WAM

#226 Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips Is A Force In Business And An Advocate For Women In Manufacturing

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:53:00 -0000

Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips is the President LEM Plastics and Supply, A woman-owned fabricator and distributor of raw material plastics, sheet, rod, tubing, and film. Their build-to-print fabrication services the aeronautical division, space division, medical products, radio engineering, and more, providing components for everything from the International Space Station to the production line at Budweiser.

On today's episode, Ellen shares with us her experiences, good and bad, as a woman in manufacturing and the wisdom she's gained along the way including the importance of all women sharing what they’ve learned, collaborating and cooperating with other women in the interest of overcoming any barrier to success.

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#225 Professional Pricing Expertise with Helen Mitchell

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:40:09 -0000

On today's episode of the Women And Manufacturing podcast, host Lydia Di Liello welcomes Helen Mitchell, Senior Director of Conferences and Events with The Professional Pricing Society in Atlanta, Georgia. Hellen and Lydia discuss how The Professional Pricing Society's conferences and online courses offer tremendous value through actionable insights, new skillsets, and networking opportunities for new and seasoned business professionals from all industries.

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#224 Lean Is A Journey. You’re Never Done

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:38:44 -0000

Today’s guest on the Women And Manufacturing podcast is Ashleigh Walters, President of Onex Inc. and author of Leading with Grit and Grace: A Journey of Organizational Culture Change. Ashleigh and WAM host Fran Brunelle discuss her experiences in managing a manufacturing company and shares some extremely valuable insight on lean principles, her culture of continuous improvement, and “The Wildly Important Goal.”

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#223 Learning More About Institutional Investment Management

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 22:55:54 -0000

On this episode of Women And Manufacturing host Lydia Di Liello welcomes Ivana Bertuzzelli, Vice President of Portfolio Analytics at Intech Investment Management. Ivana invites us all to “sit back and enjoy the show” as she explains the complex world of investment management. As Ivana explains, we invest with the hope that we are going to make money by buying low and selling high, and too often that is our only definition of performance. Ivana helps us understand that the true meaning of performance is outperforming expectations. All this and much more on this episode of Women And Manufacturing.

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Whitney Koch: Digital Marketing for Small Manufacturers

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:03:48 -0000

On this episode of the WAM Podcast, we welcome Whitney Koch, Marketing Communications Specialist with Welker inc., in Sugarland, Texas. Whitney shares with us how she transitioned from a high school teacher to writing technical copy and finally managing the digital marketing efforts for a 3rd generation manufacturing company. Whitney explains how small to medium-sized companies can handle their digital marketing in-house, including the various platforms she uses to get the job done.

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#221 Wendy Feldstein: A Natural Talent For Bringing Order To Chaos

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 23:09:58 -0000

For our first episode of the year, Women And Manufacturing is proud to welcome Wendy Feldstein to the podcast. Wendy works for Crestron Electronics, a global leader in audio-visual automation and integration. In this episode, Wendy takes us through the incredible parallel origin stories of Crestron, her father’s company, and her journey to her current role as Vice President of Design. From the company’s humble beginnings in her family’s basement, with Wendy bending resistors and capacitors after school to help get the fledgling company off the ground, Wendy shares her story of navigating her way through the heavily male-dominated electronics industry and the positive changes she’s seen along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of the Women And Manufacturing podcast.

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Alternative Proteins And The Food Revolution With Elysabeth Alfano

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 21:36:06 -0000

Elysabeth Alfano is CEO of VegTech Invest, a fund that invests in alternative proteins and the food revolution. VegTech is the creator and advisor to the world's only plant-based innovation ETF.

Elysabeth is a plant-based expert who speaks worldwide about the need for change in the global food supply system including speaking recently at the UN Global Leaders Compact Summit.

On today’s episode, Fran and Elysabeth discuss the need for change in the global food supply system to address global population growth. Elysabeth explains in detail how the way we use our resources to create food is inefficient. 77% of our agricultural land is used for animals to graze and to grow crops to feed those animals. This 77% returns only 18% of our calories. On top of that 42% of our clean water supply is used to grow crops for and as drinking water for those same animals. As we move forward with a rapidly growing population, these inefficiencies are not sustainable.

Elysabeth discusses alternatives for food production and how relying less on animals and more on cleaner, greener more efficient methods of producing the foods we need to meet population growth in the very near future. Elysabeth walks us through the process and benefits of cultivated or lab-grown meat and precision fermentation to grow cheese without involving animals. Elysabeth goes into detail on how these technologies produce food products that not only meet our nutritional and taste requirements but also offer the opportunity to make sure enough food can be produced to meet current and future requirements. Bringing in these new choices to augment, not replace completely our reliance on animal products is the key to a much brighter future for everyone.

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#219 Understanding Healthcare Options With Pamela Tropiano

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:40:23 -0000

On this episode of the WAM podcast, our host Lydia Di Liello is joined by Pamela Tropiano, RN, BSN, MPA, CCM who is the Vice President of Healthcare Services at Molina Healthcare of Ohio. Pamela brings with her a deep understanding of the challenges facing complex and underserved populations including Medicaid and Medicar,e both from the direct clinical practice and payer side. During their interview, Pamela and Lydia discuss a variety of healthcare topics including how health plans work with Care Providers, social determinants of health and health equity, accessing appropriate health and wellness programs, and the use of available incentives.

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#218 Bridging Manufacturing and Marketing Disconnect with Emily Wilkins

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:12:51 -0000

How do you bridge the disconnect between manufacturing companies and their potential marketing success? Emily Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal, explains why her company is successful, while other marketing agencies struggle to meet manufacturing companies in the middle. From hesitancy when handing over marketing to inexperience in laying out goals and misunderstanding why marketing is needed at all, the reasons for disconnect are seemingly endless. Emily explains the importance of attracting (and retaining) talent and vendors, how marketing can be a fun and exciting team-building tool, why you need a good website, and why Marketing Metal prioritizes pulling manufacturing companies into the marketing process.

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B and B's Offer Offer an Attractive Alternative For Business Travelers

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:10:48 -0000

Bed and Breakfasts offer an attractive alternative to bland hotels when traveling for business. Host Lydia Di Liello welcomes sister-in-law Laura Di Liello to the show today to discuss the ins and outs of running an inn and how staying at an inn can help you return home less stressed. Laura started her career as an electrical engineer in the automotive industry. Her experience traveling around the world and staying in countless hotels led her and her husband (also an electrical engineer) to leave corporate culture behind to run an 18-room inn in Pennsylvania. Laura details how to choose the right location, how to tell the good from the not-so-good, and how to get the most out of your stay.

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Guidewheel Is Helping Manufacturers Reach Sustainable Peak Performance

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:25:56 -0000

Guidewheel is a global software company on a mission to empower all the world’s factories to reach sustainable peak performance and their CEO Lauren Dunford is on a mission to show everyone how Guidewheel is making this a reality. Lauren sits down with WAM Host Frances Brunelle to share how even the oldest manufacturing equipment can take advantage of Guidewheel’s technology to achieve peak performance. Their simple, non-invasive sensors clip over the power supply of any machine or auxiliary equipment. Data is sent securely to the cloud in real-time, analyzed, and translated into key metrics and visuals accessible on any device, anywhere. Lauren covers not only the many benefits of Guidewheel's services but also her personal journey from Stanford University to CEO.

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#215 Breaking Stereotypes, Standardizing Processes, and Improving Customer Experience

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:48:04 -0000

Isn’t pricing just setting and defining the value of a product? Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Antonella Sinito, the pricing operations manager at 3M, is here to explain why this approach is incorrect, and why pricing is actually all about improving customer experiences and simplifying processes. Tasked with creating data processes for 18 Latin American countries, each with different languages and unique currencies, Antonella is an inspiring guest who shares her journey of reshaping the male-dominated industry and coming out on top. To her, it is all about customer experience, and Antonella speaks to the changes in customers’ expectations and needs post-pandemic, the factual common language in data management, and what it takes to create effective change (and make it stick!) From constant transparency to maintaining communication and adapting to changes in the environment, it all comes down to one thing: getting customers what they want. Tune in today to learn more!

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#214 Supporting Young Black Women in STEM with Kara Branch

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Kara Branch is an engineer who has always been the only Black woman on all the teams she’s ever worked on and has experienced many challenges as a result. When one of her daughters decided she also wanted to pursue a career in engineering, Kara decided she wanted better for the next generation and so she founded the Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation. Today she joins us to tell us more about the fantastic work she is doing. Kara only founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019 and has she already helped a young Black woman establish a career for herself in STEM. The organization's goals are to provide access, awareness, and advocate for two million Black American girls to pursue STEM careers by the year 2050 and it is well on its way to achieving this goal. In addition to the first chapter in Houston, Texas, more chapters are now opening up in Los Angeles and New Orleans. Tuning in you’ll discover how the Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation is developing young women in all areas of STEM. To hear all about Kara Branch, the fantastic organization she started, how it is transforming lives, and how you can help, tune in today!

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#178 (Re-air) The Role of Social Media in Manufacturing with Frances Brunelle and Charli K. Matthews

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Have you considered the role that social media has to play in manufacturing? Many experienced members of the manufacturing community maintain that social media is not necessary for their businesses. After all, manufacturers are B2B companies that sell to other manufacturers. This kind of thinking, however, ignores the much larger role that social media has to play in terms of branding and storytelling. Here to help us shed light on this topic today is the wonderful Charli K. Matthews, founder, and CEO of Empowering Brands, a digital media and marketing services company that manages the following brands: Empowering Pumps and Equipment, Empowering Women in Industry, and Empowering Industry Podcast. Charli has worked in the pump and equipment industry since 2005 and has established herself as a leader in brand building, growing online networks, and helping industrial companies embrace digital media. In our conversation with Charli, we discuss her passion for storytelling and enthusiasm for technology, and how this facilitated her deep understanding of how to leverage social media platforms. Tuning in you’ll hear Charli share clear and insightful instructions on how to build a social media presence from the ground up. From sending the first post to making sure you have buy-in from your employees, to finding your authentic voice. She also addresses the value that women bring to the industry and how to overcome the obstacles that are keeping women from pursuing a career in manufacturing and manufacturing acquisition. To hear all of Charli’s incredible insights and valuable tips, be sure to tune in today!

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#213: Making Company Culture Part of Your DNA with Jessica Navascues

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:20:00 -0000

Culture eats strategy for breakfast. This is a quote from legendary management consultant, Peter Drucker, that implies that it’s the culture of your company that determines your success, regardless of how effective your strategy is. Today, Lydia Di Liello speaks with Jessica Navascues, a purpose-driven C-suite executive and a devout servant leader who uses this quote as the basis for her philosophy that making company culture part of your DNA is critical for every organization. Jessica has held senior roles at several manufacturing companies, including President of Building Systems at Cornerstone BuildingBrands, CEO at Allura Fiber Cement Products, and Managing Director of Sales and Operations for theUS & Canada at Plycem, one of the largest manufacturers of fiber cement and construction solutions inCentral America. In this episode, Jessica emphasizes the importance of building a well-defined, inclusive, and positive corporate culture and highlights the positive impact it can have, from facilitating better communication to driving innovation. We also touch on the significance of employee engagement, using metrics to drive decision making, and encouraging diversity of thought. Make sure to tune in today to hear all this and more from a leader who is passionate about building inclusive teams and creating strong cultures to deliver exceptional results

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#212 Passionate About Manufacturing, the Best Kept Secret, with Devon Winter

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:32:46 -0000

Manufacturing can be so many different things. Everything you use in your day-to-day life is essentially manufactured. Are you wondering daily how your favorite things are being made? Or wondering where they come from? Why are we not talking more, especially to young women, about the possibility of careers in manufacturing? Our guest on the show today is passionate about manufacturing, and her name is Devon Winter. Devon is the Vice President and COO at F. W. Winter Inc. & Co, the industry-leading supplier of metals and alloys in powder form for automotive, welding, and aerospace industries. She started as a sales and marketing associate with the company and in 2016 she became the director of operations, successfully implementing LEAN, and became the COO in 2020; overseeing the management of the company globally. Don’t miss out on today’s conversation as we hear all about Devon’s journey through the manufacturing industry, her thoughts on LEAN and ISO certifications, and why she is so deeply passionate about careers in manufacturing! Tune in today!

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#150 (Re-air) Empowering Employees and Developing Sustainable Growth with Sheryl Corrigan

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:16:00 -0000

As companies grow from national to international, private to public, so does their tendency to apply increased layers of bureaucracy and rigid hierarchical structures, often accompanied by a death knell for innovation. In this episode Frances Brunelle, The President of Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers inc. speaks with Sheryl Corrigan, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Koch Industries, about what sets their company apart from other companies of its size. Sheryl explains how Koch’s founding principles of experimentation and entrepreneurship continue to guide the company in pursuing disruptive technologies as well as the competitive advantage that comes with manufacturing. Listeners can expect to hear Sheryl break down exactly how Koch empowers its employees and provide them with opportunities to share their insights and rise through the ranks. We also discuss how disruption can be a disaster, additive manufacturing, and why Sheryl prefers to do business with private companies. For all this and more, join us today!

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#211 The Power of Choice and Flexibility for Hourly Workers in 2022 with Cathi Canfield

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:17:43 -0000

Two years into the pandemic, the way that nearly all workers think about the social contract they have with their employers has changed in profound ways. For the hourly wage earners who power the economy, the desire for a flexible schedule, preferred shifts, and competitive pay rates is now more important than ever. In today’s episode of the WAM Podcast, Lydia Di Liello sits down with Cathi Canfield to discuss her role as Vice President of Brand Solutions and Marketing at EmployBridge, a leading provider of technology-enabled, light industrial workforce solutions in the United States. Tuning in, you’ll gain some insight into what it’s like finding jobs for people on a short-term basis, and Cathi shares some of the results from the 2022 Voice of the Blue-Collar Worker Survey and what they mean for the future of attracting, recruiting, and retaining the workforce you want. Tune in today to learn more!

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#210 How to Create an Exemplary Workplace with Robin Ritz

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest believes that if you love the workers and workplace before the work, everything else falls into place. Robin Ritz is the creative visionary and the owner of InCord, North America's largest custom netting fabricator, providing the best in custom netting products to customers worldwide since 1995. From the start, Robin has had a passion to make her company an exemplary workplace and as a result of her efforts, InCord has been voted one of Connecticut's top places to work for over 10 years running. Robin is also a renowned speaker on subjects like the ABCs of workplace success, work-life balance, and Kaizen strategies.

Tuning in you’ll hear about her focus on company culture, how they implement Kaizen principles at InCord, how they marry process and culture in the company, and how they honor every voice. Robin explains why she believes that the person closest to the problem is also closest to the solution and how she uses this to improve processes at InCord. To find out more about the values they support at InCord, how supporting these values has made the company an exemplary place to work, and how this has led to their success, tune in today!

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#173 (Re-air) Changing Roles: Life-Work Balance Is the New Work-Life Balance with Sarah Walton

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:12:00 -0000

Host Lydia Di Liello is joined by the dynamic professional powerhouse and former Senior Director of Nike, Sarah Walton! During her 15-year career in Corporate America, Sarah worked in 10+ functions, proving herself to be an asset to any team, which successfully landed her roles at some of the largest global brands, including Target.

In the episode, Lydia and Sarah discuss Sarah’s decision to part ways with the corporate world in pursuit of a more flexible schedule and new passions, including Bettrmeant — her professional consulting, advising, and coaching startup. As a part of today’s “Great Resignation” period, Sarah delves into what repositioning her work-life balance as life-work balance looks like, and how to transform the trajectory of your career to build a happier life.

Sarah Walton is also a Corporate Director on the Miller Paint Company board, a mother of two, and a graduate of Wellesley College where she played collegiate-level volleyball.

To watch the episode, CLICK HERE

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#209 Building a Company Culture that Supports Employees and Promotes Equality with Kate Yanshyna

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:32:11 -0000

Today’s guest is an IT project manager at Oro, a business that builds customer-driven, powerful, and connected open-source software for B2B digital transformation. She is also a woman and a Ukrainian refugee. In this episode, Kate Yanshyna joins us to discuss all that she’s been through and how the company culture at Oro has supported her throughout. Tuning in, you’ll hear how she came to work for Oro, how the company evacuated Ukrainian employees when the war broke out, and how much support Kate received from the management, her team, and her customers in the terrible situation she found herself in. She goes on to shed light on what it has been like for her to be a woman in IT, the growth in the number of female employees at Oro that she has witnessed over the years, and the continuing growth opportunities she sees for women in IT. You’ll also hear about the importance of digitalization and automation for the future of business and how Oro can help you future-proof your company. For all this, and so much more, tune in today!

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#208 Why Social Media Matters for Manufacturers with Lauren LaDell a.k.a The Spindle Chick

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0000

While manufacturers are increasingly engaged in at least some level of social media participation, many are not optimizing it to reach their fullest potential! Today, Fran Brunelle sits down with Lauren LaDell, a.k.a. The Spindle Chick, to talk about why social media matters for manufacturing companies. Lauren is the National Sales Manager at Motor City Spindle Repair, a 25,000 square-foot spindle remanufacturing and ball screw manufacturing facility in Dearborn, Michigan, that specializes in motorized CNC spindle repair for HMC/VMCs, turning centers, grinding machines, and other precision spindle applications. With over 20,000 followers on Instagram and more than 14,000 on TikTok, Lauren sure knows how to leverage the power of social media! In this episode, she outlines some of the benefits manufacturers can get from social media, from LinkedIn to TikTok, and we touch on finding the right balance between relatable and professional content, how to boost your engagement, and more. Lauren also shares her top tips and ideas for the types of content that manufacturers can post, so make sure not to miss this thought-provoking discussion with The Spindle Chick, Lauren LaDell!

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#142 (Re-air) Leading Youth Into the Manufacturing Industry with Kristin Carlson

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Manufacturing is an amazing career choice and people seem not to understand that they can have a wonderful life taking up a career in this industry. Our guest today is passionate about informing kids and their parents that just because you go into a trade and start working right out of high school, does not mean that you lose the opportunity to go to college. More often than not, employers like herself want to invest in their employees and companies. Today, we welcome to the show, Kristin Carlson, who is President of Peerless Precision, Inc. in Westfield, Massachusetts. Peerless is a small, precision machine shop specializing in the manufacturing of complex mechanical components, mainly for the aerospace and defense industries. Kristin is the previous president of the Western Massachusetts chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association. She also currently serves as trustee, a member of the board, and sits on advisory/steering committees for Westfield Technical Academy’s Manufacturing Program, West Springfield High School’s Pathways to Prosperity Program, Agawam High School’s Manufacturing Program, and Forge. Kristin has extensive experience in purchasing, sales, supply chain management, and operations management. She is extremely passionate when it comes to changing the outdated narrative that encompasses manufacturing, bringing more women into manufacturing, and educating students on the many career paths and opportunities that are available in advanced manufacturing. Stay tuned for this insightful conversation as we hear all about it from Kristin herself in today’s episode.

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#207 Mindset Coaching in Manufacturing with Suzen Fiskin

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:14:32 -0000

Over 95% of what goes on in our brains is beneath our conscious level of awareness. Someone who understands this well is today’s guest, Suzen Fiskin. Suzen is a professional speaker and a pioneer in the world of coaching. With an extensive education in neurolinguistic programming (the foundation of Tony Robbins’ work) and hypnotherapy training, together with her marketing and people skills, Suzen began a new career in coaching in the early '90s. For 30 years, she has been working with clients to help them become happier, both personally and professionally, as well as more successful. She works with clients to rewire their thinking on both conscious and subconscious levels to break through old limitations and to create vastly superior results. As she is currently launching the new coaching division of TR Cutler Inc, today she joins us to talk about the incredible power of mindset coaching and how this can be harnessed for manufacturers. To discover more about the power of the unconscious mind, the vast potential of neurolinguistic programming, the secret weapon of humor, and how all this may hold the key to you becoming exponentially more successful professionally, tune in today!

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#206 Lessons from the Front End and the Back End of the Manufacturing Business with Tammy Casteel

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:05:51 -0000

Today’s guest has worked in both the front end and the back end of the manufacturing business and has gained valuable insights from both. Tammy Casteel is a plant manager for Iconex, the world's leading provider of receipt and innovative label solutions. They create value for their customers by enhancing transaction recording, ensuring order accuracy, and improving operational efficiency. Tammy has been with the company for over 13 years, working in a variety of different roles, including sales support team leader, customer service manager, North American supply chain manager, and most recently, plant manager. Today, she joins us to share what she has learned through this diverse range of experiences. Tuning in, you’ll hear about what Tammy has gained from some of her career mentors, how she manages to be an effective manager in a very male-dominated industry, and her advice to young women considering a career in manufacturing. To find out how to keep your customers happy in the face of supply chain issues, how to get the most out of your employees through gratitude, and to learn more from Tammy’s wisdom and experience, tune in today!

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#136 (Re-air) Manufacturing Professional, Plus Size Clothing with Danielle Malconian

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:11:06 -0000

Too many women blame themselves for the scarcity of well-made, professional, plus size clothing, but today’s guest is on a mission to help women feel better about themselves (and help them look fabulous in the process)! In today’s episode, Rosemary Coates interviews Danielle Malconian, President and CEO of Plus by Design and the brand, Vikki Vi. When Danielle landed a job managing the plus size clothing department at Nordstrom, she had loads of compassion for her customers. With her size 12 feet, she knew what that frustration like, to not be able to buy something that both fits well and looks good. Vikki Vi has a rich history of providing women with great-looking, comfortable clothing, and, when the original company went out of business, it made sense to Danielle to buy the label and keep it going. Listen in to hear more about her journey, the quality and construction of Vikki Vi’s “slinky” fabric, and their decision to manufacture in the US. Danielle also talks about the importance of consistency when it comes to size and how Vikki Vi hopes to combat waste in the fashion industry while creating investment pieces and options for plus-size women while still making profit. Tune in today!

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#205 Psychological Safety, Vulnerability and Inclusivity with Jean Angus

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:41:00 -0000

Welcome to a brand new episode of Women And Manufacturing. Joining us in conversation today is Jean Angus, President & CEO of Saint-Gobain Life Sciences, a global organization that designs, produces, and distributes fluid management components and systems to industries like biopharma, medical, food and bev, personal care, and chemical. Hear all about her journey working in innovation processes before her current leadership role. Hear what psychological safety means to Jean, and what she advises listeners who feel they cannot be themselves at work. She shares how she works to embrace understanding those around her in order to be more inclusive, and how she aims to engage the workforce to enable people to work best. We touch on vulnerability, staying present as a leader, and the one principle she applies to both her work and her life before Jean leaves us with a powerful piece of advice: just try! Thanks for tuning in.

