Smiley is one of the top future of work, company culture & workplace belonging keynote speakers in the world for automotive, construction, and manufacturing leaders.
Manufacturing Keynotes
↓ INDUSTRY CLIENTS ↓
-
![]()
“Excellent. Engaging. Thought provoking. Informative.”
- HR team, Ford Motor Company
-
![]()
“Excellent. Great insights and practical tips.”
- ConEdison
-
![]()
“It was an incredible story of how we are effective change makers.”
- HR team, Caterpillar
-
![]()
“Smiley was a phenomenal speaker on Creating a Culture of Belonging at our ADM Global Week of Understanding. He took the time to customize and highlight stories of ADM employees across the company and around the world and made it about us.”
- Jeannette Robles, Global Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)
-
![]()
“Smiley was amazing! What a delight he is, and I’m so glad he was able to join us for the dinner to interact with many of the members.”
- Construction Industry Round Table
-
![]()
“Engaging and real with loads of practical tips!”
- Telecon
↑ INDUSTRY TESTIMONIALS ↑
Future of Work Keynote Speaker for Automotive and Manufacturing Industry, Specializing in Workplace Culture, Team Connection & Belonging
Belonging is the Future of Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Industry in 2025 is navigating significant challenges including supply chain disruptions and tariffs, labor shortages for skilled workers, technological advancements and automation with AI and robotics, and shifting economic and regulatory dynamics. Auto, manufacturing and construction leaders are innovating to invest in workforce development to attract and retain top talent, with a focus on people-first leadership and human connection to improve worker safety, increase trust, and foster workplace connection in a high-demand high-risk industry. Flexibility, curiosity, empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence skills are paramount to engage the multigenerational workforce, navigate complex economic and regulatory environments, and prioritize well-being, mental health, and relationships in the age of overwhelm.
Auto, manufacturing and construction leaders have a critical role in the Age of AI and Automation: to harness the power of human connection to drive profitable growth, business innovation, and worker satisfaction. To build a future that brings people together. Connection is the most valuable currency in manufacturing. Culture isn’t just HR’s job. Culture is every leader and shift manager job’s, from the C-Suite to the factory floor. Culture is everyone’s job.
In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your organization, and your community. High-levels of employee belonging create a 56% increase in job performance, lead to a 50% drop in turnover risk, and can save a company $52 million a year.
Smiley’s practical keynotes provide an actionable toolkit for manufacturing leaders and teams to drive positive cultural transformation, attract and retain Gen Z talent and talent across generations, deepen customer relationships, build trust, engage high-performing teams, and create connection at our plants and factories, offices and buildings, and in the communities we serve.
Keynote Topics for Manufacturing Industry.
How Leaders Can Foster Collaboration, Build Trust, and Empower High-Performing Teams in the Age of Automation and AI
Creating Human Connection and High-Performance Cultures in the Age of AI and Automation
How to Attract, Retain, and Engage Talent Across Generations to Drive Innovation in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
+
Building Resilient, High-Performing Teams to Embrace Change, Transform Culture, and Drive Growth in the Face of Disruption
Creating a Culture of Care to Reduce Burnout, Promote Worker Safety, Increase Connection, and Empower Employees in the Era of Overwhelm
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
8 Reasons to Book Smiley to Speak
Smiley’s practical keynote talks are action-based and designed to increase workplace connection and build better relationships starting today.
All smiles, humble, kind, and drama-free.
Smiley delivers a memorable performance.
Seasoned Future of Work thought leader, trusted by the world’s leading automotive, manufacturing, and construction leaders.
Resonates across generations with youthful expertise, positive energy, and practical tips.
Globally recognized expert on friendship, workplace culture & belonging, human connection & inclusion.
Champion for human connection and building high-value relationships in the Age of AI.
Smiley goes above and beyond.
Speaking Videos
What is Belonging?
Belonging is Everyone's Job
The Myth About Workplace Belonging
From Culture Fit to Culture Transformation
A Culture Where People Can Make the Ask
Find Believers
Managing Gen-Z and Generational Differences
Engaging the Next Generation of Talent
Team Psychological Safety at Work
Belonging and Human Connection in the Future of Work: Event Recap
Build a Workplace Culture of Belonging: Event Recap
Empowering Auto, Manufacturing and Construction Leaders to Thrive
Next Steps to Book Smiley as your Manufacturing Industry Keynote Speaker
Reach Out
Complete the Speaker Request Form to share your event details and confirm Smiley’s availability.
Prep
We’ll schedule a pre-event call so you can share your event’s goals and how Smiley can best customize his presentation to meet your audience’s unique needs and priorities. If needed, we’ll also schedule a prep call two weeks before the event to go over logistics and A/V, and make sure everyone is ready to go.
Customize
Smiley will schedule several additional calls with leaders, clients, key stakeholders, or employees, so he can build their personal stories and wisdom into his presentation, to make it resonate perfectly with your audience.
In addition to delivering an outstanding and highly actionable motivational keynote presentation, Smiley will show up for your people. Whenever possible, he’ll stay for client dinners, attend post-event cocktail receptions, moderate Q&As or discussion groups, sign books, do video interviews or podcasts, and make cross-promotional social media posts.
Show Up
After his presentation, Smiley will share his slides and create a custom 1-pager with key takeaways, article links, recommended books, and follow-on resources for audiences to engage with after his talk. Smiley will review audience feedback, and is happy to discuss planning a 6-month follow-up discussion group or interactive workshop, so your team can keep fostering belonging at work, long after Smiley’s keynote.
