The Manufacturing Shake-Up – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Kamila Allen believes that great manufacturing is like a symphony—every department playing its part in harmony. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Kamila shares her unique perspective as a Quality Assurance leader at Click Bond, where she ensures processes and people align with excellence. 

Kamila’s story starts on the factory floor. As a high schooler needing money for college, she skipped retail jobs and entered manufacturing, first packing needles, then moving across sectors including medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and even working with explosives. These diverse experiences gave her a horizontal view of manufacturing and a deep appreciation for the universal language of quality. 

Listeners will hear how relationships helped Kamila grow and how a key mentor even saw her potential before Kamila saw it in herself. Kamila then talks about her advice to people new to manufacturing… “Be a sponge!” 

Where you can find Kamila:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamila-feitoza-allen-71248a108/   Company: https://www.clickbond.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 does it take to lead in today’s manufacturing world? According to Alex Hatem, it takes trust, humility, and hands-on learning. 

In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, hosts Jenny and Ellen speak with Alex Hatem, Manager of Enterprise Learning Programs at General Dynamics Electric Boat, whose career path has taken her from engineering to supervising operations on nuclear submarines...and now to leading enterprise-wide learning initiatives. 

Alex shares how her early experiences laid the groundwork for a career based on curiosity, connections, and problem-solving. She dives into the evolution of her work, from hands-on operations to designing programs that teach others how to lead, and why hands-on learning isn’t just for the shop floor anymore. 

We explore Electric Boat’s supervisor training programs that build essential leadership skills like trust-building, delegation, and communication and how Alex’s own career has mirrored the journeyman model she helps others follow. Alex also opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a male-dominated field. 

Where you can find Alex:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-hatem-washakowski/    Company: https://www.gdeb.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: 

1. 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. 
2. Create Spaces for Collaboration – Encourage idea-sharing and teamwork by designing casual, welcoming spaces where employees can gather and connect. 
3. 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/