Industry Iowa
By CIRAS
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University.
Industry Iowa May 03, 2023
Episode 52: The Impactful Practitioner: Using Lean and Six Sigma for Non-Profits and Sustainable Business
Brion Hurley, Iowa native, author, Lean and Six Sigma Instructor, and founder of Business Performance Improvement, starts off our discussion by challenging Lean and Six Sigma professionals to share their knowledge and expertise with non-profit organizations. This practice not only benefits the non-profit agency, but helps further develop the practitioner, brings additional experiences back into the for-profit business, and helps that business fulfill its mission of having an impact on the communities in which they are located.
Brion is also very interested in helping organizations use Lean and Six Sigma to reduce their environmental impact, improve their communities and engage their employees to drive greater financial and mission results. You can find out more about his work by going to www.brionhurley.com and www.biz-pi.com.
We touch on many other CI-related topics, so be sure to catch the full episode.
Episode 53: Kyle Roed: The Role of Disruption and Innovation in HR
In this episode, Kyle Roed, VP of Global Human Resources for CPM Holdings and founder of Disrupt HR and Rebel Human Resources podcast, discusses his passion for studying human behavior and how it applies to the HR field. Kyle emphasizes that people are at the heart of what makes organizations thrive and discusses strategies for managing disruptions and driving innovation. He also provides insights on better practices for hiring, onboarding, performance management, and team collaboration. Whether you're a sales professional or an HR leader, this episode provides valuable insights into how HR can enable sales success and drive business results. Don't miss Kyle's upcoming speaking engagement at the Ivy Sales Innovation Summit on May 17th, focused on building sales talent and maximizing technology.
Registration closes May 9th; save your seat today!
https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/event/ivy-sales-innovation-summit/
Episode 51: Iowa Sustainable Business Forum Board Member, Russ O'Rourke
Zero waste is a comprehensive and holistic approach to waste reduction that strives to minimize the amount of materials sent to landfills or incinerators by prioritizing waste prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Russ O'Rourke, the Environmental Health and Safety Director for Barilla America in Ames, IA, and a Board Member with the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum, is joining us today to discuss the ISBF's work in connecting Iowa businesses to improve their sustainable practices and Barilla's pursuit of zero waste. The ISBF is a member-driven industry association established in 2014 that promotes continuous improvement in business practices that benefit people, the planet, and profits.
Episode 50: Workforce Predications for 2023
Pam Lane, CIRAS leader for Human Capital and Workforce Strategy, joins us for this episode of Industry Iowa, where we talk about what's down the road for 2023 as it pertains to human resources and workforce.
1. Employees will continue to be concerned with emotional and financial well-being
2. Employees will more frequently have caregiving responsibilities.
3. Professional development remains a top priority for employees.
4. Diversity and a source of purpose are what employees want to see in the employer.
5. Hybrid work schedules will remain important to potential and current employees.
6. Pay transparency is a growing issue.
Drawing upon her expertise and many years of experience, Pam addresses and provides answers to the challenges that individuals and organizations are facing.
If you are interested in talking with Pam about "all things HR", you can reach her at 515.567.0687 or pamelal@iastate.edu.
Episode 49: Iowa Prison Industries
Reports indicate that Iowa's population has seen very little growth over the past 50 years and there is little to indicate that this will change any time in the near future. We also are seeing more people leaving the workforce then entering it. So, where are Iowa businesses going to get the much-needed workforce? Iowa Prison Industries (IPI), the work arm of the Iowa Department of Corrections, is one possible solution. Join me and my guest Tammy Nielsen, Program Manager of their Prison Industries Enhancement (PIE) program as we discuss how to engage with IPI, how to make the most of the program, what are the real benefits of partnering with IPI, and much, much more.
Episode 48: The state of workforce with Amy Cell
Interested in learning more about the current state of the labor market and strategies on how to address it from an industry expert? Join host Steve with Amy Cell of Amy Cell Talent. We hit on the importance of culture in the job market, retention, engagement as it relates to the job market, keys to success in developing and retaining your workforce, and how to investigate different sectors of your community for possible employees. Amy doesn’t provide a silver bullet, but she does provide insight into the current state of the job market across the country, based on her 30-plus years of experience.
If you are interested in working with Amy, contact the CIRAS workforce team today! Contact Us
Episode 47: ILC Annual Conference Keynote Speaker, Jake Wood
"Chaos can come in many forms and at various times, and for that very reason, we need leadership at all levels throughout an organization, which means that everybody must have some level of competence in leading through it".- Jake Wood
For two decades, Jake Wood's life has been defined by the world's most high-stakes situations. He played BigTen college football, fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has since built the world's fastest-growing disaster response organization - Team Rubicon. His riveting stories and hard-earned lessons bring audiences to the edge of their seats. Jake will be a keynote speaker at this year's Iowa Lean Consortium Conference on October 25th. Registrations are now open.
