It’s the Season 1 finale of The Manufacturing Shake-Up! 🎉  This week Jenny Drescher and Ellen Feldman Ornato enter the studio to look back at a year of powerhouse guests and unforgettable insights from women changing the face of manufacturing in Connecticut. Whether you’re early in your career or already climbing the leadership ladder, this highlight episode is packed with career-changing wisdom, real talk, and inspiration to take into your next chapter.  In this special wrap-up, Jenny and Ellen revisit some of their favorite guest moments:  ⭐ Christine Marcin (Stifel Marcin) gets real about networking fears and how to overcome them. https://youtu.be/sJou3arO51E   ⭐ Beatriz Gutierrez (CONNSTEP) reminds us that mentorship doesn’t have to be internal—and that fear is a terrible advisor. https://youtu.be/fB0Zvi3TQxg  ⭐ Mia Merrel (Assa Abloy) shows how simply asking, “Can you help me?” can change your whole career trajectory. https://youtu.be/IyuPoS18LTY  ⭐ Lisa Brown (EBAD) champions the courage to seek out your own mentors. https://youtu.be/r43rM4rfXGU  ⭐ Hannah Belmont (Westminster Tool) gives us the “hire for character” blueprint and redefines onboarding. https://youtu.be/WWjtBSWNfPk  ⭐ Lee Ulinskas (EBM Papst) shares how treating coworkers as internal customers builds a collaborative culture. https://youtu.be/-bTEIk5uN40  ⭐ Gina Greco (PTA Plastics) illustrates how investment in people—especially through training and connection—pays off. https://youtu.be/NqZ6XSMHLKk   ⭐ Monica Hilgarth (Hampford Research) reframes “no” as an invitation to get curious and persuasive. https://youtu.be/ehSSJsEQpSg  ⭐ Alethea Shaeffer (Form All Plastics) drops a truth bomb: perfectionism might be holding you back. https://youtu.be/bUmQNBTgFBQ  ⭐ Lena Geliga (Hygrade Precision) explores the delicate power of boundaries and discernment in leadership. https://youtu.be/k-8pUHLpKbM  ⭐ Cindi Bigelow (Bigelow Tea) gushes over her love for manufacturing and the project-based joy it brings. https://youtu.be/qfWvLPn6qXo  This episode is more than a recap—it's a roadmap for bold moves, brilliant ideas, and a better future in manufacturing. 

Leah Rumore, Safety Manager at Goggin Safety Services, never set out to work in manufacturing, but when she accidentally discovered the field of ergonomics, everything clicked. Today, she brings empathy, intelligence, and creativity to her work helping teams stay safe and thrive.  In this episode, Jenny and Ellen explore Leah’s journey as a safety professional in the manufacturing and construction industries. Leah shares the secrets to successful a safety culture: connection and collaboration.   This episode is packed with insight on how to have a successful career keeping people safe, and how to implement effective safety strategies that people will actually adopt. Leah explains that coaching, not policing, is the key to long-term success.  Where you can find Leah:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-f-rumore-csp-138b2516/ Company: https://www.gogginsafety.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/    

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/  

Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD learned first-hand – at her family’s manufacturing business – that leading well means learning first and then supporting her team from a place of understanding.  That approach, rooted in humility and curiosity, became the foundation for a remarkable career journey.  In this episode, Kelli-Marie shares how the power of applied learning, genuine collaboration, and relationship-building led to national best practices like the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative. And how that initiative led to her role at Chief Workforce Officer with Connecticut’s Office of Workforce Strategy.    Kelli-Marie talks about: Asking questions before trying to lead  Collaboration across industry and education.  Building relationships to transform Connecticut’s workforce development model.   Being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and how it impacts change.  Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership starts with learning, and that shaking up traditional systems requires courage, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.  Where you can find Kelli-Marie:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-marie-vallieres-phd-9959a96/   Office of Workforce Strategy: https://portal.ct.gov/gwc/ows-initiatives   ------- 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/  

Jacqueline Gallo’s career path in manufacturing is nothing short of inspiring. From a small town in Rhode Island to EVP at Pursuit Aerospace, she climbed the ranks by saying “yes” to the toughest challenges. Then she built a leadership style grounded in compassion and continuous improvement.  In this episode, Jacquie shares how her team pioneered second chance employment programs that provide training and jobs to formerly incarcerated individuals, which cuts recidivism rates dramatically. Her work is a bold example of what’s possible when manufacturing leaders look beyond traditional pipelines.  Jacquie also explains how Kaizen and people-first process improvements are making Pursuit’s shops cleaner, safer, and more welcoming places to work.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about building inclusive teams, rethinking workforce development, and leading with purpose.  Where you can find Jacqueline:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-gallo-25220912/  Company: https://pursuitaero.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/  

