Retention challenges in manufacturing and distribution go beyond the surface—especially for women. On this episode of Shift Talk, I sat down with Shannon Bumgarner, a 25+ year manufacturing veteran and host of the Empowering Women in Industry podcast. If you’re someone in HR who’s trying to figure out how to create more inclusive workplaces or keep your team engaged, this one’s for you.
Shannon’s Path to Manufacturing (and Why She’ll Never Do TSA’s Job for Free)
First off, Shannon’s story is wild in the best way. She grew up loving problem-solving games like Battleship and Light Bright (Google it, Gen Z), which set the stage for her career in chemical engineering. Her parents worked in textiles and furniture manufacturing, so she’d seen how these industries could lift up entire communities. That’s why, when she graduated from NC State, she chose manufacturing over tech sales.
What really stuck with me was how she described the “multiplier effect” of manufacturing. She’s seen firsthand how it transforms families and neighborhoods—and how devastating it can be when it disappears.
“Manufacturing isn’t just about creating products,” she said. “It’s about creating opportunities for communities to thrive.”
Also, fun fact: Don’t take Shannon to a TSA line unless you’re ready for her to call out every inefficiency. (I’m considering it for my next trip, honestly.)
Why Retaining Women in STEM Is Everyone’s Job
We talked a lot about the retention problem in STEM fields, especially for women. Did you know only 15% of engineers are women? And a lot of them leave around the 10- to 15-year mark. Shannon’s passionate about changing that. Here’s what she said works:
- Flexibility: Things like paternity leave and on-site childcare aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the key to retention.
- Better Job Descriptions: Women tend to self-select out if they don’t check every box. Shannon’s team runs their job postings through software to make sure the language is more inclusive.
- Returnship Programs: The Society of Women Engineers has this brilliant initiative called Relaunch, where people coming back after a career break can re-acclimate through a structured program.
She nailed it when she said, “Retention isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a workforce issue.” If you’re not thinking about this as a leader, you’re already behind.
COVID Changed Everything—For the Better (Kind Of)
Shannon shared this aha moment she had during the pandemic. Picture this: April 2020, a brand-new people leadership role, and a world turned upside down. She’s managing a team she’s never met in person, and suddenly everyone’s personal lives are front and center on Zoom—kids, pets, laundry piles, the works.
Instead of fighting it, she leaned in. “We used to think you checked your personal life at the door when you came to work. COVID showed us that’s not possible—and it shouldn’t be,” she said.
Being more open and vulnerable with her team not only improved engagement but also built trust. It’s something I’ve seen too. When you treat people like human beings instead of cogs in a machine, they’re way more likely to stick around.
What’s Next for Manufacturing in 2025
I had to ask Shannon what she thinks is coming down the pipeline. Her answer? The “acceleration of change.” Here’s what she’s seeing:
- Adapting to Rapid Innovation Cycles: The days of slow and steady product development are gone. Feedback loops are tighter than ever, and manufacturers need to move faster to stay competitive.
- Closing the Skills Gap: Shannon’s a huge advocate for bringing marginalized groups into trades and technical roles. Programs that partner with organizations like the Urban League are helping, but there’s still a lot of work to do.
- Doubling Down on People-First Policies: Whether it’s flexible schedules, better paternity leave, or leadership development for welders, companies that invest in their people will win long term.
My Biggest Takeaway
Toward the end of our conversation, Shannon dropped this gem: “Have the courage to see and truly be seen.” She explained how being vulnerable as a leader builds trust, and that trust is what keeps people engaged.
It’s something I’m taking to heart. Being a leader isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up authentically, being willing to listen, and building real relationships with your team.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you want more of Shannon’s insights, follow her on LinkedIn or check out her Empowering Women in Industry podcast.
If this episode sparked something for you, let’s connect. Whether you’re in HR, operations, or trying to figure out how to build a more flexible workforce model, I’d love to point you in the right direction. Reach out—let’s talk.
About the Shift Talk Podcast
Shift Talk, is a podcast by MyWorkChoice where we talk about the real shift happening and hard conversations because we know the stakes are high in manufacturing and distribution. Your workforce is your most valuable asset, and without retention, you’re stuck in a cycle of hiring and losing people. It doesn’t have to be that way.
