Podcast
Conversations with operators, experts, and leaders on industrial execution, supply chain, transformation, tariffs, AI, and operational performance.
All Episodes
MetaPod
Explore the hidden value inside ERP systems and the operational discipline needed to get more from SAP with Ron Crabtree and Martin Rowan on MetaPod. Dive into how operational drift creates costly workarounds, why poor data trust weakens planning, customer service, and AI performance, and how leaders can improve maturity by investing in people, governance, and exception-based management.
May 29, 2026
MetaPod
Explore the human side of AI transformation and the leadership gaps that stall adoption with Ron Crabtree and Anna Barnhill on MetaPod. Dive into why technology initiatives fail when leaders overlook people, how to diagnose leadership identity gaps, psychological safety deficits, and change velocity mismatches, and what organizations can do to build human adoption timelines that support real ROI.
May 5, 2026
MetaPod
Explore the role of AI in logistics and 3PL accountability with Ron Crabtree and Will Kraus on MetaPod. Dive into how shippers can uncover hidden waste, identify low-value logistics providers, and spot fraud risks before they become costly problems
April 7, 2026
MetaPod
Explore the forever labor shortage and AI-driven business transformation with Ron Crabtree and Rocky Vienna on MetaPod. Dive into the outcome-first methodology, AI readiness diagnostics, and how to accelerate complex workflows with quote-to-cash and engineering change without falling into the buzzword trap.
March 3, 2026
MetaPod
Explore artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing with Ron Crabtree and Pavan Muzumdar on MetaPod. Dive into diagnosing workforce, operations, and supply chain gaps, using AI to support learning and retention amid the forever labor shortage, and reducing supply chain risk through additive manufacturing and on-demand production.
February 2, 2026
MetaPod
Explore the future innovation and cybersecurity readiness with Ron Crabtree and Natalie Born on MetaPod. Dive into how to integrate AI into the workforce, why change management is the make-or-break factor in digital transformation, and how cross-industry convergence can unlock faster, smarter innovation.
January 6, 2026
MetaPod
Explore the hidden impact of workplace culture and the shift from correction to prevention with Ron Crabtree and Jim Zelem on MetaPod. Dive into why culture is built on behaviors leaders reward and tolerate, how to move from firefighting to prevention with better questions and feedback loops, and practical ways leaders can build trust, engagement, and retention by changing their own behavior first.
December 1, 2025
MetaPod
Explore tribal knowledge loss and AI-enabled decision-making on the plant floor with Ron Crabtree and Bryan DeBois on Meta Pod. Dive into how machine teaching captures expert heuristics before retirements, how predictive AI shifts teams from reacting to anticipating, and why autonomous AI trained safely in simulations can match or even outperform veteran operators, starting in decision support before moving to closed-loop control.
November 4, 2025
MetaPod
Explore systems champions and process-first, AI-driven digitization with Ron Crabtree and Devid Jenyns on MetaPod. Dive into how to capture tribal knowledge before it walks out the door, use dashboards to pinpoint where to improve, and apply the 80/20 rule to prioritize SOPs and automation.
October 6, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the forever labor shortage and digital transformation with Ron Crabtree and Lisa Ryan on Meta Pod. Dive into why gratitude is the missing gear in manufacturing, how stay interviews and reverse mentoring strengthen retention, and how to overcome resistance to change, whether it’s cultural or technological.
September 2, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the forever labor shortage and sustainable workforce development with Ron Crabtree and Tia Rivera on MetaPod. Dive into why companies must shift from reactive hiring to strategic talent pipelines, how to align training programs with real job requirements, and ways to better leverage existing employees through clear mobility and upskilling pathways.
August 5, 2025
MetaPod
Explore operational efficiency and sustainability-driven emissions reduction with Ron Crabtree and Rich Savoie on MetaPod. Dive into AI-powered data harmonization, aligning cost-and-carbon KPIs, and Pareto-focused quick wins.
July 7, 2025
Tariffs
Explore manufacturing relocation strategies and common pitfalls to avoid with Kim Crabtree and Neal McGee on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into proven methods for moving operations, why emotional and operational alignment is key, and how to avoid disaster by asking the right questions before making a move.
