This week, Leisa Fox and EOS Implementer Loraine Hardin reflect on three significant events that highlight the momentum of Iowa’s business and manufacturing community: the Traction Table, the CBJ Manufacturing Conference, and the Manufacturing Masterminds tour at Seneca Foundry. Together, they explore the common challenges companies are facing—from workforce transitions to economic pressures—and the EOS tools and leadership strategies that are helping them adapt.

Listeners will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Seneca Foundry tour, including the molten metal demonstration, advances in automation, and a focus on culture and succession. With themes of innovation, resilience, and leadership woven throughout, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their business and gain fresh perspectives on Iowa’s manufacturing future.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/loraine-hardin

The live CBJ Manufacturing Conference podcast brought together three leaders—Dawn Ealy, Steve Coleman, and Wendy Mihm-Herold—to map out strategies for addressing Iowa’s looming workforce crisis. With 240,000 Baby Boomers set to retire by 2030, the conversation underscored the need for employers to proactively leverage automation, retain senior workers through flexible arrangements, and intentionally engage the next generation of Gen Z talent through workplace learning initiatives.

This episode made clear that manufacturers cannot afford to choose one approach over another. Automation alone will not close the gap, nor will simply retaining retirees or hiring more Gen Z. Instead, success depends on a comprehensive, three-pronged strategy. The panel’s message was unequivocal: all manufacturers must act now to invest in technology, people, and partnerships—or risk being left behind as the talent pipeline shrinks and demand continues to grow.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/CBJ-manufacturing-conference

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox welcomes Todd Shores, Virtual CFO with Creative Planning, to discuss how manufacturers can respond to the financial turbulence caused by expanded tariffs. Shores underscores the importance of transparency—encouraging leaders to openly communicate financial challenges with employees, building trust while aligning teams behind critical decisions.

The conversation also dives into practical strategies for adaptation, from targeting new markets to sourcing outside of high-tariff regions. Shores stresses the urgency of reviewing financial data in real time and making swift adjustments. His message is clear: companies that stay agile, honest, and proactive in their financial leadership are the ones best positioned to weather uncertainty and capture growth in this shifting economic landscape.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/tariffs