Why attend?
Recruiting for many roles in manufacturing often focuses on people with common sense, practical experience, and the ability to work in a team. These people abhor inefficiency and chaos deriving from poor systems. The question is, do they know what to do next?
Let’s treat manufacturing as a laboratory for leading people.
We all know that storytelling is a fundamental part of communicating and leading. In any organisation there only needs to be a small set of ‘sticky phrases’ that drive practically all the desired behaviours.
These ‘sticky phrases’ lend themselves to repetition and also reflect the organisation or leader’s personality. They can be the opening or closing to casual and informal conversations and feedback.
There’s a paradox in manufacturing that you need to ensure discipline and rigorous compliance at the same time as encouraging questioning and continuous improvement. I will share some of the sticky phrases I have used in different settings and hope to spur your reflection about how you communicate.
Make a few critical things non-negotiable — and make them stick.
Whether you work with frontline operators or knowledge workers, if your team doesn't know what matters most to you, it’s management by crossing your fingers.
What will you walk away with?
- Real-world phrases — some original, some borrowed — that act like drumbeats for behaviour and performance … and motivation to reflect on your own and make them as simple and memorable as a bumper sticker?
How will you feel after? (the 1% er)
- Motivated to simplify your messaging for more clarity, consistency and calm.
Who should attend?
- Anyone responsible for influencing others.
About the presenter: Paul Woods
Paul Woods has been leading teams in food manufacturing since the 1980s, moving from technical and operational roles into leadership based and advisory positions. His ability to implement robust systems that give flexibility, growth and enduring results were instrumental in positioning multiple businesses for successful sale. For the past decade, he has worked closely with small to medium food and beverage businesses through StoneWood Consultants.
Paul’s leadership journey includes an important shift from managing systems and processes to managing people's behaviour and influence to get their support for building systems that make sense to users. Hands-on experience has shown that clarity and consistency are critical and success comes from making just a few simple things non-negotiable.
He brings a deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by frontline teams, and the need to create workplaces that are reliable, calm, and respectful — not chaotic and reactive. His approach to leadership is grounded, memorable, and honest — and everything he shares today has been used, tested, and refined in real factories with real teams.
Upcoming Masterclass Sessions to put in your diary
Tuesday 15 July 2025
Location:
Live via Zoom
Join us for an upcoming masterclass with Paul Woods that explores the surprising power of simplicity in leadership. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience in food manufacturing, Paul will share how a few clear, repeatable phrases can drive behavior, reduce chaos, and create calm, high-performing teams. Whether you're leading frontline operators or office-based teams, this session will equip you with practical tools to simplify your messaging, make the important things stick, and lead with greater impact.
Wednesday 6 August 2025
Location:
Live via Zoom
Mark Betts is a highly experienced leader in civil infrastructure and transport, with a strong track record in delivering complex projects such as the Level Crossing Removal Project, Regional Rail Link, and the MCG redevelopments. With over 17 years as an independent consultant and 7 years as Chair of The Portsea Camp, Mark brings deep expertise in procurement, governance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about sustainable leadership and is committed to leaving a positive, long-term impact on both the workplace and the wider community.
Tuesday 19 August 2025
Location:
Live via Zoom
James Harris is a seasoned Director with extensive experience in the construction industry, specialising in project management, procurement, and construction management. His career spans a diverse range of sectors, including retail, retail fuel, civil, and marine projects. Known for his strategic approach and hands-on leadership, James has successfully delivered complex projects and built strong, results-driven teams across Australia.
Wednesday 3 September 2025
Location:
Live via Zoom
Raphael Fiorini will show you how to turn a bold idea into a commercially viable business using a Financial Digital Twin — a live, interactive model that replaces guesswork with clarity. Drawing on 35+ years of experience taking complex concepts to market, Raphael will guide you through how to test assumptions, stress-test scenarios, and walk into any investor or boardroom with confidence and defendable numbers. This session will help you make faster, smarter go/no-go decisions and prepare you to tackle tough questions with calm, data-backed confidence.
Tuesday 16 September 2025
Location:
Live via Zoom
Ronn Bechler is a highly experienced advisor and entrepreneur with over three decades of expertise in tax, M&A, capital markets, and strategic business growth. He is the founder of Market Eye, where he pioneered corporatised investor relations consulting in Australia and disrupted the shareholder data space, growing the firm into the country’s largest investor relations consultancy and second-largest shareholder data provider.
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