The Pulse Of High Performance podcast

41:38

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance , hosts Shane Yount and Seth Davies sit down with Dawn Scott , President of EuroKera North America , to discuss leadership, workforce engagement, and the evolving challenges of manufacturing. With a background in HR and an unconventional path to the top, Dawn shares invaluable insights into fostering growth, accountability, and innovation within organizations. The Power of an HR Background in Leadership Dawn’s journey from HR to the presidency is a testament to the critical role of people management in business success. She highlights how understanding employees’ needs and challenges allows leaders to shape a more engaged and productive workforce. Workforce Engagement: Beyond a Seat at the Table Engagement is not just about participation—it’s about ensuring employees feel they have a role in shaping the future. EuroKera has implemented engagement teams , encouraging employees at all levels to contribute ideas and problem-solving solutions. The Manufacturing Labor Challenge The industry faces a talent shortage as younger generations move away from manufacturing jobs. To combat this, EuroKera is collaborating with local high schools to develop talent pipelines and educate students about manufacturing careers. Accountability and Performance Management Dawn emphasizes the importance of making accountability visible, personal, and real . Implementing objective performance measures, such as zeroing out bonuses for uncompleted work , reinforces responsibility and fairness. Leadership Requires Constant Learning Staying relevant as a leader means embracing curiosity and continuous growth . Dawn encourages leaders to avoid becoming “superheroes” who solve all problems themselves and instead foster environments where employees are empowered to contribute solutions. Dawn Scott’s leadership philosophy centers around authenticity, accountability, and engagement . She reminds us that a leader’s role isn’t just to occupy a seat at the table—it’s about using your voice to create real impact . Her approach offers valuable lessons for businesses striving to build stronger, more adaptable teams in today’s competitive landscape. Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance. This show is sponsored by Visuant , your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights. Check out our Live Show Events here: The Pulse of High Performance Live Show Subscribe to our Newsletter: The Pulse of High Performance Newsletter…

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PHP E19 - Innovation Meets Leadership: Transforming Teams and Processes with Ed DuBeau 33:57

8 weeks ago33:57

33:57

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance , hosts Shane Yount and Seth Davies sit down with Ed DuBeau , Senior Vice President of Global Business Solutions at Zoetis , to discuss leadership, transformation, and navigating challenges in high-performing organizations. Broadcasting from Dublin, Ireland, Ed shares his experiences leading large-scale ERP transformations, fostering team engagement, and the importance of leadership in turbulent times. 1. Leadership Through Transformation Ed shares his journey from leading a supply chain division to spearheading a global ERP transformation at Zoetis. He emphasizes that technology is merely an enabler —true transformation requires process changes, leadership alignment, and a commitment to long-term vision. 2. The Power of Structured Accountability and Empowerment Reflecting on his time at Pfizer and Wyeth, Ed discusses the importance of "freedom within fences" —allowing teams autonomy while maintaining non-negotiable standards . His approach ensures that employees feel empowered rather than micromanaged, fostering engagement and ownership . 3. Metrics as a Driver for Engagement Ed highlights the value of clear, concise, and relevant metrics that connect employees to the organization's mission. When teams understand how their work contributes to broader success, they feel a stronger sense of purpose, leading to better performance and accountability . 4. Navigating Leadership Challenges Across Generations With multiple generations in the workforce, effective communication is critical. Ed humorously references the evolution of communication—from traditional leadership speeches to TikTok-style brevity —but maintains that fundamental leadership principles transcend age differences . Clarity, care, and connection are universal needs for all employees . 5. The "Career Scaffold" Mindset Ed introduces a compelling concept: careers are not ladders, but scaffolds . Growth isn’t always a straight climb—it involves lateral moves, unexpected challenges, and saying yes to new opportunities . His advice? Bet on yourself, embrace change, and stay adaptable. This conversation with Ed DuBeau offers invaluable leadership lessons on transformation, accountability, and career growth. His insights remind us that true leadership is about guiding teams through uncertainty, fostering engagement, and embracing change with resilience . If you're navigating organizational change, leadership challenges, or transformation initiatives , this episode is a must-watch! Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance. This show is sponsored by Visuant , your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights. Check out our Live Show Events here: The Pulse of High Performance Live Show Subscribe to our Newsletter: The Pulse of High Performance Newsletter…

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PHP E20 - Mastering the Chaos: The Program Management Playbook with Steve Pelczarski 22:08

8 weeks ago22:08

22:08

In this episode, host Paul Campbell welcomes Steve Pelczarski , a leader at Teijin Automotive, to discuss the evolution of program management, the impact of industry changes, and the importance of standardization and leadership in driving high performance. With years of experience in composites and automotive, Steve shares valuable insights into building effective teams, maintaining accountability, and navigating the challenges of a shifting market. Program Management as the Backbone of Execution Steve emphasizes that a program manager acts as the CEO of a project, driving execution and ensuring every team member is accountable. He outlines how gate processes help in maintaining structure and ensuring projects stay on track. A well-defined gate process creates structured check-ins that improve efficiency and minimize costly delays. The Power of Standardization in Leadership Teijin Automotive has shifted from spreadsheet-based processes to a centralized system for program management, using VisionWire for transparency. This shift has allowed real-time visibility into program statuses, improving accountability. Standardization eliminates inefficiencies, ensuring that expectations and performance metrics are clear across all levels of an organization. Aligning Teams for a Common Goal One of the biggest challenges in program management is ensuring alignment across different departments. Steve shares how they established a consistent communication cadence, from the CEO to the core teams, ensuring that everyone is focused on the company's strategic goals. Regular weekly governance meetings and clear performance metrics help maintain alignment and accountability. Industry Shifts and the Role of AI The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought delays and uncertainties in automotive manufacturing. Steve highlights how AI and automation are becoming critical tools for improving efficiency in program management. AI will play a significant role in forecasting project outcomes and enhancing decision-making processes. Developing the Next Generation of Talent With an aging workforce in manufacturing and composites, Teijin is actively working to attract and train younger talent. Steve emphasizes internship programs and mentorship as key strategies for ensuring knowledge transfer. 🔹 Advice for Leaders: "Surround yourself with the right people, develop clear standards, and always be open to learning." Steve Pelczarski’s insights highlight the importance of structured leadership, standardization, and adaptability in program management. As manufacturing evolves with new technologies and workforce challenges, leaders must remain flexible, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement. The key to high performance is clarity in expectations, visibility in execution, and a culture that embraces learning and innovation. Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance. This show is sponsored by Visuant , your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights. Check out our Live Show Events here: The Pulse of High Performance Live Show Subscribe to our Newsletter: The Pulse of High Performance Newsletter…

