I dare you to dream big. Don't limit yourself. Take the path that will get you closer to your purpose, even though it may look a little different, even though you may be the only person that may look like you in the room. Having the courage to stay on that path gets you closer to your purpose.
-Chrystal York
Episode Summary
What are the core qualities of a truly effective leader? As the new, youngest, and first African American President of the Southeastern Region of AME, Chrystal York knows a good bit about leadership and joins Scott to talk all about it. Listen as Chrystal shares her upbringing and early exposure to servant leadership, what she learned about leadership from her early career managers, her advice for young people, and so much more. Also listen as Chrystal shares her vision for the Southeastern region of AME, how a focus on diversity can improve business and industry, and how driving impact and creating opportunities for all is not just an AME goal, but can be an industry-wide objective.
Note: AME’s Southeastern Region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the territory of Puerto Rico.
Episode Transcript
Intro/Outro (00:03):
Welcome to Supply Chain. Now, the voice of global supply chain Supply chain now focuses on the best in the business for our worldwide audience, the people, the technologies, the best practices, and today’s critical issues, the challenges and opportunities. Stay tuned to hear from Those Making Global Business happen right here on supply chain now.
Scott Luton (00:31):
Hey, good morning everybody. Scott Luton with you here on Supply Chain. Now welcome to today’s show. Hey, today we’re talking with a repeat guest, one of our faves, and we’re focused on leadership, especially leaders that are out there, trailblazing new paths. So stay tuned for a wonderful conversation that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do. So, no further ado, I’ll welcome in our guest today, Chrystal York, a business leader that also serves as a volunteer leader with the Nonprofit Association for Manufacturing Excellence. Chrystal, how are you doing?
Chrystal York (01:01):
I am doing well today, Scott. How are you?
Scott Luton (01:04):
I’m wonderful. I tell you, it’s been too long. Uh, I wanna say you’ve made three or four or five appearances with us, and while we’re not in person this time, we’ll make that happen next time. But it’s always, uh, uh, invigorating to sit down and chat with you.
Chrystal York (01:17):
Same here. I am. So thank you for the opportunity and always fun to be here.
Scott Luton (01:22):
It is. We have a lot, lot of fun, uh, together, going back all the way to your first appearance at, at an AME event. Who knows? Let me touch on that later. But for starters though, Crystal, mm-hmm. <affirmative>, cause it’s been a little while since we caught up last. Some of our listeners undoubtedly remember, uh, some of your, uh, previous interviews, but for a couple out there that may not, let’s get to know you a little better. Where did you grow up? Crystal York?
Chrystal York (01:43):
Um, so I had the privilege of growing up in the beautiful town of Thomaston, Georgia, uh, about 60 miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. Um, 10,000 residents, So small country town, uh, proud, uh, UPS and Lee, uh, night graduate. Okay. Um, actually, UPS and Lee School system is where, where I really found my love for math, science, and innovation. So they gave me a really great foundation.
Scott Luton (02:10):
Okay. All right. Uh, you know, I was not good at math, uh, Crystal. So, uh, who knows. You have to share some of that, uh, inte like with me later on. But let’s, um, so in Georgia, um, I, I, I’m pretty sure I’ve been through there. What is, uh, you know, we love talking about food here at So Blache. Now, what is one food dish or restaurant, uh, that growing up you look back and, and it was inseparable from your childhood?
Chrystal York (02:37):
Honestly, I would say inseparable. Inseparable from my childhood and my adulthood would be Big Chick. Big Chick, um, is one of my favorite restaurants. It has been in existence since before I was born. Okay. Um, they have their standard work down Pat Scott. I consistently get the best fried chicken in the world. I double down on bets when I bring people to my hometown. It’s the best fried chicken.
Scott Luton (03:03):
I love it. Big chick. All right, so next time we get together, we’ll do the interview in person, and then we’re eating that for lunch afterwards. Is that a deal?
