Manufacturers Alliance Podcast

Product management

The Manufacturers Alliance podcast, hosted by Kirby Sneen.

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Latest Episodes

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

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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.

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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.

Removing Variation From Your Process

Matt Evans, Quality Manager at Unimatic Precision Machining, shares practical strategies for removing variation from your processes. Learn about mistake-proofing, leveraging control charts, and creating accurate standards to improve consistency and overall quality.

Download the Leaders Guide

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The Top 5 Problems CI Leaders Face

Gain insights on how to overcome continuous improvement challenges so that you can effectively manage improvements. In this episode, Bob Dummer explores the top 5 challenges CI leaders face, including resistance to change, sustainment, and access to data.

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Unleashing the Power of Problem Solving

In this bonus episode, we're sharing a replay of one of your favorites, featuring Eugene Arrington. Learn how to overcome fire fighting, make time for problem-solving, and overcome the tendency to jump to conclusions.

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Sustaining Six Sigma Improvements

In this episode, Mathew Yost shares what it takes to sustain Six Sigma improvements for lasting success. He breaks down how metrics, tracking, management support, culture, standard work, and training have helped his team maintain the gains from Six Sigma projects. Gain practical insights and strategies to ensure your process improvements endure.

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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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