AI, Stress, and Retention Executive Panel

Manufacturers today face unprecedented pressure, including aggressive customer expectations, the adoption of AI, tariff complications, and the constant battle to retain skilled workers. How do you drive growth without burning out your team? In this episode, Chase McCown, Managing Director of Heartland Partners, and Monica Hamling, Sr VP of HR, People and Culture at Nortech Systems, share battle-tested strategies for managing stress strategically (not eliminating it), building cultures that retain talent, understanding what customers truly value, and leveraging AI effectively. You’ll learn why zero stress creates low performance, how to make it safe for employees to say no, practical AI applications that are working right now, and how to navigate new regulations like Minnesota’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act. If you’re leading through complexity while trying to maintain team health and business growth, this conversation delivers the tactical and strategic insights you need.