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The Operations Science Podcast

The Operations Science Podcast

By: Ed Pound
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The Operations Science Podcast: Authentic Leadership Stories from Operations and Project Leaders


Welcome to The Operations Science Podcast, the premier destination for authentic, in-depth conversations with operations and project leaders who share real-life stories of their career triumphs, setbacks, and the invaluable insights gained along the way. Hosted with a passion for uncovering the strategies and mental frameworks that drive success, this podcast is a must-listen for executives, managers, and aspiring leaders in industries such as general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, and diagnostic labs. With a focus on leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, each episode delivers actionable takeaways to help you navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.


What to Expect from The Operations Science Podcast


Our guests include C-level executives, VPs of operations and supply chain, directors, managers, and thought leaders from trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience in leadership, decision-making, and execution, offering unique perspectives on operational challenges like rapid change, uncertainty, innovation, evolving workforce expectations, talent development, and organizational culture. Whether you're a forward-thinking executive or a continuous improvement enthusiast, this podcast provides a platform to learn from the best in the field.

Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of high-performance leaders, exploring their successes, failures, and comebacks. From building high-performance teams to driving strategic transformation and maintaining clarity under pressure, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have enabled them to lead with confidence, resilience, and foresight. This isn’t just another business podcast—it’s a forum for high-level executives to openly discuss the real challenges of operational management and the mental fitness required to thrive at the top.


Why Listen to The Operations Science Podcast?


  • Authentic Storytelling: Hear real-life stories from operations and project leaders who have navigated the highs and lows of leadership in dynamic industries.
  • Actionable Insights: Gain practical strategies for overcoming operational challenges, fostering innovation, and building resilient teams.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Learn from a wide range of guests, including C-suite executives, industry group leaders, and continuous improvement experts.
  • Inspiration for Growth: Discover how top leaders adapt to change, inspire their teams, and make high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence.
  • Industry-Specific Focus: Explore winning practices and leading trends in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs.


Who Should Listen?


This podcast is designed for:


  • C-level executives and VPs of operations/supply chain seeking to sharpen their leadership skills
  • Directors and managers in operations, project management, or continuous improvement roles
  • Professionals in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs
  • Aspiring leaders looking to learn from the experiences of seasoned executives
  • Members of trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations interested in industry trends and winning practices


How to Listen


The Operations Science Podcast is available on major platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Subscribe today to get notified about new episodes and gain access to a growing library of leadership insights. Follow us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms for daily short-form video clips that deliver quick, actionable tips from our guests.


Copyright 2025 | All Rights Reserved Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • The Global Electronics Scene | Sanjay Huprikar | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 108

    The Global Electronics Scene | Sanjay Huprikar | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 108
    Aug 27 2025

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Sanjay Huprikar, Chief Global Officer of the Global Electronics Association. They delve into the complexities of global trade policies, tariffs, and their impact on electronics manufacturers. Sanjay shares insights into the evolution of the association, its expanded focus on advocacy, training, and industry standards, and the importance of supply chain resilience. They also discuss the growing influence of AI in manufacturing and the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship in the industry. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes from Sanjay's career and his passion for music, baseball, and world travel.


    00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

    00:49 Meet Sanjay Hooper Car: A Leader in Electronics Manufacturing

    01:50 Global Trade Policies and Their Impact on Electronics Manufacturing

    05:21 Challenges Facing the Electronics Industry

    13:13 The Evolution of the Global Electronics Association

    20:07 Training and Upskilling in Electronics Manufacturing

    22:49 Upskilling in Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges

    24:10 The Excitement of Soldering Competitions

    28:04 AI's Impact on the Electronics Industry

    30:16 Advocacy and Industry Leadership

    32:52 Personal Journey and Early Career

    37:15 Hobbies and Personal Interests

    38:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    40 mins
  • The Art of Learning from Mistakes | Mark Graban | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 107

    The Art of Learning from Mistakes | Mark Graban | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 107
    Aug 13 2025

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Mark Gray, a thought leader in continuous improvement and lean thinking. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience across industries, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of psychological safety. Learn about the integration of lean principles with statistical process control, the impact of motivational interviewing, and how AI could revolutionize improvement work. The conversation also delves into Mark's personal journey and early influences that shaped his career.


    00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

    00:56 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Mark Gray

    02:29 Mark Gray's Journey to Thought Leadership

    05:36 The Inspiration Behind 'The Mistakes That Make Us'

    08:59 Balancing Process and Innovation Mistakes

    15:09 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace

    17:58 Mark Gray's Favorite Mistakes

    28:01 The Power of Saying It Out Loud

    29:50 Switching Topics: Northwestern and Factory Physics

    32:43 Applying Operation Science in Healthcare

    34:11 Challenges in Healthcare Operations

    40:20 Integrating Lean and Other Methodologies

    44:53 The Role of AI in Improvement Work

    48:56 Personal Background and Influences

    52:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    54 mins
  • Drive to Thrive: Operational Leadership | Brian Kendig | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 106

    Drive to Thrive: Operational Leadership | Brian Kendig | The Operations Science Podcast | Ep 106
    Jul 30 2025

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound engages in a deep conversation with Brian Kendig, a seasoned leader in manufacturing transformations currently at Ford Motor Company. Brian shares insights from his extensive career in various industries, including manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, and more. They discuss pivotal topics such as key lessons in driving transformation, the importance of culture and continuous improvement, effective planning processes, and the intersections of lean, Six Sigma, and theory of constraints. Brian also touches on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in operations and reflects on his personal journey and influences that shaped his career. This episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone involved in operations and leadership.


    Key Topics:

    - Operational transformation

    - Culture and leadership

    - Continuous improvement

    - Planning and execution

    -Lean philosophy

    - Variability management

    -Watermelon metrics

    - SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning)

    - Communication cadence

    - Performance visibility

    - Problem diagnosis

    - Goal setting

    - AI in manufacturing

    - Modern perception of manufacturing

    - Human-centered transformation

    - Avoiding tool-based tribalism

    - Immortal organizations


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Operation Science Podcast

    01:19 Meet Brian Kenig: Transformational Leader at Ford

    02:20 Key Lessons in Leading Transformations

    03:52 The Importance of Culture in Operations

    05:06 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

    07:03 The Reality of Modern Manufacturing

    13:23 The Role of Lean and Continuous Improvement

    21:00 Planning and Execution in Operations

    25:50 Understanding Organizational Cadence

    26:20 The Role of Frontline Leaders

    26:54 Communication and Problem Solving

    27:24 Assessing Organizational Health

    29:38 Identifying and Addressing Problems

    33:25 The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

    39:51 The Value of Talent in Organizations

    42:42 Learning from Mistakes

    44:55 Personal Journey and Career Advice

    48:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    50 mins
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