
Why MetaPod
MetaPod embraces the MetaOps™ philosophy: the recognition that no single, one-size-fits-all solution exists for achieving business superiority. Instead, we focus on continuous Business Process Improvement (BPI) and Operational Excellence (OpEx) as the keystones for securing an organization's dominant stance in its market(s).
Ron Crabtree brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to MetaPod. Through engaging discussions with thought leaders and innovators, Ron unveils the myriad paths businesses can navigate to surpass traditional boundaries and achieve unprecedented success.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
Explore the risks of import/export misclassification and tariff compliance strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpert Bob Forshay on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why getting trade codes right the first time protects your margins, how to align internal processes with customs documentation, and how to proactively research HTS codes to avoid delays, penalties, and profit loss.

5 days ago
5 days ago
Explore tariff-driven relocation readiness and supply chain diversification strategy with Kim Crabtree and MetaExpertⓇ Bez Hoxha on this special edition of Meta Pod. Dive into a five-phase framework for relocation decisions, the critical role of up-front legal/compliance alignment, and the hidden blind spots that sink rushed moves.

5 days ago
5 days ago
Explore tariff strategy and supply chain resilience with MetaExpertⓇ Ben Harmsen on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how one company protected $80M in revenue, minimized price increases, and reduced China exposure—all while navigating rising costs, supplier diversification, and trade compliance challenges. This real-world case study offers practical steps for leaders facing global disruption.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Explore the skilled trades labor shortage and AI-powered onboarding with Ron Crabtree and Derek Crager on MetaPod. Dive into how AI tools like voice-activated mentors can capture tribal knowledge, reduce downtime, and scale expert insights across shifts.
Know more about Practical AI:www.practicalai.apphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

Monday Jun 09, 2025
From Stalled to Soaring: How Culture, Talent, and Mindset Fuel Resilience
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Explore the untapped power of human potential and organizational change readiness with Ron Crabtree and Ernesto Gomez on MetaPod. Dive into strategies to unlock performance, assess team culture, and identify what’s really holding your organization back.

Monday May 26, 2025
The Forever Labor Shortage: How to Train, Retain, and Thrive
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Explore the forever labor shortage and workforce efficiency strategies with Ron Crabtree and Travis Ellinger on MetaPod. Dive into why technical roles are increasingly hard to fill, how to build sustainable talent pipelines, and the four-step plan to retain workers and maximize internal capabilities.

Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Explore the realities of global tariff disruptions and data-driven supply chain diagnostics with Ron Crabtree and Greg Smith on MetaPod. Dive into how disjointed data systems create operational risk, why Excel is still dominating supply chain floors (and why that’s a problem), and how to build proactive, risk-ready systems, especially in regulated industries like life sciences.

Sunday Apr 27, 2025
From the Floor Up: How Frontline Teams Can Lead Your Digital Transformation
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Explore the power of citizen developers and boosting frontline engagement with Ron Crabtree and John Papastylianou on MetaPod. Dive into why traditional top-down tech strategies often fail, how low/no-code tools can unlock shop floor innovation, and why observation, not just data, is the key to real change.

Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Fixing the IT Bottleneck in Manufacturing
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Explore the evolving role of internal IT and cybersecurity essentials with Ron Crabtree and Jeff Borello on MetaPod. Dive into how IT can become a strategic advantage, why cybersecurity should be every manufacturer’s top priority, and how to tackle technology debt before it cripples your operations.

Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Explore the forever labor shortage and cultural transformation with Ron Crabtree and guests Steve McKeon and Lupe Muñoz on MetaPod. Dive into practical strategies for assessing organizational trust, developing leadership accountability, and building systems that sustain high-performance teams.