The Manufacturing Shake-Up
The Manufacturing Shake-Up is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it’s a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
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/

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Overcome challenges through a learning mindset with Raji Kompalli, LATICRETE
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
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/

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Breaking stereotypes and building a career with Melissa Mazo, Straton Industries
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
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/

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Take a moment to reflect with Lena Geliga, Hygrade Precision Technologies
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
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/

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Taking career leaps with Kristen Tangarone, KTJones Management Consulting
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
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/

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
What would Grandpa do? with Jaclyn Epstein, MICA Corporation
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
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/

Monday Dec 30, 2024
From goals to greatness in 2025 with Ellen and Jenny
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
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/

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
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/

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
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

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Finding the right fit with Mia Merrel, ASSA ABLOY
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
What does it mean to truly find your fit in the manufacturing world?
For Mia Merrel, Director of Product Management at ASSA ABLOY, it’s about combining creativity, collaboration, and a fearless drive to learn.
In this inspiring episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Mia shares how she carved out her role, from seeking mentorship to launching innovative projects that transformed how her company communicates.
This episode also dives into Mia’s leadership philosophy, exploring how she uses collaboration and creativity to build inclusive teams and innovative solutions.
Finally, Mia shares valuable advice for listeners looking to develop their own passion projects and highlights the importance of addressing small problems to drive big organizational changes.
Where you can find Mia:
Mia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-merrel/ Company: https://www.assaabloy.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/

Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
On this episode with Jayme Coates, COO of Juniper Biomedical, Jayme shares some of her key career insights.
Jayme talks to Ellen and Jenny about gaining inspiration from nature – both to clear her head AND in its simplicity. She's discovered that reducing complexity is often the key to solving really challenging problems.
Jayme's background and experience also underlines why it's so important to keep an open mind, challenge your assumptions and stay curious. She talks about career choices she thought would be boring, but later discovered they absolutely fascinated her.
Finally, Jayme concludes with some excellent advice to women working in technical fields...but you'll have to listen to hear that!
Where you can find Jayme:
Jayme's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymecoates/ Company: https://www.juniperbiomedical.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/

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Kristina Pacheco's story challenges conventional ideas of who “belongs” in the manufacturing industry and proves that career paths may be a bit winding before finding the right one.
When Kristina realized she didn't want to go into college debt, she started her journey to find a hands-on career. At first she landed on traditional female-dominated fields in the beauty industry before she realized those really weren't for her. Eventually she was introduced to the fields of welding and then machining, and she became hooked!
When starting her first jobs, Kristina thought she had to change who she was...she dressed down and hid her personality. Over time—and with a surprising push from her younger sister—she realized that embracing her true self could help her find success and fulfillment on her own terms. Now, as an authentic, confident professional, Kristina brings her creativity and individuality to a role that she loves, while inspiring others around her.
Where you can find Kristina:
Kristina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-pacheco-329b16187/ Company: https://kamatics.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/

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Being the only woman in the room with Amanda Wiriya, Wepco Plastics
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Amanda Wiriya's story is a testament to the power of listening, being transparent, and exploring your transferable skills.
She began her career at Wepco Plastics as an Administrative Assistant, seeking stability and flexibility. But leaders at Wepco saw her potential and her ability to use skills derived from previous (non-manufacturing) roles, leading ultimately to her rise to the role of Vice President of Operations.
Today, Amanda leads Wepco’s operational strategy, finances, and human resources, working closely with an all-male leadership team to foster an environment of transparency and growth.
Amanda opens up about the unique challenges and advantages of being "the only" woman on her team —a journey that many women in manufacturing can relate to. She shares valuable insights into how she proceeded.
We discover that Wepco has an incredible commitment to transparency, a practice of assuming “the process failed, not the person.” This supportive, process-focused approach drives innovation and morale. By consistently questioning assumptions and fostering open communication, Amanda has played a key role in shaping a culture that values each individual contributor.
Where you can find Amanda:
Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wiriya-322545141/ Company: https://wepcoplastics.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/

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Fear is a bad advisor with Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Sit down with Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO of CONNSTEP, a leading force in Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Beatriz shares key moments from her career journey. She opens up about an early career situation where she doubted her readiness for a leadership role, only to realize later that she had underestimated her unique strengths. She reflects on our tendency, as women, to need to feel "overqualified" before taking a leap - a mindset she urges others to overcome.
From Colombia to Connecticut, Beatriz has navigated male-dominated environments, leveraging her engineering and business skills while continuously learning. She discusses her experience leading CONNSTEP, helping Connecticut’s manufacturers thrive, and the importance of mentorship in her success.
Her message: take risks, trust in your abilities, and embrace opportunities as they come—even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or leading a team, Beatriz’s advice to "lead with courage, not fear" will inspire you to shake up your own path to success.
Where you can find Beatriz:
Beatriz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrizgutierrez/
Company: https://www.connstep.org/
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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/

