Best Melanie Padgett Powers Podcasts (2025)

1
Planning For and Managing Successful Projects w/ Clint Padgett 42:09

3d ago42:09

42:09

When you've got five projects on your plate and a sixth one gets added, but it's not due for another year, how worried are you about getting it done? Rhetorical question of course. But my guest today will tell you why we need to change that mindset. In today's episode, Clint Padgett, CEO and President of Project Success, Inc, will talk about how to…

1
#207: Let’s Give You Some Clarity! 13:36

7d ago13:36

13:36

On today’s show I share two timely new resources: Introducing Deliberate Freelancer Clarity Calls! These are 45-minute Zoom video chats to talk through 1-2 challenges with podcast host Melanie Padgett Powers. Are you feeling stuck in your business and need help reigniting your momentum? Do you have a million ideas but need help zeroing in on the be…

1
Defunding of the MEPs and How YOU Can Help Stop It: A Special Episode 37:05

12d ago37:05

37:05

Last week I was approached by some of my manufacturing leader friends about a panel they just recorded on the MakingChips podcast about a critical issue that's likely familiar to many of you by now. And that is: Defunding of the MEPs or Manufacturing Extension Partnerships. In case you're not familiar, the MEPSs are public-private partnerships that…

1
Planning For a New Manufacturing Facility w/ Pat Reilly 31:35

19d ago31:35

31:35

Whether you're packing up shop and moving to a new location or you're expanding your manufacturing operation, opening up a new facility is no small deal. From planning the timeline of events to scouting a new geographic location to assuring the on-site requirements meet your needs to mitigating downtime during a move, there's a lot to account for. …

1
#206: How to Stay Afloat During Turbulent Times, with Michelle Rafter 49:00

25d ago49:00

49:00

Today’s guest is Michelle Rafter, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Michelle is the owner of WordCount Editorial Services. She is a former journalist who is now a ghostwriter of books, research reports and articles for CEOs and management consultants. She’s a former newspaper staff writer, wire service columnist and freelance reporter who covered busi…

1
Resilience Over Four Generations of a Family-Owned Manufacturing Business w/ Melanie White 34:58

27d ago34:58

34:58

From COVID (and the labor and supply chain obstacles that came along with it) to the recent challenges we're now facing with tariffs, the current generation of manufacturing leaders has fought through quite a bit in just a short period of time. My guest today, Melanie White, will talk about the current manufacturing landscape specifically, but in t…

1
#205: Embedding the “A” of DEIA into Your Business, with Sara Kobilka 47:27

1M ago47:27

47:27

Download transcript of episode 205. Today’s guest is Sara Kobilka, who lives in New York state. Sara is the owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting. Sara has an insatiable curiosity that has driven her career in many different directions that she’s been able to connect in her freelance work. She primarily works in the STEM space. Sara is also a caree…

1
The Emerging Role of AI Agents in Manufacturing w/ Naresh Ram 28:17

1M ago28:17

28:17

A handful of years ago, we started to see primitive forms of chat bots on company websites. Fast forward to today and not only is this kind of AI technology more advanced, but it's learning how to replicate human behaviors. In this episode, Naresh Ram, Chief Science Officer at AAXIS, will talk about the emerging power of AI "agents". And if that's …

1
The Business Impact of 250 Consecutive Weeks of Podcasting w/ Joe Sullivan 11:27

1M ago11:27

11:27

For 250 consecutive Tuesdays, I've published a new episode of this podcast. In this short-and-sweet retrospective – episode #251 – I'll talk about six ways this show has helped change the trajectory of our business at Gorilla 76 over roughly the past five years in hopes that you might find some inspiration. They are: 1. Direct and indirect impact o…

1
#204: January and February By the Numbers 26:37

2M ago26:37

26:37

In today’s episode, I recap what my business looked like in January and February. This includes: Why I got a slow start to 2025. Why I’ve been focusing only on current clients and not marketing. How much I earned in January and February. How much I worked in January and February. The number of clients I did and the types of work. How I’m thinking a…

