The Manufacturing Shake-Up

Marietta Lee never imagined she’d one day run the family business. With a law degree and a thriving career in legal journalism, manufacturing was nowhere on her radar. But when she moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family, the opportunity to join the Lee team changed her path. 
In this episode, Marietta shares how The Lee Company has remained innovative by being intentional about its future. She details their unique family employment policy, which sets rules for family members coming into the business. It’s about protecting and respecting the business, its employees, and its culture. 
Marietta dives into how Lee is developing talent from within. They have a generous tuition reimbursement program and an in-house, paid training program for employees at all levels, Lee University. They are well-situated to build a workforce that’s skilled, loyal, and ready to grow. 
Finally, Marietta talks about the Innovation Center currently under construction and why it was important to their company. 
The Lee Company is proof that thoughtful planning and people-first development can keep a legacy business alive and thriving. 
Where you can find Marietta:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marietta-lee-17729410a/   Company: https://www.theleeco.com/  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

When Lara Mouakar moved from Lebanon back to the U.S., she never imagined she’d land in high-tech manufacturing. With a background in adult education, Lara could have settled into a new role in education. Instead, she took a huge risk on a third-shift group lead role at ASML and found a whole new career path! 
In this episode, Lara shares how she overcame the challenge of leading in an unfamiliar industry. She talks about building trust, fostering growth, and using her educator’s mindset to develop strong, skilled teams. Now, as a Senior Learning Specialist, Lara’s passion for continuous improvement is helping ASML, and its people, prepare for the future. 
Whether you're switching industries or leveling up your leadership, Lara’s story is a masterclass in learning and adaptability. 
Where you can find Lara:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-mouakar-131206a4/  Company: https://www.asml.com/en  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

How do you build strong culture in a global company—and make it feel local? 
In this episode, Ellen and Jenny sit down with Lee Ulinskas, Employee Engagement & Development Manager at ebm-papst, to explore what it really means to create meaningful workplace culture across locations, languages, and time zones.  
Lee shares how her role is to nurture culture, collaboration, and continuous learning—while also navigating regional differences between locations in Connecticut, Tennessee, and Germany. Her career path has given her a unique perspective and now she's now a driving force behind culture-building initiatives that make a real difference. 
This episode is packed with powerful takeaways: 
How to adapt global values to local teams 
Ways to foster trust and feedback across cultures 
The importance of perspective-taking in collaboration 
A simple but powerful mindset: treat coworkers like customers 
Lee’s intentional, thoughtful approach to culture shows that it’s not just about posters on the wall—it’s about behaviors, values, and systems that reflect who you are as a company, every single day. 
Where you can find Lee:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ulinskas/   Company: https://www.ebmpapst.com/us/en/home.html  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Are you drowning in “urgent” tasks and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, hosts Jenny and Ellen tackle the all-too-common struggle of overwhelm. 
They break down the hidden traps that lead to burnout, including the myth that everything is urgent, the pressure to do it all yourself, and the curse of competence—where being good at something can sometimes hold you back from achieving more. 
Jenny and Ellen share their own experiences as recovering workaholics and explore practical strategies to break free from the cycle of exhaustion. They discuss: ✔️ The difference between important vs. urgent work ✔️ How burnout impacts safety and productivity in manufacturing ✔️ Why delegating and cross-training are critical for success ✔️ How leaders can create a culture that values balance over burnout 
If you’re ready to shift from survival to thrive, this episode is for you. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation filled with humor, hard-won wisdom, and actionable tips to take control of your time and energy. 
🎧 Listen now and take your first step toward working smarter—not harder! 

