Feedback is one of the toughest leadership challenges, and this episode lays out the practical ways leaders can make their words truly matter. Through personal stories and frameworks, Jack and Trevor break down how to deliver constructive input without discouraging the team, including the critical steps that turn difficult conversations into moments of genuine growth.
The discussion highlights the importance of privacy, actionable suggestions, and leaving teammates feeling motivated instead of deflated. For anyone who struggles with giving feedback or wants to build trust while driving results, this episode offers relatable insights and real-world advice that might change how you approach your next conversation.
Have a leadership question? Ask below and we'll answer it on an upcoming episode!
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of industries.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Making the leap from peer to leader often feels double-edged and mixed with excitement, uncertainty, and the uncomfortable pressure of new expectations. This episode unpacks the nuanced experience of stepping into a leadership role among colleagues, reflecting on the initial spotlight effect, the importance of clarifying your boss’s expectations, and building genuine relationships with both your new team and fellow managers.
With practical advice for handling everything from staff meetings to the delicate dynamics that arise when former peers wanted the promotion too, listeners will gain a blueprint for maintaining their credibility and fostering a positive team culture during one of the most challenging transitions of their careers.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In this episode, Jack Nehlig and Trevor Robinson discuss the an often overlooked topic in leadership... conflict. They question the common belief that conflict drives progress and explore whether true collaboration and cooperation are more effective for team success. Listeners will hear real-life examples about how conflict is sometimes used as a management strategy, and how that impacts team dynamics and morale. Jack and Trevor offer fresh perspectives on the idea of “healthy conflict” and consider whether it actually benefits organizations.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Most managers and leaders think being a visionary is reserved for CEOs or entrepreneurs. But waiting for someone else to define the future often leaves your team playing catch-up. Is it really out of reach to bring visionary thinking to your own department?
Join Jack and Trevor as they kick off Season 2 of “Hey Jack…” with a great (and practical) discussion on the importance of being a visionary in leadership, with practical tips on how to get started.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In this special highlight episode, we reflect on the most impactful leadership moments from the first ten episodes of "Hey Jack: Leadership Reflections with Jack Nehlig". Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode is the perfect way to get a taste of what “Hey Jack” is all about.
Expect quick, actionable leadership lessons on topics like gratitude, the power of mentoring, trust in teamwork, the importance of communication, what it really means to be a role model, and navigating the challenge of being "the only" in the room.
This recap not only brings new listeners up to speed with the podcast’s biggest takeaways but also gives regular followers a chance to revisit standout moments and evergreen advice.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
This week, Jack and Trevor welcome the first guest of the show, Beth Correll, a retired Hershey Company leader and the founder of Step Function Coaching. Beth shares her refreshing perspective on professional growth, mentoring, and the unique dynamics women face in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Discover how real-world experiences drive professional growth, why peer mentorship matters, and effective strategies to build strong networks. Beth shares practical tips for career advancement, candid advice on navigating tough workplace situations, and the role of diversity in leadership. Get her favorite career resources, plus actionable insights on how supportive leaders can make a real impact.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or curious about high-performing teams, this episode is packed with inspiration for professionals at any level.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
Learn More About Beth and Step Function Coaching:
*👉 Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-correll
🔗Step Function Coaching:
http://www.stepfunctioncoaching.com
🔗Step Function Coaching Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stepfunctioncoaching/
What does it really mean to deliver bad news as a leader, build an effective leadership team, or confront negativity among peers? Jack and Trevor tackle listener-submitted questions with direct advice, candid reflections, and actionable takeaways on communicating tough messages, recommending foundational books for aspiring leaders, and the key traits that set strong leaders apart. From handling layoffs with empathy to encouraging humility and positivity at every level, this episode is packed with reflections that apply whether you’re leading a team, stepping into your first management role, or just looking to grow your leadership skills.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question for An Upcoming Episode:
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
The concept of "developmentor" takes center stage in this episode, blending the principles of personal growth and effective mentorship into one powerful approach to leadership. Hear stories from inside major corporations and pick up practical suggestions for auditing your own growth, seeking feedback, and learning from both outstanding and challenging leaders. Jack and Trevor touch on why successful leadership is about continual self-improvement, how to help your team drive their own development, the importance of embracing a variety of experiences, and why mentoring is both a responsibility and a gift. With actionable insights and memorable anecdotes, this episode is packed with the tools and inspiration leaders at any stage will appreciate.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In this episode of 'Hey, Jack: Leadership Reflections with Jack Nehlig,' hosts Jack and Trevor discuss crucial concept of accountability in leadership. Jack shares insightful distinctions between responsibility and accountability and highlights why accountability is a core leadership trait. Through a personal story about his father's dedication and an innovative company-wide solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jack illustrates the importance of maintaining accountability, even in challenging times.Listen to learn why true leaders should stand in the spotlight when times are tough and give credit to their teams when times are good.❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack 👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig 👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson- - - -About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.🔗Learn more at:** http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Communication forms the fabric of leadership. In this episode, Jack Nehlig and Trevor Robinson tackle the enduring principles and rapid changes in communication that leaders face today. Jack shares a reflective look at desk phones, handwritten memos, and the arrival of email, highlighting what’s persisted over four decade…and what hasn’t. The conversation covers best practices for written and oral communication, the value of repetition, transparency, and constructive disagreement, as well as the necessity of positivity and respectful dialogue.Trevor covers a leader’s presence on social media, pointing out the impact of authentic engagement and the common pitfalls leaders encounter online. He addresses the growing presence of AI in communication, discussing how it can be both a helpful tool and a potential shortcut that risks authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers actionable ideas for improving the way you connect, influence, and support your team.❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig 👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
- - - -
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at:
http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Trust and teamwork are more than just buzzwords...they are the forces that shape successful organizations. Join hosts Jack Nehlig and Trevor Robinson as they unpack what truly drives teams to perform at their best. This discussion moves beyond the expected, using real-life business analogies, sports stories, and even the flight of geese to illustrate the deep impact of trust, the importance of structure, the value of diversity, and the in-the-moment power of positivity.