In this episode of Industry Iowa, Jake breaks down the acronym VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) and shares his experience around "Conquering Chaos." First used by the military, the term VUCA is commonly used to reflect the turbulent and unpredictable forces of change that could affect organizations. Jake adds, "if you understand which one you are facing and how they evolve from one to the other, then you're going to be better positioned to implement the right strategies and tactics to conquer it."
Episode 46: ISU Engineering Capstone Projects
If you've been considering engaging ISU Engineering students for Capstone Projects, now is the time to reach out to Mayra Ramirez. What is a Capstone Project, you ask? In short, Capstone Projects help companies access people and technology. Within the College of Engineering, each student must take a formal capstone course during their senior year in which they apply their educational experience to a real-world project. Here are just a few of the benefits you'll receive by hosting a capstone project:
• Apply a high level of engineering resources to a topic of interest, such as investigating an engineering problem, redesigning an existing product or process, or exploring a new product concept or technology platform.
• Engage students as potential future employees.
• Use capstone projects to “seed” innovation projects within the company.
Contact Mayra Ramirez at ramirezm@iastate.edu or 515-520-3101.
Episode 45: 2022 ILC Annual Conference Keynote, Mike Rayburn
On this episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast, musician, comedian, innovative entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame Speaker Mike Rayburn joins us to talk about his upcoming keynote at the October 25th Iowa Lean Consortium Annual Conference and challenges us with the simple but powerful question of "what if"? Mike reminds us that every major accomplishment started, in one way or another, with a bold "what if" question. Mike uses both his musical talents (has played Carnegie Hall multiple times) and comedy to inspire innovative thinking and doing. Join us at the ILC Conference, where Mike will show participants and the companies they work for how to discover their "what if’s" and make them happen. Be sure to stay until the end, when Mike treats us to some amazing guitar playing.
Episode 44: Collaborative Research Projects, CIRAS Connects Iowa Companies and University Faculty
On this episode of Industry Iowa, my guest Brian Muff, helps us uncover another hidden jewel in the state of Iowa. For over 10 years as a CIRAS Project Manager and Technology Assistance Program Contract Research Lead, Brian has been managing collaborative research projects between Iowa companies and faculty which have resulted in several millions of dollars of impact. Examples of past projects include engineering product design/testing, animal feeding trials, food ingredient formulation and shelf-life studies, human sensory trials, software design, statistical analysis and survey design, marketing and accounting assistance, or materials analysis and optimization.
To seek guidance about making faculty connections or to schedule a no-cost assessment, contact your Regional CIRAS Account Manager or TAP Contract Research lead Brian Muff.
Episode 43: Dr. Raj Agnihotri, Mary Warner Fellow and Director of the IVY Sales Forum
On May 17th the first-ever Ivy College of Business Sales Innovation Summit was held on the campus of Iowa State University. This event was the result of a partnership between the Ivy College of Business and CIRAS, the Center for Industrial Research and Service and born out of a sincere desire by both parties to provide an opportunity for Iowa businesses to learn from and network with each other as well as some of the most accomplished Iowa State faculty in the areas of sales and marketing. By all accounts, the goal was more than exceeded. On this episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast, Dr. Raj Agnihotri, Mary Warner Fellow, and Director of Ivy Sales Forum shares his reflections on the day and takes us deeper into the day's topics of Selling in Crisis and Hiring and Managing Sales Talent.
Episode 42: Mitch Matthews, Entrepreneur, Success Coach and Podcaster.
Steve Wilson and guest Mitch Matthews discuss how we are all salespeople. Mitch shares his zig-zag journey to how he became an entrepreneur, success coach, and podcaster. Learn more about Mitch's philosophy of how the ability to ask powerful questions is the key to being an effective leader and successful salesperson. Listen to Mitch and Steve discuss the power of the question and its impact on all relationships.
See Mitch live in Ames at the May 17th Ivy College of Business Sales Innovation Summit co-hosted by CIRAS and the Ivy College of Business.
More information and tickets for the Ivy Sales Innovation Summit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/event/ivy-sales-innovation-summit/
* Deadline to register is May 12th, 2022.
