Why people matter more than machines

In precision manufacturing, the machines matter. But the people matter more.In this episode of The Value Creation Mindset Podcast, AJ Singh speaks with Kika Young, President of Forest City Gear, a third-generation family-owned precision manufacturing company specialising in custom gearing and complex gear manufacturing.Kika shares what it means to lead a 71-year manufacturing business, why Forest City Gear has stayed focused on its niche, and how people, culture, legacy and precision all contribute to long-term business value.The conversation explores manufacturing leadership, family business legacy, investing in people and equipment, protecting specialist knowledge, and balancing innovation with the fundamentals that make complex systems work.AJ and Kika also discuss AI, automation, quality, delivery, value, and why manufacturing culture is not just an internal issue. It is something customers can feel.This episode is for CEOs, founders, manufacturing leaders, engineering leaders, operations leaders and anyone interested in value creation, operational excellence, complex systems and building businesses that last.Visit Modularis: https://www.modularis.com/Subscribe for more conversations from The Value Creation Mindset Podcast, where AJ Singh speaks with business leaders about value creation, manufacturing innovation, leadership and execution in complex environments.