Chrystal York (03:09):
That’s a
Scott Luton (03:10):
Deal. And I love how you, you know, you’re, you’re a, um, you, you love manufacturing and leadership cuz you, you snuck in their standard work. Uh, so, so <laugh>, so apropo for the rest of the stuff we’re gonna be talking about here today. Um, so speaking of manufacturing, so tell us level set. You know, many plenty of folks will know, uh, what AME is. In fact, one of our hosts here, Billy Ray Taylor, the dynamo that leads, uh, the winning link. Uh, he’s on the board with AME as you know, your colleagues. Um, but for the handful of folks that may not know about nonprofit Association for Manufacturing Excellence, what is it all about?
Chrystal York (03:46):
So AME is a organization, um, since 1985. So they have been around for a very long time. Um, of vibrant community of over 4,000 professionals, uh, seniors, mid-level managers, individuals just getting started, maybe on, possibly on their lean journey. But very, they focus on people-centric leadership, um, all things continuous improvement and all things enterprise excellence. So a E’S mission is to share, learn and grow best practices to really bridge those gaps that most industries are seeing.
Scott Luton (04:26):
Love that. Uh, and it’s such a big need, right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, to do just that. And am I correct in stating that the core of the organization is a manufacturing industry, but there’s folks from all sorts of industries that are involved in, Is that right?
Chrystal York (04:40):
That is right. A AME has evolved, evolved outside of just manufacturing into healthcare, um, into social impact. So supporting other nonprofits, utilizing those continuous improvement, enterprise excellence tools, um, and just overall industry.
Scott Luton (04:57):
Love it. Okay. Talking my language, continuous improvement. The journey is no finish line to the journey. No finish line. I know we’re kindred spirits in that regard. So is if, if that’s not good enough. And if have Chris having Crystal York back with us isn’t good enough. You, you bring some really big news in this latest visit. So, can I share it,
Chrystal York (05:16):
Please?
Scott Luton (05:18):
Okay. <laugh>. So you, Crystal York are the youngest and the first African American leader to serve as Southeast Regional President for ame. Congratulations.
Chrystal York (05:29):
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Scott Luton (05:32):
Wow. All right. So, um, I’m gonna ask you in a second what that means to you, but the, the role itself, the Southeast regional president, which I think officially takes route, uh, October 1st, uh, what does this, uh, what does this leader do?
Chrystal York (05:45):
So this leader has the opportunity to, um, cast the vision for our entire southeast region. Um, we have our board comprises of 25, uh, board members, um, ranging from, uh, about, what, seven different states.
Scott Luton (06:04):
Okay.
Chrystal York (06:05):
Um, multiple industries. And like I said, it is vision casting. It is facilitating all of our board meetings and it’s driving impact and awareness to ame.
Scott Luton (06:16):
I love it. And making, and, and really serving them. I’m, I’m sure that seven state region, right. Uh, helping industry across helping connections, helping networking, the driving impact. I love that Crystal. Um, so let’s, let’s talk about this. Um, and I know you don’t like talking about yourself, but hey, with news like this, we gotta, we gotta put the focus on Crystal York. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, what is this, you know, ]this, um, you know, breaking these firsts, right? Trailblazing being the pioneer that you are. What does this mean to you?
Chrystal York (06:48):
Um, honestly, I am humble that my peer, uh, board members in the strongest, largest region, uh, the southeast region, um, elected me, um, to serve. But quite honestly, I’ll say that it means responsibility. Mm. So when I go back to the mission of AME to share, learn, and grow, um, the enterprise excellence, the continuance improvement tools, um, these are thought leaders in the industry. So how do I cast the vision for, for us to have bigger impact? How can everyone, every industry in the southeast region know who AME is? That’s one thing. And then the second would be the responsibility to bridge gaps. How can I create the opportunity to drive more diversity within ame?
Scott Luton (07:43):
Yep. Um, so along those lines, you’re kind of sharing, that really speaks to my next question. You know, some of the impact and some of the ways you wanna put your stamp on the organization and industry. Anything else really stick out in terms of, you know, when you, and I’m not sure how long is the term, how, how long will you be serving?
