The stats regarding the value of small businesses to the US economy are well known. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has published that small companies (under 500 employees) represent more than 99.7% of all employers and 99% of U.S. manufacturers, which include automated and industrial industries. While these companies may appear to be “the little engine that could,” the people who power these organizations are increasingly concerned with and interested in ways to improve their

I keep hearing the story: a high six-figure salary, a director title, and the promise of strategic influence, only for a newly hired executive to discover they’re stuck in endless tactical firefighting. Last week, I spoke with an engineering exec at an A&D startup who found himself in exactly this position. He was brought in for vision but quickly realized his real job was herding cats, not shaping the future. This is not an isolated

In today’s market, caution is the name of the game within the manufacturing sector and across many business verticals. Growth strategies are scrutinized, budgets are tighter, and leadership must rise to the challenge. Getting it right the first time is non-negotiable. Companies are prioritizing roles that build resilience and enhance operational efficiency. Over the past 90 days, companies have been searching for more candidates with project management, new product development, and automation skills in their

As leaders, we’re called to lead human beings. We aren’t leading Engineering Managers, Technical Project Managers, R&D Engineers, Operations Managers, or any other title you can find in a facility. A whole human being is behind the title, and empowering that person to step up to the challenges, solve the problems, and drive results is critical. As executives and senior leaders, you’re fully aware of the challenges of pushing for new ideas while keeping everything

The manufacturing sector is transforming, led by rapid technological progress, changing global markets, and new customer expectations. Alongside these changes, the abilities needed for effective leadership are evolving. To thrive in this shifting environment, future manufacturing leaders must blend technical know-how with sharp business insight and strong interpersonal and soft skills. In our latest article, “Engineering 365,” we’ll explore the top 10 essential skills that manufacturing leaders, specifically those in “middle management,” must master. We’ll

Let’s transport to a time before the pandemic when we were all working in the office, and opportunities for professional growth were much easier to find. You could observe how senior leaders handled different situations, volunteer for tasks outside your normal role, and casually engage with your supervisor to get feedback. Sometimes, a simple lunch meeting led to invaluable advice or opened doors for new responsibilities. But in today’s remote or hybrid work environment, those

The manufacturing industry faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, a dilemma intensifying with inevitable demographic shifts away from large cities, the aging and gradual retirement of baby boomers, and the emergence and adoption of advanced technological solutions. Nearly one-fourth of the manufacturing workforce is age 55 or older, which signals a labor shortage for the nation’s fifth-largest employer. As these older workers retire, there is a need to attract and retain quality workers. Despite

With global trade changes anticipated under President-elect Donald Trump, new tariffs might alter the economic landscape. Trump suggests implementing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on those from China starting immediately. These tariffs could increase costs and impact the availability of electronics, raw materials, and other products, which could be challenging for businesses that depend on international supply chains. “Act Globally, Think Locally” This is an often-used environmentalist

Companies that excel at attracting top talent often have key traits that make them especially appealing to highly sought-after candidates. I recently conducted a poll asking my network about the biggest challenges in attracting top talent. Responses varied from candidates lacking the necessary skills to geographic constraints of the company. This prompted a deeper question. What are exceptional engineering and manufacturing leaders seeking in their next employer? In this edition of “Engineering 365” let’s explore

Think about climbing the career ladder as whipping up your favorite dish. It’s not just about having one star ingredient—it’s about getting the whole recipe just right. Sure, doing great work is super important, but there’s more to it. It’s about mixing the right ingredients—performance, image, and exposure—to cook up real success. Several engineering and manufacturing professionals that I’ve spoken with are in pursuit of career advancement. Many professionals focus intensely on their performance, believing