157 Better Teams, Better Outcomes: Manufacturing Leadership Through Deeper Conversations with Reggie Davis

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