What does a Taco Bell drive-thru have to do with manufacturing? Fast-food and manufacturing have more in common than you might think—and in her newest book Lessons from the Drive-Thru: Real Life Wisdom for Frontline Leaders, former Taco Bell general manager Monica Rothergy shares real-life stories to help leaders lead with ease, authenticity, and vulnerability, whether they’re working in a drive-thru or a manufacturing plant.

Monica recently came by the Mindfulness Manufacturing to talk more about her book and the career path that took her from a Taco Bell general manager to the first female chief operating officer and first LGBT executive for KFC US. In this episode, Monica also shares valuable insights for other frontlines leaders, including strategies for bringing more curiosity and vulnerability to leadership roles.

2:00 – Frontlines leaders often feel the need to jump in and fix problems themselves, rather than letting their team figure it out

4:00 – Shift your mindset to emphasize coaching and supporting, not micromanaging

7:00 – Practice servant leadership through supporting and recognizing your team

13:00 – Instead of just providing instructions, look for ways to observe and provide feedback

15:00 – When problems occur, have deep and curious conversations to find the root of the issue

19:00 – Training is often seen as the problem, but a lack of support can also lead to performance issues

22:00 – All employees are unique and have different standards, so be curious to find out the kind of support and recognition they need

Connect with Monica Rothgery

Buy her book

Visit her website

In manufacturing, there’s a big link between productivity and mindfulness—and shifting to a more mindful approach just might be the key you need to unlock your team’s productivity, decreasing burnout, and creating a happier workplace for all.

Find out more in this episode with guest Sarah Ohanesian! Sarah is a professional keynote speaker and productivity consultant on a mission to fight burnout and increase happiness at work. She works with busy professionals who are career-driven but face work-life imbalance, stress, and overwhelm. In this episode, Sarah draws on her own experiences and background to discuss the link between productivity and mindfulness in manufacturing, plus offers actionable tips for intentional time management, combating burnout, and more!

2:36 – There is a difference between busyness and productivity

4:20 – You can improve your productivity with practices like setting daily intentions or saving time for end-of-day reflection and planning

12:10 – Follow Sarah’s COAT framework to clarify, organize, act, and take time

17:10 – To save time and be more productive, figure out which tasks are the most important and set clear priorities

18:32 – If you have a to-do list, keep it in a single, trusted location

18:40 – Be intentional with your schedule and time and don’t be afraid to say no to requests

21:14 – Allowing time to rest plays a key role in creating sustainable, long-term productivity

Connect with Sarah Ohanesian

Visit her website

Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram

There’s power in your people—and if you learn to harness it, it can transform your organization! Learn more in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Hugh Hornsby, the vice president of Everflow Supplies. With a long career and a remarkable track record of turning around struggling businesses—and his own unique journey of surviving a life-changing head injury—Hugh has great stories and insights. In his episode, he shares more about the success of Everflow and his personal journey, and gives insights leaders can use to transform their hiring process, practice everyday gratitude, and find their team’s hidden gifts.

2:27 – Everyone has a unique gift, which you can find by overcoming labels and looking for their personal potential

5:52 – Reframe the way you see others and yourself

6:25 – With a more progressive mindset, you can find more potential in both others and yourself

11:21 – If you invest in your team, they’ll invest in your organization

14:13 – Hire for personality and to find the right cultural fit, not just because someone has a strong resume

15:35 – The hiring process should be curious, not transactional and restrictive

19:30 – Overcome your terror barrier

24:47 – Every day, find time for a gratitude check

27:00 – To transform your team, start by looking at the story you tell yourself

Connect with Hugh Hornsby

Learn more about Everflow Supplies

Connect on LinkedIn

Read my book review of Think and Grow Rich