Leading with Passion and Purpose
In this episode, Katie Richards sits down with Lauren Reed, MHEDA’s newly appointed CEO, to discuss her journey from cold calling in the material handling industry to leading the association into an exciting new chapter. Lauren shares how her early experiences at Concept and Storage Solutions shaped her leadership style, the mentors who encouraged her to “dream big,” and her vision for driving MHEDA’s growth through collaboration, innovation, and member engagement. Tune in to hear Lauren’s insights on building strong networks, fostering meaningful connections, and creating lasting value for MHEDA members across the industry.
Key Topics Discussed
- Lauren’s introduction to the material handling industry and early career experiences
- How her work in sales, business development, and marketing shaped her leadership approach
- The lessons and mentorship that inspired her to “dream big” and lead with innovation
- The role MHEDA has played in her personal and professional growth
- Her vision for MHEDA’s future, including deeper member engagement and community development
- The importance of networking, authentic connections, and empowering the next generation of leaders
About Lauren Reed
With more than a decade of experience in business development, sales strategy, and leadership, Lauren has built her career within the material handling industry—first supporting members as part of Concept and later as a leader at Storage Solutions. A longtime MHEDA member and active participant in Emerging Leaders and Women in Industry programs, Lauren brings a deep understanding of the association’s mission and a passion for helping members succeed. As CEO, she is focused on fostering innovation, strengthening member connections, and leading MHEDA into the next era of growth.