Chrystal York (08:01):
Two years.
Scott Luton (08:02):
Okay. So whether it’s one term or whether it’s 10 terms mm-hmm. <affirmative> at the end of your time serving as southeast regional President. And when you look back mm-hmm. <affirmative>, describe the, you know, any, anything else related to the impact that you want to have made?
Chrystal York (08:16):
Ooh, that’s a good question. Um, I would definitely say my goal would be, um, at the end of my term, of those 4,000, um, plus members that we have, I want our board leadership to, to reflect that level of diversity, um, where individuals feel comfortable joining AME being their authentic self. And we’re truly embracing, um, the level of, I guess, different ideas, which drives higher collaboration, which drives better problem solving. So we’re, again, we’re supporting the industries in the Southeast. Um, but I guess most of all, di identifying that diverse talent, most of all young minds. Yeah. Um, yeah, AME has a great amount of very senior leaders. Um, but if we can engage the younger mind population, for me, I was able, um, starting in sixth grade, I did a STEM program every summer from sixth grade to 12th grade. Okay. That allowed me to learn more about stem, um, learn about leadership, and really get, um, exposure to the different possibilities of how you can use the foundation of STEM to do, to solve real world problems. Right. And we wanna do the same thing in AME to our young minds and young leaders.
Scott Luton (09:44):
I love that. And, and what I’m hearing you say, Crystal is not only driving impact and creating opportunities for all within the AME ecosystem, I’ll call it, but by extension, you, you’re really doing the same thing across industry, right? AME becomes a vehicle to creating opportunities for all, uh, and, and affording opportunities for all in, in leadership positions in industry and professional development, uh, positions, you know, helping, uh, as you said earlier, helping nonprofits and some of those other really important initiatives have become more effective and, and serve more. I mean, really it’s, it’s such a, a big ripple effect. So mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, I’m excited. I can tell you’re excited. Uh, you gotta, But here’s the deal, Crystal, we gotta make this deal here. You gotta give us the first post presidency interview after your term’s up. Okay. <laugh>
Chrystal York (10:36):
That, that’s a bit
Scott Luton (10:38):
<laugh>. We’ll have to go through your agent, probably know that down by then. But, um, alright. So you just just mentioned young people there. You know, there’s so much work we’ve gotta do to make sure they, um, see the art of the possible for themselves and, uh, find how they wanna make their impact and drive the change in their journeys. So young people are gonna see you creating this first or first plural, and you undoubtedly were gonna be inspiring them to do big things. Kinda like that, that mantra we’ve heard and have seen time and time again, you know, see it to be it. Right. Right. So for any of our younger listeners or folks maybe earlier in their journey that are listening to this, what message would you like to share with them?
Chrystal York (11:20):
Oh, wow. I would definitely say to our young listeners, um, I dare you to dream big. Don’t limit yourself. Um, part of being a first is knowing that, um, it’s gonna require you to be uncomfortable. Um, it may look different than what your friends are doing. Um, as I shared before, I had a love for math and science and growing up, hey, not all of my friends had a love for math and science, but taking that path got me closer to what my purpose is. So taking the path will get you closer to your purpose, even though it may look a little different, even though you may be the only person that may look like you in the room. Mm. But having the courage to stay on it gets you closer to your purpose.
Scott Luton (12:08):
I love that. I love where you started with that. I dare you. I dare you. I challenge you. That’s so that, you know, once you’re, you get outta that comfort zone because you accept the challenge. You know, that’s where you, you grow so much and you find so many opportunities. Um, so along these lines, Yeah. I want, I wanna pose a a a really important question. You know, if you were, uh, consulting all of industry beyond even the seven states and the Southeast regional, but if you really, you know, if you had the captive attention of, of industry, you know, sea level leaders, how can organizations enable more firsts like yours to happen more often?