Mitch Matthews, https://mitchmatthews.com/
Episode 41: Mike O'Donnell, CIRAS Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program Director
Every two years the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), conducts a needs assessment process to better understand the needs of manufacturers in Iowa. Join me on this episode of the Industry Iowa podcast as Mike O’Donnell, shares some of the highlights of the recently released 2021-2022 report, the value it brings to Iowa manufacturers, and the work that CIRAS is doing to partner with these companies to close the gaps that were identified.
To view the report: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/files/publications/2021-2022_Iowa_Manufacturing_Needs_Assessment_Report.pdf
Contact Information: www.ciras.iastate.edu, 1805 Collaboration Place, Suite 2300, Ames, IA 50010
Episode 40: Iowa's Workforce Shortage- is there an answer?
According to the most recent quarterly survey conducted by the Iowa Business Council and reported on in a February 2022 article by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa faces its worst ever worker shortage. Executive Director Joe Murphy stated, “Companies are at a tipping point with respect to their workforce. They need people more than ever”. In this episode of the Industry Iowa podcast, Brenda Martin, CIRAS Workforce Program Manager, addresses not only the concern, but more importantly the work that CIRAS is doing, along with many of the state’s economic developers, to identify and work towards solutions, both short-term and long term. I also encourage you to read “The Iowa Workforce Skirmishes” , an article written by CIRAS Director Ron Cox.
Episode 39: Bruce Hansen of the Iowa Area Development Group, IADG
Join host Steve Wilson for this entertaining and educational conversation with Bruce Hansen, V.P., Business Development for the Iowa Area Development Group(IADG). Bruce’s primary focus is supporting Iowa’s existing industry by identifying company needs and connecting them with the resources needed to foster growth. Since they began in 1985, the IADG has assisted with over 2,250 projects, over $13.2 Billion in investments, over 54,500 new and retained jobs, and 95 Industrial Parks covering over 7,329 acres of industrial land. Tune in and learn how the IADG can help your business and your community prosper, grow, and thrive
Episode 38: Melissa Burant, CIRAS Supply Chain Project Manager
What started as a response to the pandemic has grown into a movement - a formal supplier scouting movement across the country. Listen in on our conversation with Melissa Burant, Supply Chain Project Manager, CIRAS, as she talks about the intentional development of a nationwide effort to leverage connections designed to increase the availability of needed materials here in the US. Melissa also shares news about the Supplier Connection Portal that the Iowa Economic Development Authority is developing. This portal will not only be a place where suppliers can showcase who they are, where they are, and what they provide but it will also provide a way for them to connect with other manufacturers in the state.
If you’re listening and not from the great state of Iowa, be sure to reach out to your state’s MEP by visiting the MEP National Network website to learn more about their supplier scouting program.
Episode 37: Jill Lippincott of the Iowa Economic Development Authority
Our guest on this episode of the Industry Iowa Podcast is Jill Lippincott of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Jill has many roles at the IEDA and most recently has been the point person for the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Grant Program. While our main focus was the grant programs, Jill also shares some exciting news about a new supply chain resource initiative as well as manufacturing trends and what’s needed in our educational systems to support the increasingly important role technology is playing in manufacturers across the state.
Did you know:
There are two grant programs currently available for Iowa Manufacturers 3-75 employees - https://www.iowamfg.com/technology-investment-program/ 76-250 employees - https://www.iowagrants.gov/insideLinkOpps.jsp?documentPk=1634306143520 – Deadline to apply is 12-31-21 Manufacturing accounts for 18% of Iowa’s GDP 53% of Iowa’s manufacturers are in rural areas of the stateEpisode 36: Supply Chain with Joseph Paris
Industry Iowa Host, Steve Wilson sits down with Joseph Paris. Joseph is a recognized thought leader on operational excellence; an international entrepreneur; a prolific writer; and a sought-after strategist, consultant, and speaker with engagements around the world. His book, “State of Readiness” (May 2017) has been well received and endorsed by business leaders from highly respected companies – with operations around the world and across industries – and promises to be a definitive work on the field of Operational Excellence.
With over 30 years of experience in international business and operations, he is routinely called upon to offer guidance to C-suite and senior executives and business-operations and -improvement specialists who wish to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations.
Episode 35: Special Guest John "GUCCI" Foley, ILC Annual Conference Keynote Presenter
Join host Steve Wilson in great conversation with John Foley, one of Keynote Presenters for the upcoming ILC Annual Conference.
