Welcome to MetaPod, where we discuss operational execs and organizations that make and move stuff. No matter what we’re making and moving, we all have the same 3 headaches: digitization/digital transformation, the forever labor shortage, and doing more with less.
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From the Floor Up: How Frontline Teams Can Lead Your Digital Transformation
35:26
35:26
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35:26Explore the power of citizen developers and boosting frontline engagement with Ron Crabtree and John Papastylianou on MetaPod. Dive into why traditional top-down tech strategies often fail, how low/no-code tools can unlock shop floor innovation, and why observation, not just data, is the key to real change.…
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Fixing the IT Bottleneck in Manufacturing
33:30
33:30
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33:30Explore the evolving role of internal IT and cybersecurity essentials with Ron Crabtree and Jeff Borello on MetaPod. Dive into how IT can become a strategic advantage, why cybersecurity should be every manufacturer’s top priority, and how to tackle technology debt before it cripples your operations.By MetaExperts
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Beyond the Buzzwords: Practical Strategies for Driving
54:29
54:29
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54:29Explore the forever labor shortage and cultural transformation with Ron Crabtree and guests Steve McKeon and Lupe Muñoz on MetaPod. Dive into practical strategies for assessing organizational trust, developing leadership accountability, and building systems that sustain high-performance teams.By MetaExperts
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Why Digital Transformations Fail: Fixing Process Debt for Lasting Impact
30:40
30:40
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30:40Explore the hidden pitfalls of digital transformation and how to make changes stick with Ron Crabtree and James Cuthbert on MetaPod. Dive into the concept of process debt, why 80% of digital rollouts fail, and how organizations can bridge the gap between technology, people, and culture.By MetaExperts
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The Tariff Storm is Coming—Is Your Business Ready?
38:48
38:48
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38:48Explore the impact of tariffs on supply chains and how businesses can navigate financial, legal, and operational risks with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into how tariffs could reshape procurement strategies, the risks of being the last supplier standing, and the opportunity costs of focusing solely on tariffs instead of strategic …
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Manufacturing in the New Economy: Are You Ready for What’s Next?
42:42
42:42
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42:42Explore the challenges of onshoring, labor shortages, and cost inflation with Ron Crabtree and Steve Snedegar on MetaPod. Dive into how manufacturers can increase capacity and implement automation, key strategies for addressing labor shortages, and how to manage cost inflation and pricing for profitability.…
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Growth Done Right: Sustainable Scaling Strategies
30:31
30:31
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30:31Explore the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in the face of labor shortages, digitization pressures, and doing more with less with Ron Crabtree and Joe Spadaford on MetaPod. Dive into strategies for strengthening your value proposition, optimizing your operating model, and engaging your workforce to support long-term scaling. To get in to…
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Tariff Changes Ahead: How to Prepare Your Global Supply Chain
36:04
36:04
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36:04Explore the impacts of upcoming tariff changes and global supply chain strategies with Ron Crabtree and Karen King on MetaPod. Dive into the importance of trade compliance personnel, the need for global supply chain visibility, and strategies to mitigate escalating duties and tariffs.By MetaExperts
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Doing More with Less: Strategic Insights on Operational Excellence
34:54
34:54
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34:54Explore the challenges of doing more with less and operational alignment with Ron Crabtree and David Hewitt on MetaPod. Dive into streamlining logistics, prioritizing key customers with the 80/20 principle, and building a culture of continuous improvement.By MetaExperts
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Winning the Digital Game: AI Strategies for Digital Transformation
32:56
32:56
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32:56Explore the challenges of AI adoption and digital transformation with Ron Crabtree and Richard Ricks on MetaPod. Dive into strategies for overcoming cultural resistance, the importance of data readiness, and leveraging AI for competitive advantage.By MetaExperts
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From Chaos to Clarity: Aligning Behaviors with Business Systems for Lasting Success
38:27
38:27
