AOP & Leader Feeder Podcast Episodes

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[Re-Release] Back To School For Supervisors

Back to school season is here, and what better time to revisit one of our classic episodes? Originally released in 2021, the insights from this episode are just as relevant today for any supervisor looking to sharpen their skills. We tackle the small but crucial differences between the average and the outstanding leader. Discover three actionable tips to help you move from being just a supervisor to an inspiring leader that everyone wants to work for.

James Coolidge: Insights for Leaders Navigating Uncertainty and Driving Opportunity in Manufacturing

Transform uncertainty into growth. Executive coach James Coolidge offers insights for leaders to reframe challenges as opportunities for reinvention, enhance psychological safety, and leverage mindful thinking for thriving teams and accelerated performance.

Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes Made By Newly Promoted Frontline Leaders

Are you a newly promoted leader, or do you manage someone stepping into a frontline leadership role? The transition can be trickier than it seems. In this episode, we uncover the core challenges of stepping up and reveal three widespread mistakes new leaders often make. Tune in to discover surprising pitfalls and gain practical strategies to empower your team, enhance your effectiveness, and ensure a smoother, more successful journey into leadership. Don’t let these common missteps derail your path to peak operational performance!

Dean Crawford: Leadership Development for Peak Operational Performance

Discover how effective leadership development can accelerate operational performance with Dean Crawford, VP of HR at Aspire MRO. Learn strategies for growth and building high-performing teams.

Three Ways to Engage Your Team for Better Performance

Empower manufacturing supervisors to boost employee engagement! Discover three actionable strategies to improve productivity, motivate teams, and enhance morale in the manufacturing industry.

Reeve Southam: A Human-Centered Approach to Optimizing Manufacturing Processes

Discover how a human-centered approach to optimizing manufacturing processes can drive innovation, improve team engagement, and lead to significant cost savings.

Let’s Talk About Managing Dominant Personalities

Let’s discuss the complexities of managing dominant personalities in the workplace. Learn why these personality types are common on the factory floor and how frontline leaders can transform potentially difficult employees into valuable team members.

Accelerating Operational Performance Rewind: Our Top Leadership Wisdom Revisited

Join us for a special Accelerating Operational Performance Rewind episode! As we hit the halfway mark of 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make those small, impactful adjustments to your leadership approach that drive big results. We’re revisiting some of our most memorable guests and powerful insights from the last six months, offering practical wisdom you can implement today.

If you’d like to listen to the full episodes of the clips Greg and Kirk spoke about, they are listed below:

1. Megan Barder: Leadership Development and Operational Performance Strategies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVoW77yClBk&t=1s

2. Dr. Gwen Acton: Essential Leadership Skills for Scientists – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx7blF0F7Eg&t=2s

3. Kirby Griffin: Linking Leadership Directly to Operational Performance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZmytIwIGo&t=1s

4. Lorne Girard on Servant Leadership: How Putting Your People First Drives Success – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXlQLnS6P9o

Leader Feeder Rewind: Unpacking Key Conversations in Leadership

In this special Leader Feeder Rewind episode, hosts Kirk Langford and Greg Schinkel look back at the most engaging and impactful leadership discussions from the past six months. Get ready to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to refine your leadership approach!

If you are interested in the clips, you may be interested in the full episode!

1. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AWabKvkxjg4
Full episode: https://youtu.be/9SWjkJXJG0s

2. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Bct6rMw7eO4
Full episode: https://youtu.be/9SWjkJXJG0s

3. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NmlHC4YWP5Q
Full episode: https://youtu.be/IBKv5QpRW4k

4. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E_PaCBSprng
Full episode: https://youtu.be/IBKv5QpRW4k

5. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wvS3qL1cedQ
Full episode: https://youtu.be/kGemaavteJw

6. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HDzQISfGx-I
Full episode: https://youtu.be/kGemaavteJw

7. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6tjQt0tKVX0
Full episode: https://youtu.be/sSqHK1wwemI

8. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LJ8Axg_Iybo
Full episode: https://youtu.be/sSqHK1wwemI

9. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6erSucMW4LA
Full episode: https://youtu.be/f8Dzl9VkUE8

Jon Heffelfinger: Optimizing Plant Manager Leadership

Explore Jon Heffelfinger’s journey to Plant Manager at Hendrickson. Learn how strong culture, mentorship, and empowering teams drive operational excellence in manufacturing. Discover key insights on leadership, overcoming challenges, and motivating diverse workforces.