In this powerful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa sits down with Dawn Ealy, Workforce Services Director at CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service), to explore how Iowa manufacturers can proactively tackle their most urgent and ongoing challenge: workforce.
With Iowa projected to face a shortage of 240,000 workers by 2030, manufacturers can’t afford to wait for solutions to appear—they must lead the charge in reinventing how they recruit, retain, and support talent. Dawn shares how CIRAS is helping companies reframe workforce development through age-inclusive strategies, strategic HR leadership, and a stronger connection to young talent pipelines. Whether you’re a small shop or a large employer, the insights in this episode will spark new thinking around how to position your workplace for long-term resilience.
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Dawn also unpacks the CIRAS approach to organizational change management, walking us through the 7 Core Concepts of Change, including resistance, leadership buy-in, cultural alignment, and why “the right answer” is never enough without thoughtful engagement and process. These frameworks are vital for manufacturing leaders navigating growth, automation, generational turnover, and new workforce expectations.
From redefining HR as a strategic partner to creating cultures that attract and retain people at every age and stage, this episode is packed with actionable strategies. CIRAS isn’t just offering advice—they’re stepping alongside Iowa manufacturers to build custom solutions that last.