July 4, 2025
Tariffs
Explore cost transparency and digital procurement transformation with Kim Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how to build systems that reflect real cost structures, why rapid evolution beats digital revolution, and how smarter sourcing leads to 12-18% savings.
July 4, 2025
Tariffs
Explore digital-tein supply-chain simulation and enterprise-wide data aggregation with Kim Crabtree and Greg Smith on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how centralized data unlocks proactive risk modeling, why scenario planning beats spreadsheet guesswork, and the concrete savings companies gain when they test “what-if” moves before they act.
July 4, 2025
Tariffs
Explore the total landed cost modeling and strategic supply chain planning with Ron Crabtree and Dennis Schneider on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why most companies aren’t fully accounting for tariff impact, how to collect the right data to drive decisions, and what a well-aligned supply chain strategy really looks like.
July 4, 2025
Tariffs
Explore the risks of import/export misclassification and tariff compliance strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpertⓇ Bob Forshay on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why getting trade codes right the first time protects your margins, how to align internal processes with customs documentation, and how to proactively research HTS codes to avoid delays, penalties, and profit loss.
June 27, 2025
Tariffs
Explore tariff-driven relocation readiness and supply chain diversification strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpertⓇ Bez Hoxha on this special edition of Meta Pod. Dive into a five-phase framework for relocation decisions, the critical role of up-front legal/compliance alignment, and the hidden blind spots that sink rushed moves.
June 27, 2025
Tariffs
Explore tariff strategy and supply chain resilience with MetaExpertⓇ Ben Harmsen on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how one company protected $80M in revenue, minimized price increases, and reduced China exposure—all while navigating rising costs, supplier diversification, and trade compliance challenges. This real-world case study offers practical steps for leaders facing global disruption.
June 27, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the skilled trades labor shortage and AI-powered onboarding with Ron Crabtree and Derek Crager on MetaPod. Dive into how AI tools like voice-activated mentors can capture tribal knowledge, reduce downtime, and scale expert insights across shifts.
June 23, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the untapped power of human potential and organizational change readiness with Ron Crabtree and Ernesto Gomez on MetaPod. Dive into strategies to unlock performance, assess team culture, and identify what’s really holding your organization back.
June 9, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the forever labor shortage and workforce efficiency strategies with Ron Crabtree and Travis Ellinger on MetaPod. Dive into why technical roles are increasingly hard to fill, how to build sustainable talent pipelines, and the four-step plan to retain workers and maximize internal capabilities.
May 26, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the realities of global tariff disruptions and data-driven supply chain diagnostics with Ron Crabtree and Greg Smith on MetaPod. Dive into how disjointed data systems create operational risk, why Excel is still dominating supply chain floors (and why that’s a problem), and how to build proactive, risk-ready systems, especially in regulated industries like life sciences.
May 12, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the power of citizen developers and boosting frontline engagement with Ron Crabtree and John Papastylianou on MetaPod. Dive into why traditional top-down tech strategies often fail, how low/no-code tools can unlock shop floor innovation, and why observation, not just data, is the key to real change.
April 28, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the evolving role of internal IT and cybersecurity essentials with Ron Crabtree and Jeff Borello on MetaPod. Dive into how IT can become a strategic advantage, why cybersecurity should be every manufacturer’s top priority, and how to tackle technology debt before it cripples your operations
April 13, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the forever labor shortage and cultural transformation with Ron Crabtree and guests Steve McKeon and Lupe Muñoz on MetaPod. Dive into practical strategies for assessing organizational trust, developing leadership accountability, and building systems that sustain high-performance teams.
April 1, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the hidden pitfalls of digital transformation and how to make changes stick with Ron Crabtree and James Cuthbert on MetaPod. Dive into the concept of process debt, why 80% of digital rollouts fail, and how organizations can bridge the gap between technology, people, and culture.
