Exploring Innovation: A Journey Through Toyota
On April 29, 2025, the Daviess County CEO cohort joined forces with the Gibson County CEO cohort for an unforgettable visit to the Toyota Indiana manufacturing facility—a hub of automotive excellence and innovation. This collaborative experience offered students a rare inside look at the practices, principles, and people that make Toyota a global industry leader.
Guided by Heather Mundy and Chad Goldsmith, the cohorts were immersed in a day of discovery that touched on every aspect of the organization—from talent management and safety protocols to quality assurance and hiring strategies. Throughout the visit, Toyota’s experts emphasized the company’s deep commitment to adaptability, continuous learning, and employee growth.
One recurring theme was the power of lateral movement within the organization. “Versatility strengthens both the individual and the company,” encouraging the students to remain open to new roles and opportunities. Toyota’s belief in empowering employees through flexibility and development resonated strongly with the students.
The visit was packed with insights and inspiration. Speakers encouraged the cohort to:
***Step outside their comfort zones
***Build strong networks — because “the bigger your network, the easier your life becomes”
***Master multitasking
***And always prioritize safety, no matter the job path
The students experienced a guided tour of the facility by shuttle, including a ride/look at the safety and test track, the Toyota racing team, and an interactive Lego team-building activity a hands-on simulation where students collaborated to assemble Lego trucks, identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency—experiencing firsthand Toyota’s principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Throughout the day, key elements of Toyota’s corporate culture became clear—mentorship, positive attitude, process optimization, and a dedication to excellence. As the cohorts reflected on Toyota’s guiding motto, “Let’s Go Places,” they were inspired by the company’s mission to support individuals in achieving their full potential.
The day concluded with a hands-on simulation where students collaborated to assemble Lego trucks, identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency—experiencing firsthand Toyota’s principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
The visit left a lasting impression. With a facility spanning the equivalent of 81 football fields, the sheer scale and precision of Toyota’s operations amazed the group.
The Daviess and Gibson County CEO cohorts expressed sincere gratitude to Toyota for welcoming them and providing such a meaningful and educational experience. Special thanks were extended to Rick Coleman for coordinating the visit and ensuring a smooth and impactful day of learning.
