Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses the importance of storytelling in the industry with Danny Gonzales, founder of Industrial Sage. Gonzales emphasizes the need for compelling narratives to change perceptions of manufacturing and inspire the next generation. He highlights various storytelling methods, including podcasts, documentaries, and internal communications. They also discuss the challenges of innovation, the impact of AI and automation, and the necessity of human interaction in the workplace. Gonzales encourages leaders to communicate effectively and involve frontline workers to foster a culture of innovation and improve retention.

Action Items

• [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Review your internal communication strategies to ensure leadership is actively engaging employees and fostering a culture of innovation.
• [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Implement a feedback loop to involve frontline workers in identifying areas for process improvements and technology implementations.
• [ ] Reach out to Danny Gonzales at Industrial Sage to discuss how to effectively tell the story of your manufacturing or industrial company.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie and the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting its global reach and celebrating industrial professionals for their boldness and innovation.
• The podcast aims to help industrial professionals tell their stories in an engaging way, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the industry.
• Scott encourages listeners to connect with him on the podcast platform to discuss their stories and experiences.

The Importance of Storytelling in Industry

• Scott MacKenzie stresses the need for industrial professionals to step out of their comfort zones and tell their stories boldly and radically.
• He believes that storytelling is crucial for inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders and motivating them to join the industry.
• Scott introduces Danny Gonzales, an industrial sage who creates compelling video productions to tell the story of the manufacturing industry.
• He expresses his admiration for industrial professionals and their work, urging them to appreciate and elevate their contributions.

Danny Gonzales' Background and Industrial Sage

• Danny Gonzales shares his background, starting a video production company called Optimum Productions and later founding Industrial Sage in 2017.
• He explains his passion for storytelling, which began during his time as a missionary in Mexico, and how he transitioned to creating videos for B2B and industrial purposes.
• Danny discusses the mission of Industrial Sage to change the perception of the manufacturing industry, highlighting its innovation and impact on daily life.
• He emphasizes the importance of great storytelling in showcasing the true nature of the manufacturing industry and its significance.

Storytelling Techniques and Content Creation

• Danny explains the various storytelling techniques used by Industrial Sage, including podcasts, news content, mini-documentary series, and bi-weekly shows.
• He shares examples of their content, such as the "Industries of the Future" series with Schneider Electric and the "American Makers" podcast.
• Danny highlights the importance of targeting different audiences, from executives to frontline workers, to provide a comprehensive view of the manufacturing industry.
• He discusses the role of storytelling in inspiring the next generation of industrial professionals and showcasing the meaningful work being done in the industry.

Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Storytelling

• Scott MacKenzie and Danny Gonzales discuss the challenges of communicating the importance of the manufacturing industry to the next generation.
• They emphasize the need for radical passion and meaningful communication to inspire young people to join the industry.
• Danny shares a personal story about an employee who was inspired by their work and decided to pursue a career in programming within the manufacturing industry.
• They agree that showing the impact and purpose of industrial work is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in the industry.

The Role of Leadership and Communication

• Danny discusses the importance of leadership and communication in fostering a culture of innovation and change within organizations.
• He explains how effective communication from top leadership can drive engagement and inspire employees to embrace new technologies and processes.
• Danny shares examples of successful internal communication strategies that have led to increased employee engagement and reduced turnover.
• They emphasize the need for leaders to be present and involved in the day-to-day operations to ensure that employees feel heard and valued.

Impact of AI and Automation on Human Interaction

• Danny and Scott discuss the impact of AI and automation on human interaction within the manufacturing industry.
• They acknowledge the trepidation and uncertainty surrounding AI and the potential for it to replace jobs, but also see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
• Danny shares a theory that in-person events will become more important in the coming years due to the need for face-to-face interaction.
• They agree that maintaining human-to-human contact is essential, especially in an era of increasing automation and remote work.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

• Danny identifies several roadblocks to innovation in the manufacturing industry, including the focus on short-term ROI and the presence of bureaucracy in larger organizations.
• He explains how private equity companies often prioritize short-term gains over long-term investments, which can hinder innovation and cultural change.
• Danny emphasizes the importance of having a culture that values innovation and is willing to take risks, supported by effective communication from leadership.
• They discuss the need for organizations to balance efficiency and innovation, ensuring that employees feel empowered to contribute to the decision-making process.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation by reiterating the importance of storytelling and the need for industrial professionals to tell their stories boldly.
• He encourages listeners to connect with Danny Gonzales and Industrial Sage to help them tell their stories and inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.
• Scott emphasizes the role of leaders in fostering a culture of innovation and communication, urging them to get out of their comfort zones and take action.
• The podcast aims to provide a platform for industrial professionals to share their stories and connect with others in the industry, promoting collaboration and innovation.