March 17, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the impact of tariffs on supply chains and how businesses can navigate financial, legal, and operational risks with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into how tariffs could reshape procurement strategies, the risks of being the last supplier standing, and the opportunity costs of focusing solely on tariffs instead of strategic initiatives.
March 3, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the challenges of onshoring, labor shortages, and cost inflation with Ron Crabtree and Steve Snedegar on Meta Pod. Dive into how manufacturers can increase capacity and implement automation, key strategies for addressing labor shortages, and how to manage cost inflation and pricing for profitability.
February 18, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in the face of labor shortages, digitization pressures, and doing more with less with Ron Crabtree and Joe Spadaford on Meta Pod. Dive into strategies for strengthening your value proposition, optimizing your operating model, and engaging your workforce to support long-term scaling.
February 4, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the impacts of upcoming tariff changes and global supply chain strategies with Ron Crabtree and Karen King on MetaPod. Dive into the importance of trade compliance personnel, the need for global supply chain visibility, and strategies to mitigate escalating duties and tariffs.
January 20, 2025
MetaPod
Explore the challenges of doing more with less and operational alignment with Ron Crabtree and David Hewitt on Meta Pod. Dive into streamlining logistics, prioritizing key customers with the 80/20 principle, and building a culture of continuous improvement.
January 5, 2025
MetaPod
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.
December 16, 2024
MetaPod
Explore behavioral alignment and continuous improvement with Ron Crabtree and Kenneth Wisinski on Meta Pod. 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.
December 2, 2024
MetaPod
Explore sustainability as a tool for profitability and the impact of ESG on organizational growth with Ron Crabtree and Chris Workman on Meta Pod. Dive into real-world energy and waste reduction strategies, social sustainability for retention, and governance improvements that drive efficiency.
November 19, 2024
MetaPod
Explore the intersection of traditional operational methods and modern technological advancements with Ron Crabtree and guests Mike Collins and Rishi Patil on Meta Pod. Dive into the challenges of digital transformation, the nuances of operational consulting, and the integration of AI with management strategies.
November 3, 2024
MetaPod
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.
October 23, 2024
MetaPod
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.
October 15, 2024
MetaPod
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.
October 6, 2024
MetaPod
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.
September 21, 2024
MetaPod
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.
September 8, 2024
MetaPod
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.
August 25, 2024
MetaPod
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.
August 10, 2024
MetaPod
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.
July 16, 2024
MetaPod
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.
July 2, 2024
MetaPod
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.
June 24, 2024
MetaPod
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.
June 16, 2024
MetaPod
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.
June 9, 2024
MetaPod
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.
June 2, 2024
MetaPod
Join Ron Crabtree and guest John Dennison as they discuss leveraging interim talent in finance operations. They explore diagnostics, practical [...]
May 27, 2024
MetaPod
Ready to leverage interim talent in operational leadership? Tune into an in-depth conversation with Stephen Cherlet to gain insights into integrating interim leaders.
May 19, 2024
MetaPod
Dive into Bryan Seidensticker's discussion on MetaPod, where he explores the role of interim talent in optimizing supply chain operations amidst digital transformation and labor shortages.
May 12, 2024
MetaPod
Discover how to leverage interim executive sales talent to drive your company’s growth and profits on MetaPod, with practical strategies and expert advice from seasoned sales leader Henning Schwinum.
May 6, 2024
MetaPod
Ready to secure government funding for your supply chain? Join Ron and experts Marty Abbott and Phil Winkler while they dive into the Defense Production Act and give actionable strategies for businesses to secure federal funding to enhance their supply chain resilience.
April 27, 2024
MetaPod
Discover insights on leveraging the Defense Production Act for strategic advantage with Jim Gitney. Unveil the essentials of marketplace understanding, government assistance, and building manufacturing muscle for sustainable growth. Explore actionable strategies for agility and resilience in today's competitive landscape.
March 4, 2024
MetaPod
Explore the Defense Production Act and supply chain resilience with Ron Crabtree and guest Jim de Vries on Meta Pod. Dive into risks, strategies, and the importance of diversification in today's challenging operational landscape.
March 2, 2024Executive help, fast
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