Leadership in Manufacturing

How should leaders use AI without losing trust, judgment, and human connection? In this short bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Kaitlyn Tredaway, COO at CalcuQuote, about where artificial intelligence truly adds value and where human leadership must remain in charge.This focused conversation explores why AI is best used for efficiency, scale, and repetitive work, while people remain essential for decision making, negotiations, crisis management, and customer relationships. Sannah and Kaitlyn discuss the real risks of over automating leadership and why trust cannot be outsourced to technology.This episode is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to adopt AI thoughtfully, protect relationships, and lead with clarity in an increasingly automated world.In this episode, you will learn:Why AI should support leaders instead of replacing themWhere human judgment still matters most in leadershipHow automation can improve efficiency without damaging trustWhy customer relationships require real human connectionHow people first leadership works in an AI driven workplaceAbout the guest:Kaitlyn Tredaway is the COO of CalcuQuote, where she leads operations, strategy, and customer success for software serving the electronics manufacturing industry. Since joining in 2016, she has helped scale the company from a small startup to a global organization. Kaitlyn is known for transparent communication, strong customer focus, and practical use of AI that supports teams without sacrificing culture.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across the electronics industry build people first cultures, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence as technology continues to evolve.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Why trust and clarity matter in cross cultural leadership.How do leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and navigate cultural differences inside global electronics and manufacturing teams? In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Jessica Chang, Distribution Sales Manager at MEAN WELL USA, about how leaders build strong relationships across borders and communicate with confidence in multicultural environments.Jessica shares how cultural expectations shape communication, why clarity prevents misalignment, and how slowing down often leads to better outcomes. She explains how to translate complex headquarters programs into simple steps teams can act on, why urgency means different things across cultures, and how listening has become her most valuable leadership skill.This conversation is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain who want to improve communication, strengthen partnerships, and build trust with global teams.In this episode, you will learn:How cultural differences shape communication in global teamsHow clarity, honesty, and repetition reduce misalignmentWhy leaders must translate urgency, not just react to itHow to simplify complex programs for U S distributors and customersWhy listening is a core leadership habit across culturesHow to build long term trust with partners and internal teamsAbout the guest:Jessica Chang is the Distribution Sales Manager at MEAN WELL USA. With more than 20 years in the power electronics industry, she leads U S distribution efforts while collaborating closely with headquarters in Taiwan. Jessica is known for simplifying complexity, strengthening distributor relationships, and building trust across cultural and operational boundaries.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding, Engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. With more than 20 years of experience in electronics, manufacturing, and product development, Sannah helps leaders grow their skills, build strong teams, and communicate with clarity.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager ElectronicsStay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Why AI should support people, not replace them.How do modern leaders use AI to support people, strengthen culture, and scale global teams? In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Kaitlyn Tredaway, COO at CalcuQuote, about how leaders can balance technology and trust while growing a global remote team.Kaitlyn explains why AI should handle routine and complex tasks so people can focus on communication, judgment, and customer relationships. She shares how clarity, collaboration, and transparency help teams stay aligned across regions and time zones. Together, Sannah and Kaitlyn explore how efficiency and empathy work side by side in modern leadership.This conversation is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to improve communication, lead remote teams with confidence, and use AI in a people first way.In this episode, you will learn:• How AI supports high value work instead of replacing people• How to build clarity and trust in remote teams• Why communication keeps global teams connected• How to scale operations without losing culture• Why people and processes still matter in modern leadership• How efficiency and empathy work together in high performing teamsAbout the guest:Kaitlyn Tredaway is the COO of CalcuQuote, where she leads operations, strategy, and customer success. Since joining in 2016, she has helped scale the company from a two person startup to a global team. Kaitlyn is known for building high performing teams, embracing change, and keeping a strong customer focus.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. Sannah brings over 20 years of industry experience in electronics, product development, and leadership growth, helping professionals build stronger teams and lead with clarity.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill. Real leadership comes from experience — from learning, adapting, and building trust with people across every generation.In this episode, discover how to use your experience to connect with multi-generational teams, build trust that inspires performance, and create a company culture where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow.Host Sannah Vinding sits down with Matt Cordell, General Manager at CviLux North America, to explore how leadership evolves over time and why treating your team like family leads to better results. Matt shares lessons from more than 40 years in electronics manufacturing — including how to lead four generations at once, give effective feedback, and balance business growth with people-first leadership.🎧 Listen now to learn how experience, empathy, and trust can transform the way you lead.Guest: Matt Cordell, General Manager, CviLux North America--------------------------------------------------------🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