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
A purpose-driven career with Catherine Pratt, HyAxiom
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Catherine Pratt, Program Manager at HyAxiom, shares her inspiring journey in the world of sustainability. Charting a path through chemical engineering, she now leads projects that address one of the biggest global challenges—climate change. She takes her mission personally as both a professional and a parent.
Catherine shares how her career evolved from individual contributor to leadership, and the mindset shifts that helped her get there. Along the way, we learn how Catherine’s transparent leadership style builds trust and ownership among her team, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
Tune in for a conversation on aligning your career with a purpose—identifying the problems you want to solve and finding a way to contribute using your strengths.
Where you can find Catherine: Catherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pratt-0a88811b/ Company: https://hyaxiom.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/

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Say no to toxic workplaces with Mollissa Bennett, HABCO Industries
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
This episode is for every student/young adult getting ready to start college, or step into the workplace. Mollissa Bennett is a huge advocate for the trades after finding her path in welding. She came out of a 10-month technical program with no debt, ready to work and learn on-the-job.
But it wasn’t always easy. Mollissa landed in some really toxic work environments before finally landing at HABCO Industries. She learned the hard way that you don’t have to put up with working in a toxic or unsafe environment. You are worth more than that!
In this episode we find out what Molli’s ‘hell no’ moments were and how she’s worked hard to make it to a great company and a career she enjoys.
Where you can find Molli: Molli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollissa-bennett-3061401a6/ Company: https://habco.biz/
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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/

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Blending art and science with Salay Quaranta, Tsugami America
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
From her early experiences in laser technology to her current leadership role at a global machine tool company, Salay Quaranta, Vice President of Sales at Tsugami America blends technical expertise with creativity and a passion for building strong relationships.
Salay shares how her upbringing in a family of engineers and designers fueled her curiosity and love for both science and the arts. Her career began with a degree in material science and engineering, and she quickly gravitated towards the world of lasers, which ignited a fascination with advanced manufacturing processes. Her career journey includes stints in engineering, product management, and business development—roles that allowed her to blend her left-brain logic with right-brain creativity.
Salay's love of learning, combined with her fearless approach to taking on new challenges, has shaped her career. She also discusses the importance of support networks, whether in family, colleagues, or mentors, and how they've helped her navigate the male-dominated world of manufacturing.
Where to find Salay: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salay-quaranta-843b4510/ Tsugami America: https://www.tsugamiamerica.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/

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
From designing sneakers to building a STEM career with Raquel Bolling, CCAT
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
You don’t need any more proof than this episode that early exposure to STEM concepts and careers can mold someone's life in a positive way.
This episode with Raquel Bolling, Technical Trainer at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), starts with a family that supports STEM, a school that centers STEM, and a student that thrived with that exposure.
But even with all that support, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Raquel talks about what it was like being educated and working in a male-dominated field.
Now, at CCAT, she teaches the next generation of professionals about cutting-edge tools like additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and digital thread technology. Her journey is one of persistence, constant learning, and embracing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
Where to find Raquel: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelbolling/ CCAT: https://www.ccat.us/
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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/

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Busting career myths with Amelia Campbell, TRUMPF
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Amelia Campbell knew she wanted to improve her life, for herself and her family. Thanks to some great advice, hard work, and self-determination, she is on the path to great success.
This week's episode is an inspirational story that starts with losing a job, but ends with a sought-after position at a great CT manufacturer. Amelia was determined to get better work. After going through the CT Women Can Weld program and getting work with the Ironworkers Union, she found herself at a machining program at Goodwin University, which then led her to the Apprenticeship program at TRUMPF.
Along the way, Amelia learned some great life lessons – age doesn't matter; follow your heart; don't waste time!
There's such wisdom that comes from following your dreams and working hard to achieve them.
Where to find Amelia: Amelia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-campbell-20644b92/ TRUMPF: https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/
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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/

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Turning a no into a yes with Monica Hilgarth, Hampford Research
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
This week’s episode of the Manufacturing Shake-Up focuses on the misperceptions we can get stuck on in our careers. First, Monica Hilgarth, Lab Services Manager at Hampford Research, talks all about how to stop taking no for an answer.
Many people, women in particular, can feel that no is a final answer when asking for things in the workplace. But Monica explains that oftentimes, ‘no’ is just a starting offer. It demands a response to dig deeper. Sometimes ‘no’ means you have to communicate better to your leaders about your request; sometimes it’s an opening to a negotiation. The skill is to recognize that you aren’t required to take no for an answer.
Another misperception that is debunked in this episode is that careers progress in a linear path. In truth, great careers are winding, bouncing, or even jumping…you have to be willing to look at your career path in different ways. In this episode, Jenny, Ellen and Monica explore what you do and don’t have control of in your career.
Where to find Monica: Monica's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-hilgarth/ Hampford Research: https://www.hampfordresearch.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/