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The Spark: How Whirlpool Ignites Front Line Leadership

Critical Issues Member Forum Call – Leadership, Culture, Organization and People

Abstract

Join leaders from Whirlpool as they share insights into their World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Front Line Leader Development Program to strengthen the capabilities of front-line leaders across its North American operations. Recognizing that these leaders are central to sustaining WCM practices on the factory floor, the company built on successful site-level initiatives to create a unified regional program led by its WCM Central Team.

The program combines multiple learning approaches to equip leaders with practical WCM tools, methodologies, soft skills, and daily management practices. By deepening understanding of WCM principles and reinforcing people involvement, the initiative enables front-line leaders to independently drive continuous improvement while improving safety, quality, and operational performance.

Key Takeaways:
      • Front Line Leader program development: Learn how a Front Line Leader program was designed and developed for implementation across multiple manufacturing sites.
      • Shop-floor people leadership: Strengthen your ability to assess, coach, and develop teams to improve performance and engagement.
      • Continuous improvement mindset: Shift from reacting to problems to addressing root causes, driving greater stability and improved results in operational teams.
      • Preventive business management: Anticipate safety and quality risks to build more robust processes and move toward “zero incidents.”
      • Presenters
    • Jennifer Marcela Elizondo, NAR WCM Manager | FI and QCSLead, Whirlpool
    • Ana Sofia Gea, NAR WCM Lead | PM Lead, Whirlpool
    • Jesus Alberto Soto, NAR WCM Lead | AM Lead, Whirlpool
    • Facilitator
    • Penelope Brown, Senior Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council
    This call is part of MLC’s Critical Issues Member Forum series.

    These members-only calls feature exclusive ideas, insights, strategies and tactics to help MLC members on their digital transformation journey. Each forum call aligns with one of MLC’s Critical Issues.To learn more about these calls and MLC membership, please visit our membership page.