E20 - Paul McClellan - Eddie Kane Steel Products

The Industrial Movement

Paul McClellan: Eddie Kane Steel Products

Episode 20: Show Notes

The manufacturing leader that guides and supervises their workforce has influence over productivity, morale, and even job satisfaction. Today’s guest believes that, to be a truly skilled leader, you need to become aware of the needs of your workforce and adapt your leadership style to serve them, rather than simply expecting them to serve you! In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Eddie Kane Steel Plant Manager, Paul McClellan, as he shares some of the greatest challenges he has faced in his role, the lessons he has learned along the way, and his advice for the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow. We also touch on his strategies for staying afloat during COVID and the processes he has put in place to maintain efficiency and productivity, as well as some of the myths he hopes to debunk about steelworkers and how he believes technology like AI will impact the steel industry going forward. For all this and more, make sure not to miss today’s conversation with exceptional plant manager, engineer, and leader, Paul McClellan!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Paul shares some insight into his 35-year career path in manufacturing.
• Learn more about the history and philosophy of family-owned corporation, Eddie Kane Steel.
• The biggest challenges Paul sees the steel industry facing, both now and in the future.
• What Eddie Kane Steel did to stay afloat during COVID, including reducing their workforce.
• Paul’s advice for manufacturing leaders: adapt your leadership style to your workforce.
• The resources and mentors that have helped Paul become the leader he is today.
• What the pandemic has taught him about the power of positive thinking.
• Why Paul believes you are not born an innate leader; you have to rise to the occasion.
• Day-to-day challenges he faces in his position, including what he calls ‘mental retooling’.
• Processes in place to maintain efficiency and productivity at the plant that Paul manages.
• KPIs that are important to him as a plant manager, including time and distance.
• Some of the safety protocols in place at his facility.
• Paul’s vision for the future of US manufacturing and the role that passion plays.
• Debunking the myth that steelworkers are uncouth and dispassionate.
• The impact that he believes technology like AI will have on the steel industry in future.
• Tips for becoming a better leader, including seeking out constructive feedback.

Tweetables:

“The biggest challenges that we’re seeing in our industry right now is being able to understand the politics that are involved, the global situation, and then being smart enough to keep good relationships with our vendors and with our customers.” — Paul McClellan [0:04:54]

“[As a leader], remember that it’s up to you to adapt your workforce and to be working for them, not them working for you.” — Paul McClellan [0:08:38]

“Change is the norm right now and if you're going to stay rigid and you can’t flex, you’re going to get passed by.” — Paul McClellan [0:16:02]

“Seeking constructive feedback from people you respect is a very open and honest way of trying to make yourself better.” — Paul McClellan [0:33:49]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul McClellan on LinkedIn

Eddie Kane Steel

The Power of Positive Thinking

Lean Thin