Dr. Ethan Karp’s Post

Hallie Stewart, CEO of Bee Valve is a perfect example of the small, family-owned manufacturers who make up more than 90% of our industry here in Northeast Ohio.   She and her husband don’t just work in manufacturing, manufacturing is a family affair and a passion.   Her children grew up in plants and the family often sat around the table building parts together at night.    When Hallie joined me on Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing we had a searingly honest conversation about the immense grit and resilience you need to survive as a small manufacturer in today’s uber competitive world, the challenges of investing in technology when meeting payroll is the priority, and why her family is so devoted to this industry.   Watch our conversation below or listen to the extended podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eUcptmQ9 (or on Spotify, Amazon, or Apple!)   Follow #magnetvideo and #magnetpodcast for new episodes. #ceoinsights #smartmanufacturing #makeitbetterohio   MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network 

When my mentor Felix Brueck and Ann Kowal Smith started a nonprofit called Reflection Point I was intrigued. I couldn't understand how discussing short stories at work could help bring teams together, boost inclusion and innovation, and help build better workplace cultures. But I decided to try it at MAGNET and I was so amazed by the results I wrote a piece about it for Forbes. (You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/eYqU-qwU) I never imagined that discussing stories would help my team work better together – but that’s exactly what happened. Felix and I recently sat down for Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing and here's what he said when I asked him when he first realized Reflection Point was transformational for companies. (You can watch our full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eVMGbEzV) #manufacturingsuccess #DEI #workplaceculture #CEOinsights

It's been an amazing experience travelling around Northeast Ohio this past year interviewing CEOs for Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing. We heard great stories, saw inspiring innovation, and witnessed amazing technology at work on factory floors. There were so many great insights on smart manufacturing that my producer Margaret A. Kashmir decided to turn the tables and interview me for a special behind-the-scenes series of our podcast. On today's episode we discuss my interviews with Tom Lix (Cleveland Whiskey), Andrew Hurst (Delivered), Jack Schron (Jergens, Inc.) and Carey Jaros (GOJO, Makers of PURELL). Hope you get a chance to listen. For new episodes follow #magnetvideo and #magnetpodcast. #smartmanufacturing #ceoinsights #makeitbetterohio MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

The last time I delivered a keynote at The City Club of Cleveland it was just before the global pandemic shut down the world and forever changed our industry, so it's definitely time for an update! I'm honored to be delivering a state of the union address on manufacturing over lunch on Friday, July 19th. After a rollercoaster few years many people are left asking, "Is manufacturing okay?" I'll answer that high-stakes question, bust the myths and misconceptions that threaten our collective promise and prosperity, and provide a blueprint for the future of our regional economy. Hope you can join me. #manufacturingsuccess #ceoinsights #smartmanufacturing #makeitbetterohio

**TOP TEN MANUFACTURING INSIGHTS** Stop knocking Cleveland! That’s Tom Lix, CEO of Cleveland Whiskey’s advice for everyone in Northeast Ohio. He takes great offence when people make fun of his adopted home, and he believes our inferiority complex holds us back. He says Cleveland is an amazing place to live and work and we should be promoting this at every opportunity. His insights are #10 on my “top 10 best pieces of advice to lead in smart manufacturing” list. (If you want to hear my whole conversation with Tom watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eS29-p5h) Thanks to everyone who has followed along with this series. Did I miss any advice you'd like to add? I'd love to hear it! #makeitbetterohio #manufacturingsuccess #ceoinsights #smartmanufacturing MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