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#204 Project, Contract, and Supplier Management with Angela Thurman

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 13:26:45 -0000

Today we gain insight into the topic of project, contract, and supplier management, and how they relate to small and medium-sized manufacturers. Joining us for this discussion is an expert in this field: Angela Thurman is the Principal Managing Director of Thurman Co, an organization that helps small to medium-sized companies with strategic technical project management to help them stay aligned with their goals. Angela is no stranger to contract management, having spent 10 years as a principal subcontracts program manager at Collins Aerospace and with experience negotiating $1 billion contracts. Tuning in you’ll hear about Angela’s impressive career in the aerospace industry and how she came to found her own consulting business. She touches on many different aspects of the manufacturing industry and covers helpful topics including how to overcome resistance to change through project management, how to negotiate a contract from the position of strength as a small- to medium-sized manufacturer, and how you can reap the benefits of a contract when it comes to your suppliers. For some fascinating insight from someone who is usually on the other side of the negotiating table, tune in today!

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#203 How to Support ‘Made in the USA’ with Dianna Huff

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:12:23 -0000

People often believe that supporting US manufacturers is a lot harder to do than it really is. To explain how this is easier than you think, today we are joined by Dianna Huff. Dianna is the founder and president of Huff Industrial Marketing. In this episode, she describes her long career in manufacturing and how she came to found her company. In her efforts to stimulate job creation in the USA, Dianna made a commitment to support manufacturers by buying ‘Made in the USA’ wherever possible. To encourage others to do the same she also started her blog Keep it Made in the USA. Tuning in you’ll hear about some of the services provided by Huff Industrial Marketing and what mistakes many manufacturing businesses are making when it comes to their websites and trying to attract new employees. We also discuss how the nature of jobs in the manufacturing industry has changed over the past few decades, some of the recent trends Dianna has identified in American manufacturing, and how US manufacturers are benefiting from filling in the gaps created by the supply chain issues. To hear two incredible success stories of American manufacturers and to find out what steps you can take to support more US manufacturers, tune in today!

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#202 Taking the Reins in a Multicultural, Multigenerational Family Business with Filomena Malvone

Wed, 25 May 2022 13:19:48 -0000

Changing demographics are creating new roles and leadership opportunities for women in family businesses. However, there are numerous stereotypes, unconscious gender biases, and even family traditions that can present challenges for women stepping into these positions of leadership, particularly when taking the reins in a multicultural, multigenerational family business! This has been the experience for Filomena Malvone, the Owner and Manager of Jerry & Sal’s Pizza Restaurant in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and the author of What Would You Do If…, a situational book to promote problem-solving skills among young children. Today, Lydia Di Liello sits down with Filomena to discuss some of these challenges and find out how she overcame them with determination, hard work, and finesse, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships along the way. We also touch on the value of speaking multiple languages, fostering a company culture that feels like family, and surrounding yourself with encouraging supporters, plus so much more, so make sure not to miss today’s show!

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#201 Enabling Innovation through 3D CAD Model Software with Patricia Hume

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:17:18 -0000

Today we are joined by Patricia Hume to discuss some innovative software that is helping to revolutionize 3D CAD models and their use across entire organizations. Pat is the CEO of Canvas GFX, the company responsible for the Canvas Envision. This is an interactive content and collaboration solution that empowers everyone to use 3D CAD models to share and understand essential product information with speed, ease, and precision. Today she joins us to explain what Canvas GFX does, what types of documentation can be created with it, what types of employees that can benefit from using it, and why collectively this is so revolutionary. Tuning in you’ll hear about the survey that Canvas GFX conducted among manufacturers and what they learned about documentation and its effects on the bottom line. To find out how Canvas Envision enables innovation, how it can help with employee retention, and what segment of the manufacturing industry most benefits from this product, tune in today!

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#200 Quality Inspection, Audits, and Standards in Manufacturing with Shirley Dewi

Wed, 11 May 2022 14:01:11 -0000

While quality inspection, audits, and standards in manufacturing may not be the highest items on your list of priorities, they are the backbone of a good manufacturing environment. Joining us for an important conversation on this topic is Shirley Dewi, Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance and Client Services at IAPMO, a one-stop shop for conformity assessments. Tuning in, you'll hear about IAPMO, its history, and the services the company provides. You’ll also gain an understanding of how, despite being considered a cost and a burden, conformity assessments can add a lot of value to your company. You’ll discover more about IAPMO’s global footprint, where Shirley is witnessing the development of manufacturing locations outside of China, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on manufacturers and supply chains internationally. To hear real-life examples of how the right conformity assessments can make or break your manufacturing business, tune in today!

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#199 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs with Ginger Sloan

Wed, 04 May 2022 14:04:59 -0000

When you think of the purchasing power of women and compare this with the shocking statistics of how many women are in core C-level leadership positions, it is evident that something is very wrong in the business world. Joining us to discuss this and how we can all empower female entrepreneurs and business leaders is today’s guest, Ginger Sloan. Ginger started her first business in her preteens and, while she’s had her fair share of failures along the way, today, she is an inspiring example of what women entrepreneurs can achieve. Ginger is the CEO and Founder of Encore, a professional medical services company where she has 200 women contractors working for her, most of whom are widows or single moms. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the vital role of failure in being a female entrepreneur, the importance of looking ahead not behind, and why everyone needs a mentor or a group of like-minded women to learn from. To discover some shocking statistics about women in leadership and find out how you can play your part in empowering other women entrepreneurs and equality in business leadership, make sure not to miss this inspirational and empowering conversation!

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#198 Intelligence, Resources, and Data for the Manufacturing Industry with Cathy Ma

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:29:26 -0000

Today’s guest believes that manufacturing plays a vital role in creating new technologies to build a better world. Cathy Ma is the VP of Platform Growth and Engagement at ThomasNet, now owned by Xometry. She is passionate about using information, research, and knowledge to help all manufacturers, big or small, to thrive. Tuning in, you’ll hear about how Thomas, as a leading source for industrial resourcing, is an asset to the manufacturing industry. Cathy explains that apart from helping manufacturers get suppliers in a fast and reliable way, Thomas also collects audience intelligence and disseminates helpful information, resources, and data to free members. You’ll hear about the research that Thomas is currently conducting, and some of the trends that they have identified. You’ll also learn how Thomas is supporting American manufacturers, how their technology can help you overcome labor shortages, and how it can help you find alternate suppliers in the face of supply chain challenges. To find out how Thomas is democratizing manufacturing capacity for all, what’s next for the company, and how to become part of the Thomas community to benefit from its initiatives, tune in today!

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#197 How Technology is Streamlining Manufacturing Processes with Annika Hultqvist

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:58:17 -0000

Technology touches nearly every part of the manufacturing process today and, with the right solutions, any manufacturer can significantly accelerate productivity, streamline production, and see the kinds of efficiencies your organization needs to take it to the next level! In this episode of Women and Manufacturing, Rosemary Coates speaks to Vice President of Information Technology at Sandvik Coromant, Annika Hultqvist, about how they are using IT functions and systems to support their manufacturing processes. With a background in computer engineering and IT consultancy, Annika shares some insight into her role as VP of IT at Sandvik Coromant, a world-leading supplier of tools and tooling solutions to the metalworking industry. We discuss the globally integrated ERP system that Annika is putting in place, how Sandvik is using Agile processes and techniques to prioritize end-user value and the ways that digital tools can improve training and onboarding, as well as the power of AI and digital machining to support decision making, plus so much more! Make sure not to miss this informative episode!

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#196 Future Mavens of Manufacturing with Meaghan Ziemba

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 16:14:53 -0000

In today’s episode, Fran Brunelle is joined by brand storyteller and manufacturing marketer, Meaghan Ziemba, to celebrate women in manufacturing from the shop floor to the c-suite! Meaghan has been writing about manufacturing since 2008 and hosts a live broadcast video series called Mavens of Manufacturing, which focuses on women in the sector. Its mission is to attract younger generations to join manufacturing or engineering career paths and to help close the skills gap. In this episode, Meaghan shares what inspired her to start Mavens of Manufacturing, the importance of hearing the stories of women in manufacturing, and how she hopes to set new standards for American manufacturing and change the world, one video at a time! Tune in today to discover the value of actively promoting manufacturing to future generations of leaders and skilled talent, including girls and women in community outreach efforts, and so much more!

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#195 Leading with Candor and Integrity with Tracy Albert

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:23:10 -0000

In today’s episode of Women and Manufacturing, Frances Brunelle speaks with Tracy Albert, Co-Owner and Accounting Manager of Gambit Machining in Alberta, Canada, which specializes in small, precision, tight tolerance parts for critical use in no-fail industries, including instrumentation, energy, defense, medical, transportation, and more. Tracy joined Gambit in 2002 in an entry-level accounting role. After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Administration-Accounting from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), she took on more responsibility at the company and began to make valuable contributions to the process of continual improvement and, as a result, she became part of the ownership group in 2010. Tuning in, you’ll find out how Tracy's portfolio has grown over the past 20 years to include payroll, HR, health and safety, marketing, and business development, and she shares what influenced her decision to lead with candor and integrity, despite some of the challenges that come with being the only woman in the boardroom. We also touch on the power of support, attracting and retaining talent, and much more, so make sure not to miss today’s conversation with Tracy Albert!

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#194 Sourcing and Manufacturing in China with Jennifer Clement

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:10:21 -0000

Today’s guest is Jennifer Clement, and she joins us to speak about sourcing and manufacturing in China. Jennifer is the President of Complete Holdings and the US Partner of Complete Manufacturing and Distribution, also known as CMD in China. CMD provides boots-on-the-ground support for clients who manufacture in China when it comes to working with a factory network, managing quality control and diversifying a supply base. Jennifer begins by laying out her experience in the manufacturing industry and describing her most recent role with CMD, for which she has been based in Shanghai since 2015. From there, we talk about how CMD works with clients to develop a business case for sourcing a manufacturing location, where they consider variables such as labor, availability of natural resources, and tariffs. In our conversation, we also speak about the different regions in China and the goods they specialize in manufacturing when it makes sense to manufacture in other parts of the globe. We also discuss how CMD is assisting clients in an environment defined by major challenges around material availability, quality control, and supply chain functioning. For all this and more, tune in today.

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#193 Promoting Lifelong Learning in Manufacturing with Melody Miller

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:16:57 -0000

In our hyperconnected and ever-changing world, it’s essential to keep learning and upskilling. In fact, today’s guest believes that manufacturing leaders have a responsibility to actively promote continuous learning and expose younger generations to career opportunities in manufacturing by making education part of what we do on a daily basis. In today's episode of Women and Manufacturing, Lydia Di Liello speaks with Melody Miller, President of BeaconMedaes USA, about her passion for lifelong learning. BeaconMedaes, which is part of the Atlas Copco Group, is a leading specialist in the design, education, supply, and installation of piped medical gas distribution systems. Tuning in, you’ll find out about BeaconMedaes’ online learning platform and how they prioritize agility, digital transformation, and continuous feedback from customers in their daily operations, and Melody shares her perspective on making manufacturing ‘sexy’ again, plus so much more! We hope you’ll join us.

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#192 Understanding the Power of Sustainable Industry Growth with Samantha Tollworthy

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:59:32 -0000

With 100 billion items produced every year, it’s no surprise that the fashion industry is known as the second most polluting industry on the planet. From the crops grown and processed to the dyeing and transportation involved, Samantha Tollworthy — founder of USA-made sock company Teddy Locks — is working to reduce that fashion footprint by building a fully sustainable, high-quality hosiery brand.

Today, WAM host Frances Brunelle sits down with Samantha to learn why she left her dream job to chase her passion for sustainability and why she chooses to work directly with the supply chain, running her entire company from North Carolina. They also touch on the delicate balance between motherhood and brand ownership, especially when Samantha’s daughter and sock brand were born around the same time and at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before Teddy Locks, Samantha was a Marine Biologist and Wildlife TV Producer. Her motivation in founding the Green America certified sock brand was to help fight climate change and the war on waste. Building Teddy Locks from the fiber up, Samantha and the brand have now recycled more than 14,000 plastic bottles by turning them into luxuriously soft socks.

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#191 Moving the World of Supply Chain Forward with Lora Cecere

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:37:53 -0000

Some of the biggest challenges through the last two years have been closely connected to issues in the supply chain. The playing field has definitely changed and here to help us better understand this, and share some insight into how we can build better systems, more suited to the current landscape is Lora Cecere. Lora is the Founder of Supply Chain Insights, through which she helps leaders take their supply chain teams to the next level! She is also the brains behind the blog ‘Supply Chain Shaman’, a thought-leader, strategist, and researcher. In our conversation with Lora today, we get some context and history from her, and how she worked her way up to founding her firm. She talks about her studies and the array of different companies she worked with before starting Supply Chain Insights. From there, Lora shares her thoughts on the important lessons we can learn from the recent instability and issues, and weighs in on how we can re-mold our new systems to better suit the needs of the industry. We discuss bringing AI and ML into the conversation around data, and why bidirectional orchestration can make such a big difference to how we interact with complex systems. To hear all this and more from a true expert in the field of supply chain, be sure to join us on Women and Manufacturing!

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#190 Designing for Quality with Lucia Falek

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:29:19 -0000

Despite outdated beliefs that still persist about the role of the quality department in an organization, the entire manufacturing team, from operators to team leaders, is responsible for ensuring the quality of a product is upheld. After 38 years working in the food manufacturing industry, todays’ guest, Lucia Falek, is an authority on this topic! Lucia’s interest in manufacturing began at the age of six when she went on a tour at Ford Motor Company. Upon graduating with a food science degree, Lucia began a journey of flavor creation and building a quality mindset, which has culminated in her current role in the R&D department at Butterball Farms (which has nothing to do with Turkey and everything to do with butter!). We discuss the importance of designing for manufacturability from the get-go, and an example of what can go wrong if quality control is done too late in the process. Lucia also shares some of the exciting products that she is working on at the moment and the unique role that she believes women play in the manufacturing sector.

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#189 Starting from the Ground Up with Nicole Wolter

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:26:02 -0000

In today’s episode, Frances Brunelle speaks with Nicole Wolter from HM Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of turnkey power transmission components for a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, marine, packaging, and more! Since starting at HM Manufacturing in 2009, when she left her successful finance career to join the family business, Nicole has overseen a complete renovation of the company's technology and manufacturing processes. In addition to the redesign of HM’s manufacturing strategies, the company has added several new technologies, including a new ERP system. Nicole has also been instrumental in expanding HM’s marketing and social media presence in an effort to broaden its reach, increase sales, and instill a team mentality amongst employees. Within six years, Nicole’s efforts increased sales from $80,000 to more than $3 million and, today, she leads HM Manufacturing as President and CEO. Tuning in, you’ll learn how Nicole started from the ground up, gaining extensive machining experience before stepping into a leadership position, and how she is nurturing young talent and closing the skills gap by developing manufacturing programs at the high school level. We also touch on using social media to attract new talent and how Nicole’s dad went viral on TikTok, plus so much more, so make sure to tune in today!

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#188 Leading a 100% Woman-Owned Manufacturing Business with Jill Cavano

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:35:00 -0000

In today’s episode of Women and Manufacturing, Rosemary Coates speaks with Jill Cavano, the President and Owner of Scranton Associates. Founded in 1919, Scranton Associates is a family business that has been manufacturing private label water treatment chemicals in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, for over 100 years. In 2016, Jill bought all of the family members out, making her the sole owner and making Scranton Associates a 100 percent woman-owned manufacturing business. Jill has been a custom chemical blender, predominately for the water treatment industry, for the past 22 years. She is a long-time member and sponsor of The Association of Water Technologies (AWT), a member of the AWT Young Professionals Group and the AWT Business Resources Committee, and an active member of the Cleveland Chemical Association (CCA). She is also an active member of the Rising Tide Mastermind Group, which is a peer-to-peer mentoring group for executives in the water treatment industry. In this episode, she shares some practical tips for women in business, outlines some of the challenges she has encountered on her journey to becoming a business owner and explains how she overcame them. You’ll also find out how Scranton Associates addressed supply chain issues as a result of COVID-19, why Jill believes in making her employees feel like they’re all in it together, the value of having an exit strategy, as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with other business owners. For all this and so much more, tune in today!

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#187 Steel Toes and Stilettos: A Conversation with Kathy Miller and Shannon Karels

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 20:34:47 -0000

What started as a simple borrowing of steel toe boots years ago has turned into a lifelong friendship and a published book between Kathy Miller and Shannon Karels. With their extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, leadership, and operations, Kathy and Shannon wanted to share their experiences with other women looking to pursue similar careers. This is how Steel Toes and Stilettos: A True Story of Women Manufacturing Leaders and Lean Transformation Success was born.

In today’s WAM podcast, host Lydia DiLiello sits down with Kathy and Shannon to discuss the book and their individual trials and triumphs working on opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum. They also share their unique experiences working alongside and gaining knowledge from men in the field, as well as their beliefs that lean methodology and inclusive workplace culture are what will help drive competitiveness against foreign suppliers.

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#186 Bringing Sales Back Into the Manufacturing Conversation with Lindsay Duran

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:13:00 -0000

Increasing sales is a top priority in every business, right? Well, the manufacturing business is no different, but you’d be surprised how many businesses are making it far too complicated for themselves and aren’t taking advantage of readily available data! In this episode, Lydia DiLiello speaks with Lindsay Duran, Chief Marketing Officer of Zilliant, about bringing sales back into our conversations within manufacturing. Lindsay is responsible for accelerating growth strategies, demand generation, product marketing, corporate communications, sales enablement, and market positioning, and she is also the co-host of the Zilliant podcast, B2B Reimagined. Today, you’ll learn how you can use data to more effectively price and sell your products, as well as the benefits of digital transformation and implementing proper data hygiene practices. Her advice: don’t just give your salespeople reports; give them specific insights backed by data! Tune in for more practical insights and words of wisdom from sales expert, Lindsay Duran!

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#185 Your Guide to Decoding Silicon Valley with Michelle Lane Messina

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:45:35 -0000

Do you want to learn about Silicon Valley best practices for growing and scaling companies, the Valley’s unique vantage point for evaluating startups, and what rules can and should be broken in the course of building a global business? Well, this is the episode for you! Today, Rosemary Coates speaks with Michelle Lane Messina, CEO of Explora International, about the best practices of Silicon Valley and how you can apply them to your business. Michelle is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader, a member of the Startup Chile Board, and the co-author of the bestselling book, Decoding Silicon Valley: The Insider’s Guide. Tuning in, you’ll discover how to create a valuable feedback loop with your market, find ways to collaborate, and ask the right questions to filter through the ‘happy talk’, plus so much more. Make sure not to miss this conversation for colorful stories, surprising anecdotes, and telling insights about what really happens in Silicon Valley!

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#184 Looking Into the Future with Alison Walker

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 17:10:45 -0000

Statistics show that 80 percent of the information we receive comes through our eyes. This fact is key to the most significant developments in intralogistics. Picavi is the perfect symbiosis of modern technology and natural movement, using smart glasses for visual guidance and creating useful intelligence to reduce worker fatigue and increase efficiencies. In today’s episode, Lydia DiLiello speaks with Alison Walker, Head of Marketing for Picavi, about the smart technology products that Picavi provides and how their wearable solutions can assist you in navigating supply chain interruptions and improving warehouse workflow. We also touch on the opportunities available for women in supply chain and logistics and the importance of mentorship programs for women in STEM, plus so much more! To learn more about how Picavi is looking into the future, be sure not to miss this informative conversation!

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#183 Playing to Your Strengths with Belinda Donavant

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:50:00 -0000

In today’s episode of Women in Manufacturing, Frances Brunelle speaks with Belinda Donavant, Senior Director of Engineering for Canon Virginia, Inc. Since opening its doors in 1985, Canon has made substantial capital investments of over $700 million in five facilities, totaling two million square feet and employing over 2,000 people. Belinda has an electrical engineering background and has held a variety of different positions with Canon, including in the product engineering, business development, and industrial engineering and innovation departments, some of which we dive into in today’s episode. We also touch on the criteria that Canon Virginia Inc. looks for in its suppliers, how those correlate with the qualities of a successful manufacturing business, and how the engineering and manufacturing fields can attract more women, and Belinda shares her advice for young women in the industry: play to your strengths! Tune in today to hear some valuable insights and so much more from an inspiring leader who is passionate about manufacturing!

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#182 Transforming Experts into Leaders with Susan Schwartz

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:23:39 -0000

No matter how advanced technology becomes, people will always be at the heart of every business. Yet, soft skills, are commonly overlooked because hard skills and technical expertise are deemed to be more valuable. Through her work, Susan Schwartz, our guest today, looks to tackle this issue. She is the President of Birch River Group, a consultancy that transforms industry experts into emotionally intelligent leaders. As an experienced consultant, Susan has worked in highly technical sectors, where she saw the need for those who had graduated from experts to leaders to hone their leadership skills. Although many people are innate leaders, Susan believes that it is a competency the overwhelming majority can master. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be an emotionally intelligent leader, along with the value of being vulnerable when leading a team. You will never know all the answers, which is why it is vital to understand how to bring out the strengths of those around you. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from an expert to a leader, some of the techniques and methods Susan uses with her clients, and the value of those who do not want to be leaders. Tune in to hear it all!

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#181 Investing in Infrastructure for the Future with Emily Feenstra

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:47:00 -0000

In today’s episode of Women and Manufacturing, Frances Brunelle speaks with Emily Feenstra, the Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Emily leads the division responsible for government affairs, media relations, and infrastructure policy for the society, including ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card, which we learn more about in today’s episode. She also serves on the board of advisors for the Eno Center for Transportation and the Innovative Infrastructure Initiative. In today’s episode, Emily elaborates on why we should be investing in infrastructure for the future and some of the negative implications for America’s economic growth if we continue with the status quo as it is. We touch on Emily’s role as a storyteller, the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and how manufacturers can benefit from it, plus so much more! Tune in today.

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#180 How Social Media Can Help You Grow Your Manufacturing Business with Chelsea Sutton

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:51:59 -0000

In today’s episode, Frances Brunelle speaks with US Army veteran and Co-Owner of Smith Metal and Sutton Machining, Chelsea Sutton, about how manufacturing businesses can use social media to attract new customers and promote their services or products. As with all small business owners, Chelsea wears multiple hats, acting as head of business development, marketing, and public relations at Smith Metal and Sutton Machining, which offer services in CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM, 3D printing, surface grinding, welding, and fabrication. Tuning in, you’ll hear how Chelsea expanded through acquisition during COVID and lost nearly half of her customer base as a result of shutdowns due to the pandemic. She shares how she used social media to attract new customers and boost business, as well as her advice for manufacturers who hope to do the same, plus so much more! Make sure to tune in today.

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#179 Driving Change in the Engineering Field with Cheryl Texin

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 19:02:00 -0000

When working on mission-critical assets, quality and reliability are imperative, but how do you leverage a client's experience and respect the integrity of the system while also introducing valuable new technology and ideas? In today’s episode of Women and Manufacturing, Rosemary Coates speaks to Cheryl Texin, an award-winning Principal Systems R&D Engineer for the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Business Unit at NI and the President of the Austin Section for the Society of Women Engineers. Cheryl shares her perspective on being a catalyst for change, not only creating value by implementing new technology within government systems but also by maintaining a strong voice as a woman in a male-populated industry like engineering, particularly in the military space. We touch on the benefit of building a network of support, how the SWE drives change in the engineering industry through awards and speaking opportunities, and how Cheryl is thinking about leadership and development in the future. Plus, she shares her advice for other women engineers: don’t be afraid to communicate what you want! Tune in today to learn more!

