EP 14: From the Ground Up: Strong Teams and Smarter Operations

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Guest: Wayne Meyer

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance, Wayne Meyer, Vice President of Operations at Teijin Automotive, shares strategies and lessons from his 25-year career in the automotive and manufacturing industries. From navigating volatile markets to embracing emerging technologies, Wayne provides actionable insights for leaders striving to drive operational success and innovation.

Navigating Industry Challenges

Wayne outlines the evolving and unpredictable nature of today’s manufacturing landscape:

  • Demand Fluctuations: The shift from steady production to volatile, weekly-changing customer demands.

  • Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs): Balancing the uncertainty of EV adoption while remaining flexible to serve both traditional and electric platforms.

  • Post-COVID Shifts: Adapting to changing consumer behaviors, including declines in recreational vehicle sales as lifestyles normalize.

  • Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Overcoming challenges with components like wire harnesses and tires through strong communication and agile strategies.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Wayne emphasizes the power of data in navigating operational challenges:

  • Standardizing Metrics: Streamlining thousands of metrics across 13 plants into actionable insights.

  • Daily Management Systems: Implementing structured, tiered meetings—from the shop floor to executive leadership—to ensure clarity and alignment.

  • Data Accuracy and Visibility: Using reliable data to make informed decisions, reducing speculation and improving outcomes.

Strategic Leadership and Succession Planning

Aligning teams with organizational goals is key to sustainable success. Wayne shares:

  • Strategy Deployment: Tools like Hoshin Planning keep objectives clear, concise, and actionable across the organization.

  • Succession Planning: Developing future leaders through rotational programs that provide exposure to different business units and leadership challenges.

  • Clarity and Culture: Ensuring strategies reflect organizational values and are easy for teams to understand and implement.

Leveraging Emerging Technologies

Wayne highlights the transformative role of AI in manufacturing operations:

  • AI for Quality Inspections: Machine learning and camera systems enhance defect detection and root cause analysis, improving product quality.

  • Accelerated Data Analysis: AI enables faster, smarter decision-making by analyzing data quickly and providing actionable insights.

Leadership Lessons

Wayne reflects on the critical skills and mindset required for effective leadership:

  • Individualized Leadership: Understanding team members’ unique strengths, motivations, and challenges to foster growth.

  • Continuous Learning: Staying curious, open to new ideas, and adaptable to change.

  • Problem-Solving for Growth: Encouraging emerging leaders to identify and solve challenges as a pathway to credibility and career advancement.

  • Core Leadership Skills: Developing knowledge, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and coaching abilities.

Wayne Meyer’s insights provide a roadmap for leaders to navigate industry challenges, optimize operations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Organizations can stay adaptable and achieve long-term success by leveraging data, embracing emerging technologies, and aligning teams with strategic goals.

Tune in to The Pulse of High Performance for more trends, actionable strategies, and success stories from leaders shaping high-performing organizations.

  • coming soon

  • Connect with Wayne Meyer on Linkedin

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EP 13: Creating a Successful Program Management Office