Nov 26, 2025
Strong manufacturing leadership isn’t just about process improvement or hitting production targets. It’s about how we show up for people on the shop floor—and if you’re ready to transform your leadership and change how you show up for your team, the first step is leaning into discomfort.
Learn more with guest Reggie Davis, the founder of UpLift Coaching
and Consulting and the author of Better Together: Embracing the
Discomfort of Difference. With over two decades of leadership
experience, Reggie helps people navigate the hard-but-necessary
conversations they need to forge lasting connections and drive
deeper change. In this episode, Reggie explores how leaning into
tough conversations can strengthen manufacturing culture, team
engagement, and employee retention. He also shares practical
insights on coaching in manufacturing, building psychological
safety, and developing stronger frontline leadership habits that
drive both performance and trust.
From plant managers to supervisors, anyone responsible for
production leadership or safety culture will take away new ways to
improve communication, foster accountability, and create a more
connected workplace where better people create better parts.
1:15 – Inclusive leadership and authentic communication improves
teamwork, safety, and innovation
3:21 – Discomfort can be a valuable tool for growth
4:33 – Better people create better parts
5:19 – Great leaders focus on results and relationships
6:22 – When you welcome diverse perspectives, you drive teamwork
and improve your processes
8:09 – For better conversations, replace “why” with “tell me
more.”
13:50 – Be aware of how everyday language impacts morale and
inclusion on the plant floor
17:30 – Invest in your people through coaching, frontline
leadership, and communication training
19:31 – Stay focused on growth, even when the path is
uncomfortable
20:40 – Conversations and self-awareness are key to sustainable
manufacturing innovation
22:06 – To drive continuous improvement culture, lead with humility
and openness
26:39 – Always remember the human side of manufacturing excellence
to build trust, reduce turnover, and create a stronger sense of
belonging across teams
Connect with Reggie Davis
More about UpLift Coaching and
Consulting
Buy his
book