🔊 Description: 

What really powers manufacturing? People. 

In this Manufacturing Day episode, Shannon is joined by Ellen Sieminski, a lean expert, continuous improvement coach, and board member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). With 25+ years in the industry, Ellen brings deep experience and fresh perspective on how women, allies, and curious leaders are shaping the future of manufacturing. 

From the shop floor to the boardroom, Ellen shares why lean is never just about process—it’s about engagement, culture, and people. 

💬 Quotes from Ellen in this episode: 

• “If you’re not engaging the people doing the work, you’re missing the point of lean.”
• “I want to be the person who brings the energy and says—let's not be afraid to try something new.”
• “Women bring a level of awareness and perspective that is essential to long-term improvement and innovation.”
• “Manufacturing doesn’t look like it did 30 years ago. And it shouldn’t.”

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

• AME Website: https://www.ame.org
• AME International Conference (St. Louis | Oct 6–9, 2025): AME St. Louis 2025 International Conference | Association for Manufacturing Excellence
• Books Mentioned: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg 
• Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellen-sieminski-364b54

🔥 Whether you're deep in manufacturing or just love a good leadership story—this episode is your reminder that excellence doesn’t start with machines… it starts with us.

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