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38:27Explore behavioral alignment and continuous improvement with Ron Crabtree and Kenneth Wisinski on MetaPod. Dive into how buzzwords like "empowerment" and "teamwork" translate into measurable behaviors, uncover the role of viral behaviors in shaping organizational culture, and learn actionable strategies to create sustainable improvements.…
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From Strategy to Action: How Sustainability Drives Profit
29:22
29:22
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29:22Explore sustainability as a tool for profitability and the impact of ESG on organizational growth with Ron Crabtree and Chris Workman on MetaPod. Dive into real-world energy and waste reduction strategies, social sustainability for retention, and governance improvements that drive efficiency.By MetaExperts
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Mastering Process Improvement: Merging Traditional Methods with Cutting-Edge Technology
49:55
49:55
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49:55Explore the intersection of traditional operational methods and modern technological advancements with Ron Crabtree and guests Mike Collins and Rishi Patil on MetaPod. Dive into the challenges of digital transformation, the nuances of operational consulting, and the integration of AI with management strategies.…
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The Medical Device Industry - 3 Critical Challenges and the Way Forward
38:13
38:13
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38:13Explore the challenges of cybersecurity and supply chain complexities in the medical device industry with Ron Crabtree and Michael O’Connor on Meta Pod. Dive into the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing supply chain resilience, and addressing the skilled labor shortage.By MetaExperts
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The Post-Covid Supply Chain – Everything You Know Is Wrong
35:54
35:54
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35:54Explore digital transformation and the triple bottom line in the post-COVID supply chain with Ron Crabtree and Gary Smith on Meta Pod. Dive into the essential shift towards digital and AI-enhanced operations, the integration of people-first strategies in supply chain management, and the importance of reshoring and regionalization in the new normal …
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Supply Chain Success: Building a High-Performing Procurement Team
32:07
32:07
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32:07Explore the challenges and opportunities in procurement with Ron Crabtree and Anders Lillevik on Meta Pod. Dive into the intricacies of cost reduction, process risks, and the potential for process automation.By MetaExperts
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Mastering Efficiency: Tier-1 Automotive Transformation
36:36
36:36
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36:36Explore the intricacies of digital transformation and innovative labor strategies with Ron Crabtree and Alan Shevela on Meta Pod. Dive into the importance of strategic digitization, effective labor management, and the necessity of continuous improvement in the auto industry.By MetaExperts
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Bridging the Wisdom Gap: Accelerating New Talent in Competitive Landscape
33:17
33:17
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33:17Explore the challenges of the Wisdom Gap and Technical Debt with Ron Crabtree and Alan Willett on Meta Pod. Dive into the nuances of bridging knowledge transitions, optimizing technical efficiencies, and empowering the next generation of leaders.By MetaExperts
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Leveraging AI & Digitization in Procurement
41:57
41:57
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41:57Explore the transformative impact of AI and digitization in procurement with Ron Crabtree and Edmund Zagorin on MetaPod. Dive into the critical diagnostics for assessing procurement processes, practical strategies for integrating technology in procurement, and the importance of AI curiosity in modern procurement practices.…
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Leveraging AI & Digitization in Logistics and Transportation
30:34
30:34
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30:34Explore the integration of AI and the digitization of logistics with Ron Crabtree and Derek Browning on MetaPod. Dive into the transformative power of AI in logistics, strategies for overcoming digital transformation challenges, and insights on optimizing transportation management systems.By MetaExperts
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3 Must-Master Skills for Your Sourcing Team
25:49
25:49
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25:49Explore the nuances of Category Management and Cost Engineering with Ron Crabtree and Mike Wynn on Meta Pod. Dive into strategic sourcing, effective cost management, and the significance of scenario planning.By MetaExperts
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3 Must-Master Skills for Purchasing And Procurement Teams
47:10
47:10
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47:10Explore the nuances of negotiation and understanding cost with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into enhancing negotiation skills, deep diving into cost understanding, and the strategic use of AI in procurement.By MetaExperts
