In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki chats with his longtime friend and nuclear industry veteran, Keith Crissman. They revisit their early days at Calvert Cliffs and follow Keith’s remarkable career journey, including his roles at Waterford and River Bend Station. Keith shares his experiences transitioning from a technician to a senior manager, highlighting the leadership strategies that helped him foster a culture of safety and excellence. They delve into compelling stories about project management, innovative solutions like the reactor vessel clamp at River Bend, and the critical role of relationship-building in effective leadership. Tune in to learn how Keith's hands-on approach and dedication to his team made a lasting impact in the nuclear power industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of leading in such a vital sector.

00:00 Introduction to the Nuclear Leader Podcast

00:37 Reconnecting with Keith Crissman

01:02 Keith's Career Journey

01:58 Leadership Lessons from Calvert Cliffs

02:54 Transitioning to Management

06:31 Challenges and Changes at River Bend Station

12:46 Innovative Projects and Problem Solving

14:51 Building Trust and Overcoming Resistance

15:39 Engaging with the Team

19:45 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Change

22:37 The Importance of Acknowledging Your Team

23:17 Handling Mistakes and Changing Culture

25:08 Learning from Past Incidents

27:21 Managing Fuel Failures and Mitigating Risks

32:13 The Future of Nuclear Power

38:06 Reflections on a Transformative Career

41:40 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Dr. Annaliese Piriano transitioned from academia to the nuclear industry. Annaliese shares her experience integrating NeuroLeadership principles and innovative teaching methods to train nuclear leaders and operators at Beaver Valley. They discuss her strategies for overcoming resistance to change, addressing exam anxiety, and improving organizational culture. An insightful episode for those interested in leadership and education within the nuclear sector.

00:00 Introduction to the Nuclear Leader Podcast

00:36 Meet Annaliese Piriano: From Academia to Nuclear

02:06 First Impressions and Cultural Challenges

03:44 Implementing Change: Small Steps to Big Impact

06:41 NeuroLeadership and Overcoming Exam Anxiety

18:38 Success Stories and Future Directions

22:47 Advice for Industry Peers

23:44 The Power of Breathing Techniques

24:56 Box Breathing Exercise

25:56 Building Trust and Relationships

28:32 The SCARF Model in Leadership

30:50 Applying NeuroLeadership Principles

39:47 Encouraging Careers in Nuclear Power

43:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki introduces Michael Rennhack, a radiation technician with years of experience. Michael shares his journey from growing up in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to entering the nuclear industry through family influence and a fateful job application. He discusses his extensive career, working at various nuclear facilities and DOE sites, and highlights his contributions to decommissioning projects and radiation protection. Moreover, Michael discusses his role in founding NukeWorker.com, a vital resource for nuclear professionals. This episode offers insights into the nuclear industry's operations, challenges, and the importance of community and knowledge sharing.

00:00 Introduction to the Nuclear Leader Podcast

00:35 Meet Mike Rennhack: A Veteran Radiation Technician

01:16 Mike's Early Life and Entry into the Nuclear Industry

03:01 First Steps in the Nuclear Industry

05:43 Decommissioning and Radiation Engineering

06:24 Working with Jim Berger and Decommissioning Protocols

12:38 Adventures in Nuclear Facilities and Particle Accelerators

23:22 Settling Down and Family Life

25:32 Returning to Michigan and Career at DC Cook

27:41 Applying for Jobs: A Shotgun Approach

28:15 Emergency Preparedness at DC Cook

29:53 Transition to Procedure Writing

30:27 The Birth of NukeWorker.com

30:47 Early Days of Computing and Online Communities

35:30 Managing Online Communities

41:33 NukeWorker.com: A Resource for Nuclear Workers

53:07 Reflections and Future Plans

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https://www.nukeworker.com