Manufacturing Leaders

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Stanway, transformational business coach and former manufacturing leader, shares how real change begins with identity, mindset, and trust. Learn how to create a culture where people don’t just comply, they commit. In this episode you will learn: Why identity-based motivation outperforms traditional incentives The importance of psychological safety in driving continuous impr...

Send us Fan Mail Kelly Maddison, UK Membership Director at Make UK Defence, shares insights on how SMEs can access opportunities in the defence sector. In this episode you will learn: How the MOD aims for 25% of its spend to go directly to SMEs Upcoming targets for prime contractors to work with smaller suppliers How Make UK Defence supports SMEs with guidance and access to opportunities What SMEs...

Send us Fan Mail David Yodaiken shares his journey from working at the ground level in his father’s electronics company to becoming CEO of Cyclops Electronics. He explores how experience, communication, and culture shape effective leadership. In this episode you will learn: How gaining experience outside the family business shaped David’s leadership and perspective Why trust and clear communicatio...

Send us Fan Mail Matthew Stephenson, Managing Director of Sweet Dreams, shares his 18-year journey from launching a quirky confectionery brand to selling it successfully to Sugar Rich. He reflects on the highs, lows, and leadership lessons learned along the way. In this episode you will learn: How leadership means making tough decisions that impact people you care about How building a “mental box”...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrating the 100th episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast with Paul Butler, CEO of the North East Automotive Alliance, who shares insights on the strength and future of the region’s automotive sector. Key Highlights: £10.3bn turnover, 27,000 direct jobs, and 12 vehicles produced per employee (UK avg: 3.9) North East leads the UK in automation with 500+ robots per 10,000 w...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Elfie, Director at Egger Hexham, shares how strong values and bold leadership have built one of the North East’s most respected manufacturers. 🔹 Family values & respect shape a culture where generations choose to work  🔹 1,400 applicants for their apprenticeship program – and 20% of staff are ex-apprentices  🔹 Long-term thinking & reinvestment are core to Egger’s suc...

Send us Fan Mail Valda Goodfellow the co-owner of Goodfellow and Goodfellow, was this weeks guest on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast.  Valda had a dream from the age of 8 years old of building a UK manufacturing factory. She shares her bold journey of grit, vision, and fearless leadership. 🏭 Obsessed with the magic of making  🚫 Calls out the risks of remote work  🤝 Champions collaboration ove...

Send us Fan Mail Carole Williamson, In-Work Support and Training Officer at Durham County Council, explains why embracing neurodiversity in the workplace benefits everyone. Key Points: Neurodiversity reflects the natural variations in human cognition, yet traditional workplaces often exclude neurodivergent talent. Many neurodivergent individuals mask their traits to fit in, and many—especially aut...

Send us Fan Mail Ian Brown, Managing Director of Excelpoint Limited, shares insights on no-code technology and its transformative impact on the manufacturing and engineering sectors through data utilisation, process improvement, and technological innovation. His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, accountability, and creating a culture where people feel valued. Empowering Leadership &amp...

Send us Fan Mail Kieran Wood, General Manager of Tiger Lifting, explores how data is reshaping supply chain management. 🚀 The shift from relationship-based decision-making to data-driven strategies  🔍 Why understanding processes is crucial before digitalization  🤝 Engaging frontline staff for successful tech adoption  📦 Reshoring trends and supply chain capacity challenges  💰 Optimizing proce...

Send us Fan Mail What makes an effective leader in today's complex manufacturing environment? Scott Lowrie, Operations Director at Fujifilm, reveals that authentic relationship-building trumps traditional command-and-control approaches every time. "It's very easy to talk the talk, but you've got to walk the walk," Scott explains, highlighting how behaviours cascade through...

