Birthdays have a way of making you stop and reflect. Giving back to manufacturing leaders is something I’ve been thinking about a lot as I hit this milestone birthday. Manufacturing has shaped my career, taken me around the world, and introduced me to incredible people. Now, I want to give something back—with 50 free coaching sessions for senior leaders who want real, honest conversations about operational improvement.
This year, as I hit a milestone (I’ll let you guess from the less so subtle hint below which one…), I found myself looking back on my career in engineering and manufacturing—an industry that has shaped not just how I work, but how I think, how I solve problems, and what I’m passionate about.
Manufacturing has been the constant thread running through my academic and professional life. From my earliest days on the shop floor to helping businesses navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0, everything I know about efficiency, problem-solving, and leadership has been forged in this world.
It’s an industry that has given me so much—opportunities, experiences, and friendships that have lasted decades. And now, as I reflect on what’s ahead, I want to give something back.
That’s why, throughout March, I’m offering 50 free coaching sessions to COOs, CEOs, and senior operations leaders. It’s something I plan to do every year because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to support manufacturing isn’t with more buzzwords and hype—but with practical, honest conversations about what actually works.
Manufacturing Has Taken Me Around the World—and Shaped Who I Am
One of the greatest privileges of working in manufacturing is that it has taken me all over the world.
I’ve walked the shop floors of factories on almost every continent, from high-tech facilities in Europe to traditional plants in Asia and North America. I’ve seen first-hand how different cultures approach problem-solving, leadership, and innovation—and I’ve made friendships that are still going strong 30 years later.
Looking back, I’ve put together a collection of photos that tell the real story—of the people, the places, and the experiences that have made this career more than just a job. Factories that push the boundaries of efficiency, teams who take pride in every product they build, the late-night meals shared with colleagues after solving a tough operational challenge.
Manufacturing isn’t just about production lines and output metrics. It’s about people and shared experiences. Whether it’s a conversation over coffee in a Swedish factory, a supplier visit in Malaysia, or a team dinner in the US, I’ve learned that manufacturing is built on relationships.
The people I’ve met and worked with over the years have shaped my perspective in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first started out. They’ve reinforced my belief that manufacturing isn’t just about machines and processes—it’s about collaboration, adaptability, and a relentless drive to improve.
That’s one of the reasons I want to give back. Because the lessons I’ve learned from working with brilliant, passionate manufacturing leaders across the world shouldn’t just sit in my head—they should be shared.
From Drawing Boards to Industry 4.0: A Lifetime of Driving Change
I started my career in a time when engineering and manufacturing were on the cusp of massive change. The transition from drawing boards to CAD, the adoption of early ERP systems, and later, the integration of Industry 4.0 and IoT—I was lucky enough to be at the forefront of all of it.
Back then, convincing people to move from paper to digital design felt like a battle. There was resistance, scepticism, and a deeply ingrained “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset. But we pushed forward, and the shift to CAD revolutionised product development.
Later, I was part of teams implementing ERP systems to streamline production and supply chains—long before digital transformation became a buzzword. More recently, I’ve worked on embedding IoT, real-time analytics, and automationinto manufacturing operations to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and create smarter, more connected and sustainable factories.
Looking through my photo archives, I tried to find images of those early factory setups, the first CAD models we worked on, and the systems that are now the foundation of modern manufacturing. But I failed. Let’s face it: I’m so old. I started in a time when we did not have mobiles, let alone phones with cameras! It’s a reminder that while technology evolves, the challenge remains the same: how do we get the most operational improvement from it?
Technology has always been my passion. But in recent years, my focus has shifted.
Now, it’s not just about the tech itself—it’s about how companies use it to drive real operational improvement. Because I’ve seen too many businesses invest in shiny new tools that never deliver the promised results. Too many digital transformation projects fail because they don’t align with how manufacturing actually works.
That’s what drives me today. I want to help leaders navigate this landscape, not by selling them more tech, but by helping them get the most out of what’s already available—in ways that improve performance, empower their workforce, and create lasting change.
Why I’m Making This an Annual Event
The idea behind these free coaching sessions isn’t a one-off. It’s something I’m committing to every year.
Because manufacturing has given me a career that I love. It’s challenged me, pushed me, and taken me places I never expected to go. And it’s given me memories, friendships, and experiences that go beyond business.
I’ve pulled together some of my favourite photos from my time in the industry—not just of the factories and the tech, but of the people, the places, and yes, the food (because if you’ve travelled in manufacturing, you’ll know that some of the best conversations happen over a shared meal).
This industry isn’t just a sector—it’s a global community. And for all the challenges we face—labour shortages, supply chain disruption, the pressure to go digital—there’s a common thread that runs through every successful operation: practical problem-solving, a willingness to adapt, and a deep respect for the craft of making things better.
So, if you’re a COO, CEO, or senior operations leader, and you’re looking for straight answers—not just more digital transformation hype—let’s have a conversation.
I’ll be doing this again next year, because the industry that has given me so much deserves better than empty promises—it deserves real, practical support.
If you think a 30-minute session might be worth your time, get in touch and book your session here: https://info.nickleeder.com/birthday2025. And if nothing else, enjoy the photos—because they tell the real story of what manufacturing is all about.
Transform Your Operations with Nick Leeder & Co
Are you ready to elevate your engineering, manufacturing or sustainability initiatives? Partner with Nick Leeder & Co, an award-winning digital transformation coach, to boost your operational performance and reduce your environmental footprint. With over 25 years of experience, we specialise in guiding leaders like you through the complexities of Industry 4.0, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful results.
Every week we publish our Beyond the Buzzwords newsletter on LinkedIn. Hit the button to have your weekly dose of digital transformation without the hype and fluff delivered to your inbox.
If you prefer less regular but more in-depth analysis, our blog is just the thing for you!
Join the ranks of industry innovators and leverage our expertise to unlock your factory’s hidden potential. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals dedicated to your success.
Contact us today and ignite your digital transformation journey.
Learn more about our services.
Discover more from Nick Leeder & Co
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.