Roy Baker

Nearly 4 million #AmericanManufacturing jobs are projected to be created in the next decade, and it’s essential for the #futureofmanufacturing that the talent gap is filled. Businesses may need to look beyond the traditional talent pipeline and invest in training programs that align with ever evolving #tech. Collaboration with educational institutions equips workers with digital skills, soft skills, and high-level technical skills to foster an innovative workforce for American Manufacturing’s future. 

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Companies create Ethics and Compliance policies to be followed, not broken. In the realm of business ethics, right and wrong are binary and absolute ideas. It's crucial to remember that one's title and position don't grant permission to make right and wrong flexible and relative. #Ethics #Compliance #BusinessEthics

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🤓 In another life, Mark Twain was an Agile coach and DEIB thought leader. Who knew our English teachers all those years ago were so right?! *Mark Twain’s impact on society was multi-faceted: he transformed American literature, influenced social thought, and provided a critical voice in the discourse on race, morality, and politics. His wit, humor, and insights continue to resonate in modern discussions about justice, equality, and the human condition.* #continuiousimprovement #lifelonglearner #talentdevelopment #growth #growthmindset #thoughtleadership #leadership #literature

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I tell my team - focus on your development, even if you register for one course, get a certification, or read a book. Do something for yourself because before you know it, the year goes by and you look back with "shoulda" and "woulda". I squeezed in one more thing for me before the year ends. Thanks to our ERGs who shared this development opportunity and Ceah Justice who sponsors this program. #talentdevelopment #elevate

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Elevate your leadership influence with one simple word that can boost persuasion by 30%. Discover the secret to changing minds and driving success. https://lnkd.in/gAeRU7Jh #Leadership #Persuasion #Influence #ExecutiveStrategy #TechLeadership #CommunicationSkills #DecisionMaking #ProfessionalGrowth #SuccessTips #Innovation

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Inspiring Leadership: The Power of Commitment 💡 As leaders, our words and actions set the tone for our entire team. One of the most effective ways to make your team feel valued is by consistently following through on your commitments. When we fail to do so, it sends a message that their time, effort, and trust are not important. 🔑 Here are 3 tips to ensure your team always feels valued: 🔸Communicate Clearly: Always be transparent about what you can and cannot commit to. This builds trust and sets realistic expectations. 🔸Prioritize Follow-Through: Once you've made a commitment, treat it as a top priority. Show your team that their success and well-being matter by delivering on your promises. 🔸Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your commitments and capacity. If circumstances change, communicate early and adjust accordingly. Your team will appreciate your honesty and flexibility. By embodying these principles, you not only lead with integrity but also inspire your team to give their best every day. #LeadershipTips #TeamBuilding #CommitmentToExcellence #AIInLeadership

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Lisa Roger and I had a fabulous time chatting with Akanksha Padheriya on her podcast sharing our experiences in C-suite roles (and women in the C-suite), in IT leadership, and general career advice. Regardless of where you are in your career, check this out. And especially if you know women who are earlier in their careers, please share this with them. Lisa and I love mentoring people early in their careers so feel free to reach out to either of us! #cio #leadership #technology #womeninleadership #womenintechnology #gmu #georgemasonuniversity

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The Power of Influence "True leadership thrives on the power of influence, not authority. It is about guiding others to greatness, not pushing them in your shadow." As a leader, embracing the power of influence over authority can transform not only your leadership style but also the effectiveness and happiness of your team. Here are two tips to influence for good: Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the behaviors, attitudes, and work ethic you want to see in your team. When your actions align with your words, you build trust and inspire others to follow your lead willingly. Empower Others: Provide opportunities for your team members to take initiative and make decisions. Encourage their growth by offering support and constructive feedback. When people feel valued and capable, they are more likely to excel and contribute positively to the team. What are your thoughts on the power of influence in leadership? How do you practice influential leadership in your role? #Leadership #Influence #GuidingGreatness #TheSecretCodeOfInfluence #LeadershipTips

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I enjoyed this article by Mark Seemann on something I truly believe; “Study fundamentals, rather than specifics.” Before tackling a new technology, I seek out the fundamentals before immersing myself in the specifics. Mark’s takeaway on fostering a lifelong learning mindset is so important and one I implement in all aspects of my life from personal to professional. #lifelonglearning #fundamentals #digitaltransformation #innovation https://lnkd.in/gVmVFuZd

