MetaPod

MetaPod

Welcome to MetaPod, where we discuss operational execs and organizations that make and move stuff. No matter what we’re making and moving, we all have the same 3 headaches: digitization/digital transformation, the forever labor shortage, and doing more with less.

Episodes

July 3, 2025 16 mins

Explore manufacturing relocation strategies and common pitfalls to avoid with Kim Crabtree and Neal McGee on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into proven methods for moving operations, why emotional and operational alignment is key, and how to avoid disaster by asking the right questions before making a move.

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Explore cost transparency and digital procurement transformation with Kim Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how to build systems that reflect real cost structures, why rapid evolution beats digital revolution, and how smarter sourcing leads to 12-18% savings.

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Explore digital-tein supply-chain simulation and enterprise-wide data aggregation with Kim Crabtree and Greg Smith on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how centralized data unlocks proactive risk modeling, why scenario planning beats spreadsheet guesswork, and the concrete savings companies gain when they test “what-if” moves before they act.

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Explore the total landed cost modeling and strategic supply chain planning with Ron Crabtree and Dennis Schneider on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why most companies aren’t fully accounting for tariff impact, how to collect the right data to drive decisions, and what a well-aligned supply chain strategy really looks like.

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Explore the risks of import/export misclassification and tariff compliance strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpert Bob Forshay on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why getting trade codes right the first time protects your margins, how to align internal processes with customs documentation, and how to proactively research HTS codes to avoid delays, penalties, and profit loss. 

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Explore tariff-driven relocation readiness and supply chain diversification strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpertⓇ Bez Hoxha on this special edition of Meta Pod. Dive into a five-phase framework for relocation decisions, the critical role of up-front legal/compliance alignment, and the hidden blind spots that sink rushed moves.

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Explore tariff strategy and supply chain resilience with MetaExpertⓇ Ben Harmsen on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how one company protected $80M in revenue, minimized price increases, and reduced China exposure—all while navigating rising costs, supplier diversification, and trade compliance challenges. This real-world case study offers practical steps for leaders facing global disruption.

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Explore the skilled trades labor shortage and AI-powered onboarding with Ron Crabtree and Derek Crager on MetaPod. Dive into how AI tools like voice-activated mentors can capture tribal knowledge, reduce downtime, and scale expert insights across shifts.

 

Know more about Practical AI: www.practicalai.app https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

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Explore the untapped power of human potential and organizational change readiness with Ron Crabtree and Ernesto Gomez on MetaPod. Dive into strategies to unlock performance, assess team culture, and identify what’s really holding your organization back.

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Explore the forever labor shortage and workforce efficiency strategies with Ron Crabtree and Travis Ellinger on MetaPod. Dive into why technical roles are increasingly hard to fill, how to build sustainable talent pipelines, and the four-step plan to retain workers and maximize internal capabilities.

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Explore the realities of global tariff disruptions and data-driven supply chain diagnostics with Ron Crabtree and Greg Smith on MetaPod. Dive into how disjointed data systems create operational risk, why Excel is still dominating supply chain floors (and why that’s a problem), and how to build proactive, risk-ready systems, especially in regulated industries like life sciences.

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Explore the power of citizen developers and boosting frontline engagement with Ron Crabtree and John Papastylianou on MetaPod. Dive into why traditional top-down tech strategies often fail, how low/no-code tools can unlock shop floor innovation, and why observation, not just data, is the key to real change.

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Explore the evolving role of internal IT and cybersecurity essentials with Ron Crabtree and Jeff Borello on MetaPod. Dive into how IT can become a strategic advantage, why cybersecurity should be every manufacturer’s top priority, and how to tackle technology debt before it cripples your operations.

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Explore the forever labor shortage and cultural transformation with Ron Crabtree and guests Steve McKeon and Lupe Muñoz on MetaPod. Dive into practical strategies for assessing organizational trust, developing leadership accountability, and building systems that sustain high-performance teams.

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Explore the hidden pitfalls of digital transformation and how to make changes stick with Ron Crabtree and James Cuthbert on MetaPod. Dive into the concept of process debt, why 80% of digital rollouts fail, and how organizations can bridge the gap between technology, people, and culture.

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Explore the impact of tariffs on supply chains and how businesses can navigate financial, legal, and operational risks with Ron Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on MetaPod. Dive into how tariffs could reshape procurement strategies, the risks of being the last supplier standing, and the opportunity costs of focusing solely on tariffs instead of strategic initiatives.

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Explore the challenges of onshoring, labor shortages, and cost inflation with Ron Crabtree and Steve Snedegar on MetaPod. Dive into how manufacturers can increase capacity and implement automation, key strategies for addressing labor shortages, and how to manage cost inflation and pricing for profitability.

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Explore the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in the face of labor shortages, digitization pressures, and doing more with less with Ron Crabtree and Joe Spadaford on MetaPod. Dive into strategies for strengthening your value proposition, optimizing your operating model, and engaging your workforce to support long-term scaling.

 

To get in touch with Joe Spadaford:

Joseph Spadaford, President of J Francis Consulting LLC 294...
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Explore the impacts of upcoming tariff changes and global supply chain strategies with Ron Crabtree and Karen King on MetaPod. Dive into the importance of trade compliance personnel, the need for global supply chain visibility, and strategies to mitigate escalating duties and tariffs.

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Explore the challenges of doing more with less and operational alignment with Ron Crabtree and David Hewitt on MetaPod. Dive into streamlining logistics, prioritizing key customers with the 80/20 principle, and building a culture of continuous improvement.

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