PHP E21 - Leading with People First: A CEO’s Perspective on Growth & Culture with Dawn Scott

The Pulse of High Performance

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance, hosts Shane Yount and Seth Davies sit down with Dawn Scott, President of EuroKera North America, to discuss leadership, workforce engagement, and the evolving challenges of manufacturing.

With a background in HR and an unconventional path to the top, Dawn shares invaluable insights into fostering growth, accountability, and innovation within organizations.

1. The Power of an HR Background in Leadership
   • Dawn’s journey from HR to the presidency is a testament to the critical role of people management in business success.
   • She highlights how understanding employees’ needs and challenges allows leaders to shape a more engaged and productive workforce.
2. Workforce Engagement: Beyond a Seat at the Table
   • Engagement is not just about participation—it’s about ensuring employees feel they have a role in shaping the future.
   • EuroKera has implemented engagement teams, encouraging employees at all levels to contribute ideas and problem-solving solutions.
3. The Manufacturing Labor Challenge
   • The industry faces a talent shortage as younger generations move away from manufacturing jobs.
   • To combat this, EuroKera is collaborating with local high schools to develop talent pipelines and educate students about manufacturing careers.
4. Accountability and Performance Management
   • Dawn emphasizes the importance of making accountability visible, personal, and real.
   • Implementing objective performance measures, such as zeroing out bonuses for uncompleted work, reinforces responsibility and fairness.
5. Leadership Requires Constant Learning
   • Staying relevant as a leader means embracing curiosity and continuous growth.
   • Dawn encourages leaders to avoid becoming “superheroes” who solve all problems themselves and instead foster environments where employees are empowered to contribute solutions.

Dawn Scott’s leadership philosophy centers around authenticity, accountability, and engagement. She reminds us that a leader’s role isn’t just to occupy a seat at the table—it’s about using your voice to create real impact.

Her approach offers valuable lessons for businesses striving to build stronger, more adaptable teams in today’s competitive landscape.

Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance.

This show is sponsored by Visuant, your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights.

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