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Are You Evolving? Embrace Change and Grow! In today's fast-paced world, standing still isn't an option. As leaders, we must constantly evolve, adapt, and grow. Here are three tips to keep your growth mindset active:👇 🔸Embrace Change: Change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it's adopting new technologies or pivoting strategies, being open to change is key to staying ahead. 🔸Invest in Learning: Never stop learning. Read books, attend seminars, take courses—especially in areas like AI and digital transformation. The more knowledge you acquire, the more equipped you'll be to tackle new challenges. 🔸Foster a Growth Mindset in Your Team: Encourage your team to take risks and learn from failures. Create an environment where innovation is celebrated and continuous improvement is the norm. Harnessing AI for Growth Artificial Intelligence is changing industries across the board. As leaders, integrating AI into your strategy can provide insights and efficiencies that were previously unimaginable. Start by understanding how AI can solve your specific business challenges and explore AI-driven tools that can enhance productivity and decision-making. Are you ready to evolve? Let’s grow together. DM, follow, or connect with me to learn more or get coaching tips! #Leadership #GrowthMindset #AI #Innovation #ContinuousImprovement #ChangeManagement #Coaching #Learning

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🚀 Our Best Strategic Planning Session Yet 🚀 Over 15 years of participating and leading strategic planning sessions in various organizations, I’ve seen it all. Most end up as talk-heavy, action-light marathons. This week's 2025 strategic planning at AeroTEC - Aerospace Testing Engineering & Certification Inc. was the most POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE session I've participated in! Here’s how we made it the most effective yet: 1️⃣ Start with a Simple Problem Statement ➡️ We zeroed in on the core issues with a streamlined process, uncovering root causes rather than getting lost in the weeds. 2️⃣ Align on the North Star ➡️ Defining our “long game” was crucial. Everything we discussed came back to that guiding vision. 3️⃣ Build Real Action Plans ➡️ We nailed down practical steps with clear WHO, WHAT, and WHEN for each action focused, simple, and impactful. 4️⃣ Focus on People & Organizational Design ➡️ We emphasized team development and made the tough calls on what to prioritize (and what to cut). 5️⃣ Create an Open Environment ➡️ Healthy debates and diverse viewpoints created transparency and trust. Every voice mattered. Here’s what we did to set the stage for success: ✔ Entry Criteria - Clear agenda, pre-workshops, and data-driven insights - Vision for long-term goals and near-term actions - Right team + full support from the rest of the organization ✔ Process - Offsite location with zero distractions - AI-assisted notes, clear timekeeping, and inclusive discussions - Documented actions, validated as we went ✔ Exit Criteria - Aligned on our North Star, financial and operational goals, quarterly objectives - Clear needle-moving WHO, WHAT, and WHEN action items - Full commitment to drive forward Strategic planning is a significant investment, but with a clear approach, data, engaged team, and documented plan, the ROI is real. I want to thank the following people that made this session so powerful: Lee Human (President/CEO), Emily Brown, Pascal Leguay, Jeffrey Smale, Todd Leighton, Justin Bowen, @martintremblay, Talon Unruh, @ericpadilla, and Becky Higgins Wright, PHR, SHRM-CP. 👉 How do you approach strategic planning at your organization? What works (or doesn’t)? Drop your insights below! #GSD #leadership #business

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The recent support and funding for #smartmanufacturing will be a game-changer for small #AmericanManufacturers. The future of #AmericanManufacturing relies on modernization and #innovation. When cutting-edge technologies are easier for smaller manufacturers to implement, barriers are removed, new jobs are created, and American companies remain competitive and continuously innovative. #smartfactory #industry40

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Why Leadership Needs to Evolve—Or Risk Being Left Behind Here’s the reality: According to a Gallup survey, only 33% of employees in the U.S. are engaged at work. The rest? Disconnected. And this disconnect often comes from leadership failing to align values and purpose with their team. If you want to thrive in today’s world, especially with AI transforming every business landscape, leaders must adapt by focusing on: 👉 Fostering an environment where values are not just talked about, but lived. 👉 Embracing technology like AI to streamline tasks, giving more time to engage with teams meaningfully. 👉 Ensuring that every team member feels connected to the bigger picture—because when people are aligned, performance soars. Incorporating AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch; it means leveraging tools to create more space for impactful leadership. Don’t get left behind—lead with empathy and purpose. #Leadership #AIInBusiness #CultureBuilding #EmpathyInLeadership #BusinessGrowth #FutureOfWork #AI #Automation #LeadershipDevelopment

