Manufacturers Alliance Podcast

Product management

The Manufacturers Alliance podcast, hosted by Kirby Sneen.

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Latest Episodes

Best in Class One-On-Ones

Want to improve your one-on-one meetings? In this episode, Dan Powley, Senior Production Manager at Intricon Corporation, shares proven strategies for structuring impactful one-on-ones that drive engagement, alignment, and accountability. Learn how to create meaningful conversations, set clear expectations, and ensure follow-through. Whether you lead a small team or a large workforce, these insights will help you strengthen relationships, develop employees, and improve overall team performance through best in class one-on-ones.

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Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here!

Podcast Resources:

Supervision Fundamentals Certification
Free Download: Effective One-on-Ones Meeting Template

Fix Problems, Not Just Symptoms with RCA

Effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) goes beyond surface-level fixes to drive lasting improvements. In this episode, Helen Swanson, VP of Quality & Engineering at Sportech Inc., shares insights on defining problems, eliminating bias, and using RCA tools like the three-legged 5 Why to prevent recurring issues. Learn how to collect reliable data, engage cross-functional teams, and implement mistake-proofing strategies that create real change in manufacturing.

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here!

Podcast Resources:

Professional Yellow Belt Certification
6 Sigma Problem-Solving Bundle - Free Download
Root Cause Analysis Workshop

Marketing's Role in Manufacturing

Learn from Christine Olson, Marketing Manager at Midwest Rubber, as she outlines how manufacturers can integrate marketing to bridge the gap between technical processes and customer relationships. Gain practical strategies to align marketing with operations, utilize customer feedback for continuous improvement, and craft compelling stories that emphasize quality and expertise. This episode delivers actionable takeaways to drive collaboration, enhance processes, and build stronger customer connections.

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here!

Podcast Resources:

Sales & Marketing Peer Group

Shaping Culture, Talent, and Strategy

Gain insights from manufacturing leaders, Steve Zweber, VP of Global Print Manufacturing, Operations & Distribution at Thomson Reuters, and Russ Soukup, President and CEO of Advanced Volumetric Metrics on economic trends, AI, recruiting, and retention.

Together, they share their perspectives on economic trends, the evolving role of AI in manufacturing, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and implementing operational excellence across teams. From navigating labor shortages to leveraging AI for efficiency and innovation, this episode offers actionable insights for manufacturers aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced industry. This conversation is packed with strategic ideas you can implement in your organization.

Podcast Resources:
• Peer Groups - Find Your Peer Group to start benchmarking, networking, and learning best practices alongside fellow manufacturers
• 5 Behaviors Sabotaging Senior Leadership

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Facilitation Skills from One of the Best

Struggling with unproductive meetings that waste time and fail to move your team forward? Learn Facilitation Skills from One of the Best with Bob Dummer, an experienced manufacturing leader. In this episode, Bob shares actionable tips to help you facilitate meetings that drive engagement, encourage participation, and lead to clear decisions and action steps. Learn how to overcome common challenges like getting stuck in analysis paralysis, managing off-track discussions, and ensuring everyone has a voice. Transform your meetings into a powerful tool for achieving your goals.

Podcast Resources:
• Peer Groups
• Toastmasters International

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Top Takeaways of 2024

This week, Kirby Sneen, Jeremy Blake, and Monica Smith share their favorite episodes from the year, biggest lessons learned in 2024, and what you can look forward to from the Manufacturers Alliance in 2025!

How to Speed Up Lean Using Data You Already Have

Vivek Saxena, Founder & CEO of Factory Twin walks you through how his small manufacturing clients are leveraging the data already in their systems to drive process improvement and get better results. Learn why the current way of practicing lean is slow, the barriers to going digital, and how you can speed up the pace of improvement.

Visit FactoryTwin

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How to Reduce Conflict by Improving Collaboration

Silos, poor listening skills, and even cultural differences can be some of the bigger challenges any leader in manufacturing faces when trying to get everyone on the same page. In this episode, Jody O'Neil shares how to foster a collaborative environment to counter these challenges and reduce potential conflict in the workplace.

Download the Leaders Guide

Manufacturing's Outlook

Industry expert Laurie Harbour, partner with Wipfli, delves into the outlook of manufacturing. In this episode, Laurie shares key insights on the current instability in the industry, emerging trends to watch, and the barriers manufacturers must overcome to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Bio of Manufacturers Alliance Podcast

The Manufacturers Alliance podcast, hosted by Kirby Sneen, is a platform dedicated to supporting professionals working in the manufacturing industry to enhance their leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. With the aim of fostering competitiveness among manufacturers, the podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice to help individuals in the manufacturing sector thrive.

By featuring expert interviews, industry insights, and success stories, the podcast equips listeners with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall success of their manufacturing organizations.

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