Collaboration Over Chaos

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Josh McKain, founder of Henry Rose Consulting, to explore the power of collaboration, leadership, and culture in modern manufacturing.

From his unexpected journey from public accounting into the manufacturing world, to building a business focused on organizational alignment, Josh shares the real-world lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into the human side of operations — from tackling turnover and hiring proactively, to creating environments where employees stay, grow, and thrive.

Josh also opens up about the risks of entrepreneurship, the role of mentorship, and his newest venture: writing a children’s book. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders at any level who want to build stronger teams and a better future for the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration isn’t just a soft skill — it’s how real work gets done.
• Strong cultures lead to lower turnover and higher engagement.
• Hiring should be proactive and aligned with company values.
• Organizational health is the foundation for long-term success.
• Leadership is shaped by both mentorship and personal experience.
• A growth mindset helps leaders navigate uncertainty and change.
• The cost of poor culture is often hidden — until it shows up in results.
• The future of manufacturing depends on how we lead today.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to The Manufacturing Culture Podcast
• 01:10 – Josh McKain's Journey: From Accounting to Manufacturing
• 03:04 – Defining Culture in the Workplace
• 04:32 – Early Career Lessons and Transition into Manufacturing
• 07:58 – What Drives Employee Engagement
• 09:02 – Mentorship and Its Lasting Impact
• 10:42 – How Positive Leadership Experiences Shape Culture
• 14:58 – Proactive Hiring vs. Hiring in Crisis
• 17:13 – The Real Cost of Turnover in Manufacturing
• 19:41 – What Parenting Taught Josh About Leadership
• 25:26 – Advice for People Starting in the Industry
• 27:13 – Launching Henry Rose Consulting
• 27:41 – Risk, Fear, and the Leap into Entrepreneurship
• 31:39 – Business Development and Building Trust
• 32:37 – Team Alignment and the Importance of Vision
• 35:21 – Culture as a Competitive Advantage
• 41:21 – Employee Engagement and Leadership That Works
• 43:53 – Josh’s Take on the Future of U.S. Manufacturing
• 47:50 – A Lighthearted Close: Josh’s Children’s Book Journey