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In leadership, how we view challenges and respond to obstacles sets the tone for the entire team. Some see setbacks as either blessings or burdens, waiting for luck to dictate success. But real growth comes from embracing every situation as a challenge to learn, adapt, and grow. When we lead with resilience and kindness, we build an environment of respect. Taking on challenges isn’t just about pushing forward; it’s about uplifting those around us and encouraging a mindset that every challenge is a chance to excel and support each other. It’s not only about achieving success but how we achieve it—with integrity, kindness, and a spirit of resilience that makes each obstacle a collective opportunity for growth. #Leadership #Resilience #GrowthMindset #KindnessInLeadership #RespectInTheWorkplace #ProfessionalGrowth #ChallengeAccepted #LeadershipDevelopment #Inspiration #MondayMotivation #PeopleFirst

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🌟 Transform Your Leadership with Coaching 🌟 Leadership isn't just about directing others; it's about evolving, adapting, and inspiring. With the right coaching, every leader can unlock new potentials, forge stronger teams, and lead with vision and empathy. Why Consider Leadership Coaching? - Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: Learn to make informed decisions that align with your vision and values. - Increased Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and areas for growth, which is essential for personal and professional development. - Improved Communication: Develop the ability to communicate effectively, ensuring your message is clear and motivational. - Empower Your Team: Coaching isn’t just for you. It's about lifting others on your journey, creating a culture of continuous improvement and shared success. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time or looking to enhance your existing skills, coaching offers invaluable insights and strategies tailored just for you. 📲 Interested in taking your leadership to the next level? Send me a DM or visit my website at www.paulhylenski.com to explore how we can work together to achieve your leadership goals. Let’s inspire change, together. #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamLeadership #Empowerment #LeadershipSkills #ManagementTraining #LeadershipCoaching #TransformationalLeadership

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🌟 Leadership Transforms: From Good to Great Teams 🌟 Every team has the potential for greatness, and the catalyst for that transformation is always effective leadership. It's not about command and control, but about inspiring and empowering. 🚀 Here’s the blueprint to be the leader who turns any team into a high-performing unit: 1. Foster Trust: Trust isn't given; it's earned. Cultivate an environment where team members feel secure to speak up, take risks, and show vulnerability. Trust is the glue of life, and it's the foundational principle that holds all relationships, including those in the workplace. 2. Empower Others: Great leaders don't create followers; they create more leaders. By empowering your team to take ownership, you’re not just delegating tasks; you're entrusting them with the mission of the organization. This empowerment leads to innovation, engagement, and a strong sense of agency. 3. Communicate Effectively: Be as transparent as possible. Clear, consistent communication ensures everyone is aligned and moving toward the same goals. It prevents misinformation and the workplace rumor mill from undermining team coherence. 4. Lead by Example: Model the behavior you want to see. Leaders who walk the talk inspire their teams to strive for excellence. When you lead by example, your actions become a silent inspiration for others. 5. Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of learning and development. Leaders who are committed to their own growth inspire their teams to seek out opportunities for improvement, leading to innovation and mastery. Transform your leadership and watch as your team's potential unfolds into something remarkable. Follow for more on how to unlock the full potential of your teams. Ready to take your team to the next level? DM me for leadership coaching that turns challenges into opportunities and teams into dynamos. Let's achieve greatness together! #TeamTransformation #LeadershipCoaching #FromGoodToGreat #Empowerment #Communication #LeadByExample #ContinuousImprovement #LeadershipDevelopment

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"Stable and Predictable" Great article that shows what good manufacturing and operations leadership looks like on the front lines An even better reminder of how undervalued Stable and Predictable is. Not only in operations but in corporate leadership. Great leaders chart a course and keep a steady hand on the tiller so their teams can execute. More common is leaders who are constantly inducing change and chaos into their organizations which wastes resources and undermines execution. As a friend said, 'you can drive really fast on straight smooth road. Too many leaders are creating potholes, rather than filling them, and it lowers the execution speed of the entire organization. https://lnkd.in/gqwihsCm

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