What makes a great place to work for the new generation of manufacturers? Just listen to Gina Greco! 
Gina, an Automation Engineer at PTA Plastics, was bribed by her professor (for extra credit) to attend her university's STEM career fair. That small push led her to a booth that stood out: a company with a robot on display and, more importantly, a team of women excited to welcome her. That conversation landed her a job where she thrives today, building cutting-edge automation solutions in injection molding. 
In this episode, Gina shares her journey into manufacturing, how company culture played a huge role in her job acceptance, and why she can see a great future at PTA Plastics. She dives into key lessons for companies hoping to attract top young talent: the importance of an inviting career fair booth, an engaging interview process, and a modern, growth-focused work environment. 
Join hosts Jenny and Ellen as they uncover the career-building factors that matter most to young engineers like Gina, from hands-on learning opportunities to women-focused workplace communities. If you're looking to attract the next generation of manufacturing talent, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! 
Where you can find Gina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina24670/ Company: https://www.ptaplastics.com/  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Adrienne Henry was just 14 years old when she found a passion for manufacturing! Now a CNC Machinist at RayGinn Manufacturing, Adrienne is proving that persistence, curiosity, and hands-on learning can build an incredible career. 
Adrienne talks to Ellen and Jenny about how she combats imposter syndrome, how she gains confidence from the tangible results of her work, and why her company’s flexibility is a valuable key to her success as both a student and a machinist. 
Ellen and Jenny dig into Adrienne’s story, uncovering key themes about self-belief, perseverance, and finding the right work environment. Whether you’re new to manufacturing or looking to grow your career, this episode has insights on how to push forward, believe in yourself, and make things happen. 
Where you can find Adrienne:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennehenry22/ Company: https://www.rayginn.com/   
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

If you're struggling to attract or retain… generally it comes down to something going on in the internal climate of the organization that is undermining your efforts. 
Workplace culture has an undeniable impact on morale, retention, and business success. 
In this episode, Jenny and Ellen dive deep into the influence of workplace culture on hiring, retention, and overall company success. They discuss: 
The dangers of toxic employees. 
The connection between culture and Connecticut’s workforce shortage. 
How companies build strong, positive cultures that attract and retain great employees. 
Practical strategies for improving employee engagement, including onboarding best practices and leadership development. 
If your company struggles with retention or is trying to attract top talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to learn how to create a workplace where people want to stay! 
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Resource mentioned in this episode: 
Never Lose an Employee Again by Joey Coleman 
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You can find more Ellen and Jenny here:  Ellen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-feldman-ornato/  Jenny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolderjenny/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bolder-company/  Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
------- Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Paige Raffaele is redefining what it means to be a young woman in the manufacturing industry. Unlike generations before her, Paige hasn't absorbed the narrative that manufacturing was a hard place for women. Instead, she's been part of the new workplace – a space that has been welcoming to young women like her.  
In this episode, Jenny and Ellen chat with Paige about her journey from Abbott Technical High School to Naugatuck Valley Community College and into a full-time role as a Machine Operator and Programmer at East Branch Engineering. Along the way, she’s been supported by an incredible network of male family members, teachers, and colleagues who have seen her potential and helped her grow. 
Paige shares:  
How her hands-on curiosity led her to manufacturing 
The impact of male allies in her education and career path 
How keeping an open mind has helped her thrive 
The importance of learning many skills across the manufacturing floor 
The importance of speaking up, making mistakes, and learning from them 
Paige embodies a new generation of manufacturing professionals—curious, adaptable, and ready to take on challenges. Her story is an inspiration for young people considering a career in manufacturing, and for those already in the field looking to support the next wave of talent. 
Where you can find Paige:  Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-branch-engineering/  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

