No Cap: Manufacturing’s Generational Communication Breakdown, Ep #47

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In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sat down with Nush Ahmed and Brooke Laing for one of the more entertaining and eye-opening conversations I’ve had in a while. What started with jokes about generational slang and communication styles quickly turned into a serious discussion about leadership, workplace culture, and what younger generations are actually looking for in manufacturing careers.

As someone who’s spent decades building teams and leading manufacturing companies, I’ve seen firsthand how much the workforce has changed. Today, many companies have four or even five generations working side by side, each with different expectations around communication, feedback, work-life balance, and career growth. This episode dives into those differences head-on, from the “no news is good news” mentality many older generations grew up with to the constant feedback and transparency younger workers expect today.

We also talked about something I think manufacturing leaders need to hear more often: younger employees want opportunity and involvement, not just a paycheck. Nush and Brooke shared stories about trade shows, networking, community-building, and why companies often miss the mark when they fail to support employees who are trying to grow professionally. Hearing how impactful events like IMTS and industry networking were to their careers reinforced something I strongly believe: if someone on your team wants to learn, connect, and represent your company, you should encourage it.

This conversation challenged some of my own assumptions and reinforced others, but more than anything, it highlighted how important communication and intentional leadership are if we want to attract and retain the next generation in manufacturing. Whether you’re a shop owner, manager, or someone entering the trades yourself, there’s a lot in this episode that will probably sound familiar. And yes, there are still plenty of dad jokes and generational roasts mixed in along the way.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

• (0:00) Mike reflects on the chaotic and hilarious Toolpath Summit recording session
• (2:25) Nush and Brooke introduce their backgrounds in trades, manufacturing, and Sisterhood of Trades
• (4:08) Navigating multiple generations in today’s manufacturing workforce
• (6:33) Breaking down Gen Z slang, communication styles, and workplace language gaps
• (12:02) How generational communication differences affect management and feedback
• (16:16) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips
• (17:25) Mike shares how Hill Manufacturing intentionally built a younger leadership team
• (19:56) Why younger workers often feel disconnected from ownership and management
• (24:35) Red flags Gen Z notices immediately when evaluating employers
• (26:45) Why older generations often equate long hours with commitment and value
• (29:46) Gen Z perspectives on work-life balance, proving yourself, and career growth
• (32:23) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (33:34) The debate around “family culture” in manufacturing companies
• (36:55) What younger workers actually value most from leadership and workplace culture
• (38:21) Trying to finance your equipment? Check out Verdantcc.com/numbers
• (38:54) The role of pay, flexibility, and opportunity in attracting younger talent
• (40:11) Why employers should support younger workers attending trade shows and industry events
• (43:10) Brooke shares her experience being laid off after taking time off for industry involvement
• (44:03) Stay tuned for part two: A conversation around women in manufacturing and social visibility

Resources & People Mentioned

• Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Trying to finance your equipment? Check out Verdantcc.com/numbers

Connect with the Sisterhood of Trades

• Sisterhood of Trades
• Nush Ahmed on LinkedIn
• Brooke Laing on LinkedIn
• Sisterhood of Trades on LinkedIn
• Sisterhood of Trades on Instagram
• Sisterhood of Trades on TikTok

Connect With Buy the Numbers

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn

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Audio Production and Show Notes by – PODCAST FAST TRACK