The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Ayna.AI or its affiliates. This podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Ayna.AI or its affiliates do not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.
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The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Ayna.AI or its affiliates. This podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Ayna.AI or its affiliates do not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.
George Randle: The Talent War – What Army Leadership Teaches Manufacturing CEOs
Ayna Insights
23 minutes 20 seconds
6 months ago
George Randle: The Talent War – What Army Leadership Teaches Manufacturing CEOs
"Experience tells you where you've been, character tells you where you're going." - George Randle
What can manufacturing leaders learn from military leadership? In this episode of the Titanium Economy podcast, George Randle—Army veteran, talent strategist, and co-author of The Talent War—joins host Nidhi Arora of AYNA.AI to explore why character consistently outperforms credentials. Drawing on lessons from both the battlefield and the boardroom, Randle shares practical advice: know your people, walk the floor, and explain the “why” behind the work. He shows how better leadership—not better perks—can drastically reduce attrition and build resilient teams.
George Randle is a seasoned talent executive, executive coach, and former U.S. Army officer with over 20 years of experience in global HR and talent acquisition. He has led teams that hired more than 80,000 professionals across 60 countries and advises organizations on building high-performing teams through character-based hiring. As co-author of The Talent War, he champions leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and values.
Discussion Points
(00:00) George Randle blends 20+ years in Fortune 100 HR with a decorated Army career. His teams have hired 80,000+ professionals, including 2,500 senior leaders.
(04:05) Leadership starts with humility. Randle shares how listening—over commanding—drives better outcomes in both military and corporate environments.
(08:52) The Talent War argues that character trumps credentials. Randle explains why traits like grit and integrity predict leadership success better than résumés.
(13:57) AI makes résumés look the same—so character must differentiate. Randle urges companies to define success beyond technical skills.
(16:23) In interviews, Randle asks execs: Who have you mentored to greater success? Their answers reveal true leadership impact.
(18:30) Manufacturing retention rises when leaders connect. One firm cut attrition from 22% to 2% just by walking the floor and explaining why the work matters.
Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode Nidhi Arora is Vice President at Ayna.
For More Information
George Randle
"The Talent War" by George Randle
Titanium Economy
Ayna.AI Website
Nidhi Arora LinkedIn
Ayna Insights
The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Ayna.AI or its affiliates. This podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Ayna.AI or its affiliates do not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.
