217- How Joe Willis Navigated the Highs and Lows of Building Manufacturing IT Empires

Joe Willis

With over 15 years of experience, Joe Willis is skilled at guiding organizations through growth and change. He has extensive expertise directing international infrastructure expansion, managing complex ERP systems, and leading cross-functional teams through major projects. Joe leverages technology to drive business efficiency and growth. His strength lies in partnering with leadership to align IT solutions to strategic goals through clear communication, relationship building, and a focus on delivering value. He thrives on overcoming challenges to transform operations.

How Joe Willis Navigated the Highs and Lows of Building Manufacturing IT Empires

What hard-won lessons did one IT veteran learn from navigating diverse industries and global expansion challenges over decades in the field? Tune in as Joe Willis shares his experiences tackling multifaceted EDI implementation projects and scaling infrastructure on an international scale with host Mike Kelley. You’ll discover proven strategies for overcoming hurdles like satisfying non-native partners and adapting to shifts within growing organizations. Apply these invaluable insights to your own career advancement, no matter which phase of professional evolution you’re in.

I thought I was communicating clearly but found out I was not. I had to understand how to convey complex concepts to team members who know the words, but not the meaning.

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217- How Joe Willis Navigated the Highs and Lows of Building Manufacturing IT Empires

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Episode Show Notes

Dirty Manufacturing Environment and Hesitant Employees [3:18]

Introduction to EDI and its Importance in Business [13:49]

Understanding the Challenges of EDI Implementation [19:49]

Importance of Documentation and Training in the Workplace [27:09]

The Soft Skills of Interacting with Managers and Superiors [31:27]

Standalone installs vs. 365: Multi-tenancy and collaboration improvements [37:03]

Expanding business into Poland: Infrastructure scaling and challenges [39:52]

Scaling the company and investing in enterprise-level hardware [40:31]

Unique Work Ethic and Mindset in Poland [48:02]

Accommodating Work Schedule for International Collaboration [51:04]

The Challenge of Technology as a Business Partner [53:58]

Soft Skills and Adaptability as Table Stakes in IT [56:58]

Finding Satisfaction in Challenging Work [1:06:03]

Joe Willis

How Joe Willis Navigated the Highs and Lows of Building Manufacturing IT Empires

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