Scott Borcherding

These last few weeks have proved exceptionally difficult for my friends and former colleagues at Albemarle Corporation as they’ve navigated a major company restructure that resulted in many of them losing their jobs. After having the opportunity to speak with a few people, I thought I’d share some thoughts more broadly in hopes that there is a nugget of value for others: ◦ Take time to process- it’s important you take a deep breath. You need to let yourself feel the change and become ok with it; this can take awhile, but it’s key that you take care of yourself mentally. ◦ Get organized- update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Ask a trusted friend or colleague for their feedback, their perspective will be invaluable. ◦ Consider your next role- be thoughtful about what kind of role or company you want for your next opportunity. Reach out and make connections within those organizations. Most people are open to new connections, and it’s always worth a try! ◦ Be visible- as you’re comfortable, share your story on LinkedIn or other professional platforms and networks. Not only can this help you continue to process what happened, but it has the potential to help make new connections and create opportunities. ◦ It’s ok to ask for help- don’t forget to use your network, friends and colleagues! We can be a sounding board to consider new opportunities but we are also here when you need reassurance. Job hunting is hard, we all know it, and we all want to offer the support you need. I’m a believer that things happen for a reason, even if it takes us awhile to find that reason. Stay strong, it’ll be ok, I’m absolutely confident. If I can help, know I’m here and glad to offer my support. Virtual hugs to you!

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"Every failure is a step to success." – William Whewell 🔥 I'm in the business of building and leading high-performing teams. 🎯 My mission? To profoundly impact the lives of others. Let's clarify one thing: 🛠️ The insights I share are sculpted from my setbacks, not just successes. These are my Opportunities for Improvement (OFI's). Topics I delve into: - Growth - Mindset - Leadership - Personal Development 📚 Success stories aren't just tales to tell; they are lessons learned from numerous stumbles. On the outside, I may appear 'put together.' The truth? I'm on this path, evolving and learning right alongside you.✨ 🚀 I learn quickly, apply solutions immediately, and continue to fail forward. 🔄 Fail fast, fail forward. Soon, you too will share advice, not only from your victories but from your invaluable learning experiences. 👊 Keep pushing. More victories are on your horizon! 📢 Found this post inspiring? ♻️ Please like and share to empower more people! 👣 Follow me for daily motivation and practical wisdom. What's one failure that propelled you forward recently? Drop a comment below! 🌟 #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #FailForward #SuccessThroughStruggle #MindsetMatters

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Today, we reflect on the profound words τετέλεσται ("It is finished") spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross. This statement goes beyond mere completion; it signifies victory and fulfillment in various contexts: - **Financial Context:** In ancient times, τετέλεσται marked debts & receipts as "paid in full," ensuring financial obligations were completely settled. - **Judicial Context:** Similarly, the term was used in legal settings to signify the completion of punishment for crimes, similar to a modern-day "sentence served" notice. - **Military Context:** In military history, τετέλεσται was shouted to declare full and final victory over enemies, signifying the successful overcoming of the opponent. In the ultimate sense, Jesus' declaration on the cross encapsulates these meanings: the debt of sin paid in full, justice served, and the ultimate triumph over darkness. Let's find inspiration in this message of redemption and victory for our own journeys. #Inspiration #Leadership #Faith #Resilience #Victory #Redemption #HistoricalContext #PersonalGrowth

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Predictability is key, but so is innovation. In the industrial sector, change is often met with skepticism. And I get it. When your operations have been running smoothly for decades, the idea of shaking elements up can feel risky. Predictability is the name of the game. It keeps projects on plan, budgets in check, and teams working in sync. But here’s the thing—sticking to the same old ways in a world that’s constantly evolving isn’t just safe; it’s dangerous. We’re facing new challenges every day. More complex projects, tighter regulations, and an increasing demand for efficiency. That’s where innovation comes in. You don’t need to throw out the old playbook… it’s about enhancing it. At PayShepherd, we understand the importance of predictability in your operations, which is why our platform is designed to add a layer of visibility and control, not confusion. Consider this: managing project finances without real-time data is like giving out credit cards without immediate oversight. Before PayShepherd, clients would wait nervously for end-of-the-month statements to grasp their spending. Now, they have the tools to see expenses as they occur, ensuring budget adherence and eliminating fiscal surprises. While missing financial forecasts is painful, we recognize that it pales in comparison to the critical importance of safety and production. Our system ensures you can innovate with the assurance that your most important assets—your people and your production capabilities—are protected. Innovation in our industry isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about ensuring safety and predictability in ways never before possible. Interested in how this can work for your projects? Let’s connect. 💬

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Leadership Lessons from the Frontline Spending time on the floor with your team is one of the best ways to learn as a leader. Seeing operations up close and hearing directly from those doing the work inspires ideas and builds trust. Leadership happens in the details. What’s one lesson you’ve learned by connecting with your team?