Send us Fan Mail Mark Cholmondeley the Managing Director of Libellum, shares his journey from contractor to business leader, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The episode centres around the importance of business culture, leadership style, and the philosophy of empowering teams. • Transitioning from contractor to business owner  • The significance of hiring th...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening episode that tackles the significant challenges of leadership during tough times. In this heartfelt conversation, Mark Bracknall interviews Craig Duell, the General Manager at SAFT, who shares his invaluable insights on managing the emotional and operational ramifications of site closures and redundancies. This episode delves into the heavy responsibili...

Send us Fan Mail What if the future of manufacturing and engineering could be redefined by engaging the youth and aligning education with industry needs? Join me, Mark Bracknell, as I welcome Steve Drew, the visionary founder of Nano, who believes in leading by example to tackle these challenges head-on. Steve shares his insights on the often misunderstood world of manufacturing and electronics, h...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could lead your manufacturing team to new heights by harnessing the power of AI and data-driven innovation? Join us as we unpack this transformative potential with Jason Penny, Senior Account Manager at Tharsis. Jason shares his extensive knowledge on how technological advancements are reshaping product development, providing companies the agility needed in today’s eve...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the secret to transforming client relationships and refining leadership skills with insights from Will Wallace, the General Manager of Soil Machine Dynamics. Whether you're curious about shifting from bespoke services to productized offerings or eager to enhance your leadership techniques, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of actionable advice. Explore how...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to meet John Fitzgerald, the visionary CEO of Supernode, as he shares his insights on how superconducting technology is becoming a game changer in the fight against climate change. This episode promises to lift the curtain on the cutting-edge developments that are redefining the energy landscape. From Supernode’s strategic move to establish a factory in Belize to the cre...

Send us Fan Mail Jason Pritchard shares his incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a prominent leader in the manufacturing tech sector, demonstrating the power of resilience and empathy in leadership. Topics explored include digital transformation, automation myths, the importance of data in decision-making, and the future of manufacturing jobs. • Jason describes the significance of empa...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the essence of leadership with Peter Fairly, the Group Managing Director of the Fairly Gun Group Ltd. Peter, who co-founded the group with Jonathan James Gun, takes us on a captivating journey from his engineering roots to managing multiple successful businesses. He shares valuable insights on the nuances of leadership, emphasising the balance between managing and mentori...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of leadership and sustainability in manufacturing with our special guest, Lina Emilsson, the Chief Operating Officer of Nidec Energy. Lina shares her invaluable insights into empowering teams and fostering environments where innovation thrives. With a critical eye on the electric vehicle industry's challenges, she emphasizes the urgent need for the UK to le...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of leadership and legacy with our guest, John Doyle, an experienced Operations Manager in the agricultural industry. In our conversation, John reveals the transformative power of selfless leadership and the art of fostering a culture of reflection and collaboration. Whether you're aiming to create positive change or build a legacy, John's journey offer...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast as we sit down with Umayr Idrees, the visionary Global Head of Workload Optimisation at Hitachi Rail. Umayr's journey into leadership was sparked at a young age, and he shares how it shaped his understanding of ethical leadership beyond mere titles. We unravel the challenges and responsibilities that come hand-in-hand with leadersh...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Charlie Goodfellow, the dynamic operations manager at Icon Plastics, who shares his remarkable journey through leadership and career progression. Discover how positive mentorship and a supportive company culture propelled Charlie to a prominent position in the manufacturing industry. His story offers invaluable insights into overcoming ch...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the journey of Sam Briggs, Head of HR at Aarsleff Ground Engineering Ltd, as she shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of HR. Learn the art of crafting a vision that inspires and empowers teams, along with the significance of nurturing talent to future-proof businesses. Sam's evolving career path, from accountancy to leadership roles...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to truly inspire and lead in today's dynamic business environment? Join us as we engage with Paul Edwards, the insightful Managing Director of Jonesco in Preston, who redefines leadership beyond the bounds of authority and command. Discover the transformative impact of mentorship through Paul's personal journey and his unique emphasis on empow...