Episode 43

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Published on:

5th Aug 2024

Navigating the Future of Manufacturing: The Future of the Manufacturing Worker Report Insights with Kerrie Jordan

In this episode, I'm joined by Kerrie Jordan, the Group Vice President of Product Management at Epicor and host of the Manufacturing the Future podcast. With her extensive software technology and manufacturing background, Kerrie provides valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the manufacturing industry.

The key theme of this episode is the vital importance of upskilling for organizations to remain competitive and retain top talent. Kerrie emphasizes the need to invest in employees' training and development, highlighting the alarming decline in the commitment to upskilling, as revealed by The Voice of the Manufacturing Worker report. She underlines the significance of empowering frontline workers with technology, predicting a shift towards technologies that enhance shop floor operations, particularly generative AI. Moreover, she stresses the increasing emphasis on sustainability and upskilling in the manufacturing sector.


Lessons learned from Kerrie Jordan’s expertise include the need for leaders to tie technology investments to clear outcomes and pragmatic value, reignite interest, and effectively integrate new technologies. Furthermore, the podcast delves into the importance of engaging with younger generations in the workforce, seeking their perspectives on new technology, and leveraging their insights to drive higher retention and engagement.


As a special takeaway from this episode, managers are encouraged to actively seek and act on younger or newer employees' suggestions, as they often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can drive organizational growth and success.


To connect with Kerrie Jordan and tap into her knowledge, visit epicor.com or find her on LinkedIn at Kiejordan. Don’t forget to check out her Manufacturing the Future podcast for even more valuable insights and discussions on the evolving landscape of manufacturing technology.


In conclusion, this episode has shed light on vital strategies for boosting workplace morale, the growing significance of technology in manufacturing, and the imperative need for upskilling and sustainability initiatives. With the actionable insights provided by Kerrie Jordan, organizations can navigate the evolving manufacturing landscape with confidence and drive tangible benefits for their workforce and operations.


Tune in to The Manufacturers Network Podcast for more engaging discussions and expert insights from industry leaders like Kerrie Jordan as we continue to explore the future of manufacturing technology and its impact on businesses worldwide.

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About the Podcast

The Manufacturers' Network
Connecting Manufacturers with Manufacturers
The Manufacturers' Podcast is THE place for manufacturers to connect with and learn from other manufacturers. Not only will listeners get to learn from their manufacturing colleagues, but they will also discover HOW they can help each other as a resource or as a source of help and inspiration.

As a manufacturer, it's easy to get pigeon-holed into only focusing on your own industry, whether it be through your industry trade association or your industry colleagues. While trade associations are an excellent source of information for their members, sometimes it's gaining a perspective from someone else in a completely different industry that gives you the solution to your dilemma.

Stay tuned for new episodes every week on "Manufacturing Monday's." This drive-time length podcast will give you the information, tips and strategies you need to get your week off to a fantastic start.

About your host

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Lisa Ryan

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an award-winning speaker and author of ten books, Lisa Ryan, CSP, works with her clients to develop employee and client engagement initiatives and strategies that keep their top talent and best clients from becoming someone else’s.
Lisa’s expertise includes: strengthening workplace culture, improving employee engagement, increasing customer retention, and initiating gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) for personal and professional benefit. Lisa’s participants enjoy her high energy, enthusiastic delivery and quick wit and they leave the session with ideas they are committed to acting on immediately to make positive workplace culture changes.
Lisa costars in two films with other experts including Jack Canfield of “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” She is the Past-President of the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Relevant Experience

• Keynote, breakout or workshop speaker at more than 100 national and international conferences
• Thirteen years of industrial marketing and sales experience, including seven years in the welding industry – and yes, she does weld
• Host of “Elevate Your Engagement Levels: What You Need to Know” on the Elite Expert Network and the C-Suite Network
• Creator of “The Seven Mistakes Managers Make to Crush Company Culture” video series
• Best-selling author of ten books, including “Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent”
• Award-winning speaker