S04E01 | Rodney Rice, from Blast Furnace to Boardroom

Episode Summary:

We’re kicking off Season 4 with a guest we've been wanting to get on the mic for a long time: Rodney Rice, Director at Langley Alloys.

Rodney’s career started in a blast furnace at British Steel and took him through R&D, marketing, and operations before he landed at Langley Alloys, a business focused on niche metals for some of the toughest environments in the world.

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground:

• How 25 years at British Steel shaped Rodney’s career
• What happens when opportunities stop knocking and how to take the leap
• The challenges and rewards of moving from a big corporate to a nimble niche business
• Why Langley Alloys doubled down on Super Duplex and Nickel Alloys
• The underrated power of websites and marketing in metals
• Lessons in leadership, internal growth, and building high-performing teams

If you’re in metals, manufacturing, or leading a growing team, this one is packed with real, relatable insights.

Key Topics:

• Starting out in British Steel
• What it means to “run out of road” in a big company
• Transitioning from metallurgy to marketing and general management
• Building credibility across industries without ticking every box
• Langley Alloys' focus on high-performance alloys for harsh environments
• Why websites, marketing, and video content still move the needle
• Career development, apprenticeships, and creating stretch roles
• How to stop ignoring warm leads and build better customer journeys
• Why young people want more than money and what to give them instead

Sponsors:

SteelBuy is a digital marketplace built for the metals industry, helping buyers and sellers connect with speed, transparency, and simplicity.

NERO Pipeline Connections is a trusted UK stockholder of stainless steel valves, fittings, and pipeline products, supporting industries from process to precision.

Comton Group Ltd. is a specialist recruiter for the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, helping businesses hire the right people from shop floor to senior leadership.

About The Metal Guys Talk Business

Hosted by Peter Comerford and Mike Bolton, The Metal Guys Talk Business is a podcast for professionals in the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Each episode explores the challenges, changes, and big ideas shaping the industry from the shop floor to boardroom.

Connect with the Hosts and Guest(s):

Peter Comerford – Connect on LinkedIn
Mike Bolton – Connect on LinkedIn
Rodney Rice – Connect on LinkedIn