About Manufacturing Mastery with Graeme Fitzgerald
Welcome to Manufacturing Mastery with Graeme Fitzgerald, the podcast. For over 30 years I have led some of Australia’s largest manufacturing organisations… riding the highs and lows, the occasional failure, and the plentiful successes that inevitably come with being in business. This podcast is aimed at helping you – the progressive, Australian manufacturer – with practical, current and real-world advice on navigating your pathway to sustainable success in manufacturing. Myself and my special guests will cover everything from how to embed a planning framework into your business, new approaches to innovation, the importance of culture and how to lead change, and navigating the new normal as an Australian manufacturer. So, manufacturers, let’s master it…
Welcome to another episode of Manufacturing Master. In today's episode, we are joined by Ben Gregson, a seasoned manufacturing executive who has
led several successful business transformations.
Ben shares his insights and experiences in transforming manufacturing businesses that face various challenges, such as fractured and underperforming sales teams, no clear strategy, and a lack of clear identity. He discusses how he addressed these issues by redefining management strategies and implementing key management transformation principles.
Ben also emphasizes the importance of innovation in business technology and how it can help streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. He shares some practical examples of how businesses can implement new technologies to achieve these goals.
Moreover, Ben shares his tips on the key factors that contribute to a successful management transformation, including developing a clear vision, effective communication, and the importance of having the right team in place.
So, whether you are a manufacturing executive facing similar challenges or simply interested in learning about the manufacturing industry, be sure to tune in to this episode of Manufacturing Master with our special guest Ben Gregson.
Connect with Ben on Linkedin (http://linkedin.com/in/ben-gregson)
28 Dec 2022
Delivering a Product Leadership Strategy
Today, I am finally able to welcome Bruce Hegan to the show, Owner and Managing Director of 4id Solutions.
4id Solutions are leaders in asset tracking and tagging technologies. Helping health, logistics, finance, and entertainment enterprises validate; verify and capture data, through the use of RFID technology. Bruce and his team based on the Central Coast, have been at the forefront of innovation in this space. With the goal of being ahead of the market and their competitors as opposed to just following current industry trends.
This self-described ‘simple farmer’ has extensive experience in printing and RFID products; understands the nuances of manufacturing; and a relentlessly pursues ways to improve and simplify processes, in what is a complex industry. Bruce also has a strong focus on people and is now coaching and mentoring the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
The theme for this episode is “Developing a Product Leadership Strategy” and in it, Bruce and I touch on the following:
Success in the launch of market leading products.
New to the world solutions for the RFID tag and label conversion space.
Growing to have extensive knowledge within this space.
Innovation in technology of printing and RFID products.
Leadership development - Culture of innovation
Connect with Bruce via Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/bruce-hegan-aa842a150 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-hegan-aa842a150)
14 Dec 2022
Development of High Potential People
Apologies straight off the bat for some notification sounds that made it through to the recording. Hopefully it will not be to much of a distraction for you.
Today’s episode we are joined by someone I have known for many years and tried to initially have on Season One of Manufacturing Mastery, but the world of 2021 didn’t want that to be a reality. Fortunately, it is now 2022 and Stephen Elliot has finally been able to join me for a chat.
With a background in chemical, metallurgical and process engineering and holding a degree in Chemical Engineering as well as completing his MBA, Stephen has become and experienced leader in the manufacturing industry. With a passion for manufacturing excellence through people leadership and process understanding, a personal core value of safety and a desire to succeed. Has lead to Stephen being the director on numerous company boards both here and in South Africa.
A few key takeaways in which Stephen and I talk about in this episode:
The changes that have manifested through COVID19.
Talent within organisations and development of leadership skills.
The benefits and downsides of development change for young engineers and professionals and how it has changed over the years.
How people selection and development can impact on a company’s success
Importance of prioritizing people selection.
Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/stephen-e-6116a210b (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-e-6116a210b)
1 Dec 2022
Achieving Manufacturing Success - with Tony Crooke
In today’s episode I am joined by Tony Crooke, Group Marketing Manager for GME. An Australian-owned computer and electronics company, who are considered an industry leader in the RF communication technology space.
With extensive experience in product management and customer service, Tony understands the nuances of marketing and product management within the manufacturing world. Having worked with Australian and international organisations. A fan of the first season of Manufacturing Mastery, the universe presented Tony and I with an opportunity to have a conversation about Australian manufacturing and his experiences, not too long ago. Some of the subjects we delved into:
Tony’s passion for achieving success, particularly within the scope of launching market-leading products and brands.
