Blurring the Boundaries of Manufacturing (wsg Jerry Foster)

During this episode, You, Me and Your Top Three host, Gregg Garrett, speaks about how creating connected products may blur the boundaries of manufacturing and aftermarket service. He then speaks with Jerry Foster, CTO at Plex Systems. Jerry, an expert in Industry 4.0, shares how he bravely launched an information technology company from the gritty floor of a foundry. He then discusses how the manufacturing sector is dealing with COVID-19 and gives hints on how manufacturers are redefining their supply chains in real time. Jerry shares his Top Three ranging from his wife to his cofounder to the CFO of his current team. And you have to hear what he has to say about building confidence by surrounding yourself with people smarter than you.    About Jerry Foster Jerry Foster is CTO and leads Plex System’s technology strategy, along with research and design initiatives focused on next-generation cloud solutions for the manufacturing enterprise. A founding member of the Plex team, Jerry has been instrumental in the entire evolution of Plex, overseeing the technical transitions in each phase of our growth. Jerry earned his degree in computer science at Liberty University. Show Highlights Segment 1: Overview 1:09      Industry 4.0 – the movement toward the digitalization of manufacturing (the Fourth Industrial Revolution). 4:34      Industry 4.0 isn’t just within four walls – it extends to supply chains, retail and beyond. 5:25      Ask yourself: “What is manufacturing in the future?” 7:03      Jerry Foster: An Industry 4.0 expert and a history in the manufacturing space. 10:55   Plex System: Connect with the future of smart manufacturing (ERP solutions) Segment 2: The “Top Three” 14:44   Jerry’s “Top Three” beings with his wife, Angie, who is empathetic, compassionate, sacrificial and brave. 17:42   Keeping the focus on empathy. 23: 44  Jerry’s “Top Three” continues with Rob Beatty who was a true leader with intelligence, leadership, wisdom and fairness. 25:33   Best leadership advice:  “Lead with your heart, lead with honor and don’t fear the lawyers.” 30:26   Rarely argue. Instead, ask: What do we need to do to get this fixed? 36:19   Jerry’s “Top Three” continues with Don Clarke who teaches the balance between customer-centricity and representing the value you are providing. 40:42   Jerry’s “Top Three” concludes with Drew Flint who is a best friend. Segment 3: Transformation & Disruption 41:41   Real-time monitoring of the impact of COVID-19. 46:40   The early payoffs of Industry 4.0 and being in the cloud. 51:00   Disruption is occurring globally and across all industries. 52:29   Advice for transformations: “You have to solve real problems. There has to be a business driver involved.” 54:08   Why people push back on transformation. Segment 4: Wrapping Up 56:24   Advice for leaders: “Surround yourself with, and hire people who are, smarter than you.” 59:47   Check out Plex and the recent ‘5th Annual State of Manufacturing Technology Report’. Additional Information Contact Jerry Foster: Jerry’s Email Jerry’s LinkedIn Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

Om Podcasten

You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.