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#178 The Role of Social Media in Manufacturing with Frances Brunelle and Charli K. Matthews

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:05:00 -0000

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#177 Guiding Manufacturers Through Change with Cindy Oehmigen

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:52:42 -0000

Today, Rosemary Coates speaks with Cindy Oehmigen, the Director of Energy and Corporate Services at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, which is also known as MACNY. Cindy has worked with numerous manufacturing companies during her 30-year career, guiding them through change, creating team environments, reducing costs, and developing staff potential. In this episode, she emphasizes the importance of building a strong network and the benefits that the MACNY apprenticeship program offers aspiring manufacturers. We discuss how MACNY has assisted manufacturers through the unpredictability of COVID-19 and both disseminates and gathers important information about community health and vaccinations, and Cindy shares her perspective on the essential place that women occupy in manufacturing. She also leaves us with some pertinent advice for young women in the industry: don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and think laterally to get ahead! For all this and so much more, make sure to tune in today.

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#176 Forging Forward in the Food Industry with Nikki Lamb

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:11:00 -0000

Today, host Lydia Di Liello speaks with the President of Harvest Specialty Foods, Nikki Lamb, about her journey into the food manufacturing industry and what she has learned along the way. Business development and relationship building are some of Nikki’s greatest strengths, and she has a keen sense of tying together fruitful relationships that align to fulfill a clear vision. In this episode, Nikki elaborates on the trajectory of her career in manufacturing, starting with FormulaNow, an on-demand liquid concentrate dispensing system for baby formula that she founded and developed, and the power of failing forward. We also touch on the value of being the expert, owning your mistakes, and sharing the story of your products, as well as what Nikki means when she urges women in manufacturing to just “get in the room!” This conversation is filled with nuggets of information and inspiration, so make sure to tune in today!

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#175 Attracting More Talent to Manufacturing with Lisa Ryan

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:08:00 -0000

Lisa Ryan is an award-winning speaker, podcast host, and the author of more than 10 books, including one that every manufacturer on the planet should read, Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Talent in Your Industry. As the Founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist of Grategy, Lisa’s programs focus on positive workplace culture, intergenerational communication, employee acquisition, engagement, retention, and gratitude strategies (or ‘grategies’) for personal and professional development. In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about Lisa’s career path, her personal manufacturing experience, and her strategies for attracting and retaining talent using the acronym, THANKS. We also touch on the importance of building relationships between tenured workers and new recruits, using automation as a recruiting tool, and why prioritizing basic human connection is more important than throwing money at the problem. Tune in today to learn more!

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#174 The Evolution of the Textile and Garment Industry with Eileen Small

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 13:53:00 -0000

Since Eileen Small entered the textile and garment industries in the 1980’s, a lot has changed. When she started out, close to 90% of garment manufacturing took place in the USA and today this number has dropped to less than 10%. Furthermore, technology has made the world a much smaller place, and a more entrepreneurial one, and sustainability and transparency have become vital to staying relevant. In today’s episode, Eileen gives us an inside look at what it was like sourcing piece goods (commonly known as fabrics) from all over the world in her twenties, and the nuances that exist within the textile and garment industries. As a trade show veteran, Eileen also has valuable advice to share about how to get the most out of these events, and what you can expect from some of the upcoming ones that are going to be held in the near future. The textile and apparel industries have some of the most responsive and attentive supply chains of all manufacturing sectors, and you will have a greater appreciation for the apparel that clothes you after listening to this episode!

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#173 Changing Roles: Life-Work Balance Is the New Work-Life Balance

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:11:00 -0000

This week on WAM, host Lydia DiLiello is joined by the dynamic professional powerhouse and former Senior Director of Nike, Sarah Walton! During her 15-year career in Corporate America, Sarah worked in 10+ functions, proving herself to be an asset to any team, which successfully landed her roles at some of the largest global brands, including Target.

In the episode, Lydia and Sarah discuss Sarah’s decision to part ways with the corporate world in pursuit of a more flexible schedule and new passions, including Bettrmeant — her soon-to-be-launched professional consulting, advising, and coaching startup. As a part of today’s “Great Resignation” period, Sarah delves into what repositioning her work-life balance as life-work balance looks like, and how to transform the trajectory of your career to build a happier life.

Sarah Walton is also a Corporate Director on the Miller Paint Company board, a mother of two, and a graduate of Wellesley College where she played collegiate-level volleyball.

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#172 Creating an Innovative Culture that will Make People Stay with Cara Macklin

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:52:00 -0000

In light of the current climate and the effects of the COVID pandemic, the entrepreneurs of today and going forward, are going to need to have a very different skill set to what was required even five years ago. Today we talk to Cara Macklin, a business coach and the founder and CEO of Caram, a success coaching firm. Cara is a serial entrepreneur and a leading businesswoman in Northern Ireland. She was the director for 15 years of a multi-million, and multi-award-winning hospitality and healthcare group, growing it from three businesses with only 200 employees to seven businesses with over 600 employees. She is renowned for helping entrepreneurs to achieve meaningful change and sustained growth. Cara believes that creating an innovative culture is key to the success of businesses in this current time. In this episode, she explains that people are no longer happy to sit on the sidelines and be told what to do, they want to be involved in the progress and success of a business and that the most important thing for the happiness of people is the leadership at every level. Listening in you’ll hear what innovative culture is, as well as how to engage people properly and bring them along with you as a leader. Tune in today to find out what an entrepreneur should be doing to create a culture that makes people want to stay!

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#171 The Foundations of a Strong Family Business with Bridget Jaeger

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:49:00 -0000

Today we get to have an amazing conversation with the Chief Operating Officer of CH Technologies, Bridget Jaeger! The company is dedicated to equipping its clients with a responsive source for cutting-edge inhalation and particle exposure systems, which can be custom-tailored to specific needs. In our chat today, we hear from Bridget about the work that the company has been occupied with since the advent of the pandemic, how COVID-19 has impacted their market, some thoughts on masks and air filtration, and a lot more about their specific products! Bridget also sheds some light on the ins and out of the company, touching on its foundation as a family-run business, and how she likes to keep this ethos alive as COO. She talks about the legacy of her father's leadership style and emphasis on giving and also shares her reflections on how her mother's attitude influenced her mentality as a woman in a male-dominated space. So for all this and more from a wonderful guest, listen in!

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#170 Oil and Gas in Uganda with Benita Bageire

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:26:23 -0000

Today’s guest is from a country that many people probably know little about. Uganda, situated on the African continent, was one of Africa’s first countries to have a female vice president, is one of only a few countries in the world which has a ministry dedicated solely to women’s issues, and as recently as 2006, found oil. Today’s guest, Benita Bageire, has tapped into the huge potential of this discovery. Despite her lack of formal education in relation to the oil and gas industry, and old-fashioned practices which present a major challenge to women looking to acquire commercial funding, Benita founded Albertine Oil and Gas Services in 2016 and received the Upstream Oil and Gas Women of the Year Award in 2019. In this episode, you’ll hear more about what makes Uganda such a wonderful place, what the country’s oil and gas industry currently looks like, and its big plans for the future!

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#169 Step Ahead in Garment Manufacturing with Gabrielle Ferrara

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:58:00 -0000

Manufacturing garments for the likes of Ralph Lauren to the United States Coast Guard, our guest today is also the recipient of the Step Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute. Today we welcome to the show, Gabrielle Ferrara. Gabrielle is the Chief Operating Officer at Ferrara Manufacturing, a family-owned and operated, American garment manufacturer company founded in 1987. The company is located in Manhattan’s Garment District and specializes in high-end, tailored, goods production. Gabrielle leads the company’s strategic development, integration of new technologies, and day-to-day operations. Her work supports tailored goods production for prestigious organizations such as Ralph Lauren, The Purple Label, and many more. Join us as we dive into a great conversation with Gabrielle about her company, how she stepped into her role and pivoted the company into COVID-related PPE manufacturing. She also shares with us her passion for garment manufacturing in the United States, women in manufacturing and supply chain, and how they’re impacting, engaging, and setting up exposure opportunities in their community. Stay tuned for all this, and more!

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#168 The Power of Workplace Adaptation and Employee Advocacy, with Eileen Guarino

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 16:06:00 -0000

In this episode, WAM host Rosemary Coates sits down with Eileen P. Guarino, the CEO of Greno Industries Inc. — a machine shop based in upstate New York that has evolved to become a trusted manufacturer of machine parts, which serve a wide range of industries, including several Fortune 500 companies.

After taking over for her father, who founded the company in 1961, Eileen swiftly instilled her fresh yet informed perspective to Greno Industries, Inc. This allowed her to adapt Greno to an ever-changing industry, which included many workplace challenges of the global pandemic. In terms of women in the workplace, Eileen recently saw Greno receive a Certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations and a valuable networking partner for Greno.

Throughout the episode, Rosemary and Eileen touch on the skilled labor shortage in the United States, what it's like to be a small business competing with global outsourcing, and how Greno Industries Inc. adapted to the lack of face-to-face interactions with customers and the supply chain during the global pandemic.

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#167 Why You Should Get on Board with Gen Z: A Conversation with Rachel Snyder

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:33:27 -0000

On today’s episode, we speak with Rachel Snyder, an employee at TR Cutler Inc. who recently published an article in Manufacturing Outlook magazine on why it is so important to embrace Gen Z in the world. She brings us up to speed with the biggest platforms that Gen Zs use, and why, if companies want to recruit Gen Zs, they need to get on board. Rachel informs us that about 85 percent of Gen Zs learn about new products solely through social media, and gives us the temperature on how involved employers should get with Gen Z lingo. Next, we dive into the role of inclusivity as an important value for Gen Z, touch on cancel culture, and how Rachel’s generation works smarter, not harder. You’ll also hear some tips on how to make Z’s feel valued, how to deliver criticism, the importance of maintaining values that will keep Z’s from leaving the company, and how Rachel’s boss, Tom, has taught her to have confidence and communicate her boundaries within the workplace at TR Cutler Inc. We hope you join us to hear more about how to maximize your Gen Z employees’ output and workplace satisfaction today!

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#166 Enhancing Manufacturing Productivity through Software with Deb Geiger

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:07:00 -0000

Today on the Women and Manufacturing Podcast, we talk about how the right software systems can greatly improve productivity. We are joined by Deb Geiger, the VP of global marketing at Aegis Software. Founded in 1997 by two manufacturing engineers, Aegis has over 20 years of experience providing world-class software to customers around the globe, spanning more than 2200 factories sites across the electronics, medical, automotive, military, and aerospace industries. Today Deb introduces us to the truly unique and highly adaptive manufacturing operations management platform that Aegis supplies. Through their FactoryLogix system, they provide industry 4.0 capabilities out of the box for manufacturers of all sizes, without requiring armies of engineers to customize that system for agility and adaptability. Listening in, you’ll hear how this software differs from an ERP system, the types of data their ontological data system produces, and how it contextualizes data in a meaningful way. Find out how the right software can help your company with regulatory compliance, greatly minimize the impact of a recall, enable a high level of personalization for the demands of your customers, and greatly enhance workforce productivity.

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#165 Breaking New Frontiers with Aidan Madigan-Curtis

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:56:00 -0000

On today’s episode, Linda Rigano speaks with a true frontierswoman and inspiring leader in world-class tech. You’ll hear about her background, growing up in the Rocky Mountains, and the powerful role her strong single mother had as a role model in her life. We touch on the core values taught to her in childhood that have made her who she is today, and the logical framework of asking what can be done to change what doesn’t feel right that forms the basis of her work today. She goes on to tell us how seeing first-hand the disconnect between policy and real-life inspired her to pursue an education in how things really worked. We delve into Aidan’s studies and what sparked her interest in working at Apple before she tells us what she loved about her experience there. Next, she tells about her six-year journey with Samsara and the mix of real-world operating experience and manufacturing knowledge she has acquired. She also shares the best advice she’s received, who she considers to be her biggest source of inspiration, and why she would choose flying if she could pick any superpower. We hope you join us for an action-filled episode today!

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#164 Enterprise Software for Project-Based Businesses with Shina Neo

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:37:20 -0000

Project-based businesses have unique challenges that are very different from traditional service industries. While many project businesses use traditional ERP systems, they don't really work for them because they are not built with projects in mind. Today we chat with Shina Neo, editorial director and media relations specialist at Adeaca. She explains the relatively new term of ‘project business’ and Adeaca’s role as innovators in this field. The mission of Adeaca is to make enterprise software work for project-based businesses. They built the first project business automation system that unifies all project business functions into one system that works seamlessly in real-time. Shina explains how Adeaca’s solution works alongside traditional ERP systems to tailor to the unique needs of project businesses in the manufacturing world to help govern cost, risk, and delivery. Shina also chats about her role as a ‘project business evangelist’, the importance of identifying yourself as a project business, and why you should be seeking solutions tailored specifically towards project businesses. She also provides helpful advice for content creation and using it to establish yourself as a thought leader. Tune in today for all this and more!

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#163 Building to Sell with Michelle Seiler Tucker

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Michelle Seiler Tucker has personally sold over 500 companies, with the tally reaching over a thousand with her Mergers and Acquisitions Firm. She has spoken all over the United States and Canada, and written three books on the subject, and considers entrepreneurship to be her passion, and her mission in life. In today’s episode, she tells us about her background as an entrepreneur, and how she responded to the low national success rate of business sales by building a firm that buys, sells, fixes, and grows companies. Michelle talks us through the Six P’s: people, product, processes, proprietary, patrons, and profit, and introduces us to three transformational questions: what business are you in, what business do you think you’re in, and what business should you be in? Next, Michelle warns us of the dangers of only having one profit center, and uses the McDonald’s story as an example of the benefit of having multiple revenue streams, before urging business owners to move from a transactional to a transformational approach in order to grow. We talk about the value of creating a consistent customer experience, and Michelle tells us why manufacturing is one of the hottest industries to sell. Then, she launches into the six pillars of proprietary: branding, trademark, patents, contracts, databases, and IP real estate. Lacking in profits is always a symptom, and never the problem; Michelle tells us why, and runs us through the GPS exit model, which calls us to have a destination, start with the end in mind, and pick a number. In closing, Michelle tells us about the five different buyers we are likely to encounter in manufacturing. We hope you join us for an incredibly informative and practical episode today!

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#162 Unpacking the Loan Process with SBA Lender-Turned-Expert, Michelle Orr

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:53:00 -0000

Today on the Women and Manufacturing Podcast, we delve into the subject of SBA lending. Fran Brunelle is joined by Michelle Orr of Live Oak Bank, the number one SBA lender in the nation for the past three years in a row and a great option for financing M&A deals. Michelle comes to Live Oak with 22 years of experience in SBA lending. In the last 11 years alone, she has closed over $185 million in SBA loans. She is one of the best in the industry and, today, she is going to tackle some of your many questions on the subject. Find out why Live Oak is different from other SBA lenders, what being a preferred lender nationwide means for your loan, and how Live Oak’s limits on goodwill differ from other banks. Hear about what you can expect when applying for an SBA loan, what funds you should have beyond a down payment before applying, and how you can prepare for the due diligence process. Given that this is such a good time to acquire, make sure to tune in today!

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#161 Using Your Unique Skillset to Excel at Project Management with Daisie Hobson

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 18:23:00 -0000

The role of a project manager in any kind of business is absolutely essential. Today’s guest, Daisie Hobson, is a structural and process engineering but, unlike most engineers, she is a huge people person. She has found a niche for herself working as an independent consultant in a customer support role with new products as a project manager. On today’s episode, she tells us how she entered into the field of project management while working in the Peace Corps in Mexico. She explains how her unique skillset has served her in her role, and walks us through some of her favorite tools. Daisie goes on to demystify the Agile and Waterfall approaches and how they differ, tells us why customer support is so important, and what she considers to be the most important skills for a project manager to have. We close our episode with some thoughts on how to transition from your existing role into a project management role. We hope you join us for some practical insights and to soak up some of Daisie’s contagious enthusiasm today!

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#160 Don't Let Goals Intimidate You, Chase Them: A Conversation with Nicole Glenn

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:51:00 -0000

Born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Nicole Glenn is no stranger to the engineering and manufacturing fields. She grew up in a home filled with inspiration from her engineer father and her hardworking mother who ran a Scholastic warehouse. Surrounded by such accomplished figures ultimately attributed to Nicole’s personal love of learning and drive, which she has carried with her over the years.

In addition to these passions, Nicole has always enjoyed helping other individuals and companies push forward, grow, and succeed. This has led her to help develop sales and operations teams for various freight shipping companies.

Being such an incredibly bright, passionate woman, it’s no surprise that Nicole is a master juggler — building a company, raising a family, and mentoring many women and men across the industry. Living and leading by Steve Jobs quote, “The only way to do good work is to love what you do,” Nicole has accomplished tremendous success. Today, she serves as the owner and CEO of Candor Expedite — a woman-owned and operated delivery service provider and white glove B2B company, the founder and panelist of LLC- Ladies Leadership Coalition podcast, and was a 2021 finalist for the Women in Trucking’s Distinguished Women in Logistics Award.

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#159 The Future of Robotics: Autonomous Solutions with Maggie Oltarzewski of Balyo

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:26:00 -0000

Today on The WAM Podcast, host Frances Brunelle of Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers interviews Maggie Oltarzewski, the Sales and Marketing Engineer for Balyo AGV Systems. Balyo is a company doing some truly incredible things in the tech industry, having a unique intelligence technology that turns standard electric trucks into standalone intelligent robots. Maggie talks about the partnerships that they've established for the manufacturing of their robots, as well as the autonomous transformation that's currently going on and how it's allowing companies to scale at a faster rate.

Maggie also talks about when she developed an interest in robotics, and how that transformed into the current position she is. She has spent several years on the installation of things as a field engineer throughout the US, but is now working to develop new products on the pre-sales side of things in her current role of Sales and Marketing Engineer. She also talks about the synergy of the two roles and how they're working to provide powerful solutions in the robotics space. Tune in today to hear her incredible story!

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#158 American Manufacturing, Entrepreneurship and Sand Scarcity with Cynthia Andela

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:07:25 -0000

In today’s episode of the Women and Manufacturing Podcast, host Rosemary Coates speaks with Cynthia Andela, an engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of two companies Andela Products and Ruby Lake Glass. In our conversation, we talk with Cynthia about striking out on her own to become an entrepreneur and leaving the comfort of her corporate career. We discuss Cynthia’s companies and how she was able to find a specific niche in glass recycling and processing. Cynthia offers a detailed breakdown of the machinery her company designs and why they chose to keep their manufacturing entirely based in America. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the many uses of glass and sand, as well as key insights into how the demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing is on the rise! For all this and much more, join us today!

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#157 Gender Equity, Equal Pay, and Making Manufacturing More Appealing to Women: A Conversation with Laura Putre

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:21:00 -0000

In today’s episode of the Women and Manufacturing Podcast, host Linda Rigano sits down with Laura Putre, award-winning journalist and Senior Editor at IndustryWeek, to discuss the challenges women face in manufacturing and her first-hand experience of raising a family while also managing a very demanding career. Laura manages a network of 200 plus contributors and covers leadership in manufacturing and reporting on professionals who are changing the industry. Tuning in, you’ll hear a bit more about Laura’s personal journey, the advances and challenges she has witnessed in the manufacturing industry, and how employers can better appeal to women, as well as her advice for manufacturers wanting to promote diversity. Make sure not to miss this empowering and insightful conversation!

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#156 Being a Leader in Automation with Daniela Dubois

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:45:00 -0000

Daniela Dubois is a Product Manager at Engineering Intent — the world’s leading provider of enterprise and engineering automation tools and solutions, and the developer of Knowledge Bridge. Knowledge Bridge is a cloud-based application that allows engineering companies to capture engineering rules to then share with their organization. In this episode, Daniela dives into how Knowledge Bridge works — from the way it helps companies adapt to specific client needs and communicate more effectively to how it allows them to engineer products faster and access the platform from anywhere in the world. With more than 14 years of experience in engineering automation development, product and project management, and strategic planning of automation development, Daniela brings a fresh perspective to the manufacturing and engineering fields.

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#155 Drones, Composites, and Leadership - A Conversation with Dr. Tulinda Larsen

Wed, 26 May 2021 18:46:39 -0000

After working as an economist in the aerospace industry for 40+ years, Dr. Tulinda Deegan Larsen transitioned to a startup that helped commercial airlines improve on their time performance through use of a cloud database. From there, she was recruited to join her current company, Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI), where she sits as Executive Director.

Her comprehensive skillset taps into drones, composites, and leadership — all of which she employs in her daily role at UAMMI and her efforts to support women in manufacturing. Today, Tulinda helps numerous women, from stay-at-home moms to young girls, grow their expertise in advanced manufacturing and carve out a space for themselves in the industry. Some of Tulinda’s most notable accomplishments include her role as Membership and Employment Board Advisor for Women and Drones and her collaboration with the Girl Scouts of America to implement an Advanced Manufacturing badge that focuses on 3D printing.

Although she has only been in manufacturing for one year, Tulinda has already made a name for herself at UAMMI and is committed to elevating Utah as the key center for advanced manufacturing on a national and international scale.

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#154 Creating a Social Engine for Good: SustainChain - A Conversation with Joanna Hall

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:14:39 -0000

Welcome to another episode of the Women and Manufacturing Podcast! In today’s program, Linda Rigano speaks with Joanna Hall, Executive Director and Co-Founder of SustainChain. a free tech platform that connects people on a mission to accelerate action to ultimately save humanity.

Joanna leads an exclusive team of technologists who believe that data, talent, and technology already exist to solve our world’s biggest problems. She brings her 20+ years of experience in the ad tech world to a nonprofit community where she feels great about combining her love of tech with doing good for the world.

Hear more about how Joanna is a master juggler -- building a company and raising a family. In this podcast, she shares her personal and professional journey, the importance of technology, and the power it holds to solve problems at scale.

Tune in today to learn more!

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#153 Building a Thriving Community with Kathryn Kelley

Wed, 12 May 2021 19:13:00 -0000

When the COVID-19 pandemic overtook our “normal” way of life, it also greatly impacted the manufacturing industry. Today’s WAM podcast guest, Kathryn Kelley, is the Executive Director of Ohio Manufacturing Institute. Kathryn brings with her over 20 years of experience in program leadership and strategic communications at industry-oriented higher education, economic development, and statewide technology organization. In this episode, Kathryn dives into the biggest challenges the manufacturing workforce faced as a direct result of the pandemic — from the upfront health and safety concerns to the struggles of finding skilled workforce and sourcing products that faced supply chain shortages. To help small and medium-sized manufacturing firms solve some of these issues, she explains the importance of strategizing for the long-term and utilizing local Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs). In closing out the podcast, Kathryn shared her views on women in the manufacturing industry and how she is working, every day, to build a community in which they can thrive.

