Leadership in Manufacturing

In this special episode, host Sannah Vinding revisits a powerful conversation from Episode 100 — where six respected voices in the manufacturing and distribution space answer one deceptively simple question: How do you know if you’re a good leader?Guests featured in this episode include:Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsTobi Cornell: President - Kruvand Associates, Manufacturer's Rep, Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Maryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsShane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesTogether, they offer honest, experience-driven reflections on what leadership truly looks like.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why great leadership is often measured by the success and growth of your teamHow to foster a culture where people feel safe to fail, learn, and leadThe subtle, non-verbal signs that reveal whether you’re leading effectivelyHow trust, authenticity, and listening are core leadership practicesWhy fear-based leadership damages creativity and motivation Practical, real-world strategies for building strong, empowered teamsListen now and explore what real leadership means in the manufacturing industry.🎧 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.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🌐 Learn morehttps://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing at UNITED GRINDING North America, to explore how marketing becomes a strategic growth engine in the manufacturing industry.Jacob shares how modern marketing teams can drive real business outcomes by aligning closely with sales, engineering, and operations. He explains why treating marketing as a service-oriented partner, rather than a support function, is key to unlocking value in complex B2B environments.From executing large-scale events to crafting customer-centered campaigns like Unstoppable Grit, Jacob offers a grounded look at what works—and what to rethink—in industrial marketing. He also opens up about learning through feedback, navigating internal communication, and staying intentional in the face of digital transformation and evolving tech.Whether you’re leading a marketing team or building cross-functional partnerships, this episode offers actionable insights to lead with clarity, strategy, and purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why strategic alignment makes marketing a true business partner• How to lead cross-functional projects with empathy and structure• What makes B2B storytelling work in technical industries• How to create better communication through repetition and context• Why feedback loops and reflection improve future executionWhether you’re new to industrial marketing or looking to elevate your leadership style, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice from inside one of the industry’s leading organizations.🎧 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 dynamic 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/

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Ben Hamilton, Marketing Manager at NorComp, to explore what it really means to lead without a title and how emotional intelligence, listening, and collaboration are shaping modern leadership in the manufacturing sector.Ben shares how his leadership style has evolved over the past five years, from working independently to collaborating across sister companies within the EDAC Group. He explains how building trust through transparent communication, practicing active listening, and embracing shared ownership can drive meaningful change regardless of your role or job title.From managing cross-functional collaboration to improving the customer experience through curiosity and clarity, Ben offers honest, practical insights for professionals looking to lead with purpose, empathy, and consistency.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why leadership is a skill you build, not a title you’re given• How active listening strengthens teams and relationships• What emotional intelligence looks like in fast-moving environments• How cross-company collaboration fuels innovation and growth• Why optimism, ownership, and small acts of support make a big impactWhether you’re early in your career or a seasoned pro, this episode offers relatable takeaways for leading with influence and intention in the manufacturing and electronics space.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we are 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.Future-ready leaders start by building today’s skills.Each episode brings real-world advice from trusted industry voices and offers relatable, time-efficient insights to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and stay ahead in a 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!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Heather Fulara, Vice President of Interconnect, Electromechanical & Industrial Automation at DigiKey, to explore how leaders can turn industry trends into strategic action—and why trust, transparency, and curiosity are essential to making it work.Heather shares how her leadership has evolved through years of supplier collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and leading high-performing teams across a global organization. She explains how listening deeply, acting with intention, and staying open to feedback have shaped how she leads in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment.From making data more actionable to encouraging innovation through AI, Heather offers thoughtful insights on what it takes to align teams, build strong partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to translate trends into supplier-focused strategiesWhy consistency and follow-through build lasting trustHow to lead with data without getting overwhelmedThe role of curiosity in driving innovation and adaptabilityWhy feedback is one of a leader’s most powerful toolsWhether you work directly with suppliers, lead a growing team, or want to sharpen your leadership in a changing industry, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and confidence.🎧 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.Future-ready leaders start by building today’s skills.Each episode brings real-world advice from trusted executives and offers relatable, time-efficient insights—straight from the source—to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and stay ahead in a 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!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/This episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing podcast is created in partnership with oemsecrets.com.If you need top-quality electronic components, oemsecrets.com is a comparison engine giving buyers and engineers access to over 50 million parts from 140+ authorized distributors. It’s fast and easy. Upload your Bill of Materials for instant price and availability comparisons – check it out today!

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Joshua Nix, Director of Supply Management at Mouser Electronics, to explore how leadership evolves when you move from managing tasks to empowering people—and why staying grounded is key at every stage.Joshua shares his journey from manager to director and the mindset shifts that came with it. He explains how asking better questions, listening with intention, and trusting your team can transform how you lead and how your team performs.From building habits of continuous learning to giving team members real ownership, Joshua offers honest insights for leaders who want to grow without losing what makes them effective.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How leadership changes as you move into more strategic roles• Why asking the right questions leads to better decisions• How to empower team members based on their strengths• The importance of consistent learning in a fast-paced industry• Why great leaders listen more than they speakWhether you’re stepping into a leadership role or refining your style, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you lead with purpose and confidence in the electronics and distribution space.🎧 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.Future-ready leaders start by building today’s skills.Each episode brings real-world advice from trusted executives and offers relatable, time-efficient insights—straight from the source—to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and stay ahead in a 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!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/This episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing podcast is created in partnership with oemsecrets.com.If you need top-quality electronic components, oemsecrets.com is a comparison engine giving buyers and engineers access to over 50 million parts from 140+ authorized distributors. It’s fast and easy. Upload your Bill of Materials for instant price and availability comparisons – check it out today!

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Mark Burr-Lonnon, President of EDAC Group, to explore how cultural awareness and clear communication can transform global leadership in the electronics industry.Mark shares lessons from over four decades of international experience—leading teams across Asia, Europe, and the Americas—and explains why trust, empathy, and adaptability are essential leadership skills in today’s global business landscape.From reshaping office spaces to reflect cultural norms to building loyalty through active listening, Mark offers candid stories and practical insights for anyone managing across borders.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How cultural sensitivity builds stronger, more cohesive teams• Why overcommunication is key to managing across time zones• The importance of building trust in multicultural environments• How to identify strengths and build high-performing global teams• What today’s leaders need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industryWhether you’re leading international teams or looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this conversation offers valuable tools to lead with impact in the electronics and manufacturing sectors.🎧 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.Future-ready leaders start by building today’s skills.Each episode brings real-world advice from trusted executives and offers relatable, time-efficient insights—straight from the source—to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and stay ahead in a 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!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

What does it take to grow as a confident, strategic sales leader in a dynamic industry?In Episode 115, host Sannah Vinding sits down with Jessica Knight, Vice President of Sales, Americas at Harwin, to explore how mentorship, active listening, and team empowerment are transforming leadership in the electronics space.With deep experience leading sales teams across the Americas, Jessica shares why mentorship matters at every stage of your career—and how clear communication and inclusive leadership help teams thrive, even during market uncertainty.⸻You’ll learn:• Why mentorship is a game-changer for leadership growth• How to lead with confidence—even in challenging markets• What it takes to build a transparent and motivated sales team• How to listen more effectively and coach with intention• Why finding the right mentor (and being one) mattersEpisode 115 – Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast⸻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.Future-ready leaders start by building today’s skills.Each episode brings real-world advice from trusted executives and offers relatable, time-efficient insights—straight from the source—to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and stay ahead in a 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!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

What does it take to lead operational excellence at scale?In Episode 114, host Sannah Vinding talks with Pete Shopp, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics, about why a continuous improvement mindset is essential for driving progress in the electronics industry.With nearly 30 years at Mouser, Pete shares how small, incremental improvements have led to big wins—and how staying connected to day-to-day operations helps leaders make smarter decisions.You’ll learn:• How small changes can drive big results• Why visibility into operations matters for leadership• How cross-functional collaboration fuels innovation• How real-world experiences can ground leadership and spark improvement• How a culture of continuous improvement drives innovation and accountabilityWhether you’re leading a team or building strategy, this episode offers real-world insights to help you lead smarter in a dynamic industry.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get weekly leadership tips and insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 For more information about the show, visit:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

E113, Join host Sannah Vinding and her guests, Damien Croft, General Manager at NorComp, and Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, as they explore the vital role of recognition in leadership success within the manufacturing industry and distribution sector. This engaging episode highlights how effective feedback and recognition strategies can drive team growth and strengthen leadership across both industries.In this episode, you will discover:Building a Strong Feedback Culture: Learn how leaders in manufacturing and distribution can establish a culture of feedback early in their careers and scale it effectively across diverse teams.Performance Review Best Practices: Dive into the debate on the ideal frequency for performance reviews—whether annually, quarterly, or more often—and understand its impact on organizational excellence.Coachability and Leadership Growth: Explore how fostering coachability among team members and leaders can reverse-engineer leadership development for sustained growth.Recognition and Motivation Strategies: Uncover personalized approaches to recognition that boost morale and drive team success in manufacturing plants and distribution networks alike.Bridging Organizational and Partner Communication: Learn how feedback and recognition principles can strengthen internal operations while enhancing partnerships with distributors, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the supply chain.Transformational Leadership Insights: Hear personal stories from Shane and Damien about impactful feedback that shaped their leadership journeys and strategies they’ve applied in manufacturing and distribution settings.Damien and Shane’s experiences offer actionable tools to refine your leadership style, ensuring team success and growth in the dynamic environments of manufacturing and distribution.Tune in to gain practical insights that will empower you to lead effectively and drive organizational success through the transformative power of recognition and feedback.Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Practical Leadership Skills You Can Use Immediately! Join 2,400+ Leaders - Get Leadership Tips You'll Actually Want to Read! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious and keep learning Thanks for listening!Sannah & The Leadership in Manufacturing Team.

E112, Join host Sannah Vinding and guests Damien Croft, General Manager at NorComp, and Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, as they delve into the essential topic of creating