# More Than Words: Defining Our Core Values for MakingChips, 503 Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-makingchips-503 Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-makingchips-503.md Podcast: [Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders](https://stenobird.com/podcast/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170) Published: 2026-01-12T11:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://makingchips.libsyn.com/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-2026-503 Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/pscrb.fm/rss/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/makingchips/MC503.mp3?dest-id=237805 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170/episodes/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-makingchips-503 Duration seconds: 2525 ## Resource Kicking off a new year often comes with big goals, bold plans, and fresh momentum. But before chasing what's next, we decided to slow down and focus on something more foundational: our core values. In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes process of defining the values that will guide MakingChips through 2026 and beyond. With the help of Jim Mayer, we took the ideas, behaviors, and instincts that had shaped the brand for years and intentionally put words around them. We talk about why core values are more than slogans on a wall. When done right, they become filters for decisions, hiring, investments, partnerships, and even the content we create. We also challenge a common misconception: that shared values require everyone to think the same way. Instead, strong values allow for diversity of background, belief, and perspective while still pulling people in the same direction. Along the way, the conversation blends humor, honesty, and real-world examples from manufacturing shops that live their values every day. From having fun at work to taking responsibility seriously, we explore how culture, action, and consistency are deeply connected. Whether you're running a shop, leading a team, or building a brand, this episode offers both inspiration and a practical framework for defining values that actually get used, not ignored. It's a reset for the year and a reminder that intentional culture is never accidental. Segments (0:00) Work, play, and why loving what you do matters (3:37) Why we decided to define our core values intentionally (4:19) Mission versus values and how they work together (6:30) Why we decided to do this exercise (7:28) Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (9:35) Why shared values don't require identical beliefs (11:09) What core values are no… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170/episodes/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-makingchips-503/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/making-chips-podcast-for-manufacturing-leaders-439170/more-than-words-defining-our-core-values-for-makingchips-503.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.