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.

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