With more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Laurie Harbour knows her stuff. Her dynamic personality and no-nonsense attitude has created national demand for her participation in a wide variety of speaking engagements, making her a frequently called upon lecturer, presenter and moderator.

Laurie’s primary speaking topics include:

Business Transformation: There are a number of key tenants that are necessary for business transformation. Using data and information from the current economic situation, Laurie discusses why change is so important and what specific tasks are required to evolve business and create a sustainable future internally and for customers. The message focuses on the cultural aspects of the business, finance, operations and the strategic business planning necessary for business growth year over year. As we have seen over the course of the years, businesses that are stagnant will not survive. Laurie’s goal is to provide the tools to sustain long-term growth.

Manufacturing Outlook: Manufacturing is the foundation of the U.S. Its importance is often misunderstood. Laurie has looked at relevant data and information and outlines the importance of manufacturing. Once the base is set, Laurie reviews the necessary areas of focus for manufacturing companies and what they need to do to thrive in today’s market.

Operations Improvement: Most companies still struggle today with how to improve their operations and what specifically needs to be done to drive operational excellence. Laurie touches on the importance of the culture and the entire organization working together to the future strategy. This message starts with strategic planning and evolves to how to drive execution among the team of that strategic plan. Laurie utilizes real-life case studies where companies have made dramatic improvement by focusing on the differences that really matter to drive profitability. The audience will be armed with tactical steps to implement for long-term sustainable growth and profitability.

Cultural Foundation: Talking about culture is difficult and frankly, most companies don’t like to focus on the soft side, but it is critical for the long term viability of any company. There are several key areas of foundation setting and tools to evolve a company’s culture. Laurie discusses these while utilizing case studies and real tactical solutions to drive the long-term change your company is looking for to see bottom line results.

Business/Operational Flexibility: In today’s ever changing economic conditions, one thing remains true – the need for flexibility. The most recent recession has taught companies that change is consistent and long term and the days of hockey stick growth are gone. The only way to survive is for companies to match supply and demand one-for-one and to do this, companies must be flexible to meet demand. Laurie’s message talks about how companies achieve long-term sustainable flexibility regardless of their business and what steps need to be taken to succeed.

Automotive Analyst: After more than 22 years living in Detroit and working in the automotive industry Laurie has become one of the most well known automotive analysts in the specific expertise of manufacturing, product development and supplier relations. Her numerous projects for automotive OEMs, suppliers, lawyers, financial firms and research firms have provide a unique perspective in the industry. Also, her 18 years of publishing The Harbour Report have given Laurie unprecedented access to manufacturing operations deep in the companies’ processes, culture and business. Laurie will share her views on the industry, specific OEMs, suppliers and what things the industry needs to do to move themselves to a profitable and sustainable business.

In addition to her role as a speaker, Laurie is regularly cited as a media source and her expert commentary requested for regional and national publications like Automotive News; Plastics Business Magazine; Automotive Design & Production; Production Machining; and many national broadcast outlets.

If you are interested in learning more about Laurie's speaking experience or would like to discuss upcoming opportunities, please call 248.629.9331.