The Manufacturing Executive

People often worry that technology and automation will replace human workers.  But what if the most powerful path forward is empowering workers with technology for better effectiveness and efficiency, instead of replacing them? In this episode, Dr. Prasad Akella, the Founder and CEO of Drishti, shares his view on the future of manufacturing. A future where video data not only improves the quality of a product, but also empowers workers on the plant floor and strengthens employee retention. Join us as we discuss: How technology empowers humans to be more effective What using data can do for your productivity Why using technology leads to better employee retention

Are trade shows worth it? That seems to be a divisive question these days. But here's the truth: Like with many forms of marketing or sales activities, it comes down to execution. Today’s guest, Jake Hall, Keynote Speaker and Content Creator of The Manufacturing Millennial, details how to connect the physical world of a trade show with the digital world that exists before, during and after that event.  Join us as we discuss:How to create value and content from trade showsHow building relationships with other companies strengthens your marketingThe importance of developing personal brands

Our workforce has changed drastically over the decades. The highly desirable and stable manufacturing industry of the past has struggled to retain workers in our modern times. But there is a way to revitalize the manufacturing industry in the US to keep up with the manufacturing powerhouses around the world.  Today’s guest, Jason Azevedo, Chief Strategy Officer at MRCA, shares his views on the importance of investing in your workforce, how automation keeps workers employed, and what manufacturing companies can do to build stronger communities.  Join us as we discuss:What revitalizing manufacturing looks like todayWhy employee health and wellness is most importantHow automation and robotics benefit the workerHow to empower smaller communities through manufacturingHow to make your company desirable to buyers

On this milestone 100th episode, the hosting tables are turned. Joe Sullivan is interviewed by Logan Lyles of Sweet Fish Media about his learnings from 100 consecutive weeks of podcasting and six ways it’s impacted his business. Joe Sullivan, Founder of Gorilla76, opens up about why he originally wanted to start a podcast and how he made the transition from creating mostly written content to fueling an entire content program. Joe reflects on the six most impactful outcomes, and shares his advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, getting started, and building meaningful business relationships.  Join us as we discuss:How to create and repurpose content with consistencyThe meaningful path toward thought leadershipHow to thoughtfully humanize your brandHow to measure the impact of your podcast

The manufacturing industry has been slow to adopt new technology. But with the continued improvements in technology, updating your systems has become more cost effective, faster to implement, and more flexible for your manufacturing needs. Today’s guest, Barry Johnson, President of Digital Manufacturing at Symphony Industrial AI, talks about how to take advantage of digitization, AI, and emerging technologies to increase productivity.  Join us as we discuss:What MES is and the purpose it serves in manufacturingHow digitization drives continuous improvementHow AI is changing the future of manufacturing

Are you making the right decisions to optimize productivity?  Most organizations don’t. Most get distracted by efficiency and ultimately fail to meet their goals.  Today’s guest, Pavel Kuviarzin, Business Growth Expert at Future State Engineering, talks about the problem solving steps to make a true impact on productivity, profitability, and the success of your business. Join us as we discuss:The difference between “busy” and productiveWhen to utilize the resources you have vs. when to invest How cause and effect thinking will make a true impactWhat you can do to avoid supply chain constraints Subscribe to The Manufacturing Executive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Manufacturing Executive in your favorite podcast player.

Internal marketing employee or marketing agency? Entry level hire or seasoned marketer? Broad range of skill sets or deep specialist in a few core skills? Today’s guest, Mary Keough, Senior Marketing Strategist, Gorilla76, breaks down the questions that any manufacturing leader will need to answer for themselves before building a marketing team. Or even before making that first marketing hire. Join us as we discuss:When to hire an internal marketer versus an agencyBudgets for staffing a marketing roleWhat skills sets to prioritizeThe difference between the roles of marketing and sales Subscribe to The Manufacturing Executive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Manufacturing Executive in your favorite podcast player.

Today’s guest, Tony Lopez, Vice President, Manufacturing & Logistics Services, Pride Industries, provides insight about delivering business excellence with a positive social impact. Join us as we discuss:The hiring and employment hurdles that face the disabled populationHow education bridges the gap between employers and the disabled workforceWhat the benefits are to hiring disabled workers  Subscribe to The Manufacturing Executive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Manufacturing Executive in your favorite podcast player.

It's never been more costly to watch your people walk out the door.Today’s guest is Dan Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO, WorkStepWorkStep is a software platform that empowers companies to find and keep frontline employees for the long run. Dan has seen first hand how workforce retention can make or break a company and I’m thrilled to have him on the show.Join us as we discuss:How supply chain disruption and labor shortages are connectedWhy the manufacturing labor force looks different today than it did a decade agoThe opportunity cost associated with turnover in workforce populations Subscribe to The Manufacturing Executive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Manufacturing Executive in your favorite podcast player.

What are the best manufacturing executives doing to combat labor shortages and supply chain issues and thrive in this industry?  Today’s guest is Dan Burgos, President and CEO, Alphanova Consulting, knows the answer. Dan and his team have over 15 years of experience helping manufacturers in various industries, including aerospace injection molding, construction projects, chemicals, fiberglass, furniture, electronics, consumer goods, oil and gas, and medical devices, among others.  Dan's approach is to partner with leaders to uncover and eliminate the problems hindering business performance, while coaching leaders to create a culture of collaboration. Join us as we discuss:Quantifiable metrics that affect business performanceLeadership when facing labor and supply chain issuesImproving on-time delivery and reducing scrap   Take Alphanova's Business Self Assessment to receive recommendations for your manufacturing operation here: https://alphanovaconsulting.com/self-assessment-form-manufacturing/Subscribe to The Manufacturing Executive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Manufacturing Executive in your favorite podcast player.