John Foley is a former Lead Solo Pilot of the Blue Angels, "Top Ten Carrier Pilot," a best-selling author and an expert on high-performance teams. As a keynote speaker, John has inspired over 1,000 organizations to increase trust, elevate execution and build a culture of excellence. No other speaker in the world shares John's life experiences. Through keynote presentations and hands-on workshops, John clearly applies his lifetime of discovery to real-world situations. He has delivered his extraordinary message at over 1,000 events, to over 1 million people worldwide. John's keynotes, workshops, and programs inspire individuals, teams, and organizations to reach and operate at their highest potential. His high-performance framework is vital for leaders reaching for the next level of success, and his Glad to Be Here® Mindset is a fundamental tool for maximizing possibility and achieving goals. John Foley's message goes above and beyond expectations. With engaging stories and electrifying videos of Blue Angel aerobatics, his presentations will give your organization a renewed spirit, purpose and energy. John’s events inspire, motivate and align teams to improve performance, strengthen teamwork, and thrive with a Glad to Be Here Mindset.
Listen to John live or virtually at the 2021 ILC Annual Conference! Find out more here: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/iowalean/ilc-learning-opportunities/ilc-annual-conference-2021/
Episode 34: CIRAS Services Showcase, the Iowa Lean Consortium
Episode #34 Hear from Tracy Schuster , Program Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC).
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) was created in 1963 to improve the quality of life in Iowa by helping businesses and their communities prosper and grow. Our individually tailored strategy Engage. Educate. Embed. means we work with companies to fashion solutions specific to their individual needs.
Hosted by Steven Wilson
Episode 33: Organizational Culture – What Is It? And What Can I Do About It?
Episode #33 Hear from James Mayhew , America's Chief Culture Officer on how to build culture, improve communication and boost engagement.
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) was created in 1963 to improve the quality of life in Iowa by helping businesses and their communities prosper and grow. Our individually tailored strategy Engage. Educate. Embed. means we work with companies to fashion solutions specific to their individual needs.
Hosted by Steven Wilson
Episode 32: Troy Crow on Leaning into your ERP System
Episode #32 Hear from CIRAS Project Manager, Troy Crowe about Leaning into your ERP System.
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) was created in 1963 to improve the quality of life in Iowa by helping businesses and their communities prosper and grow. Our individually tailored strategy Engage. Educate. Embed. means we work with companies to fashion solutions specific to their individual needs.
Episode 31: ILC Mentoring Program – Part Two
Episode #31 is part two of our segment on the ILC Mentoring Program which is a members only benefit and is designed to enhance the professional experience and development of both mentors and mentees. During my conversation with Angie Steffen, Process Optimizer with Far Reach and, Danielle Roecker, Delivery Lead with Accenture Industry, we talk about why they got involved, how to make the most of the experience, the matching process used to help ensure the best fit, how it works being competitors, and much more. If you are interested in learning more about the ILC you can visit their website at https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/iowalean/or contact ILC Program Director Tracy Schuster at tschust@iastate.edu
Episode 30: Is The ILC Mentoring Program: Is It For Me?
If you google the term "mentoring" you'll see that there are over 379M options to choose from. Eventually you'd find what it means to be mentored or to be a mentor but through the ILC Radio Network Podcast, you'll now have the opportunity to hear from ILC Members who are currently participating in the ILC Mentoring Program as either mentors or mentees. This episode featured Shannon Soupiset, Senior Director, Genesis Systems Group, and Justin Pedersen, Quality Manager, ALMACO. My guests discussed why they got involved in the program and the benefits they’ve received. They also share insight into how to get the most out of the experience as well as some practical how to’s.
Episode 29: Jamie Parker on Change Management in Our Unpredictable Climate
Join me as I talk with Jamie Parker of Process + Results Lean Leadership Development, on change management and what that looks like in today's unpredictable climate.
Episode 8: Jeff Dahm: The ILC - It's Progress and Vision for Growth (2017)
Jeff's passion for the ILC and it's future shine through as he gives us additional insight into the vision of the Iowa Lean Consortium and the progress that has been made since its creation in 2009. He issues a challenge to the ILC members by responding to the question, "what do we need from the members of the ILC?". Episode # 8 features Jeff Dahm, current ILC Board President and Deere and Company Factory Advisor. Jeff has 23 years of manufacturing and business improvement experience in various leadership roles and in his current position at Deere & Company as Factory Advisor, he provides guidance and coaching for the Turf & Utility and Hay & Forage product factories. He is also responsible for the development of a company-wide lean manufacturing strategy to be deployed across all of its global factories and integrated into the John Deere Quality and Production System. ***Please note, our auto-record malfunctioned and we are missing the first 12 minutes of the interview***
Episode 28: Jesse DePriest
Jessie DePriest, an Operational Excellence Coach at First National Bank in Omaha, NE and independent consultant joins me for this episode of the ILC Radio Network for a discussion on Processes. During this high energy discussion we cover such topics as process thinking at both the macro and micro level, the impact of systems on our ability to do our work, inputs and outputs, process mapping, the use of the SIPOC tool, and many, many more topics.
