Material Handling Masters Podcast

Hosted by MHEDA

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Episodes

105

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Hear material handling industry economic insight, trends and member perspectives when you listen to MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association) podcasts. Learn what thought leaders in our industry have to say about improving business operations and staying relevant in a changing industry.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 16, 202620 min

Protecting the Knowledge That Powers Your Business

How Companies Preserve Expertise While Preparing the Next Generation In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Lisa Ryan, founder and Chief Appreciation Officer of Grategy to explore how companies can preserve critical knowledge as experienced employees retire and technology reshapes the workplace. As longtime employees approach retirement, some of an organization’s most valuable knowledge can walk out the door with them. Lisa encourages leaders to reframe knowledge transfer around legacy and respect rather than replacement—giving experienced employees an opportunity to pass along the expertise they have spent decades developing. The conversation also explores the power of reverse mentoring. While experienced employees can teach technical knowledge, context and lessons learned over time, younger employees may bring new perspectives, approaches and greater familiarity with emerging technology. Creating an environment where both are valued can strengthen the organization and accelerate learning across generations. As AI and automation become more embedded in operations, Lisa explains why human judgment remains critical. An experienced operator may recognize from a sound, vibration or subtle change that something isn’t right—knowledge developed over years that may never appear in a system or dataset. Lisa leaves leaders with an important question: What would we discover too late that only that person knew? Identifying that knowledge now can help organizations protect critical capabilities, develop emerging talent and prepare for the future without losing the experience that helped build the business. Listen now for practical insights on knowledge transfer, mentorship and creating a culture where experience and new ideas can work together. Key Topics Discussed Preserving tribal and institutional knowledge before experienced employees retire Reframing knowledge transfer around legacy and respect Using mentorship and reverse mentoring to develop talent Giving emerging employees room to approach work differently Creating a culture where employees feel safe sharing ideas Balancing AI and automation with human experience and judgment Identifying critical knowledge that may exist with only one employee Using appreciation to strengthen retention and knowledge sharing About Lisa Ryan Lisa Ryan is the founder and Chief Appreciation Officer of Grategy. She works with manufacturing and skilled-trades organizations to reduce turnover, strengthen workplace culture and keep the people worth keeping through her Gratanomics approach. Lisa is also the author of Smart Plant: Aligning AI, Automation, and People , which explores how organizations can embrace emerging technology while preserving the human experience, judgment and capabilities essential to their success.

September 30, 202623 min

Leading Without Certainty

How Courage, Optimism and Honest Feedback Drive Better Decisions In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Kristen Ziman, former Chief of Police for Aurora, Illinois, about leading through uncertainty, challenging traditional leadership expectations and finding the courage to act. Kristen reflects on entering a profession where she was frequently underestimated and eventually becoming the first woman to lead her department. Rather than conforming to an established leadership mold, she learned to lead with authenticity, collaboration, empathy and humor—qualities that helped her build trust without sacrificing accountability. The conversation also reframes optimism as a practical leadership strategy. Kristen explains that optimism does not mean ignoring difficult circumstances or simply thinking positively. It means recognizing reality while maintaining the agency to ask, “What can we do next?” Kristen also shares why effective leaders cannot wait for complete certainty before making difficult decisions. Leaders must prepare, seek input from people willing to challenge them, make the best decision possible with the information available and have the courage to change course when necessary. Listen now for practical insights on making decisions under pressure, building a culture of honest feedback and turning moments of disruption into opportunities for growth. Key Topics Discussed Breaking free from traditional leadership stereotypes Leading authentically without conforming to someone else’s model Using optimism as a practical strategy during difficult situations Making sound decisions without having complete certainty Recognizing when preparation becomes hesitation Building a culture where employees can disagree openly Surrounding yourself with trusted truth-tellers Assessing decisions and having the courage to pivot Turning disruption into awareness, learning and action Taking one meaningful step on something you have been avoiding About Kristen Ziman Kristen Ziman is a nationally recognized leadership expert, author and former Chief of Police for Aurora, Illinois. During her 30-year law enforcement career, she became the first woman to lead the Aurora Police Department and guided her organization and community through crisis, organizational change and intense public scrutiny. Today, Kristen helps leaders and organizations strengthen workplace culture, navigate uncertainty and make confident decisions under pressure. She is the author of Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing . Kristen will present “Reckonings: Moments of Truth That Change Everything” at MHEDA’s 2026 Women in Industry Conference. Learn more about Kristen and the Women in Industry Conference .