Adapting your leadership style isn’t just about managing people; it’s about understanding them. In today’s workforce, success depends on how well you connect, listen, and lead across generations.Discover how to bridge generational gaps, empower your team through trust, and build a culture of communication that keeps people engaged and performing at their best. You’ll learn practical ways to listen actively, adapt your approach, and lead with empathy in a world where expectations are shifting fast.To explore what it really takes to lead every generation with confidence and clarity, Sannah Vinding sits down with Mark Adams, Director Global Channel at Advanced Energy. Mark shares lessons from his diverse career in distribution, manufacturing, and engineering, revealing how adaptability and trust create lasting impact.🎧 Listen now to gain actionable insights you can apply immediately to strengthen your leadership and inspire teams across every generation.Guest: Mark Adams, Director Global Channel at Advanced Energy--------------------------------------------------------This podcast episode is sponsored by Sager Electronics.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Bruce Kellar, Senior Vice President of Sales at Sager Electronics, shares what four decades in the electronics industry have taught him about leadership, belief, and building trust. From the early days of GPS and Bluetooth to today’s AI-driven landscape, Bruce has seen the industry evolve — and led teams through every wave of change.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation dives into how belief becomes the bridge between strategy and success, why communication and listening are core to earning trust, and how integrity and adaptability define strong leadership.Bruce also shares personal stories from his early sales career, including one unforgettable lesson in accountability that shaped how he leads today.Whether you’re leading a sales team, managing through disruption, or developing your leadership style, this episode delivers practical insights for staying grounded and guiding others through change.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How belief connects strategy, trust, and performance• Why clear communication and listening build stronger teams• How to lead with integrity and adaptability through disruption• What it means to motivate people who truly believe in the mission• Why mentorship and consistency create long-term success⸻This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager Electronics🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Amy Anahory, CEO of MicroPower Direct, shares her journey of stepping into her family’s power electronics business and leading it through industry disruption, growth, and change. With a background in political science and marketing, Amy proves that leadership is not about having all the technical answers, it is about trust, flexibility, and curiosity.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores what it takes to modernize a family business, build resilience in lean teams, and lead with honesty even during uncertainty.Amy opens up about how motherhood shaped her leadership style, the lessons she learned from her father, and why admitting what you don’t know is actually a strength. She also shares how pushing herself out of her comfort zone, from networking to industry events, has made her a stronger and more confident leader.Whether you are leading a family business, running lean teams, or looking to grow as a leader in manufacturing, this episode is full of practical insights you can apply right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:How family business leadership teaches resilience and adaptabilityWhy trust and flexibility are essential for lean teamsWhat makes admitting “I don’t know” a sign of strong leadershipHow curiosity drives growth and innovationWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is key to becoming a better leader⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Andreas Brockmann, Apprenticeship Coordinator at UNITED GRINDING North America, shares how a four-year apprenticeship program is preparing the next generation of manufacturing leaders. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering and training, Andreas explains why apprenticeships are more than just technical education, they are long-term investments in people, culture, and leadership.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores how mentorship, culture shifts, and workforce development are shaping the future of manufacturing.Andreas takes us inside the process of building apprenticeship programs across the U.S., the lessons he’s learned about gaining management buy-in, and why mentorship is the most powerful form of leadership. He also shares a moving story of a former apprentice who reached out 20 years later, proving the lifelong impact of guidance and mentorship.Whether you are leading teams, developing workforce programs, or thinking about the future of your company, this episode offers practical insights you can put into action right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why apprenticeships are a long-term investment, not a cost• How to start a program without overcomplicating it• The role mentorship plays in developing leaders at every level• How apprenticeships bring culture shifts and fresh energy to teams• Why listening and curiosity are essential leadership skills⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Charles Johnson, Lead Trainer and Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc. and host of the It’s a Controls Problem podcast, shares how one leadership mistake reshaped his entire approach to leading technical teams.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores how active listening and humility transform leadership in manufacturing, building automation, and controls.Charles takes us through his journey from engineer to trainer, revealing why listening — not just hearing — is the skill that builds trust, drives collaboration, and accelerates growth. He explains how he fosters a learning culture for technicians and integrators, why checking your ego at the door is critical, and the daily habits that keep him sharp in a fast-changing technical environment.From leading mixed-skill engineering teams to bridging the gap between technical detail and clear communication, Charles offers a candid look at what real leadership looks like in practice. He also shares insights on teaching, mentorship, and why humility is the foundation of strong collaboration.Whether you are managing engineers, guiding cross-functional projects, or stepping into your first leadership role, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons you can apply right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How active listening can reshape your leadership style• Why humility and curiosity are critical for collaboration• What it takes to build a learning culture across mixed-skill teams• How to balance technical expertise with effective communication• The daily habits that keep leaders sharp in fast-changing industries⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders — one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics, distribution, and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.Each episode brings relatable, time-efficient strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding reconnects with Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing at UNITED GRINDING North America, to dive deeper into the power of authentic storytelling in manufacturing marketing.Jacob shares why marketing in manufacturing is uniquely challenging - from long sales cycles and complex buying committees to the need for tailored messaging for multiple decision-makers. He explains how UNITED GRINDING’s Unstoppable Grit campaign turned real customer experiences into compelling stories that build trust, create emotional connections, and deliver value for both the brand and the customer.You’ll hear how authentic, customer-driven storytelling can become a competitive advantage in even the most technical B2B environments, and how these stories can be repurposed into a powerful, evergreen marketing asset.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What makes marketing in manufacturing different from other industries• How authentic storytelling builds stronger emotional connections than any sales pitch• Why the Unstoppable Grit campaign elevated customer voices to a national stage• How customer stories benefit both the brand and the client• Ways to turn real customer experiences into lasting marketing assetsWhether you’re in B2B marketing, leading a manufacturing team, or simply looking for ways to make your brand more human, this episode offers actionable ideas you can put into practice right away.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.Each episode brings relatable, time-efficient insights to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in a competitive sector.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/