From early tinkering to a career turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world products, Hope Kavulich has always been driven by curiosity. Now in Product Realization at Synectic, she helps transform concepts—mostly medical devices—into manufacturable, life-changing products.

In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Hope shares how early exposure to robotics and hands-on learning led her to mechanical engineering at Quinnipiac University. At QU, she helped launch a makerspace and taught others how to use their creativity to create and build things too. That passion for building and problem-solving now fuels her work, optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring designs go from prototype to scalable production.

Hope's story shows the value of STEM at a young age and the importance of following those early passions.

Where you can find Hope: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopekavulich/ Company: https://synectic.net/ ------- 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/

Alethea Schaeffer, Owner of Form-All Plastics and VP of Sales and Marketing at USHECO, is not only steering the ship of her family’s 60-year-old plastics manufacturing business, she’s also leading her own company through its next chapter of growth—all while balancing family life across two states.

Alethea shares her journey of leadership, delegation, and cultural transformation. Discover her work in formalizing communication structures, implementing best practices, and fostering a team-oriented, workplace culture that drives innovation and success.

Alethea also opens up about the personal side of leadership. She shares her morning routine, built around gratitude and prioritization, and reflects on how letting go of perfectionism and embracing delegation have empowered her to lead effectively across two businesses.

Where you can find Alethea: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aletheas/

Companies:

• Form-All Plastics: https://www.form-all.com/
• USHECO: https://www.usheco.com/

------- 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/

What if life’s challenges weren’t roadblocks but stepping stones to something greater? This week, Jenny sits down with Raji Kompalli, VP of Research and Development at Laticrete, to explore the powerful mindset shifts that have propelled her remarkable career.

Raji shares how her journey from a bench scientist to a leadership role was driven by persistence, adaptability, and embracing support systems. Her story includes a pivotal moment when a visa lottery rejection forced her to return to India, only to find a way back to the U.S. and build a thriving career.

Key themes include:

• Reframing Challenges
• Adapting to new cultures
• The Leadership Mindset
• Discipline and Growth

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to navigate challenges, build a fulfilling career, and inspire others along the way.

Tune in for insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways to shake up your approach to leadership and personal growth.

Where you can find Raji: Raji's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raji-rajeswari-kompalli-0890976b/ Company: https://www.laticrete.com/ ------- 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/

How do you find a workplace that truly fits? For Melissa Mazo, Manufacturing Engineer Manager at Straton Industries, the answer lay in meaningful conversations, a culture of respect, and the power of a clean manufacturing facility. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey from a CT technical high school to leading in aerospace manufacturing, all while defying stereotypes and creating space for others to succeed.

Melissa’s story begins with curiosity—learning how to create something tangible and meaningful as a teenager—and evolves into a career that blends technical mastery with leadership. Along the way, she overcame cultural and gender barriers, proving that women, particularly Latina women, have a powerful role to play in reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

Tune in to hear Melissa’s insights, tips for identifying workplace cultures, and how her passion for “making things” has driven her career. Learn what the CT Technical Schools are doing to help build the workforce of tomorrow and why you should get involved in supporting them.

Where you can find Melissa: Melissa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamazo/ Company: https://straton.com/ ------- 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/

In this episode, Lena Geliga shares invaluable lessons about personal growth, effective communication, and learning through failure. Now Operations Manager at Hygrade Precision Technologies, Lena talks about her career journey starting in retail and now leading operations in a high-precision manufacturing environment.

Lena’s story emphasizes the importance of asking questions and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. From setting boundaries to recognizing your value in the workplace, Lena’s insights can help you navigate a fulfilling career.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with tips, inspiration, and shake-up factors that will help you transform your own path in manufacturing.

Where you can find Lena:

Lena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-geliga-90b196123/ Company: https://www.hygrade.com/ ------- 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/

Ever faced a moment where you knew you had to leap into the unknown to chase your dreams? In this episode, we talk to Kristen Tangarone, founder of KTJones Management Consulting, about the daring career pivots that shaped her journey.

Kristen shares how she transitioned from 20 years in traditional manufacturing to spearheading operations in the emerging cannabis industry. Then most recently, she launched her own consulting business. Along the way, she reveals the leadership lessons she’s learned in navigating high-pressure environments, building team consistency, and adapting skills across industries.

Ellen and Jenny discuss with Kristen the challenges and rewards of stepping out of her comfort zone to build a career that aligns with her passion.

Where you can find Kristen:

Kristen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-tangarone/ ------- 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/

Jaclyn Epstein, COO of MICA Corporation, shares how her leadership is inspired by her grandfather’s values of doing good and doing right.

Jaclyn explains how the words 'care' and 'careful' perfectly describe manufacturing as they drive decision-making, quality, and trust in the workplace.

She discusses how she tackles challenges through self-awareness and vulnerability. She also shares her tips on how to take on tough conversations.

Her story highlights how embracing vulnerability, fostering trust, and aligning actions with values can inspire growth and create meaningful impact in any career.

Where you can find Jaclyn:

Jaclyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-epstein-a938623b/ Company: https://mica-corp.com/ ------- 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/

As we enter a new year, many of us create ambitious lists of goals—but how do we move from writing them down to actually accomplishing them?

In this practical episode, Jenny and Ellen have a conversation that walks you through the art of setting and achieving meaningful goals. They break it all down into an actionable 5-step process, making the often-daunting task of goal achievement feel manageable and exciting.

Here’s what they cover:

• Choosing the goal
• Discovering your "Why"
• Measuring progress
• Defining actions and behaviors
• Embracing imperfection

If you're looking to make 2025 your best year yet, this episode is packed with strategies to help you focus, grow, and shake things up in your personal and professional life.

Do you want more of Ellen and Jenny? Their team at The Bolder Company can help support sessions like this and much more: https://www.theboldercompany.com/

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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/