How manufacturers can apply a wide range of factors to attain sustainable success.
The application of technology as a key element to achieving success, but not the be all and end all.
Agility in the industry/market and the application of.
Product management/development
Connect with Tony via LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/tony-crooke-b9696637 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-crooke-b9696637)
27 Sept 2021
Global Development - Products and Service - Part Two
In today's episode, I am joined by the Director of Sales & Marketing for Mineral Systems with McLanahan Corporation - Chris Knowles.
I have known Chris for a little over a year, after first working with him at McLanahan developing a strategic plan. Not only have I discovered that Chris is a passionate and knowledgeable sales and marketing executive, but also a person that places great emphasis on his people. In this two-part episode, I sit down with Chris and have a chat about:
Technology advancement
Mineral Systems
Product Development--risks, alternatives involved, and impact of development time frames versus product life
Challenges and solutions in introducing new products to new markets
Find Chris on LinkedIn
Learn more about Mclanahan
27 Sept 2021
Global Development - Products and Service - Part One
In today's episode, I am joined by the Director of Sales & Marketing for Mineral Systems with McLanahan Corporation - Chris Knowles.
I have known Chris for a little over a year, after first working with him at McLanahan developing a strategic plan. Not only have I discovered that Chris is a passionate and knowledgeable sales and marketing executive, but also a person that places great emphasis on his people. In this two-part episode, I sit down with Chris and have a chat about:
•Technology advancement
•Mineral Systems
•Product Development--risks, alternatives involved, and impact of development time frames versus product life
•Challenges and solutions in introducing new products to new markets
Find Chris on LinkedIn
Learn more about Mclanahan
23 Aug 2021
Productivity - What Role for Automation and Artificial Intelligence?
We have one of the 'good guys' in for today's episode. Former metallurgist and now one of Australia's leader's in workplace complexity reduction - Stuart Ewin.
Stuart started work in the steel industry in Wollongong, then trained as a mechanical engineer. We first worked together at BHP Steel's Newcastle rod mill, where we brought Stuart into the team to look into custom perspective in our manufacturing operations. Since then we have crossed paths in numerous ways and now do so in the podcast format. In today's episode we dive into;
•Importance of technology for business automation
•Sharing experiences and knowledge to improve business productivity
•New opportunities for Productivity Improvement
•Greatest challenges in Productivity Improvement
Find out more about Stuart Ewin
•Company website: www.gestaltix.com.au
•LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stuartewin
•Direct Email: stuart@gestaltix.com.au
9 Aug 2021
High Performance In Manufacturing - Part 2
Another two-part episode for you listeners today, this time I am joined by Business Specialist and Manufacturing Practitioner Chris Davey. Chris is a process and performance specialist, with extensive manufacturing experience from the ground up. With a background in sports and a martial arts enthusiast, Chris brings across the application of discipline, amongst other things, into the traditional manufacturing space. With the aim to improve processes and create high-performance teams. In this episode we have a chat about;
What impacts high performance in manufacturing
How being disciplined affects the performance in business
Importance of holistic approach when hiring a person
Overcoming greatest challenges in business improvement
Find out more about what Chris does here
www.processps.com.au
9 Aug 2021
High Performance In Manufacturing - Part 1
Another two-part episode for you listeners today, this time I am joined by Business Specialist and Manufacturing Practitioner Chris Davey. Chris is a process and performance specialist, with extensive manufacturing experience from the ground up. With a background in sports and a martial arts enthusiast, Chris brings across the application of discipline, amongst other things, into the traditional manufacturing space. With the aim to improve processes and create high-performance teams. In this episode we have a chat about;
•What impacts high performance in manufacturing
•How being disciplined affects the performance in business
•Importance of holistic approach when hiring a person
•Overcoming greatest challenges in business improvement
Find out more about what Chris does here
www.processps.com.au
31 May 2021
Developing World Class Manufacturing
Manufacturing Manager, Operations Leader, Multi Site Leader & Business Advisor - Peter Davies is our guest on this episode of Manufacturing Mastery.
Peter & I met numerous years ago during our time in the Australian steel industry and since then through different leadership roles via different engineering organisations. He now finds himself as a Business Advisor for the NSW Business Chamber.
