Practicing gratitude can be a life-changing habit. Research indicates that it can rewire your brain. Learn about the science of gratitude and its psychological and physical benefits. Kathy underscores the research with a heartwarming true story underpinned by the power of gratitude. This human-interest story about her daughter made international news.
Key takeaways:
-Gratitude is a character strength within each of us and can be strengthened through practice.
-Practicing gratitude positively correlates with empathy, forgiveness, and willingness to help others.
-Practicing gratitude also has been associated with better quantity and quality of sleep.
-Multiple gratitude interventions can increase your happiness and decrease depressive symptoms.

Many manufacturing organizations still use command and control leadership, with relatively few at the top of the hierarchy making the majority of decisions. In contrast, inclusive cultures unleash the contributions of all individuals in the enterprise. And inclusive cultures are built upon positive workplace relationships. In this talk, learn about the mechanisms at play in fostering the positive energy of such relationships as identified by the research of Drs. Jane Dutton and Barbara Fredrickson. This research comes to life through Kathy's endearing stories from her decades of experiencing such relationships.
Key takeaways:

-High-quality connections are positive interactions occurring between two people.
-High-quality connections, compassion, emotional carrying capacity, and psychological safety are characteristics of positive workplace relationships.
-High-quality connections are built and strengthened through respectful engagement, positive emotional experiences, and awareness of others.
-High-quality connections have been correlated with employee illness recovery, facilitating learning and adjustment, and increased coordination, among other organizational benefits.

Advanced technology has been making its way to the factory floor at an accelerated pace. While many are excited about the capabilities that replicate or even exceed that of humans operating traditional equipment or using manual processes, others can be resistant or threatened by this dramatically different technology. However, humans will continue to play an essential role in manufacturing. For the adoption of new technology to be optimal, the humans involved should be engaged beyond the work of their hands alone. Gain insight into engaging the head and heart as well.
Key takeaways:
-Productivity has been a focus of humankind throughout history, leading to manufacturing systems comprised of short, repeatable work segments.
-It will serve companies well to cultivate optimism in the workplace, which is correlated with better problem-solving skills as innovative technologies are deployed.
-Creativity, also a critical factor in advanced technology deployment, is fostered by psychological safety.
-Regardless of the level of automation, people need to find meaning in their work.

Change is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Depending on how significant the change is, it takes a tremendous amount of energy to overcome the inertia of "the way we have always done it around here." Kathy is no stranger to transforming businesses to achieve levels of performance that are significantly better and result in new ways of doing business sustained and built upon by the entire workforce. A Shingo Prize recipient recognized for leading such change, Kathy shares the principles required by leadership to attain these meaningful transformations.
Key takeaways:
-The vision of a better future must be articulated and communicated repeatedly to many people who may have yet to experience a different way of achieving results.
-Structured implementation plans must be built and reviewed with a regular cadence.
-Tapping into the potential of each employee is required to build a culture of authentic engagement.
-Be a visible and authentic leader.

Much effort has been made to attract females to science, technology, engineering, and math careers. But when we get them there – why don't they stay? In this talk, Kathy explores the challenge, why it's important to be addressed, and how we, as professionals within organizations, can help. Drawing on research from organizational psychology, Kathy explores the dimensions of this diversity issue.
Key takeaways:
-A significant longitudinal study of female college graduates in the '80s and '90s had left their STEM profession within 12 years.
-Stereotypes persist, inhibiting connectedness and social belonging.
-Leadership teams comprised of both genders are associated with increased problem-solving capacity.
-Relatable female role models, male allies, and mentors can be important in mitigating the situation.

Kathy Miller is no stranger to manufacturing companies. She started working in a factory at the age of 17 and progressed through many roles, culminating in being the Global Operations Director for Rolls-Royce Defense.
In this retrospective view of her career, she shares the formula that allowed her to thrive in an industry where senior female leaders were rare. The variables she attributes to this success include relationships, realities, results, and authenticity. She shares why each focus area is critical, and her humorous stories make this a compelling experience for leaders in and around industrial companies.
Key takeaways:
-All relationships matter in your career journey, even the most unlikely.
-Understanding the way things are is essential as you work toward making them how you would like them to be.
-Let results be your calling card.
-Lead with your strengths and own your differences.