What happens when we stop accepting “the way things have always been done” and start questioning the sacred truths of manufacturing? In this episode, host Jim Mayer sits down with Joe Hungerman, a continuous improvement leader who has built his career on curiosity, reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom.
Joe’s path from supply chain management to technology was anything but traditional. Along the way, he explored psychology, education, and leadership—building a unique perspective on why company culture is the real driver of improvement and how technology can empower people rather than replace them.
In this conversation, Jim and Joe discuss:
- The myths holding manufacturing back—and why questioning them is the key to progress.
- Why company culture isn’t just a leadership talking point—it’s the foundation of every organization.
- How psychology and education influence problem-solving, leadership, and workplace culture.
- The role of technology in democratizing continuous improvement and why Joe’s new venture, See/Eye, is focused on making these tools accessible to all.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked at a process, a policy, or even a leadership approach and thought, “There has to be a better way.”
Resources & Links:
- Learn more at themfgconnector.com
- Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
- Check out The Manufacturing Connector on YouTube for insights on solving real manufacturing challenges.
- Explore leadership and workplace culture on our new podcast, Work, But Make It Human.
- Connect with Joe on Linkedin
How to Support the Show:
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps us continue bringing you conversations that challenge the status quo in manufacturing.
Chapters
00:00 - Challenging Sacred Truths: Joe Hungerman’s Journey Begins
- Jim introduces Joe Hungerman and his journey of reinvention.
- The importance of curiosity in shaping a career across industries.
04:17 - Why Company Culture Is the Company
- Joe shares why culture isn’t a side initiative—it defines everything.
- How culture impacts trust, leadership, and improvement in manufacturing.
06:06 - Early Influences: Psychology, Problem-Solving, and Breaking the Mold
- Joe’s early curiosity and how psychology shaped his problem-solving mindset.
- How questioning “the way things are done” led him into continuous improvement.
08:28 - The Road to Reinvention: From Supply Chain to Technology
- Joe’s experience in supply chain management and operations.
- How discovering lean, Six Sigma, and Deming set the stage for his career evolution.
10:01 - Education vs. Real-World Learning: The Gaps No One Talks About
- Joe’s perspective on higher education vs. hands-on experience.
- Why education needs mentorship and real-world application to be effective.
15:09 - The Psychology of Business: Understanding People to Drive Change
- How psychology and leadership intersect in problem-solving.
- Why knowing how people think and work is critical for real transformation.
19:08 - Continuous Improvement as a Mindset, Not a Process
- CI is more than a set of tools—it’s a way of thinking.
- Why real improvement requires challenging outdated beliefs.
22:10 - From Supply Chain to Tech: The Moment Joe Knew It Was Time to Pivot
- Joe’s transition into agile and technology.
- The surprising connections between manufacturing principles and tech.
30:12 - The Birth of See/Eye: Making Continuous Improvement Accessible for Everyone
- Why Joe launched See/Eye to democratize knowledge.
- The barriers that keep organizations from truly embracing CI.
35:53 - The Lean Startup vs. Lean Manufacturing: Understanding the Difference
- Why agile and lean manufacturing aren’t the same thing.
- How startup culture is reshaping how we think about CI.
42:05 - Building a Culture That Supports Real Continuous Improvement
- Why most companies fail at sustaining CI initiatives.
- How leaders can create an environment where real improvement happens.
50:53 - Advice for Future Leaders: What Joe Wishes He Knew Sooner
- Joe shares his biggest career lessons and advice for the next generation.
- Why curiosity and questioning everything is the key to growth.
01:02:14 - Partnering with Education to Shape the Future of CI
- Joe’s vision for partnering with universities and businesses to build better training.
- Why mentorship and hands-on learning will define the next wave of CI.