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3 Must-Master Skills for Supplier Performance Management
38:52
38:52
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38:52Explore the intricacies of supplier performance development and management with Ron Crabtree and Greg Cable on MetaPod. Dive into effective communication strategies, the importance of feedback mechanisms, and the role of solid relationships in supplier performance.By MetaExperts
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Supply Chain 2030 – How Reshoring Will Impact Your Supply Chain
35:48
35:48
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35:48Explore the future of supply chains and the reshoring trend with Ron Crabtree and Bruce Imel on MetaPod. Dive into the strategic benefits of localized supply chains, the operational risks of lengthy overseas supply, and the financial impact of supply chain decisions on business continuity.By MetaExperts
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Supply Chain 2030 – Addressing 'The Forever Labor Shortage'
38:21
38:21
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38:21Explore the challenges of the forever labor shortage and strategic workforce stability with Ron Crabtree and Jim Bitterle on MetaPod. Dive into effective strategies to address labor shortages, the importance of talent retention, and innovative approaches to workforce management.By MetaExperts
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Supply Chain 2030 -- Navigating AI and Digitization Threats & Opportunities
34:59
34:59
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34:59Explore digital transformation and supply chain optimization with Ron Crabtree and Sanjay Khunger on MetaPod. Dive into practical advice on AI integration, the impact of digital transformation, and managing data inconsistencies.By MetaExperts
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Supply Chain 2030 – Environment, Social, Government Impact
39:30
39:30
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39:30Every supply chain leader is juggling environmental, social, and governance issues every day. On this episode of MetaPod, Ron Crabtree and guest Simone Ross dive into the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the role of audits and certifications in maintaining supply chain integrity, and the critical need for comprehensive data coll…
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Leveraging Interim Talent in Finance Operations
27:58
27:58
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27:58Join Ron Crabtree and guest John Dennison as they discuss leveraging interim talent in finance operations. They explore diagnostics, practical advice, and real-life examples, emphasizing HR management, technology, and seizing sales opportunities.By MetaExperts
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Leveraging Interim Talent in Operational Leadership
28:47
28:47
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28:47Ready to leverage interim talent in operational leadership? Tune into an in-depth conversation with Stephen Cherlet to gain insights into integrating interim leaders seamlessly.By MetaExperts
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Optimizing Interim Talent in Supply Chain Operations
26:31
26:31
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26:31Bryan Seidensticker shares insights on utilizing interim talent to optimize supply chain operations, addressing challenges such as digital transformation and labor shortages for enhanced profitability and growth.By MetaExperts
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Interim Executive Sales Talent: Boosting Profits and Growth
17:37
17:37
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17:37Discover how to leverage interim executive sales talent to drive your company’s growth and profits on Meta Pod, with practical strategies and expert advice from seasoned sales leader Henning Schwinum.By MetaExperts
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Defense Production Act: Leveraging Funding Opportunities
24:32
24:32
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24:32Ready to secure government funding for your supply chain? Join Ron and experts Marty Abbott and Phil Winkler while they dive into the Defense Production Act and give actionable strategies for businesses to secure federal funding to enhance their supply chain resilience.By MetaExperts
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Defense Production Act: Supply Chain Strategies & Growth Implications
21:10
21:10
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21:10Jim Gitney shares insights on utilizing the Defense Production Act for business strategy, emphasizing marketplace understanding, strategic agility, and rebuilding manufacturing muscle to navigate global supply chain challenges and enhance competitiveness.By MetaExperts
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Defense Production Act: Supply Chain Risk & Resilience
24:34
24:34
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24:34Explore the Defense Production Act and supply chain resilience with Ron Crabtree and guest Jim de Vries on Meta Pod. Dive into risks, strategies, and the importance of diversification in today's challenging operational landscape.By MetaExperts
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