Whether you’re leading teams or contributing to one, this episode will provoke new thinking about how people work together, why trust matters as much as any formal agreement, and how the right environment can fuel creativity and innovation. Jack shares practical advice drawn from years of experience, while Trevor brings his signature curiosity, challenging common assumptions and probing into what makes great teamwork possible.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In today's episode of 'Hey, Jack...", Jack and Trevor explore the often-overlooked but crucial topic of quality and excellence in leadership. They discuss the importance of having a relentless pursuit of perfection, how embracing quality can be a significant differentiator for leaders, and the historical evolution of quality practices like Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO. Jack shares personal stories and practical insights on how leaders at every level can integrate quality and excellence into their roles to drive continual improvement and organizational success. Whether you're a manager or director, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you elevate your leadership game.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Jack Nehlig and Trevor Robinson return in Part 2 of their “Hey Jack...” episode on positivity, offering professionals and aspiring leaders a practical look at what genuine positivity means inside organizations.
The episode highlights three main points: the importance of a blame-free work environment, reframing errors as opportunities for growth, and making friendliness a central pillar of company culture.
These lessons matter to managers, team leads, HR professionals, and anyone interested in improving workplace morale and personal leadership skills.
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Listen to Part 1:
👉 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rbwQ4kfWrH3KZMvADcxGh?si=IpaA_hr_SH-QFXCNCI5wMQ
👉 Apple Podcasts:
👉 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuQmsv1jIg0
👉 Website Recap:https://industrysagemedia.com/3-the-unspoken-impact-of-positivity-part-1/
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❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
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About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
Are you overlooking the importance of positivity? Join Jack Nehlig and Trevor Robinson in Part 1 of this discussion as they dissect the concept of positivity, not as a simple, naive mindset, but as a powerful choice that leaders can make. They recount personal experiences and observations, from historical shifts in management styles to practical frameworks, such as the "Positive Opinion Leader" model and the "Drops in the Bucket" approach, highlighting how these can reshape workplace culture. Whether you're struggling to meet quotas or seeking inspiration to uplift your team, this conversation offers thoughtful strategies and relatable anecdotes that reveal how impactful a positive attitude can truly be.
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In this episode, Jack and Trevor dive into the foundational element of leadership—being a role model. They discuss the significance of role models in shaping effective leadership and outline a framework for aspiring leaders. Key pillars covered include 'walking the talk,' showing respect for diversity, and maintaining the highest levels of ethics and integrity. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, they highlight the impact of passion and the fine balance between being liked and being an effective leader. Tune in to learn how these essential principles can guide you in your leadership journey.
00:04 The Importance of Role Models in Leadership02:18 Walking the Talk: The First Pillar of Being a Role Model04:46 Passion: The Key to Inspiring Others09:24 Respect: Embracing Diversity and Individuality23:48 Ethics and Integrity: Upholding the Highest Standards28:17 Balancing Leadership and Likeability33:41 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
❓ Submit Your Leadership Question (we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
About Industry Sage Media:
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
🔗Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com
In this debut episode of Hey, Jack... Leadership Reflections with Jack Nehlig, Trevor Robinson sits down with his longtime mentor and former leader, Jack Nehlig, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the unexpected journey that brought them here.
Jack shares how his career in manufacturing and automation evolved—often by simply saying “yes” to new opportunities. From his first sales role to becoming the president of Phoenix Contact USA, Jack reflects on how culture, relationships, and humility shaped his leadership philosophy.
This episode sets the tone for what’s to come: authentic stories, practical wisdom, and a space where leaders at all levels can feel seen, heard, and inspired.
What you'll hear:
Jack’s “accidental” path to leadership
How one phone call rekindled a powerful connection
The true measurement of a great leader
Why this podcast is about reflections, not just advice
A preview of Episode 2: The Importance of Being a Role Model
Let’s reflect, grow, and lead together.
Welcome to Hey, Jack....
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❓ Submit Your Leadership Questions
(we’ll answer it on an upcoming episode!):
https://forms.industrysagemedia.com/heyjack
👉 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacknehlig
👉 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlrobinson
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This podcast is brought to you by Industry Sage Media.
Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.
Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com