Manufacturers Alliance Podcast

Discover how manufacturers are solving the lean training gap for Spanish-speaking teams. Learn why authentic, practitioner-led courses outperform scripted content in developing real problem solvers.

Turn your best problem solvers into confident improvement leaders. Learn more about our Lean Practitioner Certification.

Learn the 8-step roadmap that helped cut costs in half and achieve operational excellence. Discover how to create purpose-driven teams, implement tier meetings, and engage frontline problem solvers.

Do you have team members ready to lead improvement projects with data-driven precision? Click here to learn more about our Six Sigma Green Belt

Learn the essential quality tools every manufacturer needs, including control charts, Pareto analysis, and root cause methods. Discover how to distinguish between normal and special cause variation.

Do you have team members who need problem-solving and continuous improvement skills? Click here to learn more about our Professional Yellow Belt Certification. 

Manufacturing leaders who adapt their leadership style see greater team engagement and results. In this episode, Richele Butler, the VP of HR at Japs-Olson Company, shares proven strategies for understanding individual team member preferences, reading non-verbal cues, and creating effective communication approaches. Learn how to focus on what you can control, group similar styles together, and build trust through style adaptation.

Do you have team members who need leadership training? Click here to learn more about our Supervision Fundamentals Certification.

Manufacturing leaders often struggle with delegation, but mastering this skill is critical for leadership growth and organizational success. In this episode, Jennifer Schwan, Vice President of Operations at CDI Curbs, shares proven strategies for effective delegation. Learn how to identify your "why" for delegating, build trust through alignment rather than process control, and shift your perspective from personal achievement to team development. 

Podcast Resources:

1. Digital Course: Watch The Role of the Leader: Trust - What Builds It & What Destroys It 
2. Podcast: Listen to “Best in Class One-on-One’s” with Dan Powley
3. Certification: Supervision Fundamentals 

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Attend an upcoming Webinar as our guest!

Build high-performing HR teams that drive real business impact. In this episode, Kirby Sneen sits down with Dale Fruehauf to explore what HR leaders must focus on to shape successful teams, and how manufacturers should prioritize HR roles. Dale shares his secret to attracting top HR talent, strategies for recognizing and rewarding HR team members, ways to leverage “alumni” for advocacy, and insights on how HR can use AI to stay competitive.

Whether you're growing your HR function or refining it, you'll find practical takeaways for Building High-Performing HR Teams.

What does it take to stay coachable at the highest levels of leadership? In this episode, Steve Murray, Manufacturing Executive, shares powerful lessons on remaining open to feedback, recognizing blind spots, and prioritizing personal growth throughout your career. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to the next level, you'll gain actionable insights on how coachability can transform your leadership impact and drive continuous improvement 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:

Strategic Leader Certification

Sustaining 5S is the hardest step—but it’s also the most important. In this episode, Gary Olson, Operational Excellence Leader, shares expert insights on why 5S often fails and how manufacturers can create a culture where organization and efficiency become second nature. Learn how leadership commitment, daily habits, and employee engagement can drive long-term success with 5S. Tune in for actionable strategies to make 5S stick in your facility.

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:

• Lean Practitioner Certification
• Visual Management & 5S Workshop

Mistake-proofing is key to reducing defects, improving efficiency, and ensuring quality in manufacturing. In this episode, George Murray, General Manager at Celestica, shares proven strategies for preventing errors, standardizing work, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Learn how data-driven decision-making, simple mistake-proofing solutions, and team engagement can drive lasting operational excellence. Whether you're tackling process inefficiencies or aiming for zero defects, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

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:

• Webinar: Mistake-Proof Your Process
• Learn Mistake-Proofing Principles in the Lean Practitioner Certification