First-Time Authors Lean Into Transformative Manufacturing Principles

June 17, 2022
Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller share lessons from their extensive leadership experience.

This video is part of TechXchangeWomen in Science and Engineering

This video appeared in Machine Design and has been published here with permission.

READ MORE: If the Shoe Fits: How Two Women Manage Lean Transformations

Shannon Karels, a senior operations manager, and Kathy Miller, a senior operations executive, use their collective experience to share knowledge about supply chain leadership and the journey to transform a traditional manufacturing plant into a lean enterprise.

The title of the book, Steel Toes and Stilettos: A True Story of Women Manufacturing Leaders and Lean Transformation Success, makes it clear that the narrative is told from a woman’s perspective. “We wanted to show that, as women in manufacturing, you can be yourself,” said Karels.

But the pair also maintain that the lessons and advice are universally applicable. “We felt like we had a really good story about business transformation that was comprehensive, around creating an inclusive manufacturing culture and in converting processes from batch manufacturing to lean,” said Miller.

In this interview with Machine Design, the authors provide a glimpse into their careers, their passion for lean, high-performance teams, overcoming power dynamics and taking criticism.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 10, 2025
Push your X-band testing further with dual-channel power and precision from 8 to 12.5 GHz. Mini-Circuits’ SSG-8N12GD-RC delivers coherent or non-coherent outputs, modulation flexibility...
June 10, 2025
Accurate RF measurements depend on more than just high-end equipment—connector quality and care are critical. Learn best practices for selecting, maintaining, and inspecting RF...
June 10, 2025
In this video, Mini-Circuits engineer Stephen Leone explains how to set up and operate the RFS-2G42G51K0+ generator for 2.4–2.5 GHz RF energy applications up to 1 kW, covering...
June 10, 2025
Wider bandwidths push RF systems to their limits—don’t let power measurement hold you back. Mini-Circuits' sensors deliver precision up to 9 GHz, without the high cost.