Paige Raffaele is redefining what it means to be a young woman in the manufacturing industry. Unlike generations before her, Paige hasn't absorbed the narrative that manufacturing was a hard place for women. Instead, she's been part of the new workplace – a space that has been welcoming to young women like her.

In this episode, Jenny and Ellen chat with Paige about her journey from Abbott Technical High School to Naugatuck Valley Community College and into a full-time role as a Machine Operator and Programmer at East Branch Engineering. Along the way, she’s been supported by an incredible network of male family members, teachers, and colleagues who have seen her potential and helped her grow.

Paige shares:

• How her hands-on curiosity led her to manufacturing
• The impact of male allies in her education and career path
• How keeping an open mind has helped her thrive
• The importance of learning many skills across the manufacturing floor
• The importance of speaking up, making mistakes, and learning from them

Paige embodies a new generation of manufacturing professionals—curious, adaptable, and ready to take on challenges. Her story is an inspiration for young people considering a career in manufacturing, and for those already in the field looking to support the next wave of talent.

Where you can find Paige: Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-branch-engineering/

------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

When you walk into your workplace, do you feel inspired and energized? Or does it feel like you've stepped back in time to 1965?

This week on The Manufacturing Shake-Up, we sit down with Jennifer Gaggion, Industrial Interior Designer at Design Your Monday, to discuss how thoughtful design can revolutionize manufacturing spaces—boosting productivity, employee engagement, and even revenue.

Jennifer explains why manufacturing and interior design go hand in hand, and how these 3 small, intentional changes can create a major impact:

1. Integrate Your Brand Into Your Space – Whether it’s a bold feature wall, company colors, or strategic signage, your workspace should tell the story of who you are.
2. Create Spaces for Collaboration – Encourage idea-sharing and teamwork by designing casual, welcoming spaces where employees can gather and connect.
3. Keep It Clean and Organized – Outdated, cluttered, or dirty workspaces send the wrong message to employees and clients alike. Small efforts in tidiness go a long way in boosting morale and professionalism.

Finally, Jennifer dives into how interior design plays a role in employee retention, workplace safety, and even customer perception. If you’re looking to hire and retain employees, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Where you can find Jennifer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gaggion-8065393/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-your-monday-llc/

------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Sustainability in manufacturing isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Rene Parrinello, Corporate Sustainability Specialist at Legrand North and Central America, shares how small changes can create big impact.

She shares the importance of documenting environmental impacts from raw material sourcing to end-of-life product disposal and how data-driven decisions can lead to cost savings, better efficiency, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Did you even know this was a job you could do too!!

Rene, Ellen and Jenny discuss:

✅ Sustainability as a business strategy—how reducing waste and energy use boosts profits

✅ Starting small—even switching to reusable pallets or efficient lighting makes a difference

✅ Curiosity as key driver—questioning business-as-usual leads to innovation

✅ Why good sustainability leadership matters—clear communication and persistence drive change

Listen in and get inspired to shake up your manufacturing journey - you can find a role in sustainability, or help to make your facility more sustainable - for the future AND the bottom line.

Where you can find Rene: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-parrinello/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legrand-north-america/

------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/