With a shared interest in developing world class manufacturing, in this episode, Peter & I discuss the many ways that relates to the Australian Manufacturing landscape. We look into the opportunity of innovation, areas of greatest opportunity for Australian manufacturing in 2020, how the COVID19 pandemic will impact businesses in the next years and get somewhat personal with sharing our greatest lesson.
Find Peter Davies on LinkedIn
28 Mar 2021
The Importance Of Resiliency In The Business - Part Two
How's the World of Energy? Well in today's episode we find out, as we chat to my friend Deidre Lewis about the importance of resiliency in the business. Deidre is General Manager HSE Energy Markets at Origin Energy and is an experienced HSEQ leader with over 25 years of varied operational experience in large Australian businesses.
This is two part episode as we deep dive into numerous aspects of resiliency in regards to not only the energy sector, but manufacturing and businesses as a whole.
Just a few of the topics we discuss
Understanding the World of Energy
Overcoming business' tough phase
The Market in an Energy perspective
Collaboration and being interconnected
POV in going back to the office
Find Deirdre Lewis on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdre-lewis-8b7bb914/
19 Mar 2021
The Importance Of Resiliency In The Business - Part One
How's the World of Energy? Well in today's episode we find out, as we chat to my friend Deidre Lewis about the importance of resiliency in the business. Deidre is General Manager HSE Energy Markets at Origin Energy and is an experienced HSEQ leader with over 25 years of varied operational experience in large Australian businesses.
This is two part episode as we deep dive into numerous aspects of resiliency in regards to not only the energy sector, but manufacturing and businesses as a whole.
Just a few of the topics we discuss
Understanding the World of Energy
Overcoming business' tough phase
The Market in an Energy perspective
Collaboration and being interconnected
POV in going back to the office
Find Deirdre Lewis on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdre-lewis-8b7bb914/
17 Feb 2021
Business Process Improvement
What is this business improvement thing?
In today's episode, I have chat with former colleague and one of the most knowledgeable business improvement specialists in Australia - James Chevis.
James is an independent Lean Six Sigma Master Black belt based in Wollongong, NSW. With 20+ years of experience in process improvement, the last 8 of which, as a Lean Six Sigma practitioner.
James has built his knowledge, skills and experiences then applied numerous improvement techniques for not only manufacturing, but across many different industries. He stands out from most other business improvement specialists, because of his understanding of both, practical application in real world environments, along with a deep fundamental knowledge of the most successful techniques that work.
We discuss the application of these business improvement tools and techniques. The importance of using statistics and data in helping to improve business process issues. As well as overcoming hurdles in business Improvement.
Follow James Chevis here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-chevis-6aa81543/
21 Dec 2020
Marketing & Australian Manufacturing
In this episode of Manufacturing Mastery, I'm joined by friend and marketing expert, Jacqui Daley. Jacqui has led the marketing at a range of organisations of all sizes, in Australia and the UK, and worked as a digital consultant across loads of industries. She is now based in Newcastle, Australia and is the founder and managing director of The Measured Marketer. Jacqui specialises in marketing within the world of manufacturing, be it Business to Business marketing, customer focus marketing, internal communication or functioning as the business's CMO.
We discuss marketing and how imperative it is, yet still underutilised, within Australian manufacturing. How to identify your unique selling proposition and target ideal customers. Then explore what critical messages you need to communicate to your target customers, once you have their attention. Via consistency of message, consistency of activity and consistency of presence.
We also explore how marketing is not a "dark art". The best organisations measure their activities and translate these activities to results. They adjust and respond. Not just throw money at a wall and hope some of it sticks.
Follow Jacqui here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquidaley/
Learn more about The Measured Marketer here:
https://www.themeasuredmarketer.com.au/
You can read the full transcript of this episode here https://www.graemefitzgerald.com.au/
8 Nov 2020
The Pursuit of Excellence
In today's podcast, I'm joined by friend and colleague for almost 40 years, John Costley. John is a Business and Operational Excellence Practitioner with Lead C.I. and has been responsible for a range of manufacturing organisations across the country.
We discuss why is leadership important in the pursuit of excellence in manufacturing; what world class manufacturing is and why Australian manufacturers should strive for this. We cover the Business and Operations Excellence framework, otherwise known as the BOSEX framework;. As well as delving into leadership culture, teamwork and benchmarking.
Follow John here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-costley-9b5029194/
https://leadci.com/john-costley/
You can read the full transcript of this episode here https://www.graemefitzgerald.com.au/
24 Oct 2020
Introduction
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