MetaPod

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.

Doing More with Less: Strategic Insights on Operational Excellence

Explore the challenges of doing more with less and operational alignment with Ron Crabtree and David Hewitt on MetaPod. Dive into streamlining logistics, prioritizing key customers with the 80/20 principle, and building a culture of continuous improvement.

01-05
34:54

Winning the Digital Game: AI Strategies for Digital Transformation

Explore the challenges of AI adoption and digital transformation with Ron Crabtree and Richard Ricks on MetaPod. Dive into strategies for overcoming cultural resistance, the importance of data readiness, and leveraging AI for competitive advantage.

12-16
32:56

From Chaos to Clarity: Aligning Behaviors with Business Systems for Lasting Success

Explore behavioral alignment and continuous improvement with Ron Crabtree and Kenneth Wisinski on MetaPod. Dive into how buzzwords like "empowerment" and "teamwork" translate into measurable behaviors, uncover the role of viral behaviors in shaping organizational culture, and learn actionable strategies to create sustainable improvements.

12-02
38:27

From Strategy to Action: How Sustainability Drives Profit

Explore sustainability as a tool for profitability and the impact of ESG on organizational growth with Ron Crabtree and Chris Workman on MetaPod. Dive into real-world energy and waste reduction strategies, social sustainability for retention, and governance improvements that drive efficiency.

11-18
29:22

Mastering Process Improvement: Merging Traditional Methods with Cutting-Edge Technology

Explore the intersection of traditional operational methods and modern technological advancements with Ron Crabtree and guests Mike Collins and Rishi Patil on MetaPod. Dive into the challenges of digital transformation, the nuances of operational consulting, and the integration of AI with management strategies.

11-03
49:55

The Medical Device Industry - 3 Critical Challenges and the Way Forward

Explore the challenges of cybersecurity and supply chain complexities in the medical device industry with Ron Crabtree and Michael O’Connor on Meta Pod. Dive into the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing supply chain resilience, and addressing the skilled labor shortage.

10-19
38:13

The Post-Covid Supply Chain – Everything You Know Is Wrong

Explore digital transformation and the triple bottom line in the post-COVID supply chain with Ron Crabtree and Gary Smith on Meta Pod. Dive into the essential shift towards digital and AI-enhanced operations, the integration of people-first strategies in supply chain management, and the importance of reshoring and regionalization in the new normal of business operations.

10-15
35:54

Supply Chain Success: Building a High-Performing Procurement Team

Explore the challenges and opportunities in procurement with Ron Crabtree and Anders Lillevik on Meta Pod. Dive into the intricacies of cost reduction, process risks, and the potential for process automation.

10-06
32:07

Mastering Efficiency: Tier-1 Automotive Transformation

Explore the intricacies of digital transformation and innovative labor strategies with Ron Crabtree and Alan Shevela on Meta Pod. Dive into the importance of strategic digitization, effective labor management, and the necessity of continuous improvement in the auto industry.

09-21
36:36

Bridging the Wisdom Gap: Accelerating New Talent in Competitive Landscape

Explore the challenges of the Wisdom Gap and Technical Debt with Ron Crabtree and Alan Willett on Meta Pod. Dive into the nuances of bridging knowledge transitions, optimizing technical efficiencies, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

09-07
33:17

Leveraging AI & Digitization in Procurement

Explore the transformative impact of AI and digitization in procurement with Ron Crabtree and Edmund Zagorin on MetaPod. Dive into the critical diagnostics for assessing procurement processes, practical strategies for integrating technology in procurement, and the importance of AI curiosity in modern procurement practices.

08-24
41:57

Leveraging AI & Digitization in Logistics and Transportation

Explore the integration of AI and the digitization of logistics with Ron Crabtree and Derek Browning on MetaPod. Dive into the transformative power of AI in logistics, strategies for overcoming digital transformation challenges, and insights on optimizing transportation management systems.

08-10
30:34

3 Must-Master Skills for Your Sourcing Team

Explore the nuances of Category Management and Cost Engineering with Ron Crabtree and Mike Wynn on Meta Pod. Dive into strategic sourcing, effective cost management, and the significance of scenario planning.

07-27
25:49

3 Must-Master Skills for Purchasing And Procurement Teams

Explore the nuances of negotiation and understanding cost with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into enhancing negotiation skills, deep diving into cost understanding, and the strategic use of AI in procurement.

07-13
47:10

3 Must-Master Skills for Supplier Performance Management

Explore the intricacies of supplier performance development and management with Ron Crabtree and Greg Cable on MetaPod. Dive into effective communication strategies, the importance of feedback mechanisms, and the role of solid relationships in supplier performance.

06-29
38:52

Supply Chain 2030 – How Reshoring Will Impact Your Supply Chain

Explore the future of supply chains and the reshoring trend with Ron Crabtree and Bruce Imel on MetaPod. Dive into the strategic benefits of localized supply chains, the operational risks of lengthy overseas supply, and the financial impact of supply chain decisions on business continuity.

06-22
35:48

Supply Chain 2030 – Addressing 'The Forever Labor Shortage'

Explore the challenges of the forever labor shortage and strategic workforce stability with Ron Crabtree and Jim Bitterle on MetaPod. Dive into effective strategies to address labor shortages, the importance of talent retention, and innovative approaches to workforce management.

06-15
38:21

Supply Chain 2030 -- Navigating AI and Digitization Threats & Opportunities

Explore digital transformation and supply chain optimization with Ron Crabtree and Sanjay Khunger on MetaPod. Dive into practical advice on AI integration, the impact of digital transformation, and managing data inconsistencies.

06-08
34:59

Supply Chain 2030 – Environment, Social, Government Impact

Every supply chain leader is juggling environmental, social, and governance issues every day.  On this episode of MetaPod,  Ron Crabtree and guest Simone Ross dive into the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the role of audits and certifications in maintaining supply chain integrity, and the critical need for comprehensive data collection and communication strategies.

06-01
39:30

Leveraging Interim Talent in Operational Leadership

Ready to leverage interim talent in operational leadership? Tune into an in-depth conversation with Stephen Cherlet to gain insights into integrating interim leaders seamlessly.

05-18
28:47

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