Chrystal York (12:48):
Ooh. I would say that you have to make a commitment to recognize first and to seek to develop individuals that are diverse. Um, and, and it’s a commitment, cuz it’s easily said than done. But with intentionality, again, we’re bridging gaps. Um, because with diversity, there are so many studies that have been done that says diversity drives higher, collaboration encourages better problem solving, and you’re getting results. Yep. So with that being said, it’s, it’s with an organization making a commitment to really develop and to recognize those individuals
Scott Luton (13:36):
Deeds, not words. It’s one phrase that comes to my mind, one of our favorite phrases around here, but also you’re talking about all the different studies have been done about the, the power and advantages of, of a more diverse workforce and leadership structure. Profitability Yes. Uh, has been shown to be impacted very positively. Um, so even if you don’t wanna do it for all the right reasons that you laid out there, hey, do it to drive profit, you know, but just do it. Right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, I dare you just do
Chrystal York (14:02):
It. I dare you.
Scott Luton (14:04):
<laugh>. Um, alright. So I wanna, um, a lot of times our interviews, we’ll start front of our interview and take a look back here. We kind of shared some of the current state news, exciting news mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And now I wanna look back. So you were talking earlier about growing up in Thomason, Georgia, uh, home in a legendary big chick where we’re gonna have to eat sometime. Um, talk about on your own, you know, in those formative years or maybe recently and what mentors or role models really inspires you to big, you know, who, who dared you Right. And to do big things and be a better leader.
Chrystal York (14:40):
Um, for me, I would say leadership started at home. Um, I’m blessed to have parents that, hey, they dared me. They seen a light inside of me, um, with their love, with their support. It pretty much, I grew up to be a fearless woman and I’m grateful for them showing me what leadership looks like. So outside of taking the best care of me, um, and, and, and getting me to and throw, they were leaders in their jobs. Um, my mom went on to not only, uh, be a full-time mom, have a full-time job, she started a business leading a team. Okay. Um, my dad served 22 years, um, in the military leading his team. So I was blessed to be able to see what does leadership look like, And not just leadership, but servant leadership.
Scott Luton (15:34):
Mm. And what are their names? Your parents names?
Chrystal York (15:37):
Oh, my mother, Rita Car Smith and my dad John Thomas York Jr.
Scott Luton (15:43):
Mm. I bet they are extremely proud and and I trust you’ve already shared the news with them and you’ve had a chance to celebrate with your parents, right?
Chrystal York (15:50):
Absolutely. Absolutely.
Scott Luton (15:52):
<laugh>. All right. Uh, so a quick follow up question. When you think about, uh, industry, right, maybe some of those non-family mentors or friends or folks that push you on those toughest of days, any names come to mind?
Chrystal York (16:06):
Oh man.
Scott Luton (16:07):
It’s tough to pick one, but if you had to pick one, it’s tough.
Chrystal York (16:10):
Um, I’m gonna go back to my first job out of college. Um, I was working for, um, Acuity Brands lighting, and, um, I was assembly supervisor. Uh, they were just starting their lean journey and my manager, uh, Mr. Danny Rael, hi Danny. Um, Danny pushed me again. I was, what, 22 years old? I was leading almost, what, 50 to 75 people.
Scott Luton (16:41):
Wow. You wanna
Chrystal York (16:43):
At, at, and there were many of days, if I’m being totally of just not understanding that respect for people, again, yields results. Yeah. I was terrified to communicate old to my parents, but pulled me in. And what he shared was, when you take care and listened to the people who are doing the work, that’s when things get done. Mm
Scott Luton (17:13):
Mm I love that. What great advice we’re gonna have to interview Danny at some point. So Danny, if you’re listening, <laugh> big high five and thank you for playing a critical role. I mean, heck, look at what folks like Danny that invested in you, Crystal, You know, they’re celebrating, I’m sure right here with you as you going and do big things and move mountains. Um, so along these lines, you know, you basically kind of were sharing some leadership lessons there, really. So if you had to think of two or three traits that truly extraordinary, uh, successful results getting leaders have mm-hmm. <affirmative>, what would be a couple of those, those must have traits you think, in your opinion?
Chrystal York (17:53):
Um, I mentioned earlier, um, servant leadership. So it’s something about when you flip your theoretical top down approach and your, you’re focusing on people first. Um, and my day to day job, uh, at Ecolab, I have the opportunity of, I tell ’em, you have to walk it like you talk <laugh> of really listening, um, going to the gemba, listening, taking action, following up and showing respect. And, and again, it comes down to the power of collaboration. It ends in great results.
Scott Luton (18:29):
Yep.
Chrystal York (18:30):
Um, passion, I know it sounds super, super cliche, but as a leader you have to have passion. Uh, for me, I have passion for AME because it has, I, I joined AME in 2 20 18. Um, the power of development and relationships that I built it, I mean, their core value, One of the core values is just welcoming and engaging. And there was no one that really even looked like me during my first interaction with ame. And everyone was so welcoming, engaging in the sharing of best practices, it fueled me. It grew me personally and professionally. Um, and then last but not least, I would say you have to be a problem solver. It’s all about where do you wanna go Casting that vision and as a leader, um, really showing your team that I’m gonna remove those barriers or get you the support and resources needed to achieve that mission.
Scott Luton (19:30):
Love that. Uh, really love that. Go. I’m going back to pick up on something you said, cuz some of our listeners may have heard going to the gemba before and they may not have really understood what that means. Now, from where I sit, uh, you know, going to the gemba can also mean, you know, going to the plant for going to the production line, meeting with the people that are creating the value. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, would you agree with that definition or, or how would you make it your own?
Chrystal York (19:55):
Um, I do agree with your definition, but if I had to add the crystal remix to it, I would say going to where the work is done and listening with respect, ah,
Scott Luton (20:07):
That’s better. That’s much better. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Cause it production’s taking place throughout a proverbial plant or enterprise or you name it. Um, a lot of times I think of, uh, that value on the production floor, but to your point, offices, uh, all, all sorts of sites, uh, values being created. And, and I love your second part in the Crystal York remix of going to the gemba is listening with respect. We don’t do that enough, do we?
Chrystal York (20:34):
No, No. And, and hey, the individuals who’s adding value, whether it’s healthcare, um, whether it’s supporting a nu another nonprofit in their mission, they’re the subject matter experts. And as leaders is saying, How can I provide support? How can I help you win?
Scott Luton (20:52):
Mm, absolutely. Right. I love that. And again, I love the expanding mission of AME manufacturing, healthcare, and nonprofits. Really greater industry. Uh, so exciting, exciting times coming up these next two years as you serve in your role as Southeast Regional President. We’re gonna have to get some updates. And, um, yes, we look forward to kind of watching the impact unfold in front of our eyes. So, back to Amy. Speaking of Amy, the annual conference coming up. I think we were talking pre-show about one of our, or maybe on the beginning of this podcast. They’re all, they’re all mixed a little bit. Crystal Billy Ray Taylor, right? Yes. The author of, I think I’ve got his book right here, Author of the winning link.
Chrystal York (21:34):
The winning link. Yes, that’s
Scott Luton (21:36):
Right. Uh, did you know that they’ve already moved into, uh, a second printing this book has been flying off the shelves. I was looking to get a few copies. Um, he’s on the board of ame, along with you and many, uh, Mark Preston, one of my dear friends. Mm. Um, uh, active in AME and, uh, rungs of leadership there. So this annual conference that’s coming up, I think you’re speaking at it, Billy speaking at it, a lot of great keynotes. What, why should folks check out the annual conference and, and when is it and how can folks learn more?
Chrystal York (22:07):
So the, our International Conference will be held October 17th through the 20th in Dallas, Texas. Um, please check out ame.org for more information now. Why you should come. I, um, fell in love literally with, uh, I, well, my first interaction with with AME was through an international conference. Ok. It is the largest lean conference in the world. So all things continuous improvement, the largest, but more importantly than that, you’re able to get a firsthand experience of the best, of the best of operational excellence. So you’ll have your eco labs there, you’ll have ge, you’ll have organizations that have truly invested in their people and the time of sharing their journey. Um, and then you get to actually do tours. It’s not every day someone lets you into their world. <laugh>.
