What if the path to a stable, meaningful, and lucrative career wasn't found in a four year university, but in a hands on craft that's been powering America for more than a century? And what if the biggest productivity hack you're missing is actually mentorship, not better software?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of ChampionNow, lifelong manufacturing leader, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing. With his family marking 100 years in manufacturing, Terry brings a refreshing and deeply human perspective on the future of skilled work, productivity, and purpose.
Terry shares how he almost walked away from his family's legacy, the pivotal push that set him on a 45 year manufacturing career, and why he believes the trades are not just viable but essential in the age of AI and global uncertainty. He and Gerald explore the hidden opportunities in modern manufacturing, the return on education that most young adults overlook, and why mindset, curiosity, and integrity matter more than degrees.
From apprenticeship to diversity in the workforce to using ADHD as a superpower, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a meaningful career, staying productive, and elevating others along the way. It's a timely, inspiring reminder that America still needs makers, mentors, and champions.
What We Discuss
[00:00] Introduction to Terry Iverson
[04:30] The importance of manufacturing in the U.S.
[05:31] Mentoring and coaching in manufacturing
[18:56] Benefits of mentoring for both mentor and mentee
[21:37] Underrepresented groups in manufacturing
[22:45] Terry's personal productivity strategies
[28:12] Giving back and community impact
[30:14] Life lessons from sports and coaching
[31:10] Future productivity habits and organizational practices
[33:28] The need for lifelong learning and agility
[34:36] Humility and continuous improvement
[36:05] How to connect with Terry Iverson and Champion Now
Notable Quotes
[07:25] "One of the biggest skills my dad taught me was pivoting and seeing the hope in anything that presents itself to you." — Terry Iverson
[08:05] "Manufacturing is sitting in the shadows waiting for you to realize there are opportunities there." — Terry Iverson
[10:50] "After 12 years, there's a $250,000 difference between the financial outcome of a two-year technical degree and a four-year degree." — Terry Iverson
[15:32] "Mentoring and coaching is like being in the HOV lane of life." — Terry Iverson
[21:33] "People of color are very underrepresented in our industry, and it's not that either the female gender or people of color are making a choice, they just don't know." — Terry Iverson
[24:19] "I flipped my ADHD inside out and realized it was actually a core competency, not a disability." — Terry Iverson
[34:49] "I always ask myself every day, what am I missing? We're all missing something no matter how good we are. But every time I've done that, I become more productive and more efficient." — Terry Iverson
Resources
Terry Iverson
Website – championnow.org
Email – terry@championnow.org
Books – Finding America's Greatest Champions, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing
YouTube – ChampionNow
LinkedIn – Terry Iverson
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
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