September 29, 202612 min

Economic Advisory Report – October 2026

The MHEDA Quarterly Economic Advisory Report, published by ITR Economics, provides an in-depth look into the latest economic data and forecasts specifically focused on the material handling industry. Topics discussed in this episode include 2027 economic outlook, K-shaped economy, Inflation and interest rates, Material handling industry outlook, the MHEDA markets dashboard and more.

September 3, 202625 min

Leading a Legacy Forward

How to Evolve a Business Without Losing What Made it Successful In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Nate Andrews, President of Morse Manufacturing, about leadership, business continuity and guiding an established organization into its next chapter. Nate reflects on his path into the family business and the experiences that prepared him to lead. He shares why future leaders need opportunities to learn, make decisions and develop credibility throughout the organization rather than relying solely on a title or family connection. The conversation also explores how Morse has balanced its long history with continued investment, innovation and growth. Nate explains the value of listening to employees, involving the team in strategic planning and creating a shared sense of ownership around the company’s future. Listen now for practical insights on developing leaders, navigating change and building a business that can continue to thrive across generations. Key Topics Discussed Preparing future leaders through experience, responsibility and trust Learning the business from multiple roles and perspectives Earning credibility during a leadership transition Preserving company values while remaining open to change Involving employees in strategic planning and decision-making Investing in people, facilities and new capabilities Using continuous improvement to support long-term growth The value of industry involvement, peer relationships and community service About Nate Andrews Nate Andrews is President of Morse Manufacturing , a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer of drum handling equipment. Under his leadership, Morse has expanded its capabilities, invested in advanced manufacturing processes and strengthened its international reach while preserving the people-centered values that have guided the company for more than 100 years. Nate is also actively involved in the manufacturing community and has served in leadership roles with several industry, business and nonprofit organizations. In 2026, he was named to the MACNY Manufacturers Wall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to manufacturing and the Central New York Community.

August 12, 202630 min

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

Explore the Skills, Mindset, and Leadership Habits Every Emerging Leader Needs to Succeed In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards speaks with Brittany Neish, founder of What You Do Matters and host of MHEDA’s NextGen Virtual Series, about building stronger leadership skills through care, compassion and self-awareness. Brittany explains why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, explores common blind spots such as an “I” versus “we” mentality and discusses why high performers do not automatically become effective managers. She also shares why people skills are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven workplace. Listen now to learn why leadership is not something you are simply born with—it is a skill that can be practiced, developed and strengthened. Key Topics Discussed Why leaders should feel comfortable asking for help The shift from an “I” to a “we” mentality Common blind spots that hold leaders back Why high performers do not always make good managers How leadership affects retention and employee well-being Why people skills matter in an AI-driven workplace How leadership skills can be practiced and strengthened About Brittany Neish Brittany Neish is the founder of What You Do Matters and a leadership expert known for her holistic, people-centered approach. With a master’s degree in organizational development and change, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies to develop integrated leadership strategies that strengthen people and organizations. Through engaging, practical learning experiences, Brittany helps leaders recognize their blind spots, build essential people skills and lead with greater care, compassion and confidence. Want to Hear More From Brittany? Join us for the NextGen Virtual Series: Foundations of Leadership , where Brittany will lead four interactive sessions focused on sharpening your strategic thinking, improving communication, overcoming leadership blind spots, and developing the habits and mindset to empower your team and deliver high performance – Learn More & Register Today >>