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#152 Connection, Flexibility, and Software with Stephanie Richelieu Stagger

Wed, 05 May 2021 15:53:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we speak with Stephanie Richelieu Stagger, Chief Revenue Officer for 3G. Stephanie shares how her international upbringing and global experience have aided her career in supply chain management. In our discussion, we talk about how she fell in love with software and supply chain management, why her work is never boring, and how the pandemic has informed the public’s understanding of supply chains. Later, we explore how Amazon has affected customer expectations across the industry and how to determine when it’s time to implement additional Transportation Management System (TMS) software for your business, as well as a breakdown of the process. Stephanie also shares what she’s learned over the years, especially with regards to flexibility, and why we should continue to expect disruptions well into the future. For all this and more, join us today!

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#151 Refashioning the Supply Chain with Lisa Morales-Hellebo

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:48:21 -0000

As the co-founder and general partner of REFASHIOND Ventures, the co-founder of The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation, and the founder of the New York Fashion Tech Lab, Lisa Morales-Hellebo's life has always been closely tied to technology.

At REFASHIOND, Lisa works to help companies reframe their supply chain processes and goals to keep up with global, socio-cultural demands. Her extensive knowledge has already helped numerous companies use supply chain innovation to drive higher output and sales, and better optimize and personalize the supply chain experience for customers. Fusing together her years of experience, Lisa also co-wrote and published The World is a Supply Chain.

Lisa’s successes were also preceded by hardships that she believes have shaped her story. As a young child growing up in Westchester County, Lisa, who is a proud Latino, was aware of the gender and racially driven division that existed within her community. This transformed Lisa’s perspective and led to her passion for positively emphasizing diversity.

Today, Lisa continues to act on her passions as an advocate for organizations that help minorities gain access to opportunities for funding, championship, and growth. She also serves on multiple advisory boards, has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, and was named of one of the top 100 women in supply chain for two years in a row by Supply Chain Digital.

Based on her impressive credentials alone, it’s clear that entrepreneurship, technology, supply chain, and activism are all a part of Lisa’s DNA — and she plans on keeping it that way.

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#150 Empowering Employees and Developing Sustainable Growth with Sheryl Corrigan

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:13:00 -0000

As companies grow from national to international, private to public, so does their tendency to apply increased layers of bureaucracy and rigid hierarchical structures, often accompanied by a death knell for innovation. In today’s episode Frances Brunelle, The President of Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers inc. speaks with Sheryl Corrigan, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Koch Industries, about what sets their company apart from other companies of its size. Sheryl explains how Koch’s founding principles of experimentation and entrepreneurship continue to guide the company in pursuing disruptive technologies as well as the competitive advantage that comes with manufacturing. Listeners can expect to hear Sheryl break down exactly how Koch empowers its employees and provide them with opportunities to share their insights and rise through the ranks. We also discuss how disruption can be a disaster, additive manufacturing, and why Sheryl prefers to do business with private companies. For all this and more, join us today!

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#149 Going About Finding Funding the Smart Way with Christine Howard

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0000

The world of startup funding is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming arena to enter. Here on the WAM podcast today, Rosemary Coates interviews Christine Howard, who is the founder and CEO of E.B. Howard Consulting as well as StartupFundHub.com! In her work, Christine helps startups find and apply for non-dilutive funding and she gives a helpful explanation of dilutive funding, how it works, and why they steer away from it. We have a great conversation about the ins and outs of the industry, and our guest does a brilliant job of simplifying some potentially daunting queries, while also underlining the volatility and unpredictability that comes with seeking capital. We talk about useful tools and strategies, with Christine emphasizing the need for thoroughly-checked writing and well-managed timeframes around deadlines! The conversation also covers ethics, and our guest makes the simple point that staying on the right side of the law is imperative to your future success. Listeners can also expect to hear Christine's thoughts on looking for funding right now, whether it is a good time or not, and what the next year or two might look like with a rise in post-COVID funds. Tune in hear it all!

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#148 Empowering Women to Take the Lead: A Conversation with Gloria Feldt

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:26:14 -0000

While women in the U.S. receive more than 50% of college degrees each year, they remain largely absent from executive leadership positions. As a female leader who successfully ran Planned Parenthood at regional and national levels, best-selling author, and co-founder of Take the Lead, Gloria Feldt continues her lifelong mission – to help prepare, develop, inspire, and propel women to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025. She’s doing this by providing breakthrough training, mentoring and coaching, and thought leadership.

Gloria is truly a master juggler – managing senior leadership roles while raising a family of three during a time when women were encouraged to stay at home. In this time she managed to write four best-selling books; the latest being No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power.

In this episode, Gloria shares her personal and professional journey. Although she has tried her hand at many things over her successful 30-year career, the common thread of advancing women’s rights underpins it all. We discuss the gendered nature of our relationship to power and how internalized inferiority is the first thing women have to overcome if they are to get into top positions.

Learn more about Gloria’s organization Take The Lead and how they are helping women around the country change how they think of power and how best to deal with the implicit biases they face.

Listen to the entire conversation here on the WAM podcast. Hearing Gloria Feldt is like a master class in female empowerment!

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#147 Enhancing Gender Equality in the Workplace with Tanushree Ghosh

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:04:00 -0000

Our guest on today’s show is a woman in manufacturing with a PhD in material science and a passion for gender related issues, so much so that she has written two books on the subject. Tanushree moved to the United States to study because she wanted to have freedom of choice that she didn’t feel she had as a woman in her home country, India. She ended up in the manufacturing world completely by accident but she is very glad that she did, for reasons that she shares with us today. Tanu has a deep drive to enhance gender equality and help other women understand their worth. Our conversation delves into the ways in which women are underrepresented and undervalued in the workplace and Tanu shares advice on how we can start to change this. We discuss the importance of learning how to communicate your desires, not taking criticism personally, and always supporting other women on the journey they are on, even if it is different to your own. As women, we are often made to feel like we don’t belong in certain fields or positions, but that narrative is false, and as Tanu urges, “never undervalue yourself.” Don’t miss out on this inspirational episode!

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#146 How Software Solutions Can Benefit Your Manufacturing Company with Tracy Coon

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000

There are so many elements that go into the operationalizing of a manufacturing company. One of the biggest challenges experienced by manufacturing companies is “making sure they have the right product in the right place at the right time.” If you don’t have this under control it can result in a waste of time and money, but luckily there is a company that has the solution to this problem, and most of your other problems too. Tracy Coon joins us on the show today to explain how Blue Ridge, her software company, helps manufacturing companies optimize their processes, understand and utilize their data, and manage multiple locations. Tracy also talks us through one of her favorite real-world examples of how the Blue Ridge systems improved the processes of a particular company and the positive changes that the company saw as a result. If you think your company’s processes need a revamp, you have come to the right place!

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#145 A Force of Nature in Logistics – Meet Kristy Knichel

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:18:55 -0000

Logistics – particularly trucking is a male-dominated world. No one knows that better than Kristy Knichel, President of Knichel Logistics. Kristy is a fearless leader who grew her family business into a major industry player. Nothing was handed to her. Kristy worked for years in just about every area of the company including marketing, sales, HR and finance, where she honed her skills and officially took the helm in 2009. One of her greatest lessons came early on from her family where she learned the value of hard work and independence.

Thanks to Kristy, the company has received numerous awards including Inc Magazine’s top 500 businesses for 5 years; and 7x by the Pittsburgh Business Times (PBT) as “Best Places to Work”. PBT also recognized Knichel Logistics as the fastest growing business, and “Business Women First” company in the area.

Knichel Logistics’ list of industry recognitions reads like a “who’s who” in awards, but ask anyone and they’ll tell you Kristy is most proud of the incredible team she has built. She strongly believes in empowering women to take on leadership roles whether it’s women she brings up the ladder at her company or others she mentors. Kristy has taken the company from $2 million to $80 million in sales, and is excited to grow even more – especially during the COVID pandemic.

Hear more as Kristy shares with Linda Rigano her personal and professional journey.

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#144 Rebooting and Locking Down Company Culture with Karen Norheim

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0000

To have a happy and empowered workforce, you need to have a good foundation, a good company culture, and a healthy garden from which to grow your people and your business. Today’s guest is Karen Norheim, who is the President of American Crane, an Equipment Corporation, with three locations in Pennsylvania, totaling over a quarter of a million square feet. She is a second-generation leader in the company and, during her tenure, she has sought to solidify the founder’s legacy, while also putting her own stamp on the company culture. Karen also sits on a number of boards for industry-leading organizations. In this episode, you hear from her who American Crane is, and she shares her opinion on the importance of solidifying company culture, why you need to put emphasis on having a happy and empowered workforce, and how that has changed over time. She also talks about how she is working towards changing the narrative around a career in manufacturing, the importance of marketing and social media, and so much more. Make sure you tune in today!

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#143 How to Accelerate and Scale Sustainable Operations: A Conversation with Divya Demato

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Divya Demato is a rock star in the supply chain community. She has mastered the practice of merging supply chain sustainability with profitability --- no easy task in today’s economic landscape. Early on, Divya’s mother – a key role model – instilled in her a strong work ethic, authenticity, entrepreneurship, and a deep bond for her family.

When asked the best advice she ever got, Divya quickly pointed to the importance of gratitude. Divya had some empowering mentors throughout her career managing e-commerce operations for Mercantela, Walmart and One Kings Lane. Being selfless and always asking key questions such as: “What’s going on in my supply chain?” and “How can I impact the lives of women?” can improve both your personal and professional accountability.

Divya founded GoodOps, a supply chain consultancy partnering with companies to architect, accelerate and scale sustainable operations. Divya is proud of her work to establish fair labor standards for factory workers and piloting advanced technologies to improve environmental impact.

Divya shares her exciting journey here with WAM Podcasts’ co-host Linda Rigano.

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#142 Leading Youth Into the Manufacturing Industry with Kristin Carlson

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0000

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#141 Filmmaker Turned Supply Chain Traceability Expert – A Conversation with Fiona Delaney

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:47:39 -0000

Today, Fiona Delaney is a champion for supply chain traceability in the agricultural world – but she started on a different path. Growing up in Dublin she pursued a career as an artist – producing and directing films including reality television and a local hit version of “The Voice”.

In her early thirties, Fiona found herself wanting a different challenge. She returned to school and studied computer science and software development. During this time, Fiona even developed an open-innovation model to help people implement blockchain in their systems.

However, it was Fiona’s love for agriculture – particularly sustainability and authenticity that led her to found Origin Chain Networks. Traceability is so critical today – knowing where a product originated – the materials/ingredients that went into it – and the path it took through the supply chain. Companies are facing increased regulations to avoid (and act quickly to isolate potential problems) contamination in the food chain.

Pursuing her dream to create accountability in the food chain, Fiona is making it possible for organic and sustainable farmers to have an easy way to enjoy “farm to fork” traceability for their products using her “Authenteer Platform”. She is starting with food and fisheries with an eye toward more industries Fiona believes would benefit from a “single source of truth.”

Be empowered and hear Fiona’s personal and professional journey right here on the WAM Podcast.

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#140 Brand Awareness and Acquisitions with Sue Nordman

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:51:18 -0000

Today’s guest is Sue Nordman, President of Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, Inc., situated in Rockford, Illinois. Obsidian is a multi-brand manufacturer and grind shop which owns the Magna Lock, Magna Lift, and Arter brands. Sue is passionate about social media marketing, brand awareness, and business management. In this episode, we talk to Sue about how she became President at Obsidian where she gets into the different roles her husband and herself perform at the company. Next, we dive into her SEO and content marketing expertise and the benefits this is having for the business. Sue highlights some of the strategies she is using to keep her company top of mind online and in the manufacturing community, getting into the benefits of blogging, Twitter chats, and more. We also hear Sue’s thoughts about the two acquisitions she navigated shortly after stepping into her role and discuss some of the challenges of performing such a feat during a pandemic. Wrapping up our conversation, we take a closer look at the different functions of the Magna Lock, Magna Lift, and Arter brands, and hear Sue’s thoughts about her plans for the future of the company. Tune in today!

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#139 Sales Negotiation and Consulting with Carrie Welles

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:40:37 -0000

In the world of negotiators, people either seem to think they are really good at it or that they stink, but there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. Some people stick to instinct and luck when it comes to business negotiations, but our guest today works with well thought-out strategies, important concepts, and an organized blueprint. Carrie Wells is a Partner at Think! Inc., a negotiation training and consulting firm. Her role includes consulting with clients on implementing value creation and value capture ecosystems, business development, developing sales strategy, and onboarding new consultants. Negotiation skills are very important for people in everyday life but especially critical for managers and executives. We have lots of ground to cover on today’s episode and look forward to exploring the life of this woman in manufacturing. Stay tuned as we dive into an insightful conversation about negotiation training aspects, concepts to focus on, and some important tips for mastering business negotiations!

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#138 From Veterinary and Healthcare Industries to Helping Manufacturers Build New Sales Channels – A Conversation with BITCADET’s Lisa Clark

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:08:16 -0000

Hear Linda Rigano’s conversation with Lisa Clark, an empowering leader who shares her personal and professional journey.

Growing up Lisa’s parents instilled the value of hard work, perseverance and a generosity of spirit. These are all lessons Lisa practices daily as co-founder and Managing Director of BITCADET, a technology company that increases manufacturers’ sales and company valuations by creating innovative digital sales channels.

Lisa’s career started on a very different path. After getting a degree in Animal Science, she worked as a surgical technician and team leader for a veterinary rehab center. She later earned an MBA in Healthcare and worked at a hospital before taking on her true passion – helping manufacturers navigate the complexities of building an e-commerce channel and all the back-end processing and change management that goes into it.

Manufacturing lags a good 15 years behind other industries when it comes to doing business online. While buyers have been sourcing and vetting online for years, manufacturers haven’t been so quick to catch up. Lisa shares why this is happening, and how these manufacturers need to have a plan B to build a stronger valuation of the business for investors – especially when the next generation of family opts out of taking over the company.

At BITCADET. Lisa leads strategic client initiatives and planning. This includes helping clients build e-commerce platforms and managing all the back-end coordination that connects sales, production, engineering, marketing and finance teams. Lisa specializes in change management to make sure that everyone in the company buys into changes and understands their role in the process.

Lisa also shares about her volunteer work with a local refugee community and the essential things she does every day to take care of herself.

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#137 Growing Through Acquisition with Elizabeth Paquette

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Seeking through acquisition what you do not have in-house is a strategy implemented by our guest and her company to see growth. With acquisition comes diversification, which can help companies through things like global pandemics, and also provides a new customer base, and ultimately opportunities to expand your offerings, and thus quickening turnaround and increasing margins. Today we welcome to the show, Elizabeth Paquette. Liz is the Co-owner of Rock Valley Tool (RVT), a 50-year-old manufacturing company in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Liz left a special education career to acquire RVT, with her husband, who is the operations manager. Since their acquisition in 2013, they have grown the company by over 50% and they have acquired another manufacturing company. They continue to seek growth through acquisition. Tune in today as we hear straight from Liz all about how she transitioned to manufacturing, how they are working with their community to bridge skill gaps, implementing high school co-op programs, how diversification has helped her company during COVID-19, and much, much more!

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#136 Manufacturing Professional, Plus Size Clothing with Danielle Malconian

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:44:25 -0000

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#135 Hear How Tealbook’s Stephany Lapierre is Revolutionizing Supplier Data with Artificial Intelligence

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:52:00 -0000

WAM Podcast co-host Linda Rigano introduces us to Stephany Lapierre, an empowered professional who comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and strong women growing up in Canada. After college Stephany took a year off to be a “ski bum” at Whistler Mountain where she taught herself English and even worked with Justin Trudeau!

After this, Stephany dove into various roles with companies in the healthcare industry. She learned the value of data early on, and started her first business – Matchbook to offer strategic sourcing/procurement services for companies in the biotech space. A defining moment for Stephany was experiencing the challenges around strategic sourcing. She knew that if the issues could be fixed, these areas could drive more innovation and actually help move the business forward.

With this momentum, endless energy and passion for data along the way, Stephany founded Tealbook -- where she uses artificial intelligence technology and machine learning to improv speed, trust and quality of supplier related decisions. Tealbook is fast becoming the leading platform that helps companies scale their procurement and move into the future.

Stephany manages to juggle a fast-growing business during a pandemic while raising a family. Her best advice ever? “Don’t spend too much time building the plan – build the business and plow forward. Also, follow your instincts!”

Hear more about Stephany’s journey here.

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#134 Bridging the Gap Between Policy Makers and Manufacturers with Rachel Jones

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:43:00 -0000

In today’s episode, host Rosemary Coates welcomes Rachel Jones, who is the Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers, or what we call the NAM. She oversees the NAM’s energy and environmental policy and she has expertise on issues ranging from energy production and use to air and water quality, climate change, energy efficiency, and environmental regulations. Rachel is also an attorney and has been council to the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a key voice for manufacturing on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, and across all forms of media. In this episode, listeners hear from Rachel as she explains how she ended up in her position at the NAM, and how she uses her knowledge as an attorney to solve problems by bridging the gap between policy makers and manufacturers. She also highlights the opportunities for shared learning, both about sustainability practices and legislation, within the NAM and their partner organizations. Collaborating to create tailored, thoughtful, and comprehensive policies is key to addressing issues within the industry, and the NAM is holding folks accountable to make sure that it happens. Tune in to find out more!

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#133 Chloe Songer Debuts a New Kind of Sneaker Made from Sustainable Materials

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:40:19 -0000

Meet Chloe Songer, founder of Thousand Fell - more than just a manufacturer of foot wear, but a leader in the movement to build a circular economy. Motivated by the enormous waste in the fashion industry and a desire to make a difference, Chloe took it upon herself to learn everything she could about the production process. She was introduced to manufacturing working for the Alexander Wang Group in China and later moved to Gap where she got an education in supply chain.

Chloe’s experience in China empowered her vision to build her own brand utilizing sustainable materials. Currently, 2.4 billion pairs of sneakers are sold in the U.S. every year and 300 million pairs go straight to a landfill within their first year. Today, the fashion industry is the poster child for change with entrepreneurs like Chloe leading the way to make better products, eliminate waste, and create a safer environment.

For Chloe - she gets to practice the best advice she ever got -- “to be the person who brings people together.” Hear more about Chloe’s journey on the WAM Podcast.

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#132 Going Digital in a Modern Market with Anna Korolekh of Oro Inc.

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 14:36:00 -0000

While most businesses are moving online, many manufacturers continue to ignore the possibilities of eCommerce and continue to rely on landing face-to-face deals. Today, host Frances Brunelle welcomes Marketing Director Anna Korolekh of Oro Inc to explore the incredible opportunities that arise from taking your business online. We open our conversation by unpacking Oro’s product offerings and how they help companies to digitize their business. After touching on Oro’s origins and the unique challenges faced by the B2B market, we dive into the important role that Client Relationship Management Systems — or CRMs — play when engaging with customers. From discussing how CRMs increase the efficiency of sales teams, we chat about how eCommerce can unlock quick and exponential business scaling. In the case study that Anna shares, a company went from 1,000 to 45,000 customers from taking their sales online. While reflecting on the changing nature of sales, we talk about how people are increasingly solving their problems through internet searches, highlighting the need to go online. Near the end of the episode, Anna provides listeners with more details on why Oro’s services are so unique. Tune in to hear more about how going digital is becoming a manufacturing standard.

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#131 Remaining Teachable with Rachel Liaw, Co-Founder of Fuse Inventory

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:52:00 -0000

Our guest on today’s show established a company with a mission to deeply understand the pain of using Excel to forecast inventory, scale your supply chain, and bring change. In this episode we are joined by Rachel Liaw, co-founder and CEO at Fuse Inventory. Rachel was born and raised in Hawaii, and she is a Stanford University alumna with a B.A. in East Asian Studies and minor in Computer Science. After her studies, Rachel worked her way up to becoming a supply chain manager where she realized that brands were still using spreadsheets to forecast and plan merchandise even as they scaled to 50 million, 100 million, and even beyond. During that time, the only other options for systems were outdated, legacy software or custom-built systems, and so inevitably, Fuse Inventory was born! Today, Fuse helps clients pull data from every step of their supply chains, then uses proprietary algorithms to forecast demand in order for businesses to plan their inventory efficiently and accurately. It then translate the demand forecast into smart purchasing recommendations that help clients optimize their cash flows and scale their businesses. Outside of Fuse, Rachel has also launched her own baby brand, called Parsol Co., through which she experienced the pain points of inventory first-hand. Join us today as we talk about the need for change when it comes to inventory programs, integrating with e-commerce platforms, what it takes to build and finance a female-run company, and so much more on this episode of WAM Podcast!

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#130 Putting the ‘Pro’ Into Procurement with Mary Ann Brennan of 9thWonder

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:00:00 -0000

From marketing to real estate, procurement officers need to be jacks-of-all-trades, saddled with the huge responsibility of dealing with the many third-parties needed to run an organization. Today, host Rosemary Coates interviews the COO of 9thWonder, Mary Ann Brennan, about why procurement is so vital to modern companies. We open by touching on Mary Ann’s career highlights before talking about her procurement roles working for adidas and Mattel. After exploring the differences between direct and indirect procurement, we dive into how successful procurement leads to horizontal integration into other departments. We then chat about supply chain innovations over the past two decades and how procurement fits in with businesses at the different stages of their maturation. Mary Ann shares her insights into what it takes to excel at procurement, along with the importance of building partnerships. Reflecting on her current job as COO of 9th Wonder Agency, Mary Ann discusses why talent is crucial to your company and how your culture is a key tool in managing talent. Near the end of the episode, we talk about her teaching, why you need to change alongside your customers, and why procurement officers benefit by learning from different industries. Tune in to find out more about procurement practices from Mary Ann, a global leader in the procurement field.

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#129 Recognizing Opportunities, Solving Problems, and Finding Need with Courtney Wright

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:03:02 -0000

Today on the WAM podcast, we welcome to the show, Courtney Wright. Courtney is the CEO of Gemini Builds It! and Showcase Acrylics. Prior to Gemini, Courtney founded CDW Merchants, the leading provider of 3D virtual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging for the nation’s top retailers, including Kate Spade, Sperry’s, and Club Monaco. In 2016, she sold CDW to a global billion-dollar company, however, with little downtime as she acquired Gemini Builds It! in the same year, all while saving 60 jobs in the community. She is one woman who is making manufacturing cool in Chicago. In today’s episode, we delve into how Courtney and her team made an incredibly timely pivot providing a key product for the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic. She talks more about how she is driven to solve problems, continually finding new opportunities, and shares great advice about failing fast and prioritizing growth. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Courtney Wright.

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#128 Waste is at the Heart of the Fashion Industry – Why a Circular Economy Model is the Perfect Solution: A Conversation with Eon Founder Natasha Frank

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:58:55 -0000

Unlike linear models we see across most industries, the circular economy model is one that is focused on sustainability and reusing products and resources. We’re seeing this model gain traction and businesses who adopt it are finding it to be a profitable decision long term.

