Better Than Yesterday: Jamie & Kayla’s Growth Through Leadership in Manufacturing

At Clickstop, growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected. We believe every employee has the opportunity to become “better than yesterday,” and part of that is investing in programs that push our people to stretch their skills, strengthen their confidence, and see themselves as leaders.

That’s exactly what the Leadership in Manufacturing Tier 2 program is designed to do. Over the course of several months, participants dive into a wide range of topics that prepare them for the challenges of modern manufacturing leadership — from project management and supply chain management to emotional intelligence, accountability, and multi-generational workforce dynamics. Instructors blend classroom-style learning with real-world application, helping leaders take a step back from the fast pace of production to reflect, reset, and return stronger.

This year, two Clickstoppers — Jamie Farmer, Manufacturing 2nd Shift Manager, and Kayla Carpenter, Quality Team — joined the program. Their experiences show what happens when people embrace growth opportunities and apply them in ways that drive progress for themselves and the business.

Jamie Farmer – Confidence in Accountability

For Jamie, the program was a return to familiar ground with new perspective. She had completed Tier 1 almost eight years ago, and she was eager to expand on that foundation with her current experience as an Operations Manager. “Getting the chance to return and build on what I learned back then seemed perfectly timed,” she reflected.

The session on Developing Accountable & Motivated Employees stood out most for Jamie, validating the leadership style she’s cultivated over the years. She explained that she has always led with a strong sense of accountability and support, but sometimes wondered if that approach made her seem too hard on her team. “The course on accountability confirmed that I am leading effectively and that my style is perfectly valid,” she said.

That confirmation built confidence. Even small shifts in how she coaches or handles accountability conversations, Jamie noted, “make me better than yesterday and ultimately help me grow stronger performers within manufacturing.” Her experience reinforced her own approach and her role in building future leaders on the manufacturing floor.

Kayla Carpenter – Pushing Past Imposter Syndrome

For Kayla, the decision to step into Tier 2 was influenced by how much Tier 1 had already shaped her leadership journey. “That first experience helped me start uncovering my leadership style,” she shared, “so Tier 2 felt like the natural next step — and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.”

The program’s emphasis on emotional intelligence, generational dynamics, and leading through change gave Kayla valuable space to reflect on her growth in ways her day-to-day work rarely allows. While her role often requires focus on execution and efficiency, the course helped her step back and recognize opportunities she might have otherwise overlooked.

One of the biggest breakthroughs was in tackling self-doubt. “There are times when I question if I’m ready to lead or if my voice carries the same weight as others in the room,” Kayla admitted. Through the program, she gained tools to reframe those thoughts and found the confidence to speak up with conviction. “It reminded me that I bring value to the team,” she said.

Importantly, the impact stretched beyond the workplace. Kayla sees the tools she gained as relevant not only for her leadership at Clickstop but also in her personal life. “They’ll ultimately help me become a better partner, family member, and friend.”

Growth that Benefits Everyone

Both Jamie and Kayla walked away from the program with momentum. They’re applying what they learned to strengthen their teams, shape Clickstop’s culture of accountability, and prepare themselves for future opportunities.

Their experiences underscore why Clickstop invests in leadership development: because when people are given the space to learn, reflect, and reset, they grow personally and create progress that ripples across the entire business.

At Clickstop, growth is a formula for becoming new and different, better than yesterday, and ready for what’s ahead. For Jamie and Kayla, this program was a reminder that growth is an ongoing journey, and Clickstop is committed to walking it with them.