1
The Power of a Visible Manufacturing Leader w/ Jim Mayer 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

Jim Mayer, Founder of The Manufacturing Connector, has coined a term that he calls "The Industrial Brand Death Cycle", which he describes as follows: Weak leadership leads to weak culture, which leads to employee disengagement, which leads to fake branding, which leads to failed marketing, which leads to customer distrust, which leads to the compan…

1
Planning for a B2B Manufacturer Website That Drives Results w/ Randall Zaitz and Kevin McClary 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

I've often compared building a website to building a house. You can tear it down and rebuild from the ground up. You can gut it to the studs, putting in all new plumbing, electric and HVAC. You can renovate a few rooms. Or you can simply put on a fresh coat of paint. But how you do which approach makes sense for your website? What are the signals t…

1
From Bottleneck to Advantage: Rethinking Manufacturing Testing Strategies w/ Garrett Partridge and Dan Wyatt 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

As Garrett Partridge and Dan Wyatt of ARC Technology Solutions will tell you, everyone wants the perfect product, but very few companies invest in testing that product throughout the manufacturing process to make perfection a reality. In this conversation, we'll explore why testing needs to be approached not as a compliance checkbox at the end of y…

1
#203: Embracing a Fractional Role + Becoming an In-Demand Freelancer, with Matthew Fenton 1:03:04

2M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Today’s guest is Matthew Fenton, who lives in Oregon wine country with his wife and two cats. Matthew is the founder of Three Deuce Branding, a one-man consultancy with a simple mission: “to help good people build great brands.” Since 1997, he has helped hundreds of clients — including Fidelity Investments, Wrigley and Valvoline — to achieve what h…

1
Tariffs, Interest Rates, Inflation and a 2025 Manufacturing Outlook w/ Daniel Doderer 32:47

2M ago32:47

32:47

Daniel Doderer of Flack Global Metals is an economist living inside of the steel industry. And he'll tell you that here in the first quarter of 2025, less than two months after the Trump administration has taken back the reins, the industrial sector landscape is nothing short of dynamic. In our conversation, we'll dive into the potential impact of …

1
#202: What a $600 Month Taught Alan Heymann 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

Today’s guest is Alan Heymann. Alan is the owner of Peaceful Direction. He is an executive coach and facilitator and is the author of two books on leadership analogies: “Don’t Just Have the Soup” and “Embrace Your Inner Peaches.” Alan is also a faculty member of the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership. In this episode, w…

1
Demystifying the Buying and Selling of a Manufacturing Business w/ Mike Payne 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

Mike Payne, Owner of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication, will tell you that somewhere between 60 and 75% of machinists want to own their own businesses some day. But owning a business can sound scary. He'll also tell you that on the flip side, so many small manufacturing business owners don't necessarily understand their options when the time comes t…

1
#201: My Fave 2024 Books & Most Anticipated 2025 Books 47:22

3M ago47:22

47:22

On today’s show I discuss my favorite books I read in 2024 and share my most anticipated books of 2025, plus some popular authors coming out with new books this year. A few statistics first. In 2024: I read 67 books. I did not finish (DNF) 16 books. 67% of my books were fiction, with 33% nonfiction. All but one book was for adults; I read one young…

1
Quality, Resilience and Open-Mindedness: Winning the Long Game w/ Paul Lordan and John Lordan 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

Paul and John Lordan are brothers and co-business owners of Steele Canvas Basket — a manufacturing organization that's been around for more than 100 years. Now here's what's interesting... While the business environment has changed dramatically over the course of a whole century, their core product has remained largely the same. So how's that possi…

1
Why Reshoring Matters: For Our Economy and Our National Security w/ Harry Moser 36:55

3M ago36:55

36:55

Reshoring is a word you probably hear often if you work in the manufacturing sector. And Harry Moser, founder of The Reshoring Initiative, is one of the individuals leading that charge. In this conversation, Harry will not only talk about the benefits for US manufacturing organizations of bringing production back to the US, but also what's at risk …