In this episode, Linda Rigano has a fascinating discussion with Natasha Franck, founder and CEO of Eon, a powerful new platform that is using IoT to change how businesses connect products and create a digital footprint.

Eon helps its customers to identify, track, and manage fashion items to encourage transparency and accountability in the supply chain. Natasha explains how Eon provides each product with a digital birth certificate and passport, containing all important data. When this data is known, it makes it easier to be recycled, repurposed, and re-entered into the cycle.

Natasha also shares her personal and professional journey and how founding Eon ties into her passion for social justice, pay equity, transparency and sustainability.

Hear Natasha’s story – her early influencers and what motivated her to tackle a long-term industry problem. She firmly believes fashion can be the poster child for other industries facing similar challenges.

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#127 Leveraging Disruptive Technology for a Better Tomorrow – A Conversation with Judy Moon

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Consumer demand for transparency is getting stronger every day and manufacturers are being held accountable in ways they never had to.

WAM podcast co-host Linda Rigano speaks with Judy Moon, a fearless champion for greater transparency in the fashion industry. Judy heads up sales for EVRYTHNG, a market-leading Internet of Things SaaS platform for consumer products, trusted by global brands to transform their businesses with product digitization and data-intelligence.

EVRYTHNG is unique in its market -- leveraging AI and machine learning to give customers the ability to see and learn from each product’s journey. This gives better visibility and control of their customer’s supply chain, and brand protection from counterfeiting and gray market/divergent activities. It also empowers the manufacturer to control its products and inventory and be prepared to deal with potential crisis like product recalls.

Listeners can hear Judy’s empowering personal and professional journey. She is no stranger to hard work. Judy’s family emigrated to the US from South Korea when she was 7 years old. Her parents instilled key values including education, responsibility and the importance of doing the right thing and keeping your “side of the street clean”. Judy started out in marketing for Time, Inc. where she launched their first education program. She then reinvented herself and became a successful film producer noted for her films My Architect and Conversations with Gregory Peck.

Mid-career while starting her own family, Judy began hearing more about the huge waste in the fashion industry – particularly how 35% of materials in the supply chain end up as waste. She again reinvented herself and started working for some technology companies. In 2018 she found her home at EVRYTHNG which addresses the key issues Judy cares about – transparency, traceability and digitization of a product’s journey. Today she is focused on retail, but sees EVRYTHNG expanding to other markets including apparel, beauty and seafood.

Hear more about Judy’s story here.

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#126 Education for Supply Chain and Global Manufacturing with Cindy Mebruer

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0000

A lot of people, to this day, are only now learning about what supply chain is because of toilet paper. The pandemic has opened up opportunities for supply chain educators, as people are becoming aware of professions in supply chain. However, there is still a lack of education in various spaces such as in grade schools! Today on the Women and Manufacturing podcast we welcome Cindy Mebruer, Director of the Center for Supply Chain Excellence at Saint Louis University. Cindy is well-known throughout the US for running an outstanding supply chain center that supplies both the university and the community of greater Saint Louis. In this episode, we will be discussing an important topic — education for people who are learning about or entering into the profession of supply chain and greater global manufacturing. So stay tuned to find out more!

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#125 ERP Software Systems with Theresa Santiago

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 18:09:11 -0000

If you have worked in an engineer to order manufacturing environment long enough, you have most likely had some type of negative experience with enterprise software. And while ERP software has been out there for many years, it has never really focused on a project orientated environment. Our guest today on the Women and Manufacturing Podcast is Theresa Santiago, an Account Executive with COUNTERPART. COUNTERPART, powered by Smooth Logics, is a full-business operating software solution for engineer to order manufacturers. It is one total business solution, and it is not modular — it is a smart and dynamic software solution for both purchasing and inventory manufacturing. Theresa joined COUNTERPART with over 20 years of experience in the ERP software space. She works to improves business’ overall results by supporting, implementing, and selling to shop manufacturers with award-winning results. An ERP software system is important and a good system can add value to a manufacturing company. Listen in as we talk about all things ERP systems and why they are beneficial for manufacturing companies.

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#124 Proper Planning and Wealth Protection with Rachel Lower

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 16:25:50 -0000

Business owners often neglect planning because they are busy working in the business rather than thinking about the next step. This is why it’s important to bring in a third-party to help with planning and looking to the future. Today's guest is Rachel Lower, President of Cornerstone Advisors, an advisory consultancy that helps companies develop their human capital, accelerate their businesses, and implement strategies to protect and eventually transfer wealth in a way that mitigates tax consequences. In this episode, Rachel explains Cornerstone’s mission and their passion for helping businesses endure. She also sheds light on some of the tools Cornerstone uses to help their clients plan and protect wealth such as trusts and life insurance. Wealth transference and protection should go hand in hand with business growth, but Rachel acknowledges that this is not always the case when owners are in the weeds running their companies. We also hear about how Cornerstone builds long-term relationships with their clients, the importance of a proactive, flexible planning approach, and how current events have affected the consultancy’s business. To hear more, tune in today!

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#123 Learning to be Resilient and Open to New Opportunities... A Conversation with Judy Greenhill

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000

As with anything in life, we make plans. But plans change and paths shift. You have to teach yourself to be resilient, to be open, and to be flexible in life so that when challenges arise and new opportunities present themselves, you can take advantage of them.

Linda Rigano’s guest on this episode of the WAM Podcast has a remarkable story. Judy Greenhill is the CEO and COO of Greenhill AntiBallistics Corporation (GABC), a nanotechnology “startup” that makes a special force disruption platform that reduces the force of impact by nearly 50% in the thickness of one dime.

Judy relishes being a “pioneer” and has a career of “firsts”. During her 19-year career at IBM, Judy was the first Asian woman in marketing and sales in IBM’s “Wall Street” branch, working her way up from programmer. Judy was selected to be one of the “Dirty Dozen” sent to Beijing to set up IBM’s operations in-country. While there, Judy led multi-million-dollar projects, including the establishment of IBM China’s first and largest computer complex. She was tapped to join a group of three where she crafted IBM’s emerging markets strategy, which she conceived and implemented globally, contributing 22% of IBM’s annual total revenue of $107B.

Judy was also asked to conceive and implement a diversity strategy for its Asian constituency, which she did worldwide throughout the company

After leaving IBM, she worked at The Dwight School where she taught the first Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture International Baccalaureate Curriculum for K-12 grades.

Hear Judy’s amazing journey on this episode of the Women And Manufacturing podcast.

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#122 Women’s Certified Business: Tabatchnick Fine Foods with Rita Tabatchnick

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:10:42 -0000

Family-owned takes on a whole new meaning, something much larger to our guest today on the WAM podcast. In this episode we heartily welcome Rita Tabatchnick. Rita is the President of Tabatchnick Fine Foods, a nationally recognized soup company with over 30 varieties of hearty soups and broths. The company, amazingly, is now in its 115th year of operation. Under Rita’s leadership, Tabatchnick Fine Foods serves multiple markets including school lunch programs, national USAID programs, and retail frozen and fresh soups. In today’s episode we talk about all things family and women-owned business, where they’re operating in the markets, the reason behind their product lines, how they’re navigating new FDA regulations, how they work to give back to their community, and more! So stay tuned for yet another inspiring episode with a firehouse woman in the manufacturing industry.

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#121 Process and Supply Chain Traceability with Grainne Lynch

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 17:16:31 -0000

Most people don’t know what a “traceability expert” is, but they appreciate the importance of knowing how products are made – from initial creation to distribution. Linda Rigano’s guest is Grainne Lynch, who heads up Supply Chain Traceability for Accenture’s newly acquired ESP Enterprise System Partners Group. Grainne started her career writing software for a firm in the maritime logistics industry. Supported by an incredible work ethic and strong mentors, Grainne worked her way up to be one of the first female specialists in serialization and supply chain traceability in the EU. Grainne helps manufacturers to digitize their supply chains so they can track every step of a product’s life cycle – from production of raw materials – to final distribution to the consumer. Today, she is focused on the pharmaceutical industry. Grainne comes from a long line of strong role models – and farming influences where she was first introduced to traceability in food. She credits her classic “Irish” mother with giving her a master class in multi-tasking. Grainne is able to juggle being a recognized traceability expert at Accenture with her true passion – her three children and husband. She is also an athlete and in her little spare time enjoys rock climbing.

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#120 Smart Glasses, Accessories, and Robotics with Johanna Bellenberg

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Robotics and automation makes you think speed, efficiency, and higher productivity. However, there is a key component that is often lacking. Take the example of a grocery story cashier being replaced by a robot — teaching the robot how to pick up a banana without squishing seems to be a futile task, but the robot lacks human intelligence and natural ability to be flexible and adjust to the new requirements. Today we welcome to the show Johanna Bellenberg, joining us all the way from Germany. Johanna is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Picavi, an award-winning service provider with 100 percent dedication of its intra-logistics and wearable expertise to Pick-by-Vision solutions. Picavi’s data glasses provide their customers with the efficient and error free flow of goods through their logistics warehouses. By wearing smart glasses, a strict visual guidance through the complete picking process enables workers to maximize their productivity and minimize errors while working hands-free. Picavi is already being used by numerous logistics experts from a variety of sectors. In today’s episode we talk all things related to their Picky-by-Vision products and solutions, accessories, functionality, ideal customers, and much more, so stay tuned as we dive into this amazing product!

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#119 Build the Confidence to Take Risks and Pursue What You Love with Andrea Aranguren

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Andrea Aranguren’s message to all women is “don’t be afraid to take risks.” Early mentors taught Andrea to be willing to do what it takes to pursue your passion. Linda Rigano’s guest today co-founded CMDTY, a company whose mission is to make physical commodities as efficient as possible. Andrea and her team are transforming commodities by offering a buying and selling platform like none other. Physical commodities is a $4 trillion dollar industry known for traditional operations. For Andrea it’s exciting to see how technology can make a positive impact on a market. Growing up in a traditional Spanish family in New Jersey, Andrea always kept a laser focus on academics, athletics and of course, her family. As a trained gymnast, Andrea learned discipline from an early age and applied it to her professional life. After getting an MBA in Economics from Columbia University, Andrea went on to working in finance, commodities, technology and environmental markets. Being a woman in a male dominated industry has not always been easy, but Andrea is up for any challenge. Hear more as she talks to Linda about the challenges of juggling a family of three while building an exciting new business.

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#118 Shaping Successful Global Trade Compliance with Beth Pride of BPE Global

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:47:00 -0000

Today on the WAM podcast, host Rosemary Coates interview Beth Pride, the founder and president of BPE Global, a woman-run and led consulting and training firm that facilitates global trade and strategy. Bringing years of valuable and hard-won experience to the table, Beth speaks about how she unexpectedly grew into loving global trade compliance. Beginning initially truck driving, and then through her time at Hewlett Packard, and then transitioning into a small software firm. she discusses the importance of diversifying your experience and learning the ins-and-outs of a business to gain a full, overall understanding of what makes a successful business. Beth discusses the importance of finding smart strategies to tackle barriers to success, the importance of hard lessons, and how to turn weaknesses into strengths. She also discusses how she's established her cutting-edge team and how she approaches the hiring process. Beth's passion for Global Trade through her work is evident, and her advice and wisdom shine through in this interesting episode. Tune in today!

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#117 Preparing the Apparel Industry for Automation with Sarah Krasley

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:36:00 -0000

There are 75 million workers in the apparel industry, but according to the International Labor Organization, between 60-88% of those workers are at risk of losing their jobs because of automation in the next 10 years. In today’s episode, Linda Rigano interviews Sarah Krasley. Sarah is a fearless entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Shimmy, a women-owned and operated early-stage fashion tech company, intent on preparing the apparel industry for the future of work by developing design, data management, and workforce development applications. In this episode, Sarah shares what Shimmy is doing about apparel workers being displaced by automation through The Apparel Automation Pulse project, and she talks about Shimmy’s business model to gamify the re-skilling and up-skilling process, creating video game-based training to shorten the time needed for training and create higher engagement. Shimmy is focused on providing workers with the digital literacy they need to operate automated equipment in the future, and aims to build transferrable skills to create more job security for women in manufacturing. Tune in today!

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#116 Find the Hidden Profit Center in Your Commercial Credit and Collections Team

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:37:00 -0000

Today on the WAM podcast, host Linda Rigano interviews Jan Weiss, who is an expert in commercial credit and collections, across a number of industries. She is also an independent producer, having worked on shows for the Jewish Broadcasting Service. In this episode, Jan shares with us her professional journey, as well as some expert advice for businesses to help them view their credit and collections as a hidden profit center. She also has some tips for staying connected with customers during COVID-19, working with your IT department, as well as some other resources for credit and collections professionals. Jan recommends that we follow those who lead by doing and not by saying, and the best advice she has received is, ‘Don’t be afraid to take risks!’ Tune in today to this inspiring episode!

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#115 Time-Tested Expertise with Kim Alford from KAM Tool & Die

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:28:41 -0000

Today on the WAM Podcast, host Frances Brunelle interviews Kim Alford, who is the production manager of KAM Tool & Die of B-Square Precision Group located in Zebulon, North Carolina. Having been a part of this prestigious company since it's founding in 1995, Kim brings extensive, time-tested expertise in production planning, human resources, and accounting to the manufacturing space. Kim offers valuable insight into not only the production side of manufacturing but also the financial side of it. She also explains the process of being with the company from the time it started as a small company within a garage and only 2 machines, to becoming one of the biggest names in manufacturing and how to maintain integrity and quality through every stage of growth.

Kim also discusses how KAM Tool & Die was acquired by B-Square Precision Group, and how investing in your employees and charting a path forward with the owners and employees can lead to improvements and long-term growth. She also discusses how vital it is to train people properly and keep good employees feeling fulfilled in their roles so that they can contribute their best talents to be apart of the company's vision and take pride in their work. Kim also discusses the pillars of KAM Tool & Die, and how those values shape the culture and success of the company. Learn about the incredible inner workings of KAM Tool & Die and the insightful advice that Kim Alford has to share with the listeners of the WAM Podcast!

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#114 From Peace Corps Volunteer to Vice President of Transplace…a Conversation with Mollie Bailey Haney

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:38:00 -0000

From growing up in a small Pennsylvania coal mining town, to a volunteer post in Africa – and a successful career in the logistics industry, our guest, Mollie Bailey Haney, has experienced things most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. After completing her degree in liberal arts, Mollie wasn’t ready for a 9-5 job. She heard about some friends’ experiences with the Peace Corps and decided to sign up as an “Integrated Agricultural Volunteer” in Africa. For two years, Mollie worked side-by-side with local farmers in and around Zaire to help them build sustainable ecosystems. Upon her return, Mollie started work at DXL where she learned the shipping business. She later moved to C.H. Robinson and spent 12 years in a variety of senior roles until she was recruited to Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services, and logistics technology. In this episode, host Linda Rigano talks to Mollie about growing up during devastating economic times for coal miners, how having three brothers prepared her for a male-dominated work environment and how giving back by doing service for villagers in the Central African Republic taught her invaluable life lessons. Mollie shares her experience moving up the ladder in the transportation and logistics industry and how working at Transplace has been an incredibly challenging and enjoyable experience. Mollie also talks about the most important lessons she’s learned along the way, and how you can learn just as much from a bad manager as a good one. Hear Mollie's incredible story for yourself!

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#113 LFM Capital and Private Equity with Jessica Ginsberg

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:03:51 -0000

In today’s episode, Frances Brunelle speaks with Jessica Ginsberg, Director of Business Development at LFM Capital. LFM is a private equity investment group focused on niche manufacturing and industrial service businesses. Jessica is responsible for LFM’s business development activities, including overseeing the firm's direct sourcing and outreach to intermediaries. She brings over 11 years of private equity, banking, and investment management experience to the fund, having served in a variety of roles that include business development, transaction diligence, credit analysis, and investor communications. In this episode, Jessica talks about why LFM Capital is different from other firms, including the way in which they approach private equity. We discuss LFM’s business development, investment, and acquisition strategies, and Jessica highlights the importance of valuing the culture and legacy of a business. Jessica outlines some of the companies in LFM’s portfolio and explains how LFM has facilitated growth and an increase in revenue. For more on LFMCapital and private equity, tune in today!

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#112 Buying and Selling Manufacturing Companies with Jaimie Petrow

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:54:57 -0000

In today’s episode, host Frances Brunelle interviews Jaimie Petrow, the Head of Business Development at Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers. In this episode, Frances and Jaimie discuss all of the ins and outs of buying and selling manufacturing companies, from necessary documents and information to the risks involved and the duration of transition. Jaimie highlights the importance of trust and transparency when dealing with her clients and why respecting the legacy of a company is essential, as is maintaining the relationship between buyer and seller. We also talk about the value points and risk points involved with customer concentration, as well as some of the risk factors that might mean we reject a client. Finally, Jaimie shares the value of documented standard operating procedure, and touches on the due diligence process and the stamina and patience required to follow through with a transaction. Don’t miss this incredibly informative episode!

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#111 Addressing Global Supply Chain Risk Through Software Solutions with Bindiya Vakil

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 18:43:41 -0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed just how interconnected, yet fragile the global supplychain truly is. One company, Resilinc, has been addressing risk in the global supply chainthrough a clear vision and innovative software, and its CEO Bindiya Vakil, joins us today. Having come from the world of sourcing and procurement in high-tech, Bindiya felt the industry was very reactive and always at the mercy of suppliers and events. In this episode, we learn more about what Resilinc is doing to increase visibility and understand supply chaininterdependencies. We also learn about how they gather and leverage data and disseminate it to clients to inform decision-making in the face of sudden shifts, from factory fires to natural disasters. They hope to help companies become more resilient and not to design suppliers out, but instead enable businesses to be proactive, predictive, and have some control over the outcomes of events. Along with this, we also learn more about Resilinc’s natural language processing capabilities, the importance of data for lean manufacturing, and more. Be sure to tune in today!

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#110 The Role of Safety Professionals in Getting America Back to Work with Diana Stegall, President of ASSP

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:46:49 -0000

The time has come for us to consider what it will look like to return to work once stay-at-home directions are withdrawn. How are employers preparing workplaces to ensure the safety of employees, and what role do safety professionals play in getting America back to work? In this episode, host Jennifer McNelly speaks with Diana Stegall, president of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), about how they’re helping to prepare workplaces for employees to return safely, both physically and psychologically. They cover topics from the roles and responsibilities of safety professionals at this time and how COVID-19 has changed those roles within organizations to the hierarchy of controls and how it is applied in direct ways in large companies versus small companies. Diana explains systems thinking like Plan-Do-Check-Act, and the importance of having scalable and flexible solutions, as well as the role that trust and communication plays in the psychological safety of workers. For some practical advice for business leaders aiming to not only survive but thrive coming out of the pandemic, make sure not to miss today’s episode!

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#109 Insights into the Supply Chain Publication Industry with Marina Mayer

Wed, 27 May 2020 19:23:10 -0000

With content creation at an all-time high, it’s important to have reputable, reliable sources of information. Marina Mayer, today’s guest, is Editor-in-Chief of two of the foremost supply chain publications, Food Logistics and Supply and Demand Chain Executive which both draw on expert industry knowledge to provide readers with an impressive variety of content. We kick off this episode by learning more about Food Logistics and its mission to help businesses in the industry. With a wide-ranging audience of over 26 000, it is the only magazine dedicated to the global food cold chain. From there, we find out more about COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the food supply chain. Marina and her team have had to work hard to quell fears around the issue. There has been slowing in parts of the supply chain, but it has by no means halted. From there, we turn our attention to the other publication Marina oversees Supply and Demand Chain Executive and the work it does. We also learn more about their Facebook live events along with the variety of awards the publications oversees. Finally, we round the show off with Marina sharing her personal experience in the industry, and her advice for women looking to break in as well. Be sure to tune in today!

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#108 Who is Winning the Tech Race? With Rebecca Fannin, Founder of Silicon Dragon Ventures

Tue, 19 May 2020 15:04:56 -0000

Relations between the US and China are at a low-point right now, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic among other things, but how is that affecting global innovation? Today’s guest on the WAM podcast is an innovation expert, author, public speaker, and media entrepreneur, Rebecca Fannin, who is the founder and leader of Silicon Dragon Ventures. Rebecca’s journalistic career began in Silicon Valley during the dot-com era. Following the venture capital trail to Asia, she was one of the first American journalists to write about China’s entrepreneurial boom, interviewing Jack Ma of Alibaba and Robin Li of Baidu, among others. She’s a regular media commentator and publics peaker, focusing on investments and emerging technology companies. Rebecca has just published her third book, Tech Titans of China, which documents the rise of China's tech companies and intense competition in the sector. In this episode, host Rosemary Coates and guest Rebecca dive into how Rebecca started her company and where it has led her, as well as the recent decision to take the events component of her business online due to COVID-19. Rebecca gives us her perspectives on global tech and innovation and how they affect manufacturing, as well as how the tech race between the United States and China may be hindering collaboration and innovation. Make sure not to miss out on Rebecca’s interesting approach!

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#107 Why There's No Such Thing as Overnight Success with Kelly Costello, Founder of Puppy Cake

Tue, 12 May 2020 16:48:29 -0000

It’s not a birthday unless there’s cake! Why shouldn’t that be true for dogs too? Today’s guest is Kelly Costello, founder of Puppy Cake. Her lightbulb moment came when she was looking at old cake mix advertisements for a client and thought, "Wouldn't it be great if they made that for dogs too?" Realizing that dog owners across the globe wanted to treat their dogs like family and provide them with healthy and safe treats, Kelly established Puppy Cake in 2007. Puppy Cake's products range from personalized dog cakes and mixes to ice creams and cookies, plus dog toys and apparel too. Kelly has a passion for both dogs and manufacturing, personally overseeing the manufacturing of all the Puppy Cake products. In this episode, we discuss some of the challenges that Kelly encountered on her journey to success, the tips and tricks she learned along the way, and the myth of ‘overnight success’. Kelly shares her perspective on ‘bootstrapping’ versus big loans and talks about her experience on Shark Tank. She also has some advice for entrepreneurs looking to start their own manufacturing company, so make sure not to miss this episode!

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#106 Product Lifecycle Management with Lucy Blackley, CEO of Bombyx PLM

Tue, 05 May 2020 13:56:35 -0000

At the intersection of fashion and engineering, today’s guest was inspired to found her ownstartup focused on simplifying the lifecycle of products. In this episode of the WAM Podcast, host Linda Rigano speaks with Lucy Blackley, CEO of Bombyx PLM: Product Lifecycle Management, about fashion, digital innovation, and seriously motivated women! Lucy discusses with us her move from the fashion industry to founding her own PLM startup, and the importance of developing simple, affordable, and scalable software systems from the point of view of people in product design industries. Bombyx PLM’s system is useful for startups, SMEs, and corporations alike, and – while a lot of people still don’t understand exactly what garment technology is – Lucy explains that PLM systems can be applicable to nearly all industries that produce a physical product. Tune in to find out how!

