Change Leadership in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Leading Through Uncertainty and Big Transitions with Cara Moeller Poppitt #145

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter. Now, let's jump in! Modern manufacturing leaders are navigating unprecedented change, from tariffs and labor shortages to rapidly evolving technologies. As guest Cara Moeller Poppitt puts it, manufacturing is experiencing some big freakin' change. In this episode, Cara Moeller Poppitt, founder of two award winning companies and author of Big Freakin' Change: How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, resilience, and growth mindset for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors. Cara discusses the real challenges facing today's workforce, including the skills gap, uncertainty, and hiring challenges. She also introduces her practical process for getting unstuck, building momentum, and navigating change with confidence. You will learn how authentic leadership, strategic thinking, and trust building help leaders improve employee engagement, strengthen manufacturing culture, and guide their teams through disruption. 1:46 – Manufacturing (and business in general) is in a constant state of change 5:45 – If you're feeling stuck, it could be due to a lack of confidence 6:15 – To get unstuck, make the shift from problem-based thinking to possibility-orientated thinking 7:20 – The first step in shifting your thinking is recognizing when you and your teams are stuck 7:54 – You also need to learn to identify whether the root of your issue is behavior, financial, or relational 12:38 – Making small, daily improvements can help your team build momentum  13:08 – Define what success looks like for your team 14:48 – Use empowering questions to gain feedback and increase engagement  20:29 – Act boldly and drive change outside your comfort zone 22:42 – Don't forget to enjoy the journey and acknowledge small victories  Connect with Cara Poppitt: Visit her website Learn more about her book Connect on social media @CaraPoppitt