1
#200: WTF 2025! (Plus, My 2024 Recap) 38:32

3M ago38:32

38:32

On today’s show I discuss the rough start to 2025 and share my 2024 end-of-year review, which includes: My gross and net income for 2024 My expenses for 2024 My income goals and whether I hit those each quarter How I landed a new client How many hours I worked The importance of vacations, mental health days, spontaneous days off, and staycations A …

1
Smarter Manufacturing in an Evolving Ecosystem w/ Chris Lupfer 37:23

3M ago37:23

37:23

From from reshoring to digital twins to evaluating new automation technologies to optimizing production workflows, today's manufacturing leaders have a LOT to think about. In this conversation, Chris Lupfer of Bosch Rexroth lean into his 25+ years of manufacturing and automation experience to unpack what he believes are some of the most important c…

1
Using Robots in High-Mix, Low-Volume Environments w/ Josh Gruenstein 25:51

3M ago25:51

25:51

For many years robots were used to perform repetitive tasks in low variabilty environments and required on-site automation engineers to program and run those systems. But we're now living in an era where machine learning and AI technology are making high-mix, low-volume environments ripe for automation. In this conversation, co-founder and CEO of T…

1
Forwardskilling: Technical Training for the Existing Workforce w/ Bill Berrien 38:04

4M ago38:04

38:04

As host of this podcast, I've had many conversations about how to reach the next generation, expose them to opportunities in manufacturing and skill them up accordingly. But what about skilling up the EXISTING workforce? My guest today, the Owner and CEO of Pindel Global Precision, poses the question: "When's the last time you heard about someone o…

1
A Bio-Based Manufacturing Future w/ Noah Helman 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

From government regulations, to recent supply chain challenges to consumer-driven pressure, we're living in a world where demand for sustainable manufacturing practices is coming from all around us. Noah Helman, Co-Founder and CEO of iMicrobes, is leading a company that's using renewable, low-carbon feedstocks to create net-zero, bio-based material…

1
A Manufacturing Growth Outlook for 2025 w/ Cara Walton 47:32

4M ago47:32

47:32

2024 was a year of uncertainty for many manufacturing leaders. The economy was unpredictable. High interest rates created hesitation in making investments. And we awaited the outcome of a very polarized election. But here were are beginning a fresh year. So what's ahead? My guest today, Cara Walton, is a manufacturing intelligence advisor. As a Dir…

1
Why It's a Great Time to be in Manufacturing w/ Doug Woods 48:15

4M ago48:15

48:15

My guest today, Doug Woods, is President of AMT (The Association for Manufacturing Technology). And as he'll tell you, from opportunities being created by reshoring to major government investments to advanced technology that includes additive, AI, machine learning, augmented reality, robotics and automation, he believes right now is simply a great …

1
The Future of Financing CapEx Equipment w/ Le'ora Lichtenstein 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

"Your equipment may be complex, but selling it shouldn't be." This is the headline you'll find on the company website home page of today's guest, Le'ora Lichtenstein. Co-founder and CEO of Corbel, a modern equipment finance business, Le'ora will talk about how the way CapEx equipment can be both bought and sold is evolving. And in particular, she'l…

1
#199: Struggling? How to Get Clients Now, with Rosanna Campbell 55:57

5M ago55:57

55:57

Today’s guest is Rosanna Campbell, a freelance content writer who writes “non-boring content” for B2B SaaS clients like Dock, Lattice, and monday.com. She lives in Madrid, Spain, with her husband, son, and their beagle who eats her furniture. Rosanna’s been freelancing for eight years. In this episode, we chat in-depth about six tips she shared in …

1
Augmented Reality on the Manufacturing Shop Floor w/ Devin Bhushan 38:42

5M ago38:42

38:42

In this conversation, CEO of Squint, Devin Bhushan, talks about augmented reality. First of all, what exact IS it? And secondly, how the heck does it fit into a conversation about manufacturing? From training and troubleshooting to quality and worker productivity, Devin dives into the wide range of opportunities created when you're able to layer di…

