How Manufacturers Improve

A Podcast for manufacturers that want to know the successes and lessons learned of industry leaders

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  • All
  • Continuous Improvement
  • HR Management
  • Leadership Development
  • Operations Management

Launching Lean in Spanish Digital Courses

Monica Smith & Kirby Sneen
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast Ep. #155

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

A Roadmap to Operational Excellence

Scott Bliss
How Manufacturers Improve Podcast Ep. #154

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

Top Quality Tools

Dawn Piwko
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #153

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

Adapting Your Leadership Style

Richele Butler
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #152

Learn how to adapt your leadership style and positively impact your team. In this episode, you will discover practical strategies for understanding individual work preferences and communication styles, so that you can become a more effective leader.

Delegate and Elevate Performance

Jen Schwan
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #151

Learn how effective delegation transforms manufacturing leaders from task-oriented managers into strategic leaders who develop others and achieve better results.

Building High-Performing HR Teams

Dale Fruehauf
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #150

Get practical advice to build high-performing HR teams that attract talent, drive results, and strengthen company culture.

Staying Coachable As An Executive

Steve Murray
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #149

Learn how manufacturing leaders stay coachable, navigate blind spots, and keep learning—even at the executive level. A must-listen for anyone committed to continuous improvement.

5S That Sticks

Gary Olson
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #148

Struggling to sustain 5S? Learn how to make it stick with practical strategies that go beyond surface-level improvements. Discover why most 5S efforts fail and how to create lasting change in your workplace.

The Power of Mistake Proofing

George Murray
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #147

Reduce errors, improve efficiency, and build a culture of mistake-proofing. Learn practical strategies to prevent defects, standardize work, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing.

Building Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce

Mike Franz
Manufacturers Alliance Podcast Ep. #146

Wondering how to develop a strong manufacturing workforce? Get insights on workforce development strategies to attract, train, and retain top talent while preparing the next generation for success.