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#105 Hazard Girls™: The Power of "Can" with Charli K. Matthews

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:15:10 -0000

Welcome to the first episode of Hazard Girls™, the show that explores the inspiring professional journeys of women in non-traditional roles. In this episode, your host Emily Soloby of Juno Jones speaks to Charli K. Matthews, the founder and CEO of Empowering Brands, the founder of Empowering Pumps & Equipment, and Empowering Women in Industry. Charli is a truly dynamic individual who has had a fascinating career path, from working in the pumps and equipment industry to the creation of her brands. For her, it’s necessary to look beyond the equipment to the people manufacturing and using it, because without the people, relationships, and support across the industry, none of what they do will be possible. Charli talks about the state of diversity and inclusion in the world of manufacturing, bringing to light those invisible challenges that women inevitably come up against, which is the very reason for creating the Empowering Women in Industry brand. Having formed a supportive network, Charli hopes to encourage women to pursue careers in manufacturing and to equip them with the right mindsets and skills to succeed in the industry. Put simply, her vision for the network is for it to be there for women in the industry in whichever capacity they need. Tune into this interesting episode today!

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#104 Why Manufacturing Today Is Not What It Used to Be with Tanya DiSalvo

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:35:36 -0000

Have you ever tried to get through a day without using or coming into contact with a manufactured item? It’s pretty impossible! Manufacturing is such a big part of our day-to-day lives and we don’t always recognize that. Today’s guest on the WAM Podcast is Tanya DiSilvo, she’s the president of Criterion Tool, in Brookpark, Ohio. Criterion Tool is a female-owned, non-union, precision machine shop that strives for excellence in machining for the “No Failure” industries of Medical Device, Aerospace, Defence and Photonics. Tanya received her Bachelor’s in Marketing, from Bowling Green State University. In addition to managing a precision machine shop, Tanya is the past president of the Cleveland Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association, a past board member of the Alliance for Working Together, along with holding memberships in Bio-Ohio, Wirenet, and the Precision Machines Products Association. Tune in to today’s episode to hear more from Tanya and her role in empowering women in the manufacturing world.

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#103 Combining Innovation and Manufacturing with Julie Austin, Creator of Swiggies

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:21:54 -0000

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and this was certainly the case for Julie Austin, creator of Swiggies, a range of wrist water bottles. After going for a run and passing out from dehydration, she came up with this innovative solution to a problem she knew many people had. In this episode hosted by Amy Nicklaus, we learn more about Swiggies as well as Julie’s other activities. As a sought-after keynote speaker and author, she wears many hats. She shares stories of her speaking engagements, what it’s like being a female inventor at these conferences, and how she holds her own around other geniuses. Julie also talks about accidentally falling into manufacturing and how it was a steep learning curve. Having no prior knowledge in the space, she found her way through trial and error. Along with this, she also touches on the importance of asking for help, why she wrote a book, and what’s on the horizon for Swiggies. As a woman of many talents, Julie’s story is an inspirational one, so be sure to tune in today to hear more!

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#102 Making Solutions Affordable and Accessible Through Perisense Inc., with Dawn White.

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:22:14 -0000

We are excited to share today’s guest and her company with all your manufacturing businesses, especially those who are small to mid-sized. Today on the WAM podcast our guest is Dawn White, the founder and CEO of Perisense Inc., based in Ann Arbour Michigan. Perisense is a company that manufactures sensors to deliver performance and productivity data from legacy manufacturing assets and convert it into actionable intelligence to improve quality and results. Dawn shares with on how she started Perisense Inc. and how the company is working towards making things like the industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things more accessible to small mid-size manufacturing businesses, particularly those that operate a fair number of legacy manufacturing systems. So stay tuned, you don’t want to miss out!

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#101 Medical Device Contract Manufacturing with Noreen King

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:48:33 -0000

This week we welcome Noreen King of Evolve Manufacturing Technologies to the WAM podcast. Contract manufacturing is different from other types of manufacturing in that products are designed elsewhere, and then the contract manufacturers get the blueprints to assemble the goods. They have to source the parts and work with various partners to ensure compliance. Manufacturing medical devices is an even more stringent manufacturing process, and Noreen King, Evolve’s CEO is here to talk with us today on this topic. In this episode, Noreen gives us an overview of the company’s history and how they moved from the semiconductor space to medical devices. We learn more about what it takes to manufacture these devices. While most manufacturers are profit-driven and put pressure on the production process, manufacturing medical devices requires extreme discipline. Each material component has to be FDA approved, which means that no materials can be changed. With the stakes being so high, it is no wonder the standards are so strict. Noreen also talks about how Evolve’s equipment is being used in the COVID-19 crisis as well as the new self-testing kits they are producing. We learn more about labor expenses, how Evolve thrives in Silicon Valley, and much more. Tune in today!

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#100 Manufacturing Excellence with Elisabeth Weissenrieder-Bennis

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:45:17 -0000

Welcome to the 100th episode of the WAM podcast! On today’s show, host Frances Brunelle welcomes Elisabeth Weissenrieder-Bennis, the Executive Vice President of Weiss-Aug. Weiss-Aug is a company that provides custom insert molding, precision metal stamping, and assembly solutions to the automotive, medical, electronic, and semi-conductor industries. Beth has had over 15 years in the metal forming industry. Weiss-Aug has also experienced substantial growth over the last decade with leading and launching plants in both Mexico and locally in NJ for a life science division focused on surgical devices. She is very passionate about promoting women in manufacturing. In 2017 she was named Metal Forming Magazine’s Woman of Excellence in Metal Forming and Fabricating. Stay tuned to today’s episode to hear more about Beth’s role in manufacturing and what their company is doing with regards to skills acquisition, education, apprenticeship, and promoting women in manufacturing companies.

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#99 Why The Key to Innovation is Failure with Kimberly Wiefling

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:40:37 -0000

Today on The WAM Podcast, host Rosemary Coates welcomes Kimberly Wiefling of Wiefling Consulting. Kimberly is known throughout Silicon Valley as the Guru of Innovation. She is a physicist by training, a techno-nerd, and an extraordinary networker and today, we discover how she has come to be one of the most respected business owners by her manufacturing clients worldwide. We can all agree that innovation and creativity are essential to the evolution of any business. But what type of mindset and environment fosters innovation and creativity most effectively? According to Kimberly, nothing kills creativity and innovation quicker than perfectionism, and that making mistakes, taking necessary risks, and failing is the fastest way to rebuild it! In this episode, we hear fascinating examples of how Kimberly has encouraged failure amongst manufacturing companies across the globe and the outcomes that this shift in thinking has produced. We also discuss the new-collar jobs that are emptying factory floors worldwide, challenges of transportation, sourcing locally, and why creativity and innovation are needed more than ever before to solve and evolve the world of manufacturing today.

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#98 Avoiding the Downward Spiral of Price Reduction with Lydia Di Liello

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 15:28:48 -0000

Today on The WAM Podcast we have Lydia Di Liello, CEO and founder of Capital Pricing Consultants, joining Frances Brunelle for another exciting episode of the WAM Podcast. Capital Pricing Consultants is a revenue management consultancy dedicated to helping clients grow profitability through strategic operational and tactical recommendations. Lydia has more than 23 years of global revenue management and business leadership expertise and has worked in over 16 countries with Fortune 500 and privately held firms. In this episode, you will hear all about Lydia’s passion and her reason for starting the company and her years of experience working in procurement at General Motors. Lydia and Frances shift to discussing proactive versus reactive pricing, why constantly lowering prices is detrimental to the industry, and what manufacturers can do to avoid price wars and reverse auctions. Lydia talks about instances where she has advised her clients to “fire” demanding customers and when she has encouraged them to lower their prices under specific circumstances. Tuning in to this conversation, listeners will also hear Lydia’s go-to advice to her clients and all about her upcoming workshop hosted by the Professional Pricing Society.

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#97 How to Avoid and Defend Supply Chain Disputes with Sarah Rathke

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 23:50:08 -0000

In this episode, host Rosemary Coates discusses supply chains and the law along with our guest, Sarah Rathke. Sarah is a Partner at the international law firm of Squire Patton Boggs and coauthor, along with Rosemary, of the book Legal Blacksmith: How to Avoid and Defend Supply Chain Disputes. Sarah possesses some really outstanding legal skills along with an in-depth and unique understanding of supply chain issues, which is very rare in attorneys. Inside this episode, we talk more about Sarah’s background, the typical lawsuits that she sees in supply chain law, and how the Internet of things and data sharing affects supply chain disputes. We also dive into case studies that Sarah has faced, the importance of competent supply chain managers and understanding geopolitical policies and macro trends within the industry. So, for an intriguing conversation on supply chain and the law, be sure to tune in to today's episode!

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#96 A One-of-a-Kind Publication for the Mold-Making Industry with Christina Fuges

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:29:01 -0000

Christina Fuges is the editorial director of MoldMaking Technology (MMT), and today she joins Frances Brunelle to talk to listeners about their unique publication for the mold manufacturing industry. Christina has 28 years of experience in trade publishing, is the technical conference director for the annual Amerimold expo, and is a contributing editor to Additive Manufacturing. Tuning in to this episode of the WAM Podcast, listeners will hear about the origins of MMT, what the brand focuses on, the importance of being both a print and digital publication, and how they encourage their print readership to also explore online content. Perhaps not surprisingly, Christina mentions the skills gap and the lack of motivation in newcomers as the biggest obstacles in the mold manufacturing industry, and she suggests how manufacturers can get involved in the development and training of young people to uplift the community at large. She emphasizes the importance of knowledge share among manufacturers and why the spirit of collaboration is so much more beneficial than simply competing with one another. If you have ever considered attending the Amerimold expo, stay tuned to hear all the details around visiting and exhibiting! Tune into this exciting podcast today.

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#95 Meet Emily Soloby – Empowering Women to Find their Voice & Boot Style

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:57:52 -0000

Our guest today, Emily Soloby, has been on a mission to help women since the start of her career. From being a women’s rights lawyer to owning two companies, Emily has always placed empowerment at the core of what she does. She has moved between many different industries throughout her career, and while she found these moves tough, she also discovered some unexpected links between them. Through both her time as a lawyer and as the owner of a trucking school business, she was able to assist people – women specifically – in profound ways. Emily’s journey started at the University of Minnesota where she received a degree in Women’s Studies; followed by a law degree from Temple University. Shortly after, she took a job as a nonprofit lawyer, advocating for women in domestic violence cases. The years of high stress and tragic scenarios of clients led Emily to start a new chapter. She decided to go back to graduate school to get her Masters Degree. At Temple University, she met her husband Ryan and they took over a small family business in Harrisburg, PA. Together, they worked hard to recruit and train men and women for truck driving positions – an industry suffering from lack of talent. Thanks to Emily’s efforts, they took on a contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to help train drivers to move cargo, and the company quickly grew a national reach. Emily’s entrepreneurial bug kicked in again as she noticed that many women in logistics and manufacturing industries had limited options for safety footwear that is rugged, comfortable and stylish. Enter – the premier of Juno Jones Shoes, Emily’s brand-new venture manufacturing just the kind of footwear women have been waiting for! Emily hopes that her line of fashionable steel toe boots will help to normalize the presence of women in non-traditional fields. The right gear not only helps women feel safer on the job, but creates a greater sense of belonging in what are usually male-dominated fields. Hear Emily’s inspiring story including the role models in her life who helped her all along the way. And, please join the Kickstarter campaign for Juno Jones and be a part of something great! CLICK HERE to learn more.

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#94 Being a Woman in a Man’s World with Colleen Gray, President and CEO of Consensus Orthopedics

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 21:17:53 -0000

Today on the WAM podcast, we welcome Colleen Gray, president, and CEO of Consensus Orthopedics Inc. Colleen started her career in accounting, but never quite felt at home. She then gravitated to cost accounting because she felt it really gave her an inside view of manufacturing. Her career trajectory has led her on an incredible path, starting out in high tech companies in Arizona and then relocating to California, still remaining in the high tech sphere. Colleen is also the co-founder of one of the first cloud-based storage companies, called Storage Way. A few decisions and changes later, Colleen’s journey took her to her current position at Consensus, where she has been for about 15 years. In this episode, Colleen shares more about this exact journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the constant innovation that is present within her industry. So stay tuned to today’s episode to hear more from Colleen Gray, as she shares on her personal journey through the manufacturing world, more about what is happening at Consensus Orthopedics Inc., and what it’s like to be a woman CEO in a man’s world.

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#93 Running a Successful Bakery with Toni Chiappetta

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 01:45:01 -0000

Not many bakeries can brag about their pumpkin pie being ranked number one in America by Rachael Ray. Sweetie Pies Bakery holds this accolade, along with being having been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine, Food & Wine Mag, and USA Today. Today’s guest, Toni Chiappetta, is the owner of this acclaimed bakery, which she grew out of her apartment kitchen! In this episode, Toni sheds light on the different facets of her business from wholesale to retail and how she juggles it all. Being a woman is business is not always easy, but Toni does things on her terms, treating everyone with kindness and respect. We also learn more about the different distribution channels that the bakery has, which allows people all across the country to try these delicious treats. Although she’s been in the business for over 20 years, Toni shows no sign of slowing down and Sweetie Pie continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Tune in today!

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#92 WAM's Newest Voices: Frances Brunelle and Rosemary Coates

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:52:35 -0000

This podcast features WAM's two newest hosts, Frances Brunelle and Rosemary Coates, as they discuss different sides of the manufacturing industry and the impact that the global economy is having on manufacturing both domestically and internationally. Frances Brunelle is the founder of Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers Inc., a company that specializes in the sale of lower middle-market manufacturing companies nationally. In this episode, Frances discusses what is going on in the market and how the industry is growing and therefore beginning to tip over into a buyers market. Being aware of this changing climate is vital for those who are in, or are looking to emerge into, the manufacturing industry in order to strategically keep a competitive edge. Rosemary Coates is a best selling author as well as the Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute. She is also the president of Blue Silk Consulting. Rosemary has key insights into the global manufacturing environment, and how manufacturing in China has had an effect on offshore imports and American jobs. She established the Reshoring Institute as a way to bring more jobs from China to America, offering companies a 360-degree view of what jobs they can bring back into the country while still offering employees an honest, working wage. She also discusses how trade wars are affecting global imports and what that means for manufacturing. Tune into this educational podcast with Frances and Rosemary today to learn about how these women are making significant waves in the Manufacturing industry.

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#91 Hear How One Woman’s Vision is Inspiring a Generation of Kids to Embrace the Business World

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:45:24 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, extends a warm welcome to Sabari Raja, who is the co-founder of Nepris Inc. Nepris is a first of its kind cloud-based platform that connects educators and learners with a network of industry professionals, virtually, bringing real-world relevance and career exposure to all students. 47% of school children in the US drop out early because they don’t see how what they learn every day is relevant to life after school. Nepris sets out to remedy this problem by not only showing schoolchildren what their lessons prepare them for, but also providing them with professionals to look up to and be inspired by.Sabari shares her own inspirational story with us about how education took her from her childhood home on a farm in south India to start the largest and most forward-thinking education technology company in the US. Sabari also speaks more about what Nepris does to help students and companies alike, how it has grown so fast, and what she sees for its bright future as a global company. Sabari is an inspiration as a woman who exceeded her circumstances and is now dedicating her life to giving others a better chance to do the same, so be sure to tune in!

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#90 ASSP: Stewarding A Legacy Of Safety

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 14:20:16 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's special series with ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals), host, Jennifer McNelly, speaks with Wells Bullard, the 5th generation CEO of the family-owned safety equipment giant, Bullard. The company was founded in 1898 by Well's great-great-grandfather as a supply company for copper and gold mines in California and Nevada. Bullard is a pioneer in every sense of the word. They are famous for inventing the beloved hard hat in 1919 and have been making safety equipment since before it was even an industry standard. Today, Wells shares her experiences of what it was like growing up as a 5th generation potential heir to Bullard, as well as fascinating stories about the history of the company itself. Jennifer and Wells talk about the idea of diversity in the workplace as it relates to safety and the standards and practices that Bullard uses in the engineering of its products. Wells also introduces us to the famous Bullard Turtle Club, which honors accident survivors who have a hard hat to thank for their luck. Finally, we hear about how Wells handles shouldering the legacy of Bullard and being a role model so that people of diverse identities can see themselves in her as they work to achieve their own dreams. View more at www.wampodcast.com Connect with Wells Bullard on LinkedIn and follow Bullard on Twitter @bullard1898 Connect with Jennifer McNelly on LinkedIn and follow her on Twitter @JmcnellyMFG

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#89 How Not To Be A Bull In A China Shop

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:30:42 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea and Desiree give their imaginary 28-year-old selves some advice for maintaining great relationships and excelling in the workplace. Sometimes, especially as young people, we can get caught up in the wrong definition of what it means to be excelling at our job. Maybe we got a little bit of authority and started making too many big changes too early on, or maybe we focused on a task at hand at the expense of asking someone how their day was going. What Andrea and Desiree teach us in this episode is that sometimes pausing and actually observing what is going on in the workplace can earn us far more respect than storming in like a bull in a china shop. There are always things happening behind the scenes that just can't be understood unless they are given time to reveal themselves. It is precisely an attentiveness to this fact that could make a young and ambitious person trying to make a name for themselves look mature, rather than silly and naive. Tune in and take some notes from two seasoned pros! For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#88 ASSP: Building Trust With Rosa Carrillo

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 20:51:17 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's special series with ASSP (The American Society of Safety Professionals), we are very grateful to have Rosa Carrillo on the show, who has come to share some of the research she has published in her new book, The Relationship Factor in Safety Leadership. Rosa's book argues that business leaders should build strong, healthy relationship networks in their companies because it helps them build trust with coworkers. Much of the latest research points to trust as a critical factor in engaging employees. In her book, Rosa compiles 8 core beliefs that are the foundation for high-performance safety organizations. Rosa chats with the host of WAM and CEO of ASSP, Jennifer McNelly, to discuss some of these beliefs, touching on how trust amongst CEOs and employees leads to better safety regulation, performance, employee ingenuity, and more! Join us to hear Rosa's sharp observations from her research in cognitive science, and find out how to elevate safety in your own company today. Connect with Rosa Carrillo on LinkedIn, check out her blog at carrilloconsultants.com/blog, and follow her on Twitter @rosaccc

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#87 Why Not You? Raising Women Into Industry Trailblazers

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 13:23:13 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, is joined by entrepreneurial trailblazer, Allison Grealis. Allison is on a mission to create worldwide awareness for women in all areas of manufacturing. 10 years ago, Allison founded Women in Manufacturing (WiM) which is the only national trade association dedicated to providing support for women with a career in the industry. Today, WiM has over 3,000 members representing over 1,000 manufacturing companies across every job function. In this episode, we find out how WiM was started and the important needs it addresses in the male-dominated industry culture today. We also hear Allison's view on women in leadership and why training and education, strong peer communities, and encouraging failure are key to building motivated, confident women leaders in the workspace. Allison also shares the exciting work that WiM is doing to build a community of female professionals who are supported, celebrated, and inspired to move to the next level in their careers. Like & follow Allison Grealis on Twitter and Instagram @allisongrealis and the Women in Manufacturing® Association (WiM) on Facebook and Twitter @WomeninMfg

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#86 Riveting Exchanges: How To Improve Your Relationship With The Five “Evil” Boss Archetypes

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:54:37 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's "Bad Boss" series, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace save the worst for last. In this episode, you'll be introduced to the five 'evil' boss archetypes of Bobby Backstabber, Power-Trip Paul, Micro-Manager Matt, Absentee Al, and Ladder-Climbing Larry. No one likes an 'evil' boss, but the good news is that you can control how you choose to react to these bosses. Here, Andrea and Desiree describe the five archetypes, providing a deeper insight into their character and ticks. All to give you some tools and practical tips to better equip you for your next work project, meeting, email, or daily encounter at the espresso machine. If you're facing one or more of these bosses, by the end of this episode, you'll have a set of mental, emotional, and practical tips on how to tactfully manage them. With these tools, you may even start to view these "bad bosses" as a positive opportunity for growth. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#85 Riveting Exchanges: How To Manage The Four Passive-Aggressive Boss Personalities

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 13:25:26 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's edition of "Riveting Exchanges," hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, continue with their "Bad Boss" discussion. The ladies look at the four different types of "weak" personalities. Here, you'll meet the four archetypal passive-aggressive bosses: Indecisive Ike, Steady Eddie, Insecure Ida, and Absentee Al. Indecisive Ike is the indecisive enemy of change, the classic “paralysis by analysis” boss. Steady Eddie is the type of boss that is downright resistant to change. Insecure Ida has low self-esteem and needs constant affirmation, and Absentee Al is barely present, rarely responding to his employees' needs. These characteristics in a boss can be phenomenally frustrating, especially when you as an employee are trying to progress and implement change within your company. If you're facing one or more of these bosses, by the end of this episode, you'll have a set of mental, emotional, and practical tips on how to tactfully manage them. With these tools, you may even start to view these "bad bosses" as a positive opportunity for growth. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#84 Impacting The World Through Innovation

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 14:00:43 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano is joined by Rosemarie Truman, a woman on a mission to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Rosemarie shares with listeners about how the most revolutionizing inventions, including the Internet, GPS and cancer vaccines, have come out of government-funded Research and Development (R&D). According to Rosemarie, the majority of US taxpayers’ R&D investment, $140B/year, is untapped; with less than 0.1% of inventions become products. Many of the inventions have the potential to transform and create disruptive new platforms and models. In the last 7 years, $1 trillion in US taxpayer-funded inventions is available from NIH, NASA, the Department of Defense and other agencies, universities, hospitals, and federal institutions. That’s why Rosemarie created The Center for Advancing Innovation (CAI)– to tap into the value from these inventions by putting them into the hands of hard-working, enterprising entrepreneurs to boost economic growth, create knowledge-based jobs and launch new markets. Today, she is working with The Walton Family Foundation to launch the SCALE challenge– a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into technology, funding, and expert coaching– all to create their dream businesses. On this episode, we also get to hear about Rosemarie’s influencers, her education, and the career opportunities that helped her to become the mentor she is today. The ladies also discuss women's tendency to be thwarted by “imposter syndrome” and the people, including her mother, who have inspired her the most. To learn more about The Center For Advancing Innovation (CAI), visit www.thecenterforadvancinginnovation.org and check out the organization on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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#83 Training The Next Generation Of Manufacturers

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:23:02 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Barbara Trautlein interviews Diana Peters, the Executive Director and Founder of Symbol Training Institute, which is a Chicago-based educational organization that builds partnerships with manufacturers and students to improve lives through quality education. They provide hands-on training in programming, set up, and operation of CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machines. In this episode, she shares more details about her training program and why it is suitable for anyone, from mothers with young kids to those who already work full time and are looking to fine-tune their skills. Diana also talks about her passion to see more women and girls enter the field and overcome the additional challenges they might come up against. Connect with Diana Peters on LinkedIn and check out Manufacturing Next at www.manufacturingnext.org and Symbol Training School at www.symboltraining.edu and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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#82 ASSP: Challenging Assumptions In The Workplace

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:52:58 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's special series with the American Society Of Safety Professionals (ASSP), host, Jennifer McNelly, chats with Diana Stegall, the President of ASSP and Executive Vice President of Rivendell Safety Consulting in Tucson, Arizona. Diana was the first woman to be named ASSP's safety professional of the year. With years of experience, she is here to share her thoughts on the assumptions in the workplace, especially as it pertains to gender roles. The ladies discuss the various biases that women are confronted with in the industry and what can be done to create a more inclusive, diverse work environment including giving women credit when it is due and including men in the conversations about gender equality. Connect with Diana on LinkedIn and follow her on Twitter @theRealDStegall

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#81 Riveting Exchanges: Practicing Self-Discipline With A Bad Boss

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 13:37:23 -0000

On this edition of "Riveting Exchanges" on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace continue their conversation about bad bosses. In the workplace, we deal with a whole range of different and sometimes conflicting, personalities, which can be a real challenge. The most important thing is for you to remember that, while you don't have control over people's actions, you do have full control over your own, and you can contribute positively by remaining in control of your own emotions and by not allowing their mood to rub off on you. But when is it time to leave employment due to a bad boss? The truth is that only you can answer that question. Maybe you just need to make a change, start working more remotely, or move to a different office, but if a bad boss is affecting your health, happiness, and family life, more serious measures may be required. Today, Andrea and Desiree tell-all about Political Pete, Self-Centered Sal, and Moody Max! For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#80 Success = Integrity + Kindness

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 13:34:40 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, you’re invited to learn leadership lessons from a woman who first walked the shop floor at age 11, ran machines at 13, ran a manufacturing organization at 23, and remains at the helm today, weathering storms that have included losing 90% of revenues during a major downturn in the economy. Guest, Aneesa Muthana, speaks with host, Barbara Trautlein, about the importance of building relationships to achieve results, forging collaborative partnerships inside and outside the organization, and the responsibility of women to support other women and defy stereotypes. Her personal examples demonstrate how to take charge of your career, as well as how business leaders can promote women’s careers in manufacturing. To connect with Aneesa Muthana on social media, check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information about Pioneer Service, visit http://www.pioneerserviceinc.com and their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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#79 Raising The Bar Of Sustainable Textiles

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 12:46:56 -0000

On this week's episode of The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, sat down with a self-made, fearless influencer and leader in the textile industry, Stephanie Benedetto. Through her business, Queen of Raw, Stephanie has found a unique marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, aiming to reduce the amount of wastage and pollution that burning fabric and landfills entail. _________________________________________________________________________ For more information, visit www.queenofraw.com and follow Queen of Raw out on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube.

