The Operations Science Podcast

The Operations Science Podcast
Podcast Description
The Operations Science Podcast: Authentic Leadership Stories from Operations and Project LeadersWelcome to The Operations Science Podcast, the premier destination for authentic, in-depth conversations with operations and project leaders who share real-life stories of their career triumphs, setbacks, and the invaluable insights gained along the way. Hosted with a passion for uncovering the strategies and mental frameworks that drive success, this podcast is a must-listen for executives, managers, and aspiring leaders in industries such as general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, and diagnostic labs. With a focus on leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, each episode delivers actionable takeaways to help you navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.What to Expect from The Operations Science PodcastOur guests include C-level executives, VPs of operations and supply chain, directors, managers, and thought leaders from trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience in leadership, decision-making, and execution, offering unique perspectives on operational challenges like rapid change, uncertainty, innovation, evolving workforce expectations, talent development, and organizational culture. Whether you're a forward-thinking executive or a continuous improvement enthusiast, this podcast provides a platform to learn from the best in the field.Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of high-performance leaders, exploring their successes, failures, and comebacks. From building high-performance teams to driving strategic transformation and maintaining clarity under pressure, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have enabled them to lead with confidence, resilience, and foresight. This isn’t just another business podcast—it’s a forum for high-level executives to openly discuss the real challenges of operational management and the mental fitness required to thrive at the top.Why Listen to The Operations Science Podcast?Authentic Storytelling: Hear real-life stories from operations and project leaders who have navigated the highs and lows of leadership in dynamic industries.<strong style="background-color: tra...
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores key themes such as leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, focusing on real-world challenges like post-pandemic recovery, workforce transformations, and the application of operational science. Episodes include discussions on Delta Tech Ops' innovations and frameworks for boosting efficiency in diverse industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

The Operations Science Podcast: Authentic Leadership Stories from Operations and Project Leaders
Welcome to The Operations Science Podcast, the premier destination for authentic, in-depth conversations with operations and project leaders who share real-life stories of their career triumphs, setbacks, and the invaluable insights gained along the way. Hosted with a passion for uncovering the strategies and mental frameworks that drive success, this podcast is a must-listen for executives, managers, and aspiring leaders in industries such as general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, and diagnostic labs. With a focus on leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, each episode delivers actionable takeaways to help you navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.
What to Expect from The Operations Science Podcast
Our guests include C-level executives, VPs of operations and supply chain, directors, managers, and thought leaders from trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience in leadership, decision-making, and execution, offering unique perspectives on operational challenges like rapid change, uncertainty, innovation, evolving workforce expectations, talent development, and organizational culture. Whether you’re a forward-thinking executive or a continuous improvement enthusiast, this podcast provides a platform to learn from the best in the field.
Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of high-performance leaders, exploring their successes, failures, and comebacks. From building high-performance teams to driving strategic transformation and maintaining clarity under pressure, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have enabled them to lead with confidence, resilience, and foresight. This isn’t just another business podcast—it’s a forum for high-level executives to openly discuss the real challenges of operational management and the mental fitness required to thrive at the top.
Why Listen to The Operations Science Podcast?
- Authentic Storytelling: Hear real-life stories from operations and project leaders who have navigated the highs and lows of leadership in dynamic industries.
- Actionable Insights: Gain practical strategies for overcoming operational challenges, fostering innovation, and building resilient teams.
- Diverse Perspectives: Learn from a wide range of guests, including C-suite executives, industry group leaders, and continuous improvement experts.
- Inspiration for Growth: Discover how top leaders adapt to change, inspire their teams, and make high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence.
- Industry-Specific Focus: Explore winning practices and leading trends in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs.
Who Should Listen?
This podcast is designed for:
- C-level executives and VPs of operations/supply chain seeking to sharpen their leadership skills
- Directors and managers in operations, project management, or continuous improvement roles
- Professionals in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs
- Aspiring leaders looking to learn from the experiences of seasoned executives
- Members of trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations interested in industry trends and winning practices
How to Listen
The Operations Science Podcast is available on major platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Subscribe today to get notified about new episodes and gain access to a growing library of leadership insights. Follow us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms for daily short-form video clips that deliver quick, actionable tips from our guests.
In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound engages in a deep conversation with Brian Kendig, a seasoned leader in manufacturing transformations currently at Ford Motor Company. Brian shares insights from his extensive career in various industries, including manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, and more. They discuss pivotal topics such as key lessons in driving transformation, the importance of culture and continuous improvement, effective planning processes, and the intersections of lean, Six Sigma, and theory of constraints. Brian also touches on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in operations and reflects on his personal journey and influences that shaped his career. This episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone involved in operations and leadership.
Key Topics:
– Operational transformation
– Culture and leadership
– Continuous improvement
– Planning and execution
-Lean philosophy
– Variability management
-Watermelon metrics
– SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning)
– Communication cadence
– Performance visibility
– Problem diagnosis
– Goal setting
– AI in manufacturing
– Modern perception of manufacturing
– Human-centered transformation
– Avoiding tool-based tribalism
– Immortal organizations
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Operation Science Podcast
01:19 Meet Brian Kenig: Transformational Leader at Ford
02:20 Key Lessons in Leading Transformations
03:52 The Importance of Culture in Operations
05:06 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
07:03 The Reality of Modern Manufacturing
13:23 The Role of Lean and Continuous Improvement
21:00 Planning and Execution in Operations
25:50 Understanding Organizational Cadence
26:20 The Role of Frontline Leaders
26:54 Communication and Problem Solving
27:24 Assessing Organizational Health
29:38 Identifying and Addressing Problems
33:25 The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
39:51 The Value of Talent in Organizations
42:42 Learning from Mistakes
44:55 Personal Journey and Career Advice
48:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Disclaimer
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