NFFS WD Webinar - Bridging the Generations

Today’s foundries are more multi-generational than ever. Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers are working side by side on the shop floor and in the front office, often with very different expectations around communication, feedback, and leadership. When those differences are not understood, frustration, disengagement, and “us vs. them” dynamics can quickly take hold.

In this practical, no-nonsense webinar, NFFS welcomes Jeremiah Sinks, Senior Services Manager for Leadership Development at Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Jeremiah works directly with manufacturing leaders to strengthen communication, engagement, and retention, and brings real-world experience from the shop floor to the boardroom.

This session focuses on simple, repeatable communication strategies that supervisors and leaders can use immediately to improve clarity, trust, and accountability across generations, without lowering standards or overcomplicating management.

You will learn how to:

• Better understand how different generations prefer to communicate and receive feedback
• Reduce generational friction and turn differences into productive collaboration
• Use practical tools such as shift huddles, mentoring conversations, and feedback scripts
• Lead more effectively by meeting people where they are while keeping expectations clear and performance high

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for foundry leaders and professionals who manage, supervise, or influence people across generations, including:

• Front-line supervisors and shift leaders
• Department managers and plant managers
• HR, training, and workforce development professionals
• Safety, quality, and operations leaders
• Executives and owners looking to strengthen culture, engagement, and retention

Whether you are leading a crew on the shop floor or managing teams across departments, this session will provide practical tools you can apply immediately in your foundry.