July 1, 202616 min

Taking the Pulse of Material Handling: Quarterly Industry Sentiment Analysis

Introducing the Quarterly Industry Sentiment Analysis In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards welcomes Tim Dawson, Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, to discuss MHEDA’s new partnership with Interact Analysis and the value of industry sentiment data. Tim shares how sentiment reports help capture the industry’s collective outlook by measuring trends in areas such as new orders, backlog, sales cycles, deal size, lead times, staffing, and employee retention. Unlike traditional benchmarking reports that require detailed financial input, sentiment reports provide a quick and confidential way for members to share their perspective on current market conditions and future expectations. The conversation explores how sentiment data complements economic reports and other industry resources by providing a real-time view of how material handling professionals are experiencing market conditions. Tim also explains how members will be able to compare trends across MHEDA’s business communities—including industrial trucks, storage and handling, and systems integration—to gain additional context and perspective. Listeners will learn how sentiment analysis can help leaders benchmark their business against industry peers, identify emerging trends, and better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the material handling market. Key Topics Discussed Understanding industry sentiment analysis Key metrics tracked in the quarterly report Industry sentiment vs. economic reporting Using sentiment data to support decisions Benchmarking against industry peers Insights from the MHEDA and Interact Analysis partnership Identifying emerging industry trends and challenges About Tim Dawson Tim Dawson is the Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, a leading market intelligence firm specializing in supply chain automation, robotics, warehousing, and industrial technology. With extensive experience in market research and economic analysis, Tim leads the company’s research initiatives, helping businesses understand market trends, industry performance, and future opportunities. He is passionate about transforming complex data into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making across the material handling and supply chain industries. More from Interact Analysis Manufacturing Industry Output Tracker (MIO) Exclusively available to MHEDA members, this quarterly report provides insights into global manufacturing output and machinery sector trends to help you plan for the future. Explore regional forecasts, understand changes in industrial demand, and gain perspective on the economic forces shaping manufacturing markets. . — Learn More!

June 30, 202617 min

Economic Advisory Report – July 2026

In the July 2026 Economic Advisory Report, MHEDA presents insights from ITR Economics specifically focused on the material handling industry. The MHEDA Quarterly Economic Report, published by ITR Economics, provides an in-depth look into the latest economic data and forecasts. This report is designed to equip MHEDA members with critical insights to help navigate market trends, understand economic cycles, and make informed business decisions. By accessing both current and archived issues, MHEDA members gain a valuable, data-driven perspective to support their long-term growth and adaptability in a competitive marketplace. Key Topics Discussed in this Episode: Industrial growth outlook Inflation & pricing pressure Business investment strength Consumer spending trends MHEDA markets dashboard To access the full report and explore archived issues, simply log in to your MHEDA member account and order the FREE report . This exclusive resource is part of MHEDA’s commitment to supporting members with relevant, actionable economic insights to fuel strategic planning and success. About ITR Economics ITR Economics is the oldest privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US. ITR Economics has provided business leaders with economic information, insight, analysis, and strategy since 1948. With a knowledge base that spans seven decades, ITR Economics has an uncommon understanding of long-term economic trends as well as best practices for changing market conditions. ITR Economics’ reputation is built on accurate, independent, and objective analysis.

