May 28, 2025
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor’s monthly newsletter.
Now, let’s jump in!
What does successful manufacturing leadership have in common with winning big at the casino? It comes down to becoming an advantage player and learning how to make smarter decisions under pressure.
In this episode, Joel Block, former professional blackjack player turned Wall Street strategist, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, mindset, and team performance for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
Joel draws from his experience in blackjack, venture capital, and hedge funds to explain how leaders can improve strategic thinking, boost employee
1:26 – There are many lessons from card games like blackjack
that can be applied to business and manufacturing
2:58 – To succeed, learn how to Think, See, and Act (TSA)
differently
4:40 – Many people stay busy without actually accomplishing
meaningful work
5:00 – The difference between average performers and advantage
players is that advantage players seek out and create
opportunities
8:33 – All organizations can find ways to improve, even
top-performing companies
11:50 – To change your strategy and find more success, schedule
time to step back and gain perspective
12:15 – Use “high limit questions” to push thinking forward
15:51 – In business, advantage players learn how to anticipate
workforce needs
18:37 – Everyone has a role to play when it comes to a team’s
success
20:07 – Motivate your team by making sure everyone is connected to
a meaningful goal
21:20 – When you’re successful, it lifts your business, family, and
community
Connect with Joel Block
Visit his website
Connect by email at joel@theadvantageplayer.com
Subscribe to his newsletter