A Story of Grit and Grace: Ashleigh Walters’ Leadership Journey

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Ashleigh Walters, former president and current chairwoman of Onex, about her transformative leadership journey. Ashleigh shares her experiences redefining Onex's culture, transitioning to employee ownership, and the importance of storytelling in manufacturing. She emphasizes the need for a people-first approach, the significance of community impact, and the challenges of developing future leaders in the industry. Ashleigh also discusses her book, 'Leading with Grit and Grace,' and her commitment to empowering others in their leadership journeys.

Takeaways

• Ashleigh transformed Onex into a people-first organization.
• Cultural change is essential before any other improvements can be made.
• Storytelling is crucial for attracting new talent to manufacturing.
• Employee ownership can ensure the longevity of a company in its community.
• Leaders should empower their teams to solve problems.
• Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills.
• Leadership styles can evolve through experience and necessity.
• Succession planning should start early and involve trusted advisors.
• Training and development are fundamental for future leaders.
• Creating thriving communities is the responsibility of manufacturers.