Episode 27: Candice Frost
In any environment, personal or professional, trust is what we refer to as a “must have”. It’s even more critical when the times and conditions are uncertain, as they are today. Join me for an informative and engaging conversation with Colonel Candice Frost, Director of Foreign Intelligence for the Army G-2 United States Army where we trust, as well as the value of mentorship and leading with purpose. Colonel Frost will be giving the keynote address at this year’s ILC Conference and this episode of the ILC Radio Network is a little taste of what she’ll be sharing.
Episode 26: Supply Chain Disruptions and What We Are Seeing
During the final episode of a three part series on the subject of COVID-19 and it’s impact on businesses across the state, Marc Schneider, CIRAS Project Manager and lead for our Industry Disaster Management Response Team, discusses and answers such questions as:
Are there still supply chain issues from China? Why type of supply chain disruptions are we seeing within the US? What can we expect moving forward? What can I do if my current suppliers can’t fill my orders? Who do I talk to if I think I can start making PPE?Episode 25: How to Protect Your Business During This Time of Uncertainty
During the second episode of a three part series on the subject of COVID-19 and its impact on businesses across the state, Marc Schneider, CIRAS Project Manager and lead for our Industry Disaster Management Response Team, discusses and answers such questions as:
How do I determine if I am an “essential” business? What should I do if I suspect there has been a COVID-19 exposure at my facility? How can I practice social distancing at my facility? What steps should I be taking now to protect my business and employees?Episode 24: What is CIRAS Doing to Help Iowa Businesses
My guest on this episode is Marc Schneider – CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service) – COVID 19.
During the first episode of a three part series on the subject of COVID-19 and its impact on businesses across the state, Marc Schneider, CIRAS Project Manager and lead for our Industry Disaster Management Response Team, discusses and answers such questions as:
Episode 23: Becky Halstead, Fundamental Leadership Truths, Part 2
Episode 22: Becky Halstead - Fundamental Leadership Truths, Part 1
Episode #21: Drew Dudley - Day One Leadership
Episode 20: Jim Morgan - Lean Leadership Institute
Unfortunately, we had some technical issues in the booth on the day of our recording so some of my discussion with Jim was lost. However, what we were able to capture is nothing short of fascinating.
Episode #19: Joseph Paris: Operational Excellence - State of Readiness
Episode # 18 - Tommy Chance- Lean Journey
Episode #17: Brion Hurley: Lean Six Sigma for Good
Episode #16: Cory Kerndt - Everyone. Everyday. Go Beyond
Episode #15: Tracey and Ernie Richardson- Solving the Engagement Equation
Episode #14; Jim Benson & Tonianne DeMaria
Episode #13 - Ellen Domb: Using Your Resources to Optimize Problem Solving
Jim Bowie - Lean Acres
We'll also be discussing his book, "Lean Acres", which he says was written to facilitate the translation and the transfer of ownership of each of the core methodologies (including strategic planning) to EVERYONE.
Jim believes that "consultants and subject matter experts will always be in demand to serve as mentors/advisor, but the spirit of CPI cannot be contained within individual Master Black Belts. It is intended to spread amongst the populace, as demonstrated on Lean Acres Farm."
Episode #11: Respect for People...The Harada Method - Norman Bodek
"Mr. Lean" and the "Godfather of Lean" teacher, author, consultant, speaker and founder of Productivity Plus. Norman Bodek joins me on this episode as we discuss the people side of Lean, respect for people and the Harada Method.
Episode #10: Lean Service Design, Sales and Marketing...a visit with Joe Dager.
Join me for a fast-paced, down-to-earth information, packed podcast with one of Lean's strongest advocates and leaders in how to pay it forward.
Episode #9: Family and Friends Can Be Much Better Than Medicine...a discussion with Matt Garcia of Western Home Communities
Episode #7: Jamie Flinchbaugh - Build A Lean Leadership System
Episode #6: Joseph Paris and Rick Hulse: State of Readiness & Operational Excellence - Taking CI to the Next Level
Episode #5: Tom Lawless: Lean Transformations - What Lean Is and Isn't
Mark Graban: Practicing Lean, Lean Healthcare & Lean's Current State
"state of lean" during which we discussed his recent Practicing Lean project, cultural constraints to deploying CI, and Lean in Healthcare. Mark also shares some of the mistakes and lessons he learned over his 20+ years of practicing Lean. Mark will be the keynote speaker at the Iowa Lean Consortium's Lean Healthcare Exchange on August 8th in Ankeny, Iowa.
