Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Podcast by Jim Mayer

Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Manufacturing is about more than products—it’s about people. On The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, I sit down with leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes to uncover the stories behind their journeys in the industry. We talk about where they started, how they’ve grown, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. Each episode brings a unique perspective—some practical, some inspiring, and all rooted in the human side of manufacturing. From lessons learned on the shop floor to big ideas shaping the future, it’s all about the people who make it happen. Because at the heart of every company are the people who work there, and every person has a story.

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Latest episodes

05 August 2025

What Happens When You Hire People Most Companies Won’t: Marcus Sheanshang on Second Chance as Culture

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marcus Sheanshang, CEO of JBM Packaging, as he shares his journey from working on the shop floor at age 11 to leading a company that embraces second chances. Discover how Marcus transformed a labor strategy into a purpose-driven mission, providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and reshaping company culture.

Key Highlights:

Marcus's early experiences in the family business and his path to leadership. The development and impact of the Fair Chance program at JBM. Insights into building a culture of collaboration and learning. The importance of aligning company values with personal growth and community impact.

Takeaways

Every business has a culture, whether intentional or not.
Collaboration and support are key to a positive workplace culture.
Transitioning from family business to leadership can be challenging.
Experiences outside the family business can provide valuable insights.
Effective communication is crucial in leadership roles.
Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.
Purpose-driven programs can enhance employee engagement.
The Fair Chance program has transformed JBM's workforce.
Building trust with employees is essential for success.
Investing in community and employee well-being is beneficial for business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marcus Sheanshang
03:51 Defining Culture in Business
05:59 Marcus's Journey in the Family Business
08:51 Early Experiences on the Shop Floor
11:25 Transitioning to CEO
13:36 Doubts and Leadership Challenges
15:58 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture
21:19 Operationalizing Core Values
24:21 Reinvigorating Company Culture
30:27 Enhancing Employee Engagement and Performance
31:37 The Genesis of the Fair Chance Program
33:41 Building Bridges: From Prisons to Employment
35:15 Transforming Perspectives on Rehabilitation
38:43 Establishing Trust with Fair Chance Employees
40:09 Support Systems for Successful Reintegration
43:57 Criteria for Inclusion in the Fair Chance Program
45:17 Training and Development for Fair Chance Employees
49:47 Vision for the Future: A Sustainable and Inclusive Workplace
01:03:13 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture
01:04:09 Leadership and Second Chances

Don't miss this episode! Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated with more inspiring stories from industry leaders. Visit themfgconnector.com for more episodes and connect with us on social media.

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01:06:39

29 July 2025

Promoted But Never Trained: Craig Coyle on the Leadership Crisis in Manufacturing

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Craig Coyle, a former Apache pilot and now a leadership consultant. They discuss the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the need for effective leadership in manufacturing. Craig shares his insights on how to create a positive work environment that inspires employees and the significance of community in both military and civilian settings. He emphasizes the importance of treating leadership as a profession and the need for continuous development and support among leaders.

Takeaways

Culture is a result and a lag measure of organizational health.
Leadership is not just about hard work; it's about inspiring others.
The military experience teaches valuable lessons about pressure and leadership.
Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in finding community.
Manufacturing has a unique opportunity to create positive change in people's lives.
Effective leadership requires understanding and developing relationships.
Organizations must focus on higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy to retain talent.
Leadership should be treated as a profession with proper training and development.
Community and support are crucial for leaders to succeed.
The future of manufacturing depends on creating environments that inspire and engage employees.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
05:55 Understanding Culture
08:03 Early Life and Background
10:19 Choosing West Point
11:49 Military Experience and Leadership
19:41 Transitioning to Civilian Life
22:59 Finding Community in Manufacturing
24:10 Building Community in Manufacturing
25:17 The Birth of Operation Lead
26:12 Challenges in Military and Manufacturing
29:21 Understanding Labor as a Commodity
31:37 Tapping into Maslow's Hierarchy
33:21 The Gap in Leadership Development
35:12 Leadership as a Profession
39:57 The Importance of Internal Culture
42:24 Opportunities in Manufacturing
44:12 Encouragement for New Leaders

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53:21

28 July 2025

What Story Are You Not Telling? Lori Highby on Culture, AI, and the Future of Manufacturing Marketing

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Lori Highby, a digital marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Keystone Click, to explore the stories manufacturers aren’t telling.They unpack what culture really means inside an organization, why storytelling is manufacturers’ biggest missed opportunity, and how AI is changing, not replacing, the creative process. Lori shares her journey from a night school marketing student to agency owner, her values around lifelong learning, and what it means to lead with clarity.From founding a business during a recession to building a team around education, trust, and curiosity, Lori brings sharp insight to the intersection of manufacturing, marketing, and human-centered leadership.

