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Curious about how the digital age is reshaping business models and workforce dynamics? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Hanks, the brilliant mind behind Leverage4Data, as she navigates the shift from traditional transaction-driven businesses to innovative, data-centric models. With her engineering background and fascination with continuous improvement, Sarah sheds light on the critical role of data quality and ownership. Discover how digitization, analytics, and machine learning are reshaping industries, and gain insights into overcoming the hurdles of data governance and the evolving synergy between business and IT.

Skill shortages in the workforce and the race to match educational outcomes with job market needs are issues that can't be ignored. Sara and I tackle these pressing concerns, examining the lag of educational institutions in keeping up with rapid technological advancements, like AI. We scrutinize the financial strains of higher education and propose alternative pathways such as military service for skill acquisition. As aging corporate leadership presents challenges for career advancement, we explore the idea of embedding practical learning experiences in high schools, aiming to equip students with the necessary tools and enthusiasm to thrive in the modern workforce.

The power of personalized learning paths and the continuous improvement of job functions are at the heart of our final discussion. Through robust assessment systems, we explore how tailored learning recommendations can bridge the gap between executive expectations and employee realities. Drawing on Patrick Lencioni's ideas about job dissatisfaction, we highlight how anonymity, irrelevance, and immeasurability impact engagement. Our conversation emphasizes creating meaningful and measurable work, connecting individual contributions to a larger narrative, and fostering a proactive organizational culture. Prepare for a deep dive into the small details that shape our daily lives and the crucial role of mindfulness in fostering a productive and fulfilling work environment.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Navigating the labyrinth of a male-dominated engineering world, Sara Hanks brings her narrative to the forefront, sharing the trials and triumphs from her journey that prove both her mettle and the pervasive gender dynamics in STEM. With a keen understanding of the complexities of business efficiency, Sara's tales of exceeding financial targets and mentoring veterans in the workplace underscore the power of communication and reveal the transformative role competition plays in professional growth. Her candid anecdotes, coupled with lessons learned from luminaries like Ron Howard, serve as a testament to the tenacity required to succeed and the wisdom that can only be gleaned through experience.

When innovation meets resilience, the result is a transformative business journey. Sara's transition from a software startup to a consulting powerhouse, Virtual Leverage, epitomizes the art of bouncing back from setbacks and harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize business operations. The chapter on business process improvement underscores the compelling narrative of a professional who pivoted from manufacturing to quality organization, and now thrives by merging technical know-how with strategic bottleneck analysis. It's a story of ambition, adaptation, and the ever-evolving quest for business optimization that any entrepreneur can aspire to emulate.

As we wrap up our time with Sara, we're left reflecting on the paradox of market share declines amidst sales growth, and the critical role of individual leadership transformation. Caterpillar dealers' conundrum serves as a backdrop to discuss the importance of technology in assessing and enhancing business performance. Through anecdotes of LinkedIn connections and empowering management conversations, Sara illustrates the profound effect of personal outreach and mentorship. Ending on a note of gratitude and a charge for action, we're reminded that the journey to success is incremental, and with every step, there's an opportunity to make a lasting impact, one person at a time. Mahalo for joining us and for the wisdom shared—here's to turning insights into action.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Ever wonder why the "Say Do" principle resonates so profoundly in today's workplace culture? Ponder no more! Our enlightening conversation with Ohio-based podcaster, Sara Hanks, peels back layers on this notion, spotlighting its vital role amidst changing dynamics between different generations at work. We shine the beacon on the importance of mutual respect and a promise-driven work ethic in fostering a harmonious work environment, while also examining evolving leadership styles.

Strap in for an engaging journey through the labyrinth of process improvement, and waste reduction in businesses. Sara and I dissect the pushback I faced while attempting to eradicate unscheduled locomotive repairs, underlining the invaluable role of data and intelligence in preventing equipment failures. Furthermore, we delve into the importance of clear communication lines and documented procedures in bolstering business efficiency. 

The era of thriving on critical thinking and leadership skills is here! We discuss the need for nurturing these skills in our rapidly changing world and the role that education plays in fostering them. We also delve into the significance of measuring performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth in the workplace. Finally, we wrap up on a high note, discussing personal growth and societal responsibility in helping individuals attain their full potential. Buckle up for a thought-provoking ride that's sure to leave you enriched and inspired.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Ever wondered how curiosity could play a central role in your hiring strategy? Or why credentials aren't always the gatekeepers to success? Well, for all the curious minds out there, we're thrilled to welcome Sara Hanks to our podcast. Sara, a seasoned blogger and a digital transformation expert, shares her wisdom and insights on hiring, performance reviews, and the role of digital transformation in our increasingly connected world.

Sara brings a fresh perspective to hiring practices, highlighting the importance of curiosity, attitude, and future potential over traditional credentials. She makes a compelling case for continuous performance reviews, emphasizing the legal implications and the need to incorporate data skills assessment in these reviews. Sara's insights into the hiring practices of North America and Europe are particularly intriguing, as she stresses the value of a one-year probation period to better understand an employee's capabilities.

But it's not all work and no play. We also touch on the importance of creating a joyful work environment and a culture of continuous improvement. Sara pushes you to explore generalism, embrace continuous learning, and prioritize happiness in the workplace, all while encouraging regular feedback and avoiding the pitfalls of solely relying on annual performance reviews. By the end, you'll be motivated to take online courses, develop a broad set of skills, and seek continuous feedback for personal and professional growth.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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What if taking a vacation could bring you valuable lessons that impact your daily life? Join us as we welcome back Sarah Hanksback, who shares her unforgettable experience in Iceland and how it reinforced the importance of finding balance between our careers, family, and personal well-being.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland as Sarah recounts her journey with her mother and sister, touching on topics like technology's ever-changing landscape and its effects on our work and lives. Delve into the challenges and opportunities of our evolving world, discussing the future implications of artificial intelligence on the workforce and the importance of strong leadership in business operations.

Reflect with us on the power of clarity, self-care, and the importance of being present in our conversations and relationships. Learn how to incorporate insights from Sarah's adventure into your daily life, and don't miss this thought-provoking and inspiring episode.

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Sara talks to us about the Stakeholders of a project, These people are the ones upon whom the success of any project depends. She uses a “matrix” to identify the different groups of stakeholders. It is a very important function that Sara provides to the market. It is one that will be very common in the future. Don’t miss the valuable information that is covered in this discussion.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Sara Hanks introduces the Start with the Middle approach to process Improvement and explains the why and the how to get started. Continuing to do what we have always done is a prescription to failure. Don’t miss this session.

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We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Recently Sara delivered a lecture at a local University. She put Project Management and Process Improvement together in the lecture. We continue that discussion covering process mapping, waste management control and the critical nature of data quality. Our conversations meander all over these subjects. You will hear Sara’s thoughts on each of these important aspects of improving your business.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Sara Hanks and I follow up on her Blog from August 9th on Process Mapping. In order to be effective at Continuous Improvement (CI) process Mapping is a foundational requirement. With Continuous Improvement it is felt that an improvement operationally of ten percent is very possible. This Candid Conversation covers the history of Process Mapping from the days of Industrial Engineering to the Data Analytics world we live in today. I am more than pleased that we have someone of Sara’s background and experience to point us in the right direction.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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From her early years at GE where she acquired strong skills in Lean and Manufacturing and 6 Sigma, Sara's wide-ranging discussion covers the difficulties of change. From the early adopters to continuing engagement with the people affected and how all of this changes the needs for leadership. You will hear various approaches to some common difficulties.  You don’t want to miss this discussion.  I hope you enjoy. 

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.