates how investment in people—especially through training and connection—pays off. https://youtu.be/NqZ6XSMHLKk   ⭐ Monica Hilgarth (Hampford Research) reframes “no” as an invitation to get curious and persuasive. https://youtu.be/ehSSJsEQpSg  ⭐ Alethea Shaeffer (Form All Plastics) drops a truth bomb: perfectionism might be holding you back. https://youtu.be/bUmQNBTgFBQ  ⭐ Lena Geliga (Hygrade Precision) explores the delicate power of boundaries and discernment in leadership. https://youtu.be/k-8pUHLpKbM  ⭐ Cindi Bigelow (Bigelow Tea) gushes over her love for manufacturing and the project-based joy it brings. https://youtu.be/qfWvLPn6qXo  This episode is more than a recap—it's a roadmap for bold moves, brilliant ideas, and a better future in manufacturing.

    36 min
  2. MAY 27

    Hands-on learning is for everyone with Alex Hatem, General Dynamics Electric Boat

    What does it take to lead in today’s manufacturing world? According to Alex Hatem, it takes trust, humility, and hands-on learning.  In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, hosts Jenny and Ellen speak with Alex Hatem, Manager of Enterprise Learning Programs at General Dynamics Electric Boat, whose career path has taken her from engineering to supervising operations on nuclear submarines...and now to leading enterprise-wide learning initiatives.  Alex shares how her early experiences laid the groundwork for a career based on curiosity, connections, and problem-solving. She dives into the evolution of her work, from hands-on operations to designing programs that teach others how to lead, and why hands-on learning isn’t just for the shop floor anymore.  We explore Electric Boat’s supervisor training programs that build essential leadership skills like trust-building, delegation, and communication and how Alex’s own career has mirrored the journeyman model she helps others follow. Alex also opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a male-dominated field.  Where you can find Alex:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-hatem-washakowski/    Company: https://www.gdeb.com/  -------  Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/  Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    20 min
  3. MAY 20

    Collaborating to build a talent pipeline with Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Office of Workforce Strategy

    Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD learned first-hand – at her family’s manufacturing business – that leading well means learning first and then supporting her team from a place of understanding.  That approach, rooted in humility and curiosity, became the foundation for a remarkable career journey.  In this episode, Kelli-Marie shares how the power of applied learning, genuine collaboration, and relationship-building led to national best practices like the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative. And how that initiative led to her role at Chief Workforce Officer with Connecticut’s Office of Workforce Strategy.    Kelli-Marie talks about: Asking questions before trying to lead  Collaboration across industry and education.  Building relationships to transform Connecticut’s workforce development model.   Being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and how it impacts change.  Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership starts with learning, and that shaking up traditional systems requires courage, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.  Where you can find Kelli-Marie:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-marie-vallieres-phd-9959a96/    Office of Workforce Strategy: https://portal.ct.gov/gwc/ows-initiatives    -------  Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/  Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    25 min
  4. APR 29

    Innovation in Miniature with Marietta Lee, The Lee Company

    Marietta Lee never imagined she’d one day run the family business. With a law degree and a thriving career in legal journalism, manufacturing was nowhere on her radar. But when she moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family, the opportunity to join the Lee team changed her path.  In this episode, Marietta shares how The Lee Company has remained innovative by being intentional about its future. She details their unique family employment policy, which sets rules for family members coming into the business. It’s about protecting and respecting the business, its employees, and its culture.  Marietta dives into how Lee is developing talent from within. They have a generous tuition reimbursement program and an in-house, paid training program for employees at all levels, Lee University. They are well-situated to build a workforce that’s skilled, loyal, and ready to grow.  Finally, Marietta talks about the Innovation Center currently under construction and why it was important to their company.  The Lee Company is proof that thoughtful planning and people-first development can keep a legacy business alive and thriving.  Where you can find Marietta:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marietta-lee-17729410a/    Company: https://www.theleeco.com/   -------  Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/  Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Manufacturing Shake-Up is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it’s a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!