
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

Monday Jul 07, 2025
Smarter Logistics: Using AI to Do More with Less
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Explore operational efficiency and sustainability-driven emissions reduction with Ron Crabtree and Rich Savoie on MetaPod. Dive into AI-powered data harmonization, aligning cost-and-carbon KPIs, and Pareto-focused quick wins.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
How to Relocate Operations Without Regret: What to Plan and What to Avoid
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Explore manufacturing relocation strategies and common pitfalls to avoid with Kim Crabtree and Neal McGee on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into proven methods for moving operations, why emotional and operational alignment is key, and how to avoid disaster by asking the right questions before making a move.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Smarter Procurement: Using Software to Transform Sourcing & Supplier Strategy
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Explore cost transparency and digital procurement transformation with Kim Crabtree and Jeoff Burris on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how to build systems that reflect real cost structures, why rapid evolution beats digital revolution, and how smarter sourcing leads to 12-18% savings.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
The ROI of Simulation: How Digital Twin Modeling Drives Financial Wins
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Explore digital-tein supply-chain simulation and enterprise-wide data aggregation with Kim Crabtree and Greg Smith on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into how centralized data unlocks proactive risk modeling, why scenario planning beats spreadsheet guesswork, and the concrete savings companies gain when they test “what-if” moves before they act.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
How Smart Companies Prepare for Tariff Waves with Strategic Planning
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Explore the total landed cost modeling and strategic supply chain planning with Ron Crabtree and Dennis Schneider on this special edition of MetaPod. Dive into why most companies aren’t fully accounting for tariff impact, how to collect the right data to drive decisions, and what a well-aligned supply chain strategy really looks like.

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Misclassified and Overcharged: How Errors in Trade Codes Cost You Money
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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.

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Adapting with Purpose: How to Align Your Strategy to Tariff Risks
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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.

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Profit Under Fire: How to Navigate Tariffs Without Sacrificing Supply
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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.

Monday Jun 23, 2025
Practical AI for Your Team: Train Faster, Work Smarter
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
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.