Tradition Meets Transformation - by Laurie Harbour & Scott Walton (Hardcover)

About the Book

There is an urgent need for North American manufacturing leadership to keep pace with the rapid changes in competition, economics, and technology. Decades of practical expertise and manufacturing know-how are rapidly leaving with retiring leaders. Only by capturing that knowledge and nurturing the next generation of innovators can we shift our collective mindset to ensure the longevity this vital sector.

Without the infusion of new leaders and the transfer of valuable knowledge, the industry faces the risk of disappearance. By embracing the proactive measures outlined in this book, the industry can tip the scales in its favor.

In Tradition Meets Transformation, authors Laurie Harbour and Scott Walton envision a bright future for North American manufacturing, exploring how the five key areas that impact manufacturing enterprises can be leveraged with a mindset shift in leadership to push the survival of North American manufacturing beyond reach in an increasingly dynamic global economy.

Book Synopsis

Laurie Harbour wants you to think differently about manufacturing.

Laurie's career reflects her role as one of the most influential women working in manufacturing. As the president and CEO of Harbour Results Inc., Laurie leads a team of analysts and manufacturing consultants to help small- to medium-sized manufacturers develop short- and long-term strategies, improve their operations, reduce risks, and optimize business.

This expertise has made her a trusted adviser to the North American manufacturing industry. It has also equipped her with unique insight into the trends that will shape manufacturing in the next decade, trends that today's leaders must prepare to meet and master.

Laurie's message is clear: "Manufacturing is at a major tipping point and we are facing a huge generational shift in how people work and their expectations. Things are changing in manufacturing, and leaders need different priorities."

In this book, Laurie shares clear and targeted strategies that will equip the next generation of manufacturing leadership to steer their companies to new levels of success. This is a playbook rich in actionable content leaders at all levels can use to generate operational excellence, develop a more robust labor strategy, leverage automation and data, and create future companies today.

Laurie dispels many of the myths about manufacturing, sharing her knowledge and speaking honestly to the industry's potential and its challenges. This is a practical and deeply engaging book, one that will encourage the next generation of leaders to think differently about manufacturing and provide steps and actions those leaders can use to impact manufacturing's future.

From the Back Cover

Next-Level Strategies for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders

In a world of evolving competition, economic challenges, and technological advancements, the success of North American manufacturing hinges on one critical element: leadership. In Tradition Meets Transformation, authors Laurie Harbour and Scott Walton emphasize the pivotal role of leadership in driving transformation and generational improvement within the industry.

Using extensive research and their combined years of experience in the industry, Harbour and Walton explore the five key areas impacting manufacturing enterprises--operations, labor, commercial strategies, vision and strategy, and technology--and underscore the need for effective leadership in revolutionizing the industry.

Manufacturing leaders urgently need to keep up with competition, economics, and technology while preserving practical expertise as retiring leaders take valuable knowledge with them. Without this shift in leadership and the transfer of knowledge, the North American manufacturing industry is at risk of disappearing. Failure to adapt with the next generation will jeopardize its survival in a dynamic global economy. But by taking the right actions, initiatives, and practices, the industry can reclaim its innovative spirit.

This book serves as a call to action, urging transformation, recovery, and the revival of the pioneering spirit that defined North American manufacturing. The time to nurture the next generation of leaders and shift our collective mindset is now. In doing so, we can ensure a prosperous future for this vital sector.