1
#198: November By the Numbers 21:07

5M ago21:07

21:07

In today’s episode, I recap what my business looked like in November. This includes: How much I worked in November. Why I got behind and how I dealt with it. The types of work I did and how I charged. My total monthly earnings. Why I offered to help a new client for “free.” What I Learned This Week: How Poet James A. Pearson (and his friend) look a…

1
How B2B Manufacturers Can Win Organically on LinkedIn w/ Jake Hall 42:47

5M ago42:47

42:47

Social media. Manufacturing. Do these two things REALLY fit together? And if so, how? Should I as a manufacturing leader really care about things like: – Building brand awareness? – Or telling our company story? – Or establishing an influential voice in our product category? And is social media truly a place where I can do all of that? In this conv…

1
#197: Be Honest: Are You Self-Sabotaging?, with Melissa Hobson 45:42

5M ago45:42

45:42

Today’s guest is Melissa Hobson, who does business as The Ocean Writer Ltd. Her writing focuses on marine science and conservation. Melissa lives in Hastings, England. She has written for National Geographic, Scientific American, BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile, New Scientist, the Guardian and more. She also does some content and copywriting for NGOs…

1
A Look at the State of US Manufacturing Headed Into 2025 w/ Thom Walstrum 32:35

5M ago32:35

32:35

In this conversation, Thom Walstrum, a principal business economist in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, talks about the current state of US manufacturing. He'll share his thoughts about the manufacturing outlook for 2025, trends in the manufacturing sector's share of our nation's GDP over time, how that compa…

1
Practical AI Applications for Optimizing Your Manufacturing Operations w/ Berk Birand 36:27

6M ago36:27

36:27

In many instances where we put AI technology to use in our personal lives today – whether that means using ChatGPT to research a subject or taking recommendations from Netflix about what other shows or movies we might like – the stakes are pretty low. But as CEO of Fero Labs, Berk Birand, will tell you, on the shop floor in a manufacturing facility…

1
#196: Wrap Up the Year on a High Note 25:27

6M ago25:27

25:27

I’m excited about Bluesky! Are you on the platform too? Let’s create a Deliberate Freelancer starter pack — more on that in this episode — but follow me at @MelEdits. On today’s show, I share five questions to help you wrap up your year to create a “fresh start” in January. I explain the difference between these five questions and larger questions …

1
Cultivating More Effective Manufacturing Leaders w/ Bill Remy 43:41

6M ago43:41

43:41

We all know there are labor gaps on the manufacturing front lines. But today my guest, CEO of TBM Consulting Group, Bill Remy, will argue that those gaps are also emerging (and will continue to emerge) in manufacturing leadership as well. In our conversation, he'll talk about not only WHY this leadership problem is growing, but what we can do about…

1
#195: Infusing My Core Self Back into My Business 29:52

6M ago29:52

29:52

On today’s show, I talk about how hiring a business coach for a few months helped me get excited about my business again. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Why I hired a coach. The initial goals I had with coaching and how that changed. How outlining who my “core self” was helped me with my business direction. Insights that my coach had…

1
Introducing the 2025 Industrial Marketing Summit w/ Wendy Covey 28:58

6M ago28:58

28:58

This episode is conversation that I recently recorded with Wendy Covey – CEO and Co-Founder of TREW Marketing – a marketing agency that works exclusively with companies marketing to engineers in industries that range from embedded design to control and automation. And as you'll learn shortly, Wendy and her company TREW Marketing joined forces early…

1
#194: October By the Numbers 25:41

6M ago25:41

25:41

On today’s new regular monthly episode I recap what my business looked like in October. This includes: How much I worked in October. The types of work I did and how I charged. Why a lower-paying passion project can be worth it. My total monthly earnings. How I landed a new anchor client. Why I sometimes break the “freelancing rules” and charge hour…

