Modern manufacturing leaders are currently facing unprecedented shifts, from tariffs and labor shortages to rapidly evolving new technologies. In the words of recent Mindfulness Manufacturing guest Cara Moeller Poppitt, manufacturing is seeing some “big freakin'’ change!”

As the founder of two award-winning companies, Cara ranks among the top 2% of all female entrepreneurs. Through her speaking and coaching, she now guides thousands of other business leaders toward unlocking their full potential, breaking down barriers, and taking bold action to achieve their highest aspirations. She’s also the author of the upcoming book Big Freakin’ Change: How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready.

In this episode, Cara discusses some of the major changes impacting manufacturing leaders and their teams, plus shares her simple-yet-empowering process for getting unstuck, building momentum, and navigating big changes with confidence.

1:46 – Manufacturing (and business in general) is in a constant state of change
5:45 – If you’re feeling stuck, it could be due to a lack of confidence
6:15 – To get unstuck, make the shift from problem-based thinking to possibility-orientated thinking
7:20 – The first step in shifting your thinking is recognizing when you and your teams are stuck
7:54 – You also need to learn to identify whether the root of your issue is behavior, financial, or relational
12:38 – Making small, daily improvements can help your team build momentum
13:08 – Define what success looks like for your team
14:48 – Use empowering questions to gain feedback and increase engagement
20:29 – Act boldly and drive change outside your comfort zone
22:42 – Don’t forget to enjoy the journey and acknowledge small victories

Connect with Cara Poppitt:
Visit her website
Learn more about her book
Connect on social media @CaraPoppitt

What does successful manufacturing leadership have in common with winning big at the casino? It’s all about being an advantage player! In this episode, guest Joel Block breaks down the strategies you need to win big, whether you’re at the casino or on the manufacturing floor.

Joel is a former professional blackjack player, who later took his talents to Wall Street to work in venture capital and hedge funds. He’s a dealmaker, strategist, and trusted advisor who helps others grow the mindset they need to outpace the competition and win the game. In this episode, Joel shares unique stories from his blackjack and Wall Street days. He also offers actionable insights manufacturing leaders can use to seek our success, inspire their teams, and position themselves as winners in the ever-changing world of manufacturing.

1:26 – There are many lessons from card games like blackjack that can be applied to business and manufacturing
2:58 – To succeed, learn how to Think, See, and Act (TSA) differently
4:40 – Many people stay busy without actually accomplishing meaningful work
5:00 – The difference between average performers and advantage players is that advantage players seek out and create opportunities
8:33 – All organizations can find ways to improve, even top-performing companies
11:50 – To change your strategy and find more success, schedule time to step back and gain perspective
12:15 – Use “high limit questions” to push thinking forward
15:51 – In business, advantage players learn how to anticipate workforce needs
18:37 – Everyone has a role to play when it comes to a team’s success
20:07 – Motivate your team by making sure everyone is connected to a meaningful goal
21:20 – When you’re successful, it lifts your business, family, and community

Connect with Joel Block
Visit his website
Connect by email at joel@theadvantageplayer.com
Subscribe to his newsletter

In manufacturing, many leaders try to use the same tools to address different problems. But just like a hammer won’t work for all projects around your house, your routine leadership approach might not work for all your team members. This means you need to go “beyond the hammer” and find ways to have deeper interactions with your team.

The hammer analogy comes from Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams by Brian Gottleib. In this episode, Brian shares more about the lessons and insights in Beyond the Hammer, plus offers actionable insights manufacturing leaders can use to grow their relationships, create deeper connections, and improve culture in their organizations, from the top to the shop floor.

1:18 – Beyond the Hammer is an approachable, actionable book which uses a parable format to make a positive impact on leaders
2:38 – A leader’s mood and presence directly shapes their team’s culture and performance
3:34 – As a leader, be aware of the tone you’re getting for the rest of your team
6:24 – The ceiling of a business is limited by the ceiling of the people
8:56 – For true growth to occur, you need to focus on relationships and understanding how each team member’s work connects to a larger goal
12:10 – Be honest about your priorities and save time for self-growth and reflection
17:13 – To form relationships, your one-on-one conversations need to be deep and intentional
18:33 – Make your employees feel valued and they’ll be less likely to leave your organization
22:14 – While performance can be copied, culture cannot
24:05 – When teams believe in themselves and each other, it creates a stronger and more positive culture

Connect with Brian Gottleib
Visit his website
Connect on LinkedIn
Buy Beyond the Hammer – Brian recommends checking out the audiobook for a more personal connection
Read my book report on Beyond the Hammer