Speaking Up When You'd Rather Stay Silent
Speak Up, Lead Better: Empowering Foundry Leaders to Communicate with Confidence
Webinar Sponsored by the NFFS Next Gen Committee
For the next generation of leaders in the foundry industry, technical know-how is only part of the equation. The ability to lead with clarity, influence, and purpose hinges on one essential skill: communication.
Whether it’s voicing an idea in a leadership meeting, addressing safety concerns on the floor, or giving feedback to a team member, the moments when it’s hardest to speak up are often the most critical to get right. And yet, many rising professionals find themselves holding back—unsure how to navigate power dynamics, worried about how their message will be received, or simply uncomfortable stepping into a more visible leadership role.
That’s where the NFFS Next Gen Committee steps in.
“Speaking Up When You’d Rather Stay Silent: Overcoming Communication Resistance in Challenging Moments” is a new webinar designed specifically for emerging leaders in the metalcasting industry. This free session will give attendees the tools and mindset needed to confidently communicate across all levels of a foundry—an environment where strong communication can directly impact safety, quality, productivity, and culture.
Leading the webinar is Sue Tinnish, Ph.D., a respected leadership coach and organizational change expert who has helped countless technical professionals become more effective communicators. Her approach is grounded in the realities of high-pressure, production-driven workplaces, offering practical tools—not just theory—for people who need to lead in the moment.
Why This Matters Now
As experienced workers retire and foundries face mounting pressure to attract and retain talent, the industry is undergoing a leadership transition. The next generation is stepping up—but leadership today looks different. It requires not just doing the job well, but also inspiring trust, creating alignment, and building a positive, resilient workplace culture. That starts with knowing how to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Emerging leaders often find themselves at the crossroads of tradition and change. They may have innovative ideas, but hesitate to share them. They may spot problems early, but struggle to raise the issue. Or they may be promoted to a supervisory role, but lack the confidence to lead peers effectively. These communication roadblocks can stall careers—and stall progress.
This webinar will help participants move past that hesitation and build the confidence to use their voice as a tool for leadership and growth.
Attendees Will Learn How To:
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Break through hesitation and speak up in high-pressure moments
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Clearly and respectfully voice ideas or concerns to company leadership
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Deliver constructive direction and feedback to team members
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Build trust and influence across the organization
Who Should Attend:
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Emerging leaders and frontline supervisors
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Foundry professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership presence
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Anyone ready to grow into a more confident, effective communicator
This session is free for NFFS members and proudly presented by the Next Gen Committee as part of its mission to support rising professionals in the foundry industry.
Remember: Your voice is a leadership tool—use it to strengthen safety, quality, and culture in your foundry.