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If you want to separate your self from the candidate herd, or combat the subtle nature of Age Discrimination, PLEASE, load up your resume with KPI's; Metrics; Business Impact Accomplishments, etc... Show the hiring company your ROI. Some examples below:

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Invest on talents even with less experience...

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Strategic thinking is a skill that takes devoted time to develop and devoted time to use. It challenges leaders to understand their business vertical needs all along the value chain.

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Driving culture change isn't easy. You have to understand the current culture, the background and history. You have to assess and understand their current priorities, initiatives, headwinds, and daily challenges. Do they have the bandwidth to change? How will they adopt the change? Will the change be sustainable? Who will champion and drive this change ? Is this person committed and have the time required? Do they see the need to change and believe in the new concepts ? As senior executive leaders we are responsible for driving change. We are constantly talking about expanding on the positive culture, bringing in a new culture and eliminating the culture (norms and behaviors) we feel aren't driving results. Culture change within an organization takes significant time, resources, planning, selling, alignment, influencing, and battle tough champions to be successful.

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The Power of Collaboration Leadership is a team sport. Whether it’s driving operational excellence or launching a new initiative, the best outcomes happen when every voice is valued. Success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people working together toward a shared goal. How has collaboration driven success in your team?

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🎉 This week marks my two-year anniversary at Wabash! 🎉 I’m often asked, “What does a Value Stream Manager actually do?” My answer? I’m an intrapreneur. As an intrapreneur, I bring an entrepreneurial mindset to my work. My role requires me to think strategically, act with urgency, and innovate continuously. I’m here to protect and strengthen the brand, foster collaboration, push boundaries, and find new ways to drive value for our customers and our teams. Currently, I’m diving into Your Next Five Moves – Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David, and it’s resonating deeply with my work. It’s about honing the foresight and agility that every intrapreneur needs. In my role, I am constantly assessing our next moves to ensure that we’re staying aligned with our vision, our customer needs, and our operational excellence. It’s a challenge I love. Here’s to two years of growth, collaboration, and the opportunities that lie ahead at Wabash! #anniversary #intrapreneur #businessstrategy #valuestreammanagement #Wabash

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Bright to the point: Optimism I had the awesome opportunity this morning to teach a great topic during FOW (Focus of the week). This is near and dear to my heart and has been one of the most influential pieces of motivation throughout my 26 years in leadership; PRATICAL OPTIMISM. What does this mean? Simply put, hold your head high during times of adversity and challenge and be that multiplying force to drive others to greatness. Here are the eight principles to help guide your day/ life: Purpose Processing emotions Problem solving Developing a healthy sense of pride Building confidence Being present Connecting with people Practicing healthy habits   Read the above and challenge yourself to be 1% better every day. These words have a much deeper meaning and require intentionality and work but I promise you, the better you become at practicing these eight principles, the better you will be at life. Remember: “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier” – Colin Powell Would love to hear your thoughts. How will you engage in the principles listed above? Have you practiced these before, are they working? Is there one principle that stands out, why? Keep your foot on the gas, team and lead from the front every day! SEMPER FIDELIS

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Just finished the course “Executive Leadership” by John Ullmen! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eMFGGe7m #executiveleadership.

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"Talent is everything. Product is important, but talent is someone who evolves the product.” — Yushiro Kato I had an awesome conversation with Yushiro Kato on the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, and if there’s one thing that struck me, it’s the humility and deep care he has for people. Here’s a guy who built a $100M company from scratch but still believes in being hands-on and connected to the core values that started it all. His journey speaks to the kind of leadership that isn’t about ego—it’s about purpose, people, and patience. Here are three lessons that resonated with me: Hire for Values, Not Just Skills Yushiro shared how he personally does final interviews for every global hire, looking for alignment with CADDi’s values before anything else. Leadership isn’t just about building a product; it’s about building a team that believes in what they’re doing and shares the same commitment. Stay Close to the Customer Even now, Yushiro emphasizes going to the customer’s site and understanding their world. His take? “Go see the problem with your own eyes.” Leadership sometimes means stepping back, getting in the trenches, and seeing things from the front lines. Define Success on Your Own Terms When asked about success, Yushiro said, “It’s not about the money.” For him, success is about creating something lasting, meaningful, and truly impactful. It’s a reminder that leadership is as much about why we’re doing something as it is about what we’re doing. If you’re on a journey of building something—or just trying to lead with a little more intention—tune into Yushiro’s story. His perspective on people-first leadership is a breath of fresh air, especially in a world so often focused on the bottom line. Listen to the episode on any podcast platform, watch it on YouTube, or head to https://lnkd.in/gnmDbCuu. Would love to hear your thoughts—what’s a leadership lesson that’s stuck with you? #Leadership #PurposeDriven #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #ManufacturingCulture #Podcast #YushiroKato #TeamBuilding #FutureOfManufacturing

