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 ↓
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“Excellent. Engaging. Thought provoking. Informative.”
- HR team, Ford Motor Company
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“Excellent. Great insights and practical tips.”
- ConEdison
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“It was an incredible story of how we are effective change makers.”
- HR team, Caterpillar
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“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)
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“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
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“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, Teamwork, Collaboration, Connection & Belonging
The Future of Manufacturing is Human Connection.
The Manufacturing Industry in 2026 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 an AI-driven workplace, human connection is our moat, relationships are our true competitive advantage.
In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; with wall-to-wall Zoom meetings, 24/7 Teams messages, AI agents, and the rapid adoption of GenAI & ChatGPT; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your team, 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.
Speaking Reels
2026 Keynote Preview
2026 Speaker Reel
Smiley’s Keynote Outcomes:
Learn 5 ways to increase human connection at work
Foster higher levels of psychological safety on your team
Deepen trust + build high-value relationships
Navigate uncertainty, drive massive business growth in the age of AI
Lead through change + build culture transformation
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
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Building Resilient, High-Performing Teams to Embrace Change, Transform Culture, and Drive Growth in the Face of Disruption
Creating a Culture of Care to Build High-Performing Teams, Reduce Burnout, Promote Worker Safety, Increase Connection, and Empower Employees in the Era of Overwhelm
Client Value Cycle
Pre-Keynote
Exploratory call to align on client vision and event goals
Deep dive pre-event call
Smiley customizes his presentation to meet your audience’s unique needs and priorities; interviews 3-4 leaders, team members, clients or partners to customize for your event
Customize through connection
Smiley delivers a high-energy, inspiring, interactive and practical keynote
Smiley models connection+ belonging in how he shows up, whenever possible, he’ll stay for client dinners, attend post-event cocktail receptions, moderate Q&As or breakout discussions, sign books, do video interviews or podcasts, and make cross-promotional social media posts.
Post-Keynote
All attendees receive Smiley’s hand-designed practical resources and guides:
Custom Slides
1-pager with key takeaways
Belonging Toolkit (70 pages)
Connect at Work Guide (30 pages)
Optional book bulk buy discount
Thank you video from Smiley
Access to 6 short videos to keep doing the work and implement Smiley’s culture of connection tips
30-days later 20-minute After Care Debrief Call with Smiley to discuss post-event progress and explore future collaboration options (including ongoing masterclass and Virtual Q&A/ Focus Group Series)
Keynote
Deliver exceptional keynote experience that models connection
After care resources to implement tools and take action post-event
Speaking Video Clips
The Power of Making the Ask
Being Human in the Age of AI
Human Connection in the Age of AI
Audience Customization Example
Create a Sense of Belonging
Communicate Across Generations
Flexibility at Work
Team Psychological Safety at Work
Culture of Care
Employee Engagement
From Hustle to Human Connection
Culture Transformation
From Hustle to Human Connection
The Myth About Workplace Belonging
Hybrid is How We Connect
Empowering Auto, Manufacturing and Construction Leaders to Thrive Through Uncertainty
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