Scott Luton (23:07):
True. Very true.
Chrystal York (23:08):
And I learned, I actually learned the most from the tours and the networking is phenomenal. Like I said, AME is a network of share learning and growing. So you’re gonna walk away from with a, from a personal development and professional development with things you can actually take back.
Scott Luton (23:24):
Love that. How about the food crystal? Is it food pretty good?
Chrystal York (23:27):
The food is always good. <laugh>, the food is always
Scott Luton (23:30):
Good. All right. So learning, networking, uh, plant tours, good food. I mean, why not attend? And, and, and this year it is again in, is it in Dallas? It’s
Chrystal York (23:43):
In Dallas, Texas.
Scott Luton (23:44):
Dallas, Texas. Okay. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Uh, and those dates one more time for folks.
Chrystal York (23:49):
October 17th through the 20th.
Scott Luton (23:51):
Okay. 17th through the 20th. Great. And we will include a link to that for more information. I think the overall link is what ame.org is that right?
Chrystal York (24:00):
Ame.org.
Scott Luton (24:01):
Okay. So check that out folks. We’ll also, uh, put a link to the conference in the, uh, show notes. So you one click away from checking out and hopefully signing up for what, uh, sounds like an outstanding conference. Um, okay, Crystal, we’ve run the gamut here today. Uh, I can’t tell you on behalf of our entire supply chain now, team, congratulations, Uh, well deserved. We’re looking forward to seeing what you do in this new role and, and making your impact and really serving so many others and helping them in their journeys, including organizations that are trying to find, uh, how to solve problems old and new. So this is really exciting. Crystal,
Chrystal York (24:37):
Thank you so much for the opportunity, Scott. Always a pleasure. And I’m gonna hold you to eating at Big Chick
Scott Luton (24:45):
Out. We’re gonna do it. No doubt. Hey, but I, One last question. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, if folks wanna connect with you, if they wanna compare notes, if they wanna get involved as a volunteer for AME or, or you name it, maybe they wanna interview you. Um, how can folks connect with you? Crystal,
Chrystal York (24:59):
You can always find me on LinkedIn. I am pretty active. Um, and otherwise, if you go to ame.org, you can also reach me there.
Scott Luton (25:08):
It’s just that easy. So you’ll all make sure you connect with Crystal York and soon enough you’ll have an agent I’m sure that you can go through to get her booked, uh, for keynotes. Uh, but Crystal, this is exciting. Again, congratulations. Uh, I look forward to, to having you back, uh, down once, uh, once again kind maybe putting our finger back on the pulse of all the change you’re driving, uh, for the great, uh, organization at ame. So thank you Crystal York.
Chrystal York (25:32):
Thank you. Thank you, Scott.
Scott Luton (25:34):
You bet. And to our listeners, I told y’all it was gonna be great. I tell you, if Crystal York doesn’t get your blood going and, and especially her perspective and, and the change that she wants or the impacts she wants to, uh, create on, on greater industry, I tell you, gotta check your pulse. Um, so, but on behalf of our entire team here, Scott Luton wishing all of our listeners nothing but the best challenging you. Hey, remember deed’s, not words. It’s challenging you to do good, to give forward and to be the change that’s needed. Hey, be like Crystal, you work. And with that said, was he next time? Right back here. That Pacha now. Thanks everybody.
Intro/Outro (26:08):
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Chrystal York is the President of AME’s Southeastern Region and a results-oriented leader with industry experience in business wide program implementation, cross-functional team leadership and delivering strategic initiatives with sustainable gains. She is a certified Project Manager (PMP), Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Professional adept at building leaders, managing programs and transforming culture that enhance business practices, reduce operational costs and drive profitable growth. Connect with Crystal on LinkedIn.
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