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PHP E18 - Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: High-Performance Strategies with Darren Alfano 35:53

10 weeks ago35:53

35:53

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance , host Seth Davies engages with Darren Alfano , Head of People and Organization at Novonesis. Darren shares insights from his journey in HR, reflections on leading through major organizational changes, and strategies for navigating today’s complex talent landscape. The conversation emphasizes the role of HR in shaping business success and how inclusive practices, leadership development, and data-driven decision-making fuel growth. Leading Through Mergers and Uncertainty Darren discussed managing Novonesis's merger, transitioning from 6,000 to over 10,000 employees. He emphasized the importance of clear, consistent communication to ease anxieties and highlighted the role of frequent updates and open feedback channels during such significant changes. The Evolving Role of HR HR has transformed from a transactional to a strategic function. Darren reflected on how impactful HR programs drive organizational success and how his passion for creating meaningful workplace strategies inspired his career in this field. Addressing Talent Gaps in Manufacturing Darren expressed concerns about the shrinking talent pool in manufacturing. He underscored the need for educating communities about lucrative and fulfilling manufacturing careers while combating outdated perceptions about the industry. Fostering Multi-Generational Collaboration With up to five generations in the workforce, Darren discussed strategies to foster inclusivity and communication, including generational training and rethinking policies to accommodate diverse employee needs. Developing Leaders Through Practical Experience Darren shared Novonesis’s focus on balancing visionary leadership training with practical skills development. By engaging leaders in real-world challenges, the company ensures they are prepared for both strategic planning and day-to-day management. Darren’s perspective highlights how HR professionals can navigate complex challenges by building adaptable, inclusive strategies and emphasizing clear communication. His journey underscores the importance of leadership development and leveraging data to make informed decisions. For anyone in HR or leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons on transforming uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance. This show is sponsored by Visuant , your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights. Check out our Live Show Events here: The Pulse of High Performance Live Show Subscribe to our Newsletter: The Pulse of High Performance Newsletter…

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PHP E17 - Turning Operations into Opportunities with Andrew Glowatsky 39:06

11 weeks ago39:06

39:06

In this engaging episode of The Pulse of High Performance , Seth Davies is joined by Andrew Glowatsky , Director of Reliability and Engineering at Church & Dwight. Glowatsky shares his extensive journey in manufacturing and lean practices, offering valuable insights into leadership, continuous improvement, and workforce development. 1. The Power of Area Information Centers (AICs): Glowatsky emphasized the transformative impact of AICs (or SQDC boards) on communication and performance. These tools act as two-way communication hubs, providing real-time data on safety, quality, delivery, and cost. AICs encourage proactive problem-solving, foster recognition, and help mitigate workplace stress by allowing employees to document ideas and challenges. 2. Lean and Reliability as a Strategic Advantage: Glowatsky highlighted lean principles’ role in eliminating waste and increasing efficiency. He explained how structured prioritization ensures resources are directed toward the highest-impact initiatives. Training at all organizational levels equips employees to integrate lean practices seamlessly into daily operations, making lean a way of working rather than an additional task. 3. Building a High-Performance Culture: Leadership in manufacturing, Glowatsky noted, involves fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning. Recognizing contributions and maintaining open communication are critical to employee engagement. He introduced the "5-to-1 rule," suggesting five positive recognitions for every coaching or corrective conversation, which builds trust and morale. 4. Navigating Modern Manufacturing Challenges: Glowatsky discussed industry-wide challenges like talent retention, generational differences in motivation, and adapting to geopolitical shifts. Strategies like fostering community relationships, empowering team-driven improvements, and emphasizing recognition help mitigate these challenges. 5. Future of AI in Manufacturing: AI accelerates processes by quickly creating foundational documents and analyzing data for trends and predictive insights. Glowatsky stressed that AI’s potential lies in enhancing speed, enabling creativity, and optimizing resources to improve capacity without significant capital investment. Andrew Glowatsky's expertise sheds light on the synergy between leadership, lean practices, and technology in building high-performance organizations. His approach to empowering teams, promoting open communication, and leveraging modern tools inspires leaders to cultivate cultures where innovation thrives. Glowatsky’s reflections remind us that manufacturing is a dynamic journey of continuous improvement and meaningful connections. Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance. This show is sponsored by Visuant , your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights. Check out our Live Show Events here: The Pulse of High Performance Live Show Subscribe to our Newsletter: The Pulse of High Performance Newsletter…

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PHP E16 - Commitment Over Involvement: High-Performance Leadership 49:24

12 weeks ago49:24