When you walk into your workplace, do you feel inspired and energized? Or does it feel like you've stepped back in time to 1965?  
This week on The Manufacturing Shake-Up, we sit down with Jennifer Gaggion, Industrial Interior Designer at Design Your Monday, to discuss how thoughtful design can revolutionize manufacturing spaces—boosting productivity, employee engagement, and even revenue. 
Jennifer explains why manufacturing and interior design go hand in hand, and how these 3 small, intentional changes can create a major impact: 
Integrate Your Brand Into Your Space – Whether it’s a bold feature wall, company colors, or strategic signage, your workspace should tell the story of who you are. 
Create Spaces for Collaboration – Encourage idea-sharing and teamwork by designing casual, welcoming spaces where employees can gather and connect. 
Keep It Clean and Organized – Outdated, cluttered, or dirty workspaces send the wrong message to employees and clients alike. Small efforts in tidiness go a long way in boosting morale and professionalism. 
Finally, Jennifer dives into how interior design plays a role in employee retention, workplace safety, and even customer perception. If you’re looking to hire and retain employees, you won’t want to miss this episode! 
Where you can find Jennifer:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gaggion-8065393/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-your-monday-llc/  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Sustainability in manufacturing isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Rene Parrinello, Corporate Sustainability Specialist at Legrand North and Central America, shares how small changes can create big impact. 
She shares the importance of documenting environmental impacts from raw material sourcing to end-of-life product disposal and how data-driven decisions can lead to cost savings, better efficiency, and a smaller carbon footprint. 
Did you even know this was a job you could do too!!
Rene, Ellen and Jenny discuss: 
✅ Sustainability as a business strategy—how reducing waste and energy use boosts profits 
✅ Starting small—even switching to reusable pallets or efficient lighting makes a difference 
✅ Curiosity as key driver—questioning business-as-usual leads to innovation 
✅ Why good sustainability leadership matters—clear communication and persistence drive change 
Listen in and get inspired to shake up your manufacturing journey - you can find a role in sustainability, or help to make your facility more sustainable - for the future AND the bottom line.
Where you can find Rene:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-parrinello/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legrand-north-america/  
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

From early tinkering to a career turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world products, Hope Kavulich has always been driven by curiosity. Now in Product Realization at Synectic, she helps transform concepts—mostly medical devices—into manufacturable, life-changing products. 
In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Hope shares how early exposure to robotics and hands-on learning led her to mechanical engineering at Quinnipiac University. At QU, she helped launch a makerspace and taught others how to use their creativity to create and build things too. That passion for building and problem-solving now fuels her work, optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring designs go from prototype to scalable production. 
Hope's story shows the value of STEM at a young age and the importance of following those early passions.
Where you can find Hope:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopekavulich/ Company: https://synectic.net/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Alethea Schaeffer, Owner of Form-All Plastics and VP of Sales and Marketing at USHECO, is not only steering the ship of her family’s 60-year-old plastics manufacturing business, she’s also leading her own company through its next chapter of growth—all while balancing family life across two states. 
Alethea shares her journey of leadership, delegation, and cultural transformation. Discover her work in formalizing communication structures, implementing best practices, and fostering a team-oriented, workplace culture that drives innovation and success.  
Alethea also opens up about the personal side of leadership. She shares her morning routine, built around gratitude and prioritization, and reflects on how letting go of perfectionism and embracing delegation have empowered her to lead effectively across two businesses. 
Where you can find Alethea:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aletheas/ 
Companies:  
Form-All Plastics: https://www.form-all.com/ 
USHECO: https://www.usheco.com/ 
------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

What if life’s challenges weren’t roadblocks but stepping stones to something greater? This week, Jenny sits down with Raji Kompalli, VP of Research and Development at Laticrete, to explore the powerful mindset shifts that have propelled her remarkable career. 
Raji shares how her journey from a bench scientist to a leadership role was driven by persistence, adaptability, and embracing support systems. Her story includes a pivotal moment when a visa lottery rejection forced her to return to India, only to find a way back to the U.S. and build a thriving career. 
Key themes include: 
Reframing Challenges 
Adapting to new cultures 
The Leadership Mindset 
Discipline and Growth 
This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to navigate challenges, build a fulfilling career, and inspire others along the way. 
Tune in for insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways to shake up your approach to leadership and personal growth. 
Where you can find Raji:  Raji's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raji-rajeswari-kompalli-0890976b/  Company: https://www.laticrete.com/  ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

How do you find a workplace that truly fits? For Melissa Mazo, Manufacturing Engineer Manager at Straton Industries, the answer lay in meaningful conversations, a culture of respect, and the power of a clean manufacturing facility. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey from a CT technical high school to leading in aerospace manufacturing, all while defying stereotypes and creating space for others to succeed. 
Melissa’s story begins with curiosity—learning how to create something tangible and meaningful as a teenager—and evolves into a career that blends technical mastery with leadership. Along the way, she overcame cultural and gender barriers, proving that women, particularly Latina women, have a powerful role to play in reshaping the manufacturing landscape. 
Tune in to hear Melissa’s insights, tips for identifying workplace cultures, and how her passion for “making things” has driven her career. Learn what the CT Technical Schools are doing to help build the workforce of tomorrow and why you should get involved in supporting them. 
Where you can find Melissa:  Melissa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamazo/  Company: https://straton.com/  ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