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#78 Riveting Exchanges: Managing A Bad Boss To Your Own Advantage

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:26:49 -0000

On this week's edition of "Riveting Exchanges" on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, talk about bad bosses. Everyone has had a bad boss at one point or another, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps you don't know how to communicate with them, or you're trying to get past an obstacle they have placed in front of you. Either way, different personalities and work styles often play a role. Over the course of a three-part series, Andrea and Desiree will be digging into the types of bad bosses and circle back to give you practical advice on how to deal with these individuals. We often believe that the only way to solve the problem is to quit the job, but a bad boss can be turned to your own advantage. The ladies also talk about how to push back in appropriate and subtle ways, and also how you can be clever about the information you share with a boss who is trying to take credit for the work you have done. It is ultimately important not to become disgruntled but rather to keep building your reputation as a person of action. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit pragmadik.com, nodisruptions.com, and thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#77 Managing Credit Risk

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:57:52 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Amy Nicklaus, is joined by Charity Forte, who is a leading client services manager for CreditRiskMonitor, which offers industry-leading financial risk analysis for credit, supply chain, and financial professionals. Charity and her team educate their clients on financial risk and show them how to use the service to mitigate the risk of vendors and suppliers as well as customers. Credit risk is something that affects everyone, and prevention is always better than cure. Charity shares some details about the FRISK Score and the immense financial pitfalls it can point out and prevent, such as the imminent bankruptcy of a key vendor. She also speaks about her career history, as well as her family life and passion for rescue animals. To learn more, visit www.creditriskmonitor.com or contact Charity directly at charity.forte@creditriskmonitor.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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#76 Bring The MAGIC Of Your Whole Self To Work!

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:49:54 -0000

On this episode of The WAM Podcast, host, Barbara Trautlein, interviews Linda Mott, who has held a variety of roles in the male-dominated utility industry, including BC Hydro’s Employee Engagement Manager for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Linda advises us to bring our whole selves to work and is the perfect role model for how to do so— which for her, includes her skills as an amateur magician! She shares actionable insights, including finding an employer that believes in diversity and supports you as a whole person, networking to identify companies and jobs that work for you, negotiating what you deserve, and discovering creative ways to build relationships. For an incredible conversation with a woman who is unique and true to herself, don't miss this episode! Connect with Linda Mott on LinkedIn.

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#75 ASSP: Women At Risk In The Workplace

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 13:58:45 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's special series with the American Society Of Safety Professionals, host, Jennifer McNelly, speaks with Dr. Katie Schofield, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Master of Environmental Health and Safety program. The ladies talk about how gender influences injury risk in the workplace and explore how the changing world of work, including precarious employment arrangements in traditionally gendered roles like teaching assistants or home healthcare aides, can create different risks that require new safety strategies, policies, and interventions. Connect with Dr. Katie Schofield on LinkedIn and visit http://www.umn.edu/~kscho to learn more.

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#74 Riveting Exchanges: 3 Key Principles For Laying The Foundation Of A Successful Business

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:58:38 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast's edition of "Riveting Exchanges," hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, had the pleasure of talking all about entrepreneurship with their guest, Maureen Barsema, better known as Mo. Mo is the owner of her own financial and strategic coaching business called Outside Looking In LLC. Her company guides other businesses toward financial stability through savvy strategies. Starting a business takes courage, confidence, capital, and community, but what is it that makes us take the first step and keep running? Mo started her own entrepreneurial journey 37 years ago and has learned a heck of a lot along the way! In this episode, we discuss the top three principles that enable Mo to build the foundation of her business and sustain it within a thriving community. Here, we uncover the value of networking and developing inter-personal industry relationships, the importance of capital, and the power of a solid business plan. Mo also shares her valuable advice for sustaining a coaching business and your own self-esteem in today's fast-paced digital world. Connect with Mo on LinkedIn.

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#73 The Customer Mission: Recruiting And Retaining The Right Employees

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:40:27 -0000

On this week's edition of "The Customer Mission" on The WAM Podcast, host, Andrea Olson, is advising listeners about talent attraction and retention, an important conversation for many manufacturers who have a hard time recruiting and keeping skilled talent in their organizations. Perhaps it's time to investigate whether we are approaching the hiring process correctly because attracting the right pool of candidates is crucial. What we've discovered is that it is often in the smaller details where companies go wrong. The hiring landscape has changed so drastically that the strategies that worked twenty years ago are no longer applicable and new methods for finding the appropriate employees should be explored. A rigid checklist of qualities and qualifications often prove ineffective because the lane becomes too narrow and potentially great candidates can be discarded. Andrea shares insights on how to overcome these obstacles, discussing and providing solutions to the eight most common mistakes that companies make in the hiring process. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik

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#72 A Fearless Woman In The Metal Industry

Wed, 29 May 2019 14:28:44 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano is joined by Edie Comminos, the owner of Alpha Metals Recycling Company in Chicago. Edie is a fearless and self-made woman who has established herself and her company as a force with which to be reckoned! In their conversation, the ladies talk about the metal industry and how it relates to the larger economic climate, the challenges that Edie has faced in a male-dominated industry, the lessons she has learned, and how finding your way to what you want often means taking note of what you don't like. Edie was named Woman Business Owner of the Year in 2018 in Chicago and Alpha Metals Recycling Company is a certified WBENC Women's Business Enterprise. She discusses what has changed in her work over the years and what she looks forward to in the future. For all this and more, be sure to tune in! To learn more about Edie Comminos and Alpha Metals Corporation, connect with her on LinkedIn, connect with Alpha Metals Corporation on LinkedIn, and visit alphametalsrecycle.com

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#71 Riveting Exchanges: The Art Of Internal Selling

Wed, 22 May 2019 14:11:15 -0000

On this week's edition of the "Riveting Exchanges" segment on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, discuss the concept of internally selling and what to do to get buy-in from your boss or colleagues for your next big idea. They discuss examples from their own extensive work experience and how they managed to get buy-in on their ideas. The ladies highlight the importance of involving as many people as possible so that people who may be resistant can clearly see their role ina potentially-changing system, and they do not feel as though they will get left behind. This is important because people who do not buy in can act as roadblocks in executing the idea. Collaborating and engaging with the multiple stakeholders will mean that rather than just accepting the idea, people will truly buy in and work towards a collective vision because they feel heard and valued. This is not easy, especially when dealing with lots of personalities who have different interests, but following some simple steps will make internal selling more manageable. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#70 The Spotlight On Supply Chains

Wed, 15 May 2019 14:14:31 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, speaks to Lisa Morales-Hellebo, an amazing entrepreneur who is challenging the traditional views of supply chain and spotlighting new and innovative ways to look at it. In 2017, Lisa and her partner, Brian Aoaeh, launched The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation, one of the largest and fastest growing grassroots-driven network of open and multidisciplinary meetup communities focused on supply chain, technology, and innovation. It’s flagship chapter, The NY Meetup, is attracting well over 150 attendees to its monthly programs. Their operating model is unique – and free – to all supply chain professionals. Space is donated and Lisa and Brian focus their efforts on attracting influential speakers who are leveraging technology in all sorts of cool ways. Lisa also founded REFASHIOND Ventures, a VC that champions companies who are reinventing supply chains in the retail sector. Lisa shares how she recognized a need for companies to pay more attention to the inner workings of the supply chain and how her company meets those needs. Lisa also shares her view on VC funding and the gender bias that still exists around it. For more, follow Lisa Morales on Twitter @lisahellebo and Instagram @lisahellebo and connect with her on LinkedIn. Check out REFASHIOND at www.refashiond.com and follow the brand on Twitter @refashiond and Instagram @refashiond. Learn more about The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation by visiting www.tnyscm.com and connecting with the company on LinkedIn. The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation is holding a new, free Supply Chain Innovation & Technology Conference June 19-20 in NYC, where the brightest minds in the industry will be discussing the reinvention of global supply chain networks.

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#69 ASSP: Seeing Gender in Workplace Safety Through Multiple Lenses

Wed, 08 May 2019 13:47:36 -0000

This week on the first edition of The WAM Podcast's special 6-episode ASSP series, host and CEO of The American Society Of Safety Professionals (ASSP), Jennifer McNelly, speaks with Dr. Cori Wong, Assistant Vice President for Gender Equity within the office of the Vice President for Diversity at Colorado State University. The ladies discuss how prioritizing gender diversity and inclusion can improve occupational safety and health. Cori shares four powerful concepts she says safety professionals can use to reframe their thinking about gender in the workplace. Connect with Cori Wong on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter @cori_wong, and visit her website, coriwong.com.

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#68 Riveting Exchanges: Navigating Intrepreneurship Through Company Culture

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:56:37 -0000

On this edition of "Riveting Exchanges" on The WAM Podcast, hosts, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace, dive into the concept of intrepreneurship. Like entrepreneurship, it's all about innovation and innovating new ideas, but with the key difference that it takes place within an organization. The ladies discuss the role of company culture in cultivating an atmosphere of innovation, the importance of knowing what the particular company's risk tolerance is, and what their expectations are. They also talk about the factors to consider before initiating change, the importance of being empathetic toward different perspectives, and why it is necessary to validate your plan of action. Tune in for some actionable tips for setting off positive change in your organization! For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com, www.nodisruptions.com, and www.thecustomermission.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik Connect with Desiree Grace on LinkedIn.

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#67 Merging Communications And Business

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:36:01 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, spoke with Lynn Kier, Vice President of Communications and Branding for the Schaeffler Group, USA, a leading, global integrated automotive industrial supplier. As you will hear, Lynn is an incredibly dynamic woman who has flourished and continues to make an impact in a male-dominated industry for many years in a variety of roles, from finance and sales to operations and HR. The ladies discuss Lynn's professional journey where shares the different ways that she approaches challenges and keeps progressing in her career. Lynn has lots of great advice for other women (and men)— mostly to be their authentic self, despite the obstacles. She is a big advocate for mentoring and encourages everyone to practice this in their everyday life. Don't miss out on another great opportunity to learn how you can succeed as a woman in the world of manufacturing! "As a female leader, we have our own style and we have to be our own authentic selves." —Lynn Kier Visit www.schaeffler.us, connect with The Schaeffler Group and Lynn Kier on LinkedIn, and like & follow The Schaeffler Group on Facebook and Instagram. For more, visit wampodcast.com.

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#66 Shaping The Future Of Workplace Diversity

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 14:23:00 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, is joined by the founders of The Second Shift, Gina Hadley and Jenny Galluzzo. The Second Shift is a platform for connecting experienced female freelancers to worthwhile companies with the right values around inclusion and diversity. Throughout this fascinating and inspiring conversation, the ladies discuss the importance of the vetting process that an organization implements, their perspective on the role of big tech companies in the gradual transformation of the workforce, and how data-driven research helps their line-of-work tremendously. Our guests also offer a few thoughts on things that women could be doing differently to kickstart a change in the immediate vicinity. They also discuss socialization and culture around gender and the tendency towards indoctrinated over-apologizing and the innate inferiority complexes that occur in the workplace, and why it is so important to celebrate success and vocalize triumphs as a woman. To finish off this great chat, Gina and Jenny look forward to what is on the horizon of The Second Shift and what that means for diversity in the workplace! For all this and a whole lot more, be sure to tune in! For more information, visit thesecondshift.com check out The Second Shift feature on The Today Show and like & follow The Second Shift on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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#65 The Fearless Pursuit of Success

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:52:00 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, is joined by Kathi Bond, President of CyroPlus, a successful cryogenic service provider for the past 25 years. Kathi's story is a testament to how fearless she is as a person, and we find out how her success can be attributed to recognizing an opportunity in the market and going for it with everything she had. She shares the pros and cons of being a female in the industry, her heart for women in the community, and how her mother has always been her biggest inspiration. We get into some of her best sales techniques, what she considers to be the most important aspects early on in business, and what men can do to support women in the industry. Join the ladies for another encouraging episode!

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#64 Implementing The Elements Of Corporate Social Responsibility

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 14:06:12 -0000

This week on The WAM Podcast, host, Linda Rigano, was delighted to speak with Christen Graham, President of Giving Strong, a social impact consulting firm. Christen counsels companies on a variety of strategies to deploy their resources, whether it's in the area of corporate social responsibility, community reactions, philanthropy, and even reputation management. Christen shares the journey that led her to start her own company and bridging the gap in the market of giving. Further, we discuss the elements of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and why it's important to define that social consciousness for your company. We also dive into specific case studies and clients that Christen has helped over the years. For an incredibly insightful conversation, be sure to tune in! To learn more about Christen Graham and Giving Strong, visit her website, www.givingstrong.com, Giving Strong's LinkedIn, Graham's personal LinkedIn, and follow the firm on Twitter @givingstrong. For more of The WAM Podcast, visit www.wampodcast.com

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#63 SPARKing Excitement For Engineering & Manufacturing In Elementary Schools

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:56:04 -0000

On this week's episode of WAM, host, Barbara Trautlein had the pleasure of speaking with Shonali Ditz and Tiernan Murrell, the founders and directors of SparkShop, an immersive, non-profit engineering education program that empowers children to see their futures as engineers. Shonali and Tiernan talk about their passion for working together in a team to apply their experience in hands-on projects. The ladies also share how they are approaching education differently to foster innovation and diversity of thought with their students. Be sure to listen in for an inspiring conversation! To learn more about Shonali, Tiernan, and SparkShop, visit sparkshop.com, and like & follow them on Facebook @SEESparkShop and Instagram @SeeSparkShop

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#62 Full Time: Changing The Perception Of The Manufacturing Industry

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:45:07 -0000

This week on WAM's edition of "Full Time," Amy Nicklaus sits down with fellow WAM host, Andrea Olson. Andrea is the CEO of Prag'madik, an operational strategy consultancy, and the Director of the Midwest Manufacturing Business Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of mid-market manufacturing in the US. The two ladies dive into Andrea's background and how her experience in the manufacturing industry has inspired her latest book, No Disruptions: The New Future For Mid-Market Manufacturing. Amy and Andrea also talk about why it's so critical to never lose sight of what your customer wants, and how manufacturing companies can prepare for a big shift of employees moving into retirement. Tune in to hear Andrea's tips on how to get more done and change our perspective of success! ----more---- GUEST Andrea Olson, the author of No Disruptions: The New Future For Mid-Market Manufacturing, is inspiring and educating industrial business leaders on how to transform their approach to marketing, technology, and communications. With 19-years of experience, the four-time ADDY® Award-winner is currently the CEO of Pragmadik and the Director of the Midwest Manufacturing Business Coalition. For more information on Olson's book, workshops, keynote speeches, or consulting, please visit www.pragmadik.com and www.nodisruptions.com. Follow Andrea Olson on Twitter @pragmadik HOST Amy Nicklaus is the owner of Nicklaus Marketing & PR, located in Morristown, NJ. Amy has over 18 years of advertising sales, marketing, and executive experience working for companies like CBS, Clear Channel, & Beasley Broadcasting, as well as acting as the V.P. of a national association. Amy's experience and proven client results motivated her to step out and start her own company. Amy and her husband have two little girls and two boys (yellow labradors). She believes in working hard and being the best example she can be in business and in life for her girls. Like & follow Amy and Nicklaus Marketing & PR at @nicklausmarketing on Facebook, @nicklausmarketing on Instagram, @nicklausmrktng on Twitter, and LinkedIn. Visit www.nicklausmarketing.com for more.

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#61 Full Time: Get Real

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:51:38 -0000

This week on WAM's segment of "Full Time with Amy Nicklaus," Amy sits down with real estate relocation specialist, Laura Ana Blanche, the founder of Knecht Properties, to discuss her reasons for going into real estate, the qualifications required to be a relocation specialist, her expansion from one market into the entire tri-state area, and the importance of relocation for big businesses. In addition to her busy career, Laura has three beautiful children, and she manages to balance it all seamlessly (margaritas help, too)!

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#60 Riveting Exchanges: Making The Most Of Your Sabbatical

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:07:12 -0000

On this week's edition of Riveting Exchanges on The WAM Podcast, Andrea and Desiree had the pleasure of interviewing Stacey Felzer, the owner of Chord Marketing Services, a B2B marketing firm that specializes in creating marketing that's in tune with your customers' needs. Stacey, Andrea, and Desiree explore the topic of sabbaticals. Felzer recently came off of a sabbatical of a few months and was gracious enough to speak about her experience and the events that led up to it, as well as some practical advice for making the best of your sabbatical. Guest Info Stacey Felzer, the owner of Chord Marketing Services, has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and wholesale distributing in the electrical industry. She has been the customer, the manufacturer, and the person in between. Now, she is taking the best marketing practices she has learned and utilizing them to help independent distributors and manufacturers elevate their marketing game. Chord Marketing Services is a B2B marketing firm that is focused on the electrical industry providing marketing strategy, branding, product marketing, and demand generation manufacturer's reps, small manufacturers, and distributors. "6 Modern Sabbatical Ideas You Have To Try" via Remote Year Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn | Follow Stacey on Twitter @staceyjfelzer

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#59 Full Time: Thread's Not Dead

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 15:05:34 -0000

This week on WAM's edition of Full Time With Amy Nicklaus, Amy sits down with the President and Founder of Made Here New York, Karyn Villante, who shares her story about getting back into the clothing manufacturing industry after taking some time off and about the importance of localized sourcing and production. Made Here In New York specializes in beautiful, cotton scarves, sweaters, and blankets, and all of the manufacturing is done right here on home soil! Karyn had a full-time career in design years ago before starting a family and taking a step away from work. She got back into the game after her daughter started receiving tons of compliments on the sweaters that she made for her. Looking at Made Here New York's range, we should all be glad she did!

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#58 Riveting Exchanges: How Do Your Verbal Communication Skills Stack Up?

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:32:24 -0000

As a manufacturing leader, do you know how your verbal communications impact your career? In this week's episode of Riveting Exchanges, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace take a deep dive into the best practices of verbal communications, including how to listen for understanding, controlling your emotions, using silence and eye contact to control the conversation, and more, to help you climb the leadership ladder!

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$57 Full Time: The Potato Episode

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 18:33:37 -0000

Get to know your host! This week, Amy is sharing a little bit of her crazy life— managing a family and a marketing company, having ADHD, and some of the everyday challenges that she faces, along with some ridiculously funny stories that her listeners will be able to relate to.

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#56 Riveting Exchanges: The Importance of Language In Manufacturing And Culture

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 16:58:19 -0000

Written language is so important in how you communicate. Andrea and Desiree talk about how much language can help, and hurt your professional image. The slightest change in the written word can affect the outcome dramatically. Take a look at lessons learned on this episode of Riveting Exchanges. For more visit womenandmfg.com

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#55 The Customer Mission: Are You Sabotaging Your Customers?

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:44:34 -0000

It's not about you. Truly, no matter what business you are in, it's not about you. Too many organizations unintentionally support internal cultures that focus on the company, not the customer. In this Customer Mission Podcast, host Andrea Olson and CEO of Pragmadik, discusses the ways manufacturers can unintentionally sabotage their customers by creating obstacles to doing business. This Podcast will dive into the impact of culture on profitability, along with how industrial organizations need to change their strategic perspective from internal to external. For more episodes, visit womenandmfg.com

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#54 Full Time: How You Can Still Have It While Working On Achieving Your Goals

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:46:03 -0000

This week, on Full-Time with Amy Nicklaus, we welcome Elizabeth Barry. With many successes of her own and her more than 20-year career, Elizabeth is now a coach and consultant for some of the most successful entrepreneurs, as well as C-suite level businessmen and women. Amy and Elizabeth dive into some secrets of success, along with the importance of balance and communication. Amy and Elizabeth have a great time discussing “balance, and what that means and how you can still have it while working on achieving your goals. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#53 Riveting Exchanges - The Importance Of Diversity In The Workplace

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:31:47 -0000

In this episode of Riveting Exchanges, Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace chat with Michelle Murphy, Chief Diversity Officer at Ingersoll Rand. Michelle discusses the importance of diversity in the workplace, the impact women and minorities are having on the success of manufacturing, and how the industry can compete more effectively through leveraging diverse perspectives. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#52 Who Solves Problems In Your Company?

