Episodi

  • Building lives through mentorship and skilled trades, with Dave Hataj of Edgerton Gear, Inc.

    Building lives through mentorship and skilled trades, with Dave Hataj of Edgerton Gear, Inc.
    Sep 15 2026
    Dave Hataj, owner and president of Edgerton Gear, joins The Manufacturing Employer to discuss how mentorship and character-building can transform lives through the skilled trades. Drawing on his experience and his work founding the "Craftsman with Character" program, Dave shares why manufacturing is about much more than technical skills—it’s about instilling responsibility, dignity and purpose in the next generation. The conversation explores overcoming negative perceptions of blue-collar work, the critical role of mentorship, and how manufacturers can build a sustainable talent pipeline by investing in both character and community.
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    38 min
  • Boosting manufacturing outcomes by understanding human energy, with Georgina Woodley of Custology Insights

    Boosting manufacturing outcomes by understanding human energy, with Georgina Woodley of Custology Insights
    Sep 1 2026

    Georgina Woodley, Chief Insight Officer at Custology Insights and creator of the Human Energy Intelligence framework, joins The Manufacturing Employer to explore the power of invisible human factors in manufacturing workplaces. Georgina shares why traditional engagement efforts often miss the mark, and how leaders can better recognize and respond to hidden stress, declining energy and emotional dynamics before they impact productivity or retention. She shares practical strategies for measuring team energy, fostering joy and creating conditions where people consistently bring their best.

    Find more information on Joy-O-Meter here: https://www.custology-insights.com/joy-o-meter

    Access Joy Lift: 7 Pathways to Unleash More Joy here: https://www.the-transformation-initiative.com/joy-lift
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    40 min
  • Leading AI change by having a people-first policy, with Grace Wright of Gorilla 76

    Leading AI change by having a people-first policy, with Grace Wright of Gorilla 76
    Aug 18 2026
    Grace Wright, VP of Innovation at Gorilla 76, joins The Manufacturing Employer to discuss leading teams through AI-driven change with a focus on people and process. Drawing from her own career journey, Grace discusses the importance of adapting to uncertainty, building trust around new technology and keeping human expertise at the core of transformation. She shares the thinking behind Gorilla’s "People Policy", her approach to scaling AI adoption across teams and why the winning companies will be those that prioritize learning, transparency and empowering employees to drive innovation.
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    37 min
  • Rethinking manufacturing process training, with Amanda Aschinger of Solstice Productions

    Rethinking manufacturing process training, with Amanda Aschinger of Solstice Productions
    Aug 4 2026
    Amanda Aschinger, co-founder and CEO of Solstice Productions, joins The Manufacturing Employer to discuss how manufacturers can revamp process documentation to improve onboarding, training and retention. Amanda discusses why traditional, text-heavy manuals fall short and how modular, video-based systems offer a more accessible and engaging approach. The conversation explores practical steps for getting started, keeping documentation up-to-date and embedding company culture into training for long-term success.
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    31 min
  • Equipping your workforce for AI transformation, with Ben Tasker

    Equipping your workforce for AI transformation, with Ben Tasker
    Jul 21 2026
    Ben Tasker, a nationally recognized leader in AI education and workforce transformation, discusses how manufacturers can move from anxiety about AI to measurable impact. Ben shares strategies for building AI fluency, rethinking upskilling and taking a systems-based approach rather than chasing tools. The conversation covers practical use cases for AI on the manufacturing floor, why responsible change management is critical and how human skills remain invaluable in this new era.
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    32 min
  • The business case for employer-supported childcare, with Nicole Riehl of EPIC

    The business case for employer-supported childcare, with Nicole Riehl of EPIC
    Jul 7 2026
    Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of Executive Partnerships to Invest in Children (EPIC), joins The Manufacturing Employer to reframe childcare as a critical workforce infrastructure issue, not just an employee perk. She discusses the hidden costs of childcare challenges, and how manufacturers can address absenteeism and turnover linked to them. She shares actionable strategies including flexible scheduling, stipends and community resources, and explains how even incremental changes can yield strong ROI in recruitment, retention and productivity.
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    Meno di 1 minuto
  • Uncovering the hidden costs of your 401(k), with forensic 401(k) consultant Paul Sippil

    Uncovering the hidden costs of your 401(k), with forensic 401(k) consultant Paul Sippil
    Jun 23 2026
    Paul Sippil, a forensic 401k consultant, joins The Manufacturing Employer to reveal the hidden costs and pitfalls lurking in many manufacturers’ retirement plans. Drawing on decades of auditing and advisory experience, Paul explains how excessive and undisclosed fees quietly erode employee savings and trust. He breaks down common misconceptions, the risks of undetected conflicts of interest, and why transparency and detailed invoicing are essential for both owners and employees.
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    Meno di 1 minuto
  • Rethinking manufacturing pathways, with Shalin Jyotishi of New America

    Rethinking manufacturing pathways, with Shalin Jyotishi of New America
    Jun 9 2026
    Shalin Jyotishi, founder of New America's Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative, joins The Manufacturing Employer to discuss talent-pipeline challenges in manufacturing. He shares misconceptions about manufacturing careers, the urgent need to modernize work-based learning and the importance of employer investment in workforce development. The conversation explores practical steps for building strong partnerships with educators, the potential of MEPs and youth apprenticeships, and highlights some of the programs making a difference today.
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    30 min