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Why Effective Leadership Needs Proper Vetting I recently interviewed for a Plant Manager position, only to find the process alarmingly brief—just 15 minutes focused on technical questions with no discussion on strategic business alignment. As a senior leader, I expected a conversation that would address how the role integrates with company goals, performance metrics, and leadership collaboration. The lack of focus on these critical elements raised a red flag. A company that doesn’t thoroughly vet its candidates for leadership roles may not understand the complexity of the position. Rushed interviews signal a potential lack of respect for leadership and could indicate disorganization within the company. Effective plant management is about driving business strategy, not just operations. If the interview process fails to address this, it’s a warning to trust your instincts and look elsewhere for an organization that values strategic leadership and long-term success.

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⏰ Struggling with timely issue resolution due to lack of resources? You are not alone. The domino effect of missing a quarterly target and pushing objectives into the next quarter stresses resources and budgets. As a leader, your job is to address these gaps to complete objectives. Fractional resources bridge the gap. OPSQC can help. Schedule a Discovery call today. https://lnkd.in/gTdmzvr9 #fractionalresources #smallbusiness #businessowner #privateequity #defensecontractor #automotive #manufacturing #machineshop #supplychain #supplierdevelopment #fabricator #CNC

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I've always seen the parallel between sports and corporate activities: both unite a group of individuals with a clear objective, striving for success. This insightful article draws fascinating parallels between the NFL and healthcare! In the NFL, hiring a star player won't fix team issues without organizational change. The same applies to hospitals. It's about addressing systemic problems and fostering continuous improvement. Some key takeaways to remember: • Leaders must drive and engage in the transformation. • Quick fixes don't solve root problems. • Empowering all team members leads to sustainable improvements. Explore how Lean principles foster trust, collaboration, and continuous learning. Let's achieve better outcomes together! 🅴🄽🅹🄾🆈 🆁🄴🅰🄳🅸🄽🅶!

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"Safe" is another broad term that we often hear. What does this it really mean for a product to be safe. This article offers some insightful expert perspectives. "Safety is a binary proposition, but there are degrees to the assurance of safety." Consider these dimensions on product safety. Safe for whom? Who determines what is safe? What should be considered in determining safe use? Is something safe if there is no data showing it is unsafe? https://lnkd.in/eg8j3n7M

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It is finally Sweets & Snacks Expo week! Upland President Jacqueline Holliday and Principal Evan Millman are headed to Indy – reach out if you want to grab a coffee☕!   Our team will be on the lookout for brands that are challenging the norm and meeting a range of evolving consumer preferences like 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗼𝗿-𝗬𝗼𝘂 (BFY), 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻-𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱, and 𝗙𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰. Across a busy landscape, here are some brands already on the market that deliver on recent trends: ✅ Drumroll Snacks – protein-forward healthy indulgence donuts Drumroll challenges traditional protein formats with its range of glazed, plant-based donuts, each of which delivers 10 grams of protein per serving. They’re also gluten-free and low in sugar, catering to the needs of health-conscious consumers without compromising on flavor. ✅ OLOVES Olives – savory and convenient Oloves emerges as the ultimate solution for those craving a savory snack on the go. Oloves presents olives in convenient, portable pouches in enticing flavor combinations: basil and garlic, zesty lemon & rosemary, and fiery chili & oregano.   ✅ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Cibo Vita) – a 2023 Sweets and Snack Expo Innovation Award finalist  This offering from Nature’s Garden hits on BFY, Fruit Centric, and Healthy Indulgence with its fusion of yogurt, real fruit pieces, and 2 billion live probiotic cultures.   ✅ 𝗙𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗼𝘁! – nature’s candy at the center This brand puts the spotlight on fruit with frozen grapes coated in lemon juice and sour candy. Imagine the familiar tang of a Sour Patch Kid, but with the natural sweetness of grapes. We’re excited to see more innovative brands at the Expo this week. Contact [email protected] if you’d like to set up a meeting to discuss #disruption in your category! #innovation #snacks #confections #marketing #ontheroad

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