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:53:29 -0000

When an organization faces a problem, we often default to finding the fastest, cheapest, and easiest solution. Yet this approach can often leave us with unsatisfactory results because the company doesn’t truly understand its problems, or the processes and resources needed to effectively solve them for the long term. Instead, a cycle of fire-fighting ensues. In this episode of the Customer Mission podcast, Andrea Olson dives into why companies are trying to solve problems in a bubble, and how to approach problem-solving as a part of your culture, instead of simply a checklist activity. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#51 Shine Through The Noise Author Akasha Garnier

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 15:07:18 -0000

We are excited to announce the addition of our newest host Amy Nicklaus, managing partner of Nicklaus Marketing in Morristown NJ. For her first show, she interviews Brand Specialist, Blog Maven and Author of her new book, Shine Through The Noise, Akasha Garnier. They discuss Akasha's new book, how she got to where she is today and where she might or might not be going tomorrow. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#50 Sign My Name To Freedom - Betty Reid Soskin

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 19:54:24 -0000

Betty Reid Soskin, author of Sign My Name to Freedom, a Memoir of a Pioneering Life, a book about her life and times in a racially-divided America, was recently interviewed for the first anniversary of the Women And Manufacturing podcast by Lew Weiss, founder of the Women And Manufacturing podcast, as well as founder of Manufacturing Talk Radio and show host, joined by his co-host Tim Grady. Betty has been an entrepreneur business owner, a wife and mother, an activist, a singer-songwriter and performer, a legislative aide, author, and at 97 is the oldest active park ranger in the National Park Service to date. During the interview, Betty speaks of her experiences growing up when Afro American's had few rights, including the right to vote, the segregation of public facilities from public bathrooms to public transportation and restaurants, through the civil rights struggle to the present - a time when she feels that healing is taking place in America between the races. This soft-spoken woman discusses with dignity and without anger her journey through life in a divided America with Manufacturing Talk Radio founder Lew Weiss, and co-host, Tim Grady. "When we launched Women And Manufacturing, my co-host, Tim Grady, and I interviewed one of the original Rosie the Riveters, Anna Hess, who lied about being 16 (she was only 15 at the time) to work in a tire factory to support the war effort. This was the beginning of launching the show by interviewing someone who lived through the manufacturing industry at a turning point in American history, and in fact, world history. It is with great reverence that we interviewed Anna Hess, and with equal reverence that we interviewed Betty," said Mr. Weiss. Indeed, speaking to someone who has lived and participated during some of the greatest social upheavals in modern times is a rare privilege for any talk show host. This interview is especially noteworthy because it touches on one of the greatest social divisions in America today, as the country grapples with its mixed culture to fulfill the promise of the Bills of Rights, "...that all men [and women] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It is with this profound respect that we are pleased to present this interview for the 1st anniversary of the Women And Manufacturing podcast. In addition, we encourage listeners to pick up a copy of Betty's book, Sign My Name to Freedom, a Memoir of a Pioneering Life, which chronicles Betty's journey and incredible accomplishments in the face of extreme racial prejudice in America. Her life will also be highlighted in two upcoming documentaries, one expected by year-end 2018, and the other before the end of 2019. Finally, we wish to thank Betty, her son, and all those involved in making this fascinating interview possible. It has been an honor to present all of the interviews of accomplished women over the past 12 months who have been interviewed by women of their own remarkable accomplishments, all of whom have shared invaluable and insightful information that will be useful for women of all ages, especially those in the working years - which has been uniquely redefined by Betty Soskin herself, still actively working and contributing well into her 90's. To buy Sign My Name To Freedom on Amazon, Click Here For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#49 Should I Stay Or Should I Go Part 2

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:55:01 -0000

When do you know when to leave a company or job? Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace of the Riveting Exchanges Podcast talk about their experiences in working in a variety of manufacturing organizations, both good and bad, and how to identify when it’s time to move on, whether for money, your family, or your health. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#48 The Customer Mission Podcast – Addressing The Strategic Gap To Acquire Talent

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:09:45 -0000

Historically manufacturing has always had a good pool of labor and talent came to us, but not anymore. The new workforce has options and securing good talent can be a challenge. Host Andrea Olson covers the 5 things your organization needs to do right now to make sure you get the employee your organization needs. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#47 Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Part 1

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:13:54 -0000

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#46 Leading the Family Legacy

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:38:31 -0000

Pamela A. Kan is a second-generation manufacturer where she serves as President of Bishop-Wisecarver in Pittsburg, CA. Pamela is a leader in manufacturing and an advocate for ensuring the next generation of makers are inspired to join the industry. With a business degree and a background in retail, Pamela carved out her role with the company early on by leading their marketing efforts. Her title and responsibilities have changed over time, but now as the president, she embodies the role of a compassionate leader. Under her leadership, Bishop-Wisecarver has doubled in size and the company continues to grow and diversify. Pamela views her role as being part of the solution. Her guidance to others: step up and “create a different future.” Join in and listen to Leading the Family Legacy to hear Pamela’s story. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#45 The Impact of the Digital Transformation on Manufacturing

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:54:37 -0000

There’s a lot of talk about how technology is changing the manufacturing landscape. But which changes are critical to address, and what technologies are essential as a foundation for long-term growth? Cris Young, Executive Vice President at Hudson Fasteners, chats with host Andrea Olson, discussing her “ah-ha” moment with technology, and her perspectives on the three must-do strategies that manufacturers need to adopt to so they can grow in today’s technology-driven environment. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#44 I Like Sparks and Sparkles!

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:57:31 -0000

Please join host Barbara Trautlein as she interviews Kathryn Kelley, who shares stories (and quotes – like the one in the title!) about women leaders in manufacturing as well as her own leadership in fostering collaborations between academia and industry. Using her storytelling skills, Kathryn tells the tales of three powerful women who are running manufacturing businesses and making a positive difference for their companies, customers, and communities. Speaking to students, she relates research-based feedback from industry about how young women (and men) can best prepare themselves for careers in manufacturing. Moreover, she offers tangible advice for how to amplify technology innovation and accelerate workforce development through partnerships between educational institutions and manufacturing organizations. Please join this compelling conversation! For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#43 Priscila Hammett – Accomplished Millennial Woman In Manufacturing

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:32:22 -0000

Today's guest is Priscila Hammett, Product Marketing Manager at Emerson. Priscilla sits down with hosts Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace to share her unique perspective as a successful, millennial woman in manufacturing. Topics include how we can make manufacturing more attractive to millennials and the opportunities she sees in manufacturing, advice for other young women, challenges she has faced as a young woman in manufacturing and tips to get through it. Don't miss this insightful conversation between three accomplished women in manufacturing! For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#42 Judge Less–Seek to Understand

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:43:48 -0000

Every day on her ride home from work, Cyndi Bray-McDaniel takes time to reflect on her day. As the Plant Manager for Ingersoll Rand’s HVAC Residential facility in Trenton, New Jersey, she asks herself, “What happened today? Was anything misunderstood? What can I do better tomorrow?” It is her examinations, both of others and of self, that have made her the leader she is today. In this episode of Women And Manufacturing, 180 Skills’ Jennifer McNelly asks Cyndi what her experienced self of today would tell her teenage self? Cyndi’s advice, which includes judge less, ask more questions, be willing to learn and adjust, can be useful to many of us. Tune into “Judge Less–Seek to Understand” to hear more about Cyndi’s journey in manufacturing. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#41 What can a women's perspective bring to manufacturing growth?

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 14:13:50 -0000

We all know that diversity can bring a range of new ideas to the table. But what do women uniquely bring to manufacturing when it comes to customer engagement? This first edition of “The Customer Mission” podcast dives into this subject with our guest, Kristi Wiechmann, Vice President of Specialty Manufacturing, talking about the women’s perspective, how to better serve customers and what manufacturers need to do to effectively compete in today’s marketplace. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#40 Reach Back and Pull Other Women Forward

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:30:50 -0000

Despite being rejected during the hiring process and being told that “you’re taking a job away from a man,” these two Women of Steel refused to be told “no” and persevered on to succeed for over two decades in the demanding world of steel. Their leadership in the union and the company has made a meaningful difference for the 500+ team members they support – and resulted in inspiring and profitable careers for themselves. Join host Barbara Trautlein as she interviews Kim Rutkowski and Libbi Urban as they share their unique perspectives about their unique roles in a very unique work environment: a self-managed team-based work culture in a steel mill that is a US-Japanese joint venture and represented by the USW. Kim and Libbi have worked on the front lines as an operator and an electrician galvanizing steel, and served as union leaders in contract negotiations and training roles galvanizing the people into action. They share with us real-world, relevant, and actionable insights into how women can make it themselves as well as “reach back and pull other women forward.” For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#39 Check Your Woman Card At The Door

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:36:52 -0000

On this week’s episode, hosts Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace welcome Kathy Jo Van, who recently retired as Sr. vice President of Southwire and is a 2018 NAED Women in Industry Trailblazer award winner. Ms. Van talks about her adventures in manufacturing, gives sound advice on finding mentors (yes, plural!) and why it's important to "check your woman card at the door." For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#38 Get Past The Gender And Think About The Possibilities

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:51:22 -0000

Host Barbara Trautlein welcomes Christine Healy, Vice President of Human Resources for Performance Food Group in Temple, Texas. Ms. Healy firmly believes that as our workforce becomes more diverse from a gender perspective, women need to know they can be successful in many roles in manufacturing. She encourages everyone to "become a champion". A champion can see beyond the outside appearance and identify the talents and abilities of a person and help them get slotted into the right job for them. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#37 Living on the Leading Edge of Technology

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 13:52:13 -0000

April Butterfield is a thought leader living on the leading edge of technology. As Vice President of Technology for Jabil’s Engineered Solutions Group, April sees firsthand the impact of technology and how it is driving consumer expectations and manufacturing. In this episode of Women and Manufacturing, Jennifer McNelly Asks April to share her views on how the convergence of products and processes is changing the world we live in. April also provides insight into how JABIL is mobilizing the next generation of women leaders around the globe through the JABIL Joules. Her challenge to us all, be agile! Tune into Living on the Leading Edge of Technology to hear April Butterfield's journey. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#36 Overcome Your Fear of Heights to Reach New Heights

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:48:24 -0000

Please join host Barbara Trautlein as she interviews Newsha Ghodsi, who shares stories (and quotes – like the one in the title!) about her career rising through the refinery ranks to achieve her current position as Operations Manager responsible for leading over 200 union and salaried employees to conduct safe, compliant, and reliable plant operations. Newsha talks about career challenges and key learnings spanning from dealing with difficult people to challenging status quo to changing culture. She offers relevant and real-world tips for career advancement including the benefits of focusing on broadening and exploring interests verses on promotions, proactively pursuing career discussions with managers and mentors to see what’s out there for you, and doing what interests you instead of what you think you need to do to move up. Newsha’s bottom-line advise: speak-up for what you believe in, and never give up! For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#35 Taking Flight In Manufacturing

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:40:59 -0000

Paige Kassalen understands the next generation of mobility. As the Market Analyst for the Future of Mobility at Covestro, Paige is not just a trend watcher but also a trend setter. At the age of 22, Paige was the only female engineer and only American on the ground crew for the world’s first solar-powered flight team, the Solar Impulse 2 (Si2). Paige challenges herself to always move out of her comfort zone. As one of Forbes 30 under 30, Paige is an active advocate, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Her challenge to us all is to pay it forward with a compliment. Tune into Taking Flight in Manufacturing to hear Paige’s inspiring story. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#34 A Rock Star In The Supply Chain Community

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 14:39:40 -0000

Host Linda Rigano welcomes guest Jami Bliss, Global Head, Procurement Center of Excellence at GSK to Women And Manufacturing. In this conversation Linda and Jami discuss techniques for finding a mentor and why mentorship should be a two way street. Jami also talks about the importance of doing work that supports something you can feel good about, why women hold back when they don't see themselves as a 100% match for an opportunity and other challenges women face. Spend some time with two accomplished women on this episode of Women And Manufacturing. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#33 Know Thyself: How to Get and Stay Motivated

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:01:53 -0000

The definition of self motivation is the ability to do what needs to be done, without influence from other people or situations. How do you keep motivated when we can quickly and easily be overwhelmed? Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace dive into the ways to stay self motivated, tricks to keep momentum, avoiding obstacles, and ways to maintain balance without burnout. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#32 Some Real-World, In-The-Trenches Advice: Learn To Play Golf!

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 15:20:40 -0000

What can women do to set themselves up for success in traditionally male-dominated fields? Learn to play golf! Why? If that’s the historical norm in your industry, men will appreciate the effort to embrace their traditions – and women will learn more about their colleagues than in any meeting! That’s some of the real-world, in-the-trenches advice shared by Anne Bigane Wilson, President of Bigane Paving, a fourth generation family firm specializing in asphalt paving, and Ogden Avenue Materials, Inc., an asphalt manufacturing plant, based on her decades of experience as an engineer and then owner of her businesses. Join Anne and host Barbara Trautlein, Chief Catalyst at Change Catalysts, as they explore how women can help themselves and help other women have enriching careers they love. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#31 Every Disappointment Is A Setup For Something Greater

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 16:40:16 -0000

On this episode of Women And Manufacturing, host Jennifer McNelly welcomes Altheha Drepaul, Key Account Manager with Ajax Metal Forming Solutions located in Fridley, MN. Follow Altheha’s journey from Ghana to the U.S. in search of the American dream, spurred on by her mother’s words “Every disappointment is a setup for something greater.” For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#30 The Amazing Career of WAM Host, Jennifer McNelly

Wed, 30 May 2018 15:48:46 -0000

Join us for a candid conversation between Women And Manufacturing hosts Linda Rigano and Jennifer McNelly as they look back at Ms. McNelly’s humble beginnings and illustrious career in manufacturing. From her rural upbringing to the U.S. Department of Labor, serving on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's Manufacturing Research and Development Working Group to president of The National Manufacturing Institute where she led efforts to elevate the national dialogue on manufacturing with research. Jennifer is the very definition of an accomplished woman in manufacturing and this conversation between two WAM hosts is an intimate look at her amazing past and bright future. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#29 A Third Generation Manufacturer On Taking It To The Next Level

Wed, 23 May 2018 14:43:47 -0000

Amanda Dunlap from Abrasive West LLC, is a second generational manufacturing company that specializes in tungsten carbide inserts for the medical industry and OEM’s. We will discuss her journey running her father’s company, growing that company and her experience in navigating those aspects. Amanda was picked to be a part of Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business program and learned first hand skills on negotiation, marketing, employee management and how to immediately put it into action. Dunlap will discuss that program, her personal growth and how she has infused that cohort into her strategic growth plan to take her company to the next level. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#28 Getting Your Team Motivated (and keeping them that way!)

Wed, 16 May 2018 15:50:41 -0000

How do you motivate your team? Is it by incentives, recognition, promotion, or something else? Your employees aren’t assets or “human capital” - they are people, driven in a variety of ways. Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace dive into the real impact on motivation and the bottom line, how to motivate your team, what drives loyalty, the ways to increase employee retention and the drivers for stellar performance. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#27 It’s Your Career: Experiment, Reflect, And Invest with Intent

Wed, 09 May 2018 00:36:50 -0000

Please join host Barbara Trautlein as she interviews Javeria Atique, and they journey together from oil and gas rigging job sites to the hallowed halls of academia. Javi encourages experimenting in one’s career, much like an engineer experiments on-the- job, and to invest in intentional self-advocacy and in building a supportive network. She is an engineer by training finishing her MBA with experience in industries ranging from energy to automotive to consumer goods. You'll benefit from hearing her reflections on her career challenges and her reactions to challenging comments from male colleagues – and moreover from her grounded, actionable insights. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#26 Bringing the Voice of Manufacturing to Washington

Wed, 02 May 2018 17:07:27 -0000

Haley Stevens is running for Congress in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District to bring the voice of manufacturing to Washington. Haley has dedicated her career to saving and creating good-paying jobs in Michigan. During the Great Recession, Haley served as Chief of Staff on the U.S. Treasury's Auto Task Force, the team responsible for returning the auto industry to financial stability and saving auto manufacturing jobs. In this episode of Women And Manufacturing, Jennifer McNelly asks Haley about the importance of having the voice of our nation’s manufactures in Washington and how policies that come out of Washington impact jobs in Michigan and around the country. Haley is driven to help leverage the best of technology to keep American manufacturing strong. Tune into Bringing the Voice of Manufacturing to Washington hear Haley Steven's story. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#25 Value Experience, Stay Humble… and Hungry!

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 16:50:21 -0000

Host Linda Rigano welcomes Andrea "Andi" Funk to the show. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and former CEO of Cambridge-Lee Industries, a globally renowned leader in the copper tubing industry, Ms. Funk brings her unique perspective as a highly accomplished woman in manufacturing to the show. Linda and Andrea discuss how to create a more positive image of manufacturing, helping women realize their leadership potential, reaching beyond the company into the community and how she stays humble and hungry. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#24 Riveting Exchanges – Delegation How To

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 15:44:12 -0000

On this week’s episode of Riveting Exchanges, hosts Desiree Grace and Andrea Olson discuss the finer points of delegation. Learn about how you may be doing it wrong, when not to delegate, how to avoid “crap work”, how to mix high and low-value projects together and more. Don’t miss this master class on the fine art of delegation from two accomplished women. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#23 Manufacturing is an Integration Platform – and a Candy Store!

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:47:16 -0000

Please join us for a dynamic, high-energy, and often-humorous interview with Jian Cao, PhD and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University and host Barbara Trautlein, Chief Catalyst at Change Catalysts. Dr. Cao busts myths about manufacturing, describing the field as an “integration platform” and likening it to a “candy store, because there is so much variety, you can surely find something you will enjoy.” This free-ranging conversation spans her journey to become an engineer to her role in mentoring young women and men from across the globe as a professor, replete with actionable advice for obtaining the feedback and support one needs to build self-confidence and an empowering network. Moreover, she shares specific governmental grant resources women can obtain for funding manufacturing related-start- ups and lessons learned from her position as Board member of mHUB, Chicago’s first innovation center focused on physical product development and manufacturing. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#22 From Athlete to Trail-Blazing IoT Executive

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:57:42 -0000

Jane Arnold attended college on a basketball scholarship but soon found herself on the sidelines with an injury. She needed a job to pay for school and found herself in manufacturing. The elements of group dynamics, teamwork, and complex problem solving have fueled her career. Shaped by her early years, Jane was influenced by her father who taught her anything is possible. Today, Jane is the first woman executive in the office of the CTO of Covestro, serving as the Vice President for Global Process Control Technology. She is a Trail-Blazing Executive on the front end of the Internet of Things. Tune into From Athlete to Trail-Blazing IoT Executive to learn more about Jane’s journey. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#21 Working ON Your Business, Not IN Your Business

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:55:29 -0000

Host Nicole Wolter welcomes returning guest Stacia Hobson for a conversation about the challenges of knowing boundaries and when and how to turn it off. Nicole and Stacia navigate the challenge of finding ways to find work/life harmony, delegating responsibilities, identifying real emergencies and using solid boundaries to avoid being overwhelmed. Listen to two accomplished women discuss these topics and more today on Women And Manufacturing. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#20 Are you saying “yes” to things that undermine your image and your credibility?

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:54:00 -0000

Are you saying "yes" to things that undermine your image and your credibility? Are you saying "yes" to things that are low value? It’s a good thing to say "NO". Demonstrating the ability to manage yourself and prioritize will always earn respect. Hosts Desiree Grace and Andrea Olson explain how to get comfortable saying "NO" in a polite, professional manner and avoid the dreaded "Scope Creep". For more, visit wampodcast.comnandmfg.com

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#19 What’s It REALLY Like to Be an Engineer? Challenge and Change Assumptions!

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 02:40:27 -0000

“I’ve experienced a lot of men being surprised when I could do things like attach a Swagelok fitting. I gained instant respect when I could demonstrate this,” shares Tiffany Ling, PhD and Design Clinic Lead at the University of St. Thomas, owner of her own engineering consulting firm, and former Lead Senior Process Engineer at Honeywell in this interview with host Barbara Trautlein, Chief Catalyst at Change Catalysts. Throughout her career, Tiffany has challenged – and changed – assumptions, spanning from what a woman engineer can do, to what a career in manufacturing can be like. Tiffany lights-up as she describes working hands-on in the shop floor on real-world problems, and the rush of seeing her students get “ah-ha” moments in the field. Listen-in and be lit-up by the breadth of career options for women in manufacturing beyond “sitting in front of a computer doing math and science” and practical advice for mentoring and supporting the careers of the next generation of engineers. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#18 Dream Big!

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:37:42 -0000

There is a fine line between fear and excitement… In this episode, Leslie Suffredini, Operations Manager – Cleveland Operations, Arconic Engineered Structures, shares how overcoming fear has helped her become a people leader at Arconic. Influenced by her mom and dad, Leslie was raised to dream big. With a teacher to guide her path into STEM, Leslie realized how much she enjoyed solving puzzles. As she advanced her career in manufacturing she bridged her technical knowledge into operations and people leadership. Her guidance to others, “Dream big, be bold, and don’t be afraid of risk.” Tune into Dream Big! to hear more about Leslie’s journey in manufacturing. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#17 You have to work doubly hard in a family owned and operated business.

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:01:09 -0000

WAM is delighted to introduce you to Meghan West, president of CNC Software. Meghan is a terrific role model to other women (and men) in manufacturing. She was named president of CNC Software in April 2015, 32 years to the date when her father, Mark Summers, started the company. Meghan is no stranger to manufacturing, and shares how she’s had to work doubly hard to prove herself in a family owned and operated business. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#16 Riveting Exchanges: Finding a Mentor to Fill the Gaps

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 16:39:07 -0000

A good mentor can help fill the gaps in your resume, experience and skill sets. Hosts Andrea Olson and Desiree Grace discuss choosing the right mentor, (or mentors!), soft and hard skills gaps, the importance of asking the right questions and how to prioritize feedback. Andrea and Desiree share their personal experiences in finding and being a mentor on this episode of WAM. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#15 Connect For Purpose

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 17:09:38 -0000

How can we leverage digital technology and digital media to help women and the younger generation explore careers in manufacturing? Join host Barbara Trautlein, Chief Catalyst at Change Catalysts, as she interviews Charli Matthews, Founder and President of Empowering Brands, for an engaging conversation into this and other topics. Charli shares her inspiring insights into “connecting for purpose” across genders and generations, following your passion, and living a commitment to grow and help others grow as well. You’ll walk away with actionable advice from a woman who walks the shop floor supporting the women and men in the manufacturing organizations she serves. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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#14 Stop and “Take a Tour” – Manufacturing Matters

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:25:56 -0000

Almost 30 years ago, Stacey DelVecchio turned her passion for and curiosity about all things STEM-related into a career. In this episode, Jennifer McNelly interviews Stacey DelVecchio, Additive Manufacturing Product Manager for Caterpillar Inc. Stacey shares her perspective that to be successful in manufacturing, you need to be both willing to constantly push yourself to gain stronger and deeper knowledge and be curious. She talks about her early exposure to manufacturing—a family vacation where they stopped and knocked on the door of a manufacturer and asked for a tour. Guided by family and a teacher that made her feel like she belonged, Stacey shares her compelling career in manufacturing and asks others to get curious! Tune in to hear Stacey’s journey. For more, visit wampodcast.com

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