Takeaways

Culture is a collective energy and vibe within an organization.
Lori's journey began with a passion for art and sociology.
Education is a core value for Lori and her organization.
Integrity and creativity are essential in business.
AI should be seen as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it.
Storytelling is crucial for manufacturers to differentiate themselves.
Community involvement is a priority for Lori and her team.
Digital marketing can significantly impact manufacturing sales.
Personal hobbies provide mental clarity and focus.
Mentorship and paying it forward are important values for Lori.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers
05:08 Understanding Culture in Organizations
06:11 Lori's Journey into Marketing and Manufacturing
10:34 Starting a Business During a Recession
12:44 Core Values and Organizational Culture
15:10 The Role of AI in Creativity and Education
18:37 Leveraging AI in Education and Workforce
19:28 The Importance of Future Thinking
21:16 The Drive to Teach and Share Knowledge
22:47 Helping Businesses of All Sizes
24:01 Impactful Marketing Success Stories
31:45 AI's Role in Shaping Industry Culture
33:19 The Future of Marketing in Manufacturing
34:53 Understanding the Customer Journey with AI

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43:20

28 July 2025

Bunkhouses, Bush Planes, and Building Culture: Tyler Marshall on Leadership

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Tyler Marshall shares his journey from the seafood industry to consulting in manufacturing. He discusses the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges faced in food manufacturing, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the industry. Tyler emphasizes the need for alignment between employees and organizational goals, the impact of automation, and the future of manufacturing as it adapts to new technologies and workforce dynamics.

Takeaways

Culture starts with alignment of values.
The seafood industry presents unique challenges.
Self-sufficiency is crucial in remote operations.
Leadership requires being present on the shop floor.
Change management is essential for successful automation.
The future of manufacturing will focus on workforce development.
Emotional intelligence is key in leadership roles.
Attracting talent requires understanding their needs.
Automation should not solely focus on cost-cutting.
Continuous improvement is vital for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun
05:43 Defining Culture in Manufacturing
09:30 Early Influences and Career Beginnings
13:42 Adventures in the Alaskan Seafood Industry
17:42 Transitioning to Broader Manufacturing Challenges
21:26 Lessons Learned and Unlearning Myths
24:59 Current Role and Company Overview
26:43 The Importance of Leadership in Manufacturing
29:51 Balancing Automation with Human Presence
31:43 Change Management and Employee Involvement
34:56 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
36:14 Future Trends in Manufacturing
39:26 Leveraging Data for Workforce Improvement
41:41 The Need for Continuous Learning and Adaptation

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52:24

09 July 2025

Culture Is How They Feel on Sunday: HR Huntsman on Mindset, Leadership & Legacy

What does it take to rewrite your story—and help others do the same?

In this unforgettable episode, Jim Mayer sits down with HR Huntsman: speaker, strategist, and founder of Leader’s Edge. From a turbulent childhood in the New Mexico desert to building global humanitarian projects and mentoring the next generation of leaders, HR’s journey is a masterclass in intentional transformation.

You’ll hear how a single conversation reshaped his definition of success, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how real leadership means empowering others—not commanding them. Along the way, HR delivers raw insights on creative conflict, workplace culture, and what it takes to architect a future worth building.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more purpose, create a culture people believe in, or leave a legacy that actually means something—this episode is for you.

Takeaways

Culture is how your people feel about work on Sunday.
HR's childhood shaped his desire to change the world.
Success is not the goal; being useful is.
Leadership is about empowering others, not commanding them.
Investing in young leaders is crucial for future success.
Work is a noble endeavor that should be respected.
Creative conflict is essential for innovation.
You can architect your own future intentionally.
Public speaking is a privilege to inspire others.
Mindset is key to personal transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun
07:22 Defining Culture in the Workplace
09:46 HR's Early Life and Influences
15:04 The Impact of John Simmons
18:38 Evolution of Leadership Philosophy
20:52 Creating Leaders Edge Program
24:19 Influential Leaders and Mentors
25:19 The Essence of Leadership
26:58 The Impact of Public Speaking
28:40 Mindset and Personal Transformation
34:56 Architecting a New Future
38:38 The Future of Leadership in Manufacturing
45:36 Creative Conflict and Workplace Dynamics

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49:50

24 June 2025

Humanizing Leadership: Nicki Straza on Trust, Safety, and Resilience at Work

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer talks with leadership coach Nicki Straza about what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe, trusted, and able to contribute. Nicki draws from more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, trades, nonprofits, and mental health.

The conversation covers how culture is shaped by the small choices leaders make every day, the importance of seeing employees as individuals, and how resilience grows when people feel supported. Nicki shares lessons from her own career about staying in organizations as culture shifted, and what she learned about power, trust, and the conditions that help people thrive.

They also discuss the challenges of generational differences, the risks of losing knowledge as experienced workers leave, and how mentorship and co-creation help teams build lasting cultures.

Takeaways

Resilience grows when leaders create conditions of trust and safety.
Culture is shaped by everyday interactions, not slogans or policies.
Leaders need to see their employees as individuals, not just as resources.
Generational gaps can create tension, but also opportunities for learning and mentorship.
Knowledge transfer is essential as experienced workers retire.
Real change happens when leaders and employees co-create their environment.

Chapters

00:00 — Cold open
01:00 — Welcome
03:00 — What culture looks like in practice
05:30 — Generational differences and shared understanding
08:00 — Co-creation and shared responsibility
10:45 — The role of mentorship in building trust
13:20 — Nicki’s early jobs and lessons about leadership
23:00 — When mission and culture start to drift apart
25:30 — The connection between culture and mental health
28:45 — What resilience means at work
30:20 — Why Nicki stayed when others left
36:45 — Helping leaders reclaim their power in healthy ways
39:15 — Building environments where people can thrive
41:00 — The value of personal contribution
43:00 — Helping others see their potential

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50:02