1
The Benefits of Model-Based Engineering w/ Henrik Hulgaard 25:48

6M ago25:48

25:48

In this conversation, product configuration expert and co-founder of Configit, Henrik Hulgaard, talks about product modeling ahead of production. More specifically, he'll dive into the ways model-based engineering can help manufacturers: - Reduce product complexity - More easily meet sustainability requirements and regulations - Break down knowledg…

1
#193: How to Improve Your Money and Your Nutrition Habits, with Reyna Gobel 37:41

6M ago37:41

37:41

Today’s guest is Reyna Gobel, MBA, MPH, a New Yorker who is a purpose-driven freelance writer. She writes journalism and content on personal finance, travel, pets, and health and nutrition. Reyna is a personal finance and health expert and award-winning author. Her articles and quoted advice have appeared in over 300 publications and websites, incl…

1
Democratizing Industrial Automation w/ Etienne Lacroix 30:21

6M ago30:21

30:21

Traditionally, for a lot of small and medium-sized manufacturers, lower production volume has made it difficult to justify major investments in automation. But if the technology can be made simple enough for practitioners on the shop floor to manage it themselves, new automation opportunities can be unlocked. In this conversation, Founder and CEO o…

1
#192: The Prodigal Daughter Finally Returns to Her Podcast 33:20

7M ago33:20

33:20

I am finally back! I know, I know — this was way longer than that a “summer” hiatus. I’m sorry for the delay, but to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was coming back. I’ll talk about that in today’s episode and share why I did come back (mainly because of you, my wonderful listeners). Here’s what I share with you in this episode: A few minor changes to t…

1
The Manufacturing Apprenticeship Opportunity w/ Jason Woodard 33:42

7M ago33:42

33:42

In today's conversation, Plant Manager at Geislinger Corporation Jason Woodard will be talking everything apprenticeships. He'll dive into: – The value an apprenticeship program creates for your organization AND for the apprentice – How to get started with building a program – Where to find resources to support you in doing so – And much more A man…

1
Matchmaking Supply and Demand for Parts Manufacturing w/ Markus Seibold 30:11

7M ago30:11

30:11

Finding the right suppliers can be challenging for manufacturing leaders. Especially on a short timeline, and when quality control and lead times are at risk for customers. And on the supplier's end, filling capacity and expanding into new business opportunities can be equally challenging. My guest today, Markus Seibold, is the founder of a marketp…

1
Automation in High-Mix, High-Variability Environments w/ Ariyan Kabir and SK Gupta 34:48

7M ago34:48

34:48

If common belief holds that high-mix, high-variability manufacturing applications are not meant for automation, then my two guest today are here to bust that myth. In this conversation, Co-Founders of GrayMatter Robotics, Dr. Ariyan Kabir and Dr. SK Gupta will talk about: - How the advancement of robotics technology is rapidly changing what's possi…

1
Managing the Challenges of Leadership Transitions w/ Jon Summers 59:36

7M ago59:36

59:36

Leadership transitions are hard. They're hard for the leader who's on his or her way out. They're hard for the incoming leader, stepping into a brand new role. And they're hard for everyone else at the organization living through the disruption and uncertainty that naturally comes along with a big change. Jon Summers, President of Noble-X Companies…

1
Why Manufacturing Leaders Must Understand the Global Chemical Supply Chain w/ Doug Friedman 38:45

8M ago38:45

38:45

Think about your most important product. Who are your suppliers? Do you know who's supplying THEM? And in turn, do you know who's supplying the suppliers of your suppliers? CEO of BioMADE, Doug Friedman, is an expert in the biochemical manufacturing space. And today, he's here to explain why every manufacturing leader should care about the global c…

1
Advancing Manufacturing Through Public and Private Sector Collaboration w/ Abby Smith 31:15

8M ago31:15

31:15

Abby Smith, President and CEO of Team Pennsylvania, has figured out how to bring together the public and private sectors to move manufacturing forward in her state. She'll talk about exactly what they're doing and how they're doing it. My hope is that some of you listening today will walk away feeling inspired and triggered with ideas for what simi…

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Melanie Padgett Powers Podcasts

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