Hire Diverse Talent or Risk Going Out of Business Featuring Equity Machine Works Founder Justin Sherman
Justin Sherman, founder of Equity Machine Works, explains why manufacturing companies risk going out of business by failing to hire diverse talent, citing a shrinking labor pool and a 95% male demographic in skilled roles like machining. He details his journey from a CNC machinist to launching a social enterprise that provides subsidized support (housing, food, transport) and registered apprenticeships for disadvantaged populations. Sherman argues that shifting from command-and-control leadership to person-centric, hybrid work models is essential to attract Gen Z and diverse candidates, noting that diverse companies show up to 35% better performance.