May 2025 Volume 7

MEMBERS SPEAK

EMBRACING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE FORGING INDUSTRY

A s American manufacturing continues to evolve, the forging industry is being pushed to adapt faster than ever. With workforce shortages, accelerating digital transformation, and rising global competition, our members are realizing that investing in leadership development isn’t optional, it’s essential. “Leadership development isn't just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s mission critical,” said Angela Gibian, Interim President & CEO of the Forging Industry Association. “We need leaders who can manage change, work across teams, and embrace innovation. Those skills don’t develop by chance—they require training.” One key initiative helping fill that leadership pipeline is the Forging Industry Association’s (FIA) Management Development Institute (MDI). Tailored for mid-level managers, this multi session program features a mix of lectures, case studies, roundtables, expert panels, and structured networking, all designed to prepare participants for executive roles.

top priority. Programs like MDI ensure companies are grooming talent ready to step up. [See article page 48] They also help attract and retain younger professionals, many of whom are looking for more than just a paycheck. “Younger employees want to see a path forward,” said Gibian. “When you offer them a vision of leadership and growth, they are more likely to stay.” As technology continues to reshape forging—from AI and automation to real-time analytics—today’s leaders must juggle technical skills with emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate change. With programs like MDI at the forefront, the industry is making a clear statement: preparing leaders today is the key to forging success tomorrow. Registration for the 2025 Class of FIA’s Management Development Institute (MDI) is now open. The program will take place at FIA Headquarters in Independence, Ohio. Session 1: June 9-11, 2025

Eric Mactavish, Technical Service Manager at Charter Steel, joined the MDI program shortly after stepping into a leadership position. “It had been years since I last took a management course, so MDI was a great way to brush up on essential concepts,” he said. “The sessions were hands-on and engaging, and I came away with practical tools I could apply right away with my team.”

Session 2: September 8-10, 2025 Session 3: December 1-3, 2025

The program includes a plant tour of thyssenkrupp rothe erde USA Inc. Please visit www.forging.org/events for more information and register online or contact Kathy Edwards at 216-781-6260 to register by phone.

Henry Brewer, Operations Manager at Cornell Forge, shared a similar experience. “MDI pushes you to step outside your day-to-day mindset and look at the business from a new angle,” he noted. “Every session offered takeaways I could

implement immediately. And the networking—connecting with others in the industry—was invaluable.” That network, Brewer added, is one of MDI’s lasting benefits. “You're sitting next to people facing the same challenges. The relationships you build here go well beyond the classroom.” Leadership development is especially important for family owned firms and organizations with long-tenured executives. With many of those leaders nearing retirement, succession planning has become a

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2025 88