Welcome to MetaPod, where we discuss operational execs and organizations that make and move stuff.
No matter what we’re making and moving, we all have the same 3 headaches: digitization/digital transformation, the forever labor shortage, and doing more with less.
At the heart of MetaPod is the concept of MetaOps™, a term that encapsulates our mission and vision. "Meta," derived from Greek, signifies going "above and beyond," while "Ops" stands for the essential processes businesses employ to deliver in-demand, value-added services and products to the market. This blend underlines our commitment to exploring and advocating for strategies that propel organizations beyond conventional operational excellence.
MetaPod embraces the MetaOps™ philosophy: the recognition that no single, one-size-fits-all solution exists for achieving business superiority. Instead, we focus on continuous Business Process Improvement (BPI) and Operational Excellence (OpEx) as the keystones for securing an organization's dominant stance in its market(s).
Ron Crabtree brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to MetaPod. Through engaging discussions with thought leaders and innovators, Ron unveils the myriad paths businesses can navigate to surpass traditional boundaries and achieve unprecedented success.
Latest Episodes
The Tariff Storm is Coming—Is Your Business Ready?
Explore the impact of tariffs on supply chains and how businesses can navigate financial, legal, and operational risks with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into how tariffs could reshape procurement strategies, the risks of being the last supplier standing, and the opportunity costs of focusing solely on tariffs instead of strategic initiatives.
Manufacturing in the New Economy: Are You Ready for What’s Next?
Explore the challenges of onshoring, labor shortages, and cost inflation with Ron Crabtree and Steve Snedegar on Meta Pod. Dive into how manufacturers can increase capacity and implement automation, key strategies for addressing labor shortages, and how to manage cost inflation and pricing for profitability.
Explore the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in the face of labor shortages, digitization pressures, and doing more with less with Ron Crabtree and Joe Spadaford on Meta Pod. Dive into strategies for strengthening your value proposition, optimizing your operating model, and engaging your workforce to support long-term scaling.
Bryan brings over 20 years of expertise in shaping supply chain and operational strategies, driving transformative initiatives, and enhancing global manufacturing operations. His leadership ensures heightened performance, quality, safety, and cost efficiency, aligning with long-term organizational objectives.
John Dennison
John is an experienced executive leader with over 30 years' expertise driving small business growth. He managed organizations from 100 to 450 employees, specializing in financial policy, HR, and technology. He is a results-driven decision-maker adept at managing significant financial commitments, human resources, technology implementations, and professional relationships.
Stephen Cherlet
Stephen is an accomplished Operations Executive with 30 years of experience across aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial sectors. Over the past decade, he has served as the President of FarStar S.A.C. Consulting Inc., offering consulting and interim management services in various industries.
Henning Schwinum
Henning Schwinum is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of vendux. He has expertise in Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and General Management across corporate and entrepreneurial settings. He is skilled in building international partnerships, and held leadership roles at Bayer, Innovadex, and UL.
Jim de Vries
As an International Thought Leader, Jim de Vries has over 35 years of experience providing executive-level consulting in Strategy, New Product Development & Commercialization, Sourcing, Supply Chain (SC), SC Risk & Resiliency, Lean Six Sigma and Change Management.
Jim Gitney
Jim is a strategy, operations and supply chain subject matter expert in manufacturing and distribution. He has been an Executive Chairman, Board Member, CEO, COO and had other assignments in business development, marketing, sales, and operations.
Marty Abbott
Mary Abbott, President of The IM Group (formerly Incentives Management Group Inc.), founded this leading negotiated incentives advisory firm for corporations 27 years ago, leveraging her expertise to benefit numerous clients.
Phil Winkler
Philip W. Winkler, an expert in government R&D funding and clean energy, founded Government Contracting Specialists, LLC, securing $1 billion in R&D funding. With a 50-year career, he now shares his expertise as a volunteer with Mid-Florida SCORE.
Key Themes
Digitization/ Digital Transformation
The Forever Labor Shortage
Doing More with Less
Videos
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Ready to dive deeper into the world of operational excellence? Start listening to MetaPod today for insightful discussions that empower you to tackle digitization, labor shortages, and more.
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