I've witnessed something upsetting lately.   I’ve been in a number of meetings where the subject of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs has elicited a heated response—debate, eye rolling, flat out anger.   This is a microcosm of the debate playing out across the country. It seemed everyone embraced DEI after the tragic death of George Floyd and now the pendulum has swung back with a vengeance. DEI is polarized and politicized, with some pundits even claiming it is dead.   This makes me incredibly sad. I think many people are caught up in the words and identities of whether someone believes in DEI or not, versus the actions we can and are taking to welcome everyone into our companies.   Including everyone in manufacturing is not only the right, fair, and just thing to do, it’s the smart thing. We have a massive talent shortage and a dwindling population. There are 0.75 people for every open job in the U.S. right now. If we EXCLUDE rather than INCLUDE, there is simply no way manufacturing can grow.   The good news is, despite the debate over politics, philosophy, and programs, I believe reports of DEI’s demise are greatly exaggerated. I’m seeing something very different on the shop floor. Many manufacturers in Northeast Ohio are actively working to expand their talent pools and MAGNET is proud to be part of this effort.   In the past two years, we’ve helped more than 2,000 diverse candidates start careers in manufacturing. In this same period, our regional industry has also seen a 20% increase in people of color and women moving into manufacturing leadership roles.    They may not call it DEI, but these manufacturers are actively using strategies to recruit people who’ve been traditionally shut out of our industry—and creating an environment where they can thrive.   I explore this hot topic in my latest @Forbes piece: https://lnkd.in/eYq7yfBB   I’d also love to hear your thoughts.   #DEI #manufacturing #forbes #manufacturingtalent MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

**TOP TEN MANUFACTURING INSIGHTS** Don’t make it hard for small manufacturers to get help. That’s Hallie Stewart, CEO of Bee Valve's advice for government and economic development agencies. The vast majority of the 10,000 manufacturers in Northeast Ohio are small, family-owned businesses, often competing on razor thin margins and struggling to invest in the future. We need these manufacturers to thrive for our industry to thrive, but a full one-third of them considered selling in the past year. Here’s Hallie’s take on how to help small manufacturers stay in business and stay competitive. Her insights are #9 on my “top 10 best pieces of advice to lead in smart manufacturing” list. (And watch for my full interview with Hallie coming soon!) #makeitbetterohio #manufacturingsuccess #ceoinsights #smartmanufacturing MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

**TOP TEN MANUFACTURING INSIGHTS** The number one thing holding back manufacturing innovation in Northeast Ohio? Lack of focus.   That’s according to Swagelok President I. James Cavoli. With the dizzying speed of innovation and technology it’s hard not to chase every shiny new thing, but it’s relentlessly focusing on solving one problem at a time that’s helped Swagelok transform its factories and products.   His insights are #8 on my “top 10 best pieces of advice to lead in smart manufacturing” list.   You can watch our full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eDYxeue4   Or listen to our extended podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eq3y24zq (or on Apple, Amazon, or Spotify!) #makeitbetterohio #manufacturingsuccess #ceoinsights #smartmanufacturing MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

I once heard it said that if a worker could die from a leak of something dangerous, it’s most likely a Swagelok product keeping them safe! Known for an amazing commitment to safety and quality, Swagelok makes products that help other companies safely move liquids and gases. It’s a global company but 90% of its production is here in Northeast Ohio. Swagelok President I. James Cavoli recently sat down with me for Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing. We talk about using robots to get rid of dull, dirty, and dangerous work, Swagelok’s unique take on innovation, why veterans are a critical part of their workforce, and how they attract tremendously loyal employees, including three generations of one family working on the same shift! You can watch below or listen to our extended podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eyBMeNtR (or on Apple, Amazon, or Spotify!) Follow #magnetvideo and #magnetpodcast for new episodes. #manufacturingsuccess #smartmanufacturing #makeitbetterohio #CEOinsights MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

**TOP TEN MANUFACTURING INSIGHTS** “If you don’t want to preside over a vanishing company, start investing heavily in new technology today.” Reflection Point Board Chair Felix Brueck doesn’t mince words when he gives his advice on Industry 4.0.   MAGNET’s Industry 4.0 Index shows technology adoption in manufacturing companies in Northeast Ohio has increased 80% since 2019. But even with that massive leap in adoption, still only a minority of manufacturers here (28%) are actually using Industry 4.0 technologies. Felix says the industry needs a serious wake-up call. Virtually every company needs to double or triple its investments in advanced technology if we don’t want to be left behind. His insights are #7 on my “top 10 best pieces of advice to lead in smart manufacturing” list. You can watch the full video of my conversation with Felix here: https://lnkd.in/eVMGbEzV. Or listen to the extended podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eJ_JMuqH (or on Apple, Amazon, or Spotify!) #makeitbetterohio #manufacturingsuccess #industry40 #smartmanufacturing MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network