Feb 28 2025 18 mins 1
Mike White isn’t your typical HR leader—he’s the kind of guy who’s more focused on solving problems than following a rulebook. As the founder of Secchi, Mike has made it his mission to help manufacturing leaders simplify their processes, recognize their people, and cut through the noise.
What’s it really like to lead in today’s manufacturing world? If you’re a frontline supervisor or managing a team, you’ve probably felt the pressure. That’s where Mike comes in. As the founder of Secchi, Mike’s mission is to simplify workforce management and bring clarity to chaotic processes. Drawing from his HR and operations background, Mike doesn’t just talk about improving engagement—he’s building tools to make it happen.
In this episode, we dig into why recognition matters so much on the factory floor and why the loudest voice shouldn’t always get the credit. Mike shares stories from his early days running crews in cornfields, how he fired his own dad as a client, and what he learned about leadership along the way. It’s real talk about balancing culture, productivity, and the challenges of being a blue-collar leader.
Make sure you listen till the end as we dive into the origins of Mike’s company name (hint: it’s inspired by measuring water clarity) and how his software is helping organizations manage people better, cut through excuses, and support those steady team players who are often overlooked. If you’ve ever been frustrated by "survey paralysis" or endless HR processes, this conversation is for you.
Highlights
- Mike explains why the loudest voices in the room aren’t always the most valuable.
- The surprising story behind the name "Secchi" and what it means for workplace clarity.
- Why middle-of-the-pack employees often hold the key to success on the factory floor.
- How simple tools can help supervisors document, recognize, and connect with their teams.
- Why outdated employee surveys are doing more harm than good in the workplace.
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