In this episode, Lena Geliga shares invaluable lessons about personal growth, effective communication, and learning through failure. Now Operations Manager at Hygrade Precision Technologies, Lena talks about her career journey starting in retail and now leading operations in a high-precision manufacturing environment.  
Lena’s story emphasizes the importance of asking questions and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. From setting boundaries to recognizing your value in the workplace, Lena’s insights can help you navigate a fulfilling career. 
Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with tips, inspiration, and shake-up factors that will help you transform your own path in manufacturing. 
Where you can find Lena:  
Lena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-geliga-90b196123/  Company: https://www.hygrade.com/  ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Ever faced a moment where you knew you had to leap into the unknown to chase your dreams? In this episode, we talk to Kristen Tangarone, founder of KTJones Management Consulting, about the daring career pivots that shaped her journey. 
Kristen shares how she transitioned from 20 years in traditional manufacturing to spearheading operations in the emerging cannabis industry. Then most recently, she launched her own consulting business. Along the way, she reveals the leadership lessons she’s learned in navigating high-pressure environments, building team consistency, and adapting skills across industries. 
Ellen and Jenny discuss with Kristen the challenges and rewards of stepping out of her comfort zone to build a career that aligns with her passion. 
Where you can find Kristen:  
Kristen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-tangarone/ ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Jaclyn Epstein, COO of MICA Corporation, shares how her leadership is inspired by her grandfather’s values of doing good and doing right.  
Jaclyn explains how the words 'care' and 'careful' perfectly describe manufacturing as they drive decision-making, quality, and trust in the workplace.  
She discusses how she tackles challenges through self-awareness and vulnerability. She also shares her tips on how to take on tough conversations.   
Her story highlights how embracing vulnerability, fostering trust, and aligning actions with values can inspire growth and create meaningful impact in any career. 
Where you can find Jaclyn:  
Jaclyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-epstein-a938623b/   Company: https://mica-corp.com/  ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

As we enter a new year, many of us create ambitious lists of goals—but how do we move from writing them down to actually accomplishing them?  
In this practical episode, Jenny and Ellen have a conversation that walks you through the art of setting and achieving meaningful goals. They break it all down into an actionable 5-step process, making the often-daunting task of goal achievement feel manageable and exciting. 
Here’s what they cover: 
Choosing the goal  
Discovering your "Why" 
Measuring progress 
Defining actions and behaviors  
Embracing imperfection 
If you're looking to make 2025 your best year yet, this episode is packed with strategies to help you focus, grow, and shake things up in your personal and professional life. 
Do you want more of Ellen and Jenny? Their team at The Bolder Company can help support sessions like this and much more: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

How can success drive more success? By pulling it apart to discover what made that success happen!  
In manufacturing, we are no strangers to pulling apart problems, doing root-cause analysis or applying Lean and continuous improvement principles. But how often do we take a pause to recognize a 𝐰𝐢𝐧 and find out what steps made it happen? 
In this episode, Ellen and Jenny walk us through an exercise of narrowing down a big win into smaller parts and then pulling it further apart to discover what actions and behaviors enabled the success. 
This is a great exercise to close out the year on a positive note that will lead you to further success in the new year. You can do this exercise by yourself or grab a friend/coworker or even your whole team! 
Do you want more of Ellen and Jenny? Their team at The Bolder Company can help support sessions like this and much more: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

In this episode, Lisa Brown, Market Segment Director at Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense (EBAD), shares transformative insights on navigating career growth without falling into the social media comparison trap.  
Lisa discusses the importance of learning in your first year, using lateral moves to build diverse skills, and the value of mentorship and networking. She emphasizes self-reflection, realistic timelines, and focusing on personal growth rather than external validation.  
Whether you're starting out or seeking to level up, Lisa’s advice will help you approach your career with clarity and purpose. 
Where you can find Lisa:  
Lisa's LinkedIn ASSA ABLOY 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company Podcast executive production by Gael Communications Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions