People in Production Podcast with Ryan Nelson
People in Production Podcast with Ryan Nelson
Podcast Description
Join host Ryan Nelson as he explores the DNA of thriving manufacturing operations. As founder of Circle of 5, Ryan delves deep into how successful organizations build high-performing teams and create empowering cultures that drive excellence.Each episode features dynamic conversations with manufacturing leaders and cross-industry innovators, uncovering strategies for talent development, organizational growth, and future-focused leadership. Whether you're a manufacturing executive, team leader, or passionate about building strong workplace cultures, this podcast delivers practical insights to transform your organization.The Kansas City Chapter of NTMA and Circle of 5 present this exclusive series starting January 2025. Subscribe now to learn how today's visionaries are reshaping the future of manufacturing and organizational excellence.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Covers a range of themes including talent development, organizational growth, and future-focused leadership within the manufacturing industry, with episodes exploring topics like the importance of rebranding for modern manufacturing and the impact of networking on workforce development.
Join host Ryan Nelson as he explores the DNA of thriving manufacturing operations. As founder of Circle of 5, Ryan delves deep into how successful organizations build high-performing teams and create empowering cultures that drive excellence.
Each episode features dynamic conversations with manufacturing leaders and cross-industry innovators, uncovering strategies for talent development, organizational growth, and future-focused leadership. Whether you’re a manufacturing executive, team leader, or passionate about building strong workplace cultures, this podcast delivers practical insights to transform your organization.
The Kansas City Chapter of NTMA and Circle of 5 present this exclusive series starting January 2025. Subscribe now to learn how today’s visionaries are reshaping the future of manufacturing and organizational excellence.
What if the most valuable tool on your shop floor isn’t a machine, but trust? We sit down with Katherine O’Toole of the Kansas City NTMA to unpack how humility, human-powered networking, and a smart partnership with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers sparked a new kind of regional expo—one that actually shortens supply chains, surfaces hidden capabilities, and helps local OEMs meet local suppliers.
Katherine brings a grounded, no-frills perspective shaped by growing up in a family tool-and-die shop. She shares why owning the “connector” role beats chasing perfection, and how the “Who Not How” mindset transformed event planning from a solo grind into a high-impact collaboration. We get into the nuts and bolts of the Kansas City Manufacturing Expo: a kickoff with NTMA’s national president Roger Atkins, two rounds of targeted breakouts for HR, purchasing, engineering, cybersecurity, and leadership, and an expo floor designed for real conversations, not just scans and swag. Small and midsize manufacturers learn to differentiate beyond capability lists, while OEMs discover the speed and clarity of working with suppliers they can visit over lunch instead of flying across time zones.
You’ll hear why abundance beats competition, how local partnerships let shops bid bigger jobs together, and what it looks like to build a culture where people don’t just tolerate each other—they trust each other. Expect practical insights you can use immediately: preparing your booth, clarifying your specialty, walking the floor with a sourcing plan, and turning introductions into purchase orders. It’s a blueprint for resilient, regional manufacturing that values people, proximity, and shared wins.
If you’re ready to meet the partners who will move your work faster and smarter, join us. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a stronger local bench, and leave a quick review to help more builders find the show.
Expo Website: https://www.mamstrong.org/kc-mfg-expo-and-conference
Registration: https://portal.mamstrong.org/eventDetail?id=a0yPo000007tANhIAM
Ryan's LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/circleof5
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