BONUS: 3 Actions Manufacturing Leaders Should Take in 2020

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 16 Dec 2019 · 12m

What this episode covers

Host Chris Luecke presents a bonus episode distilling lessons from previous Manufacturing Happy Hour interviews into three actionable strategies for manufacturing leaders in 2020. He highlights Michael Kromicky’s 'Machine as a Service' model using blockchain, Joe Carson’s legacy control system migrations, and Tom Goddett’s insights on IoT adoption rates. Luecke argues that leaders must define a clear vision for technology, model desired behaviors to build culture, and actively seek mentors to build a supportive ecosystem.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 43m

    Cultivating More Effective Manufacturing Leaders w/ Bill Remy

    Bill Remy, CEO of TBM Consulting Group, argues that manufacturing leadership gaps are as critical as front-line labor shortages, driven by the outdated practice of promoting technical experts without providing leadership training. He emphasizes that effective leaders must focus on process improvement, safety, and quality rather than acting as 'cheap firefighters,' and must actively engage with the shop floor to build trust and retain talent. Rey also advises midsize manufacturers to adopt a 'crawl, walk, run' approach to technology adoption, focusing on specific problem statements and change management rather than chasing trends like AI without clear business cases.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 8m

    From MBA To COO: Navigating EMS, Mentorship, And A New Leadership Model with Koh Young Europe COO Solin Ahmed

    Solin Ahmed, COO of Koh Young Europe, explains how an MBA holder navigated the technical SMT industry by shadowing 49-year veteran Harold and adopting a leadership model that pairs operations with sales. He details the transition from observing as a 'sponge' to becoming a trusted advisor, and the strategic partnership with Michael Zahn to bridge the gap between market signals and manufacturing capabilities. Ahmed also discusses the renewed energy at Productronica 2025 and the industry's need for mid-career talent ramps to address the 'missing generation' of engineers.

  • IoT For All Podcast · 30m

    Smart Manufacturing: Getting Started | Deloitte's Brian Zakrajsek | Internet of Things Podcast

    Brian Zakrajsek, Smart Manufacturing Leader at Deloitte, discusses how manufacturers can implement IoT technology, highlighting the convergence of IT and OT, the importance of data context, and the shift toward industry-specific solutions. He details Deloitte's Smart Factory in Wichita, Kansas, as a physical experience center and notes the company's move from pure advisory to implementation and managed operations. Zakrajsek emphasizes that successful adoption requires aligning technology with clear business value, managing change in high-turnover workforces, and leveraging AI to make sense of heterogeneous data.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 21m

    EMS@C-LEVEL Season #1 Episode #2 with Creative Electron's Dr. Bill Cardoso

    Dr. Bill Cardoso, CEO of Creative Electron, explains how his company pivoted its manufacturing operations during the COVID-19 crisis by decentralizing assembly to eight locations in San Diego County to maintain production of x-ray systems. He details the adoption of AI-driven autonomous inspection and the shift to 'X-ray as a Service' (XAS), allowing remote operation of equipment via virtual laboratories. Cardoso also discusses leadership strategies, including a '20-mile march' philosophy and a results-oriented culture, which allowed the company to avoid layoffs and sustain growth despite supply chain disruptions.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 39m

    The Power of a Visible Manufacturing Leader w/ Jim Mayer

    Jim Mayer, founder of The Manufacturing Connector, explains his concept of the 'Industrial Brand Death Cycle,' where weak or invisible leadership creates a toxic culture that leads to fake branding, customer distrust, and business failure. He argues that manufacturing leaders must be visible and authentic, both on the shop floor and publicly, to build trust and drive engagement. Mayer highlights specific leaders like Paul Akers of FastCap, Nicole Walters of HM Manufacturing, and Chris Carlson of Peerless Precision as models for this approach. He advises leaders to audit their culture, walk the floor, and communicate their values directly to employees to break the cycle of stagnation.

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