Jennifer Anderson, Vice President of Human Resources at Whelen Engineering, is proof that HR can be as innovative and essential as any technology. With Whelen boasting a workforce that’s 39% women - well above the national average - Jen joins Ellen and Jenny to share the human-centered strategies that are reshaping the workplace.  This episode dives into Jen’s journey as an HR innovator, and how Whelen’s deep culture of inclusion, connection, and long-term employee investment has built more than just a loyal workforce, a thriving one.  You’ll hear how Jen reintroduced engagement surveys that have worked…leading to meaningful changes that are simple yet effective at boosting morale. She also shares her commitment to psychological safety, leadership support, and making changes with a crawl-walk-run mentality built on trust.  Where you can find Jennifer:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-anderson-2371603b/  Company: https://www.whelen.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/  

Marietta Lee never imagined she’d one day run the family business. With a law degree and a thriving career in legal journalism, manufacturing was nowhere on her radar. But when she moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family, the opportunity to join the Lee team changed her path.  In this episode, Marietta shares how The Lee Company has remained innovative by being intentional about its future. She details their unique family employment policy, which sets rules for family members coming into the business. It’s about protecting and respecting the business, its employees, and its culture.  Marietta dives into how Lee is developing talent from within. They have a generous tuition reimbursement program and an in-house, paid training program for employees at all levels, Lee University. They are well-situated to build a workforce that’s skilled, loyal, and ready to grow.  Finally, Marietta talks about the Innovation Center currently under construction and why it was important to their company.  The Lee Company is proof that thoughtful planning and people-first development can keep a legacy business alive and thriving.  Where you can find Marietta:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marietta-lee-17729410a/   Company: https://www.theleeco.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/  

When Lara Mouakar moved from Lebanon back to the U.S., she never imagined she’d land in high-tech manufacturing. With a background in adult education, Lara could have settled into a new role in education. Instead, she took a huge risk on a third-shift group lead role at ASML and found a whole new career path!  In this episode, Lara shares how she overcame the challenge of leading in an unfamiliar industry. She talks about building trust, fostering growth, and using her educator’s mindset to develop strong, skilled teams. Now, as a Senior Learning Specialist, Lara’s passion for continuous improvement is helping ASML, and its people, prepare for the future.  Whether you're switching industries or leveling up your leadership, Lara’s story is a masterclass in learning and adaptability.  Where you can find Lara:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-mouakar-131206a4/  Company: https://www.asml.com/en   ------- 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/  

How do you build strong culture in a global company—and make it feel local?  In this episode, Ellen and Jenny sit down with Lee Ulinskas, Employee Engagement & Development Manager at ebm-papst, to explore what it really means to create meaningful workplace culture across locations, languages, and time zones.   Lee shares how her role is to nurture culture, collaboration, and continuous learning—while also navigating regional differences between locations in Connecticut, Tennessee, and Germany. Her career path has given her a unique perspective and now she's now a driving force behind culture-building initiatives that make a real difference.  This episode is packed with powerful takeaways:  How to adapt global values to local teams  Ways to foster trust and feedback across cultures  The importance of perspective-taking in collaboration  A simple but powerful mindset: treat coworkers like customers  Lee’s intentional, thoughtful approach to culture shows that it’s not just about posters on the wall—it’s about behaviors, values, and systems that reflect who you are as a company, every single day.  Where you can find Lee:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ulinskas/   Company: https://www.ebmpapst.com/us/en/home.html   ------- 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/  

Are you drowning in “urgent” tasks and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, hosts Jenny and Ellen tackle the all-too-common struggle of overwhelm.  They break down the hidden traps that lead to burnout, including the myth that everything is urgent, the pressure to do it all yourself, and the curse of competence—where being good at something can sometimes hold you back from achieving more.  Jenny and Ellen share their own experiences as recovering workaholics and explore practical strategies to break free from the cycle of exhaustion. They discuss: ✔️ The difference between important vs. urgent work ✔️ How burnout impacts safety and productivity in manufacturing ✔️ Why delegating and cross-training are critical for success ✔️ How leaders can create a culture that values balance over burnout  If you’re ready to shift from survival to thrive, this episode is for you. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation filled with humor, hard-won wisdom, and actionable tips to take control of your time and energy.  🎧 Listen now and take your first step toward working smarter—not harder! 

What makes a great place to work for the new generation of manufacturers? Just listen to Gina Greco!  Gina, an Automation Engineer at PTA Plastics, was bribed by her professor (for extra credit) to attend her university's STEM career fair. That small push led her to a booth that stood out: a company with a robot on display and, more importantly, a team of women excited to welcome her. That conversation landed her a job where she thrives today, building cutting-edge automation solutions in injection molding.  In this episode, Gina shares her journey into manufacturing, how company culture played a huge role in her job acceptance, and why she can see a great future at PTA Plastics. She dives into key lessons for companies hoping to attract top young talent: the importance of an inviting career fair booth, an engaging interview process, and a modern, growth-focused work environment.  Join hosts Jenny and Ellen as they uncover the career-building factors that matter most to young engineers like Gina, from hands-on learning opportunities to women-focused workplace communities. If you're looking to attract the next generation of manufacturing talent, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!  Where you can find Gina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina24670/ Company: https://www.ptaplastics.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!  --  Resource mentioned in this episode:  Never Lose an Employee Again by Joey Coleman  ----  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:  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.  Create Spaces for Collaboration – Encourage idea-sharing and teamwork by designing casual, welcoming spaces where employees can gather and connect.  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/