Building People First: Workforce Strategy and Manufacturing’s Future - Marietta Lee

Sal is joined by Marietta Lee, President and CEO of The Lee Company, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, workforce strategy, and why putting people first is essential to the future of manufacturing. Marietta shares her unconventional path from investigative journalism into her family’s business and how starting at the ground level shaped her approach to earning trust and building credibility. She reflects on the company’s long-standing commitment to strong employee benefits and how that mindset has become a true competitive advantage, while also offering insight into today’s workforce challenges and what younger employees value most. From competing for talent in a tight labor market to investing in internal training and developing talent from within, Marietta explains how focusing on long-term growth over short-term gains strengthens both people and business. Drawing on her experience as a leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she also shares her perspective on how manufacturing has evolved and why she’s optimistic about the next generation entering the field.