June 22, 202616 min

The Human Advantage in an AI World

Influence, Trust, and the Social Skills That Will Define Tomorrow’s Leaders In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with leadership expert, workplace performance specialist, and Emerging Leaders Conference keynote speaker Henna Pryor to explore how professionals can stand out in an increasingly AI-driven world. Henna shares insights on influence, communication, adaptability, and why human-centered skills are becoming more important—not less—as technology advances. From navigating uncertainty to building meaningful relationships and increasing your impact, this conversation offers practical takeaways for leaders at every stage of their career. Key Topics Discussed Why human skills remain a competitive advantage in an AI-driven workplace. How influence and communication are evolving in today’s business environment. The importance of adaptability when facing uncertainty and change. Practical strategies for building stronger professional relationships. Insights from Henna’s upcoming book, The Signal Gap . About Henna Pryor Henna Pryor is a workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps organizations strengthen communication, influence, and leadership effectiveness. Known for her engaging, energetic, and research-backed approach, Henna has worked with global organizations to help professionals build confidence, navigate change, and create greater impact in their careers. She is the author of the upcoming book The Signal Gap , a modern guide to influence and communication in today’s workplace, featuring insights from leading thinkers including Adam Grant, Seth Godin, Robert Cialdini, and Dorie Clark. Want to Hear More From Henna? Join us at the 2026 Emerging Leaders Conference July 15-16, where Henna will lead two interactive sessions focused on communication, influence, and leadership in today’s evolving workplace. Learn more and register today. — Learn More & Register Today!

April 29, 202631 min

Culture by Design: How InCord Builds, Listens, and Leads

Building a Workplace People Want to Be Part Of In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with Meredith Shay, Owner & CEO of InCord, and Robin Ritz, Owner & VP of Sales and Marketing at InCord, to discuss what it takes to create a workplace culture employees genuinely want to be part of. Recognized as a top workplace year after year, InCord shares how intentional leadership, consistent communication, employee feedback, and personal growth initiatives have helped shape a culture built on trust, accountability, and connection. Meredith and Robin also explore the importance of balancing business goals with employee well-being, creating meaningful work experiences, and leading with both vision and empathy. Key Topics Discussed Building a culture rooted in trust, consistency, and communicatio The role of leadership alignment in employee engagement Why employee feedback should drive continuous improvement Supporting employees both personally and professionally Creating meaningful workplace experiences that improve retention How intentional culture-building strengthens long-term business success About Meredith Shay & Robin Ritz Meredith Shay is the Owner & CEO of InCord, a custom safety netting provider serving the material handling industry and other markets focused on workplace safety. Meredith is passionate about building strong teams, fostering accountability, and creating a workplace culture where employees can thrive. Robin Ritz is the Owner & VP of Sales and Marketing at InCord. Robin is known for her people-first leadership style and focus on dream management, helping employees align personal goals with meaningful career growth while contributing to a collaborative and purpose-driven workplace culture.

April 2, 202616 min

Maximizing Your Time at MODEX 2026

What to Expect at MODEX 2026: Insights from MHI In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, to explore what attendees can expect at MODEX 2026—one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the material handling industry. Daniel shares a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s event, highlighting new show floor features, expanded educational opportunities, and the continued growth of emerging technologies shaping the industry. He also discusses key trends driving attendance, including the rise of automation, increased interest from venture capital firms, and the importance of workforce development. In addition, Daniel offers practical advice for both first-time exhibitors and attendees on how to plan ahead, maximize ROI, and make the most of the MODEX experience, while still leaving room for unexpected connections and discoveries. Key Topics Discussed New features and activations at MODEX 2026 Growth of automation and emerging technologies The role of startups and venture capital in the industry Tips for first-time exhibitors and attendees How to plan your schedule and maximize your experience Balancing structured planning with spontaneous networking opportunities About Daniel McKinnon Daniel McKinnon is the Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, where he leads the strategy and execution of major industry events including MODEX and ProMat. With extensive experience in trade show management and industry engagement, Daniel plays a key role in shaping experiences that bring together thousands of professionals across the material handling and supply chain sectors. He is passionate about creating opportunities for education, innovation, and meaningful connections that drive the industry forward. Visit MHEDA at MODEX 2026 Let’s Connect! MHEDA is excited to attend MODEX, April 13-16, at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Unplug from the show floor and re-energize in the MHEDA Recharge Lounge. Enjoy a comfortable space to relax, grab refreshments, charge your phone, and spark new conversations with fellow material handling professionals. Conveniently located in the B Concourse (Room B210), MHEDA’s Recharge Lounge is your headquarters for connection, comfort, and community at MODEX 2026. — Learn More!