Steel Toes and Stilettos

Shannon Karels is a Senior Operations Manager who has lead multiple lean transformations and run operations for two large publicly traded corporations across various industries and business models. She started her career in supply chain management and progressed through lean and operations leadership roles. Through this journey, Shannon has improved cultures in numerous manufacturing facilities by leading employee empowerment and engagement, and building highly successful teams, with a focus on business results. Shannon is known for leading accountable organizations built on trusting relationships that improve the companies’ profitability and customer experience. Kathy Miller is a Senior Operations Executive who has held numerous global vice president and director roles both in manufacturing and lean enterprise leadership. Kathy is a Shingo Prize Recipient for Large Businesses as a Plant Manager. She started her career in Operations as a 17-year-old co-op student at a vehicle assembly plant, and progressed through engineering, marketing, lean, and operations leadership roles, working for four large publicly traded corporations in executive roles. Kathy is a transformational leader who consistently delivers impressive business results through team development, process discipline, and continuous improvement. Kathy is known for the creation of an inclusive culture based on trust, respect, and accountability.

This book is about meaningful culture change, individual and organizational learning, leadership humanity and resilience, and organizational excellence. It documents a long, challenging, but totally inspirational account of multiple plants’ transformations, but also provides a unique window into a boss-subordinate relationship that is textured, real, and uplifting. Women in leadership (way beyond manufacturing) will be interested in this account of gifted, yet humble leadership. I am challenged to convey how much I loved the content and style of this book.-- Jane Dutton, Professor of Psychology and Business Administration Emerita, University of MichiganKathy and Shannon are systems-based thinkers which makes their Lean Enterprise implementation successful and sustainable. Understanding their journey and challenges makes this book a must read for both new lean thinkers and seasoned lean professionals.-- Rick Harris, President of Harris Lean Systems, Inc.Kathy and Shannon offer a glimpse of the struggles and barriers they have faced on their road to a successful Lean transformation. It would behoove all leaders to truly understand these obstacles and perspectives through their eyes so that the unique traits of both genders meld into synergistic, winning organizations. This breakthrough publication is required reading if one is serious about building a diverse, world-class organization. -- Mark DeLuzio, President & CEO Lean Horizons Consulting, Shingo Prize Academy InducteeKathy and Shannon’s management principles go beyond the manufacturing sector. This book is more than techniques and tools, it is about people. It is about how you connect, engage and build trust. It speaks to the heart of business leaders.-- Maureen Donker, Mayor, City of Midland, Michigan; Executive Director, Reece Endeavor of MidlandNot only a technically sound lean transformation, but a story of leadership, friendship, and camaraderie. These ladies demonstrate strength through vulnerability, perseverance through compassion, and remind us all of what true leadership looks like.-- Diane M. Larkin, Executive Vice President Global Operations, Valmont IndustriesThis is an inspiring and important story – one that is deeply relevant today, with timeless principles for both women and men, seasoned professionals, and those just starting their careers. It is a story of courageous women, working side by side with the masters of lean manufacturing to transform a business. It is the story of how they built an inclusive culture where teams felt connected, engaged, and trusted. Through their rigorous and fulfilling work, they delivered for their employees, employer, and stakeholders alike.-- Roger Lehman, Managing Partner, Oliver WymanDon’t be fooled by the shoes. With an unapologetically female voice, Kathy and Shannon take you down to the plant floor and show you what it really takes to execute a lean transformation. -- Angie Tuglus, Executive Advisor This is a fascinating autobiographical account of two women manufacturing leaders spearheading a successful lean transformation. Authors Kathy and Shannon share their stories of shaping team culture on the shop floor, battling workplace microaggressions and outright sexism, and balancing family life with courage, determination, and poise. Their friendship offers a refreshing take on women supporting each other’s success in the workplace. This book is an honest and easy read. Highly recommended for women aspiring to succeed in male-dominated professions.-- Meg Warren, Associate Professor of Management, Western Washington University

• Chapter 1: Baby Shoes - How it All Started Chapter 2: Cowboy Boots - New Sheriffs in Town Chapter 3: Steel Toes - Time to Get Moving Chapter 4: Training Shoes - So Much Training, So Little Time Chapter 5: High Heels - From the Plant to the Office Chapter 6: Rain Boots - Weathering the Storm Chapter 7: Tap Shoes - Dancing through the Noise Chapter 8: Flats - Picking Up the Pace Chapter 9: Flip Flops - Not Your Typical Spring Break Chapter 10: Combat Boots - Battling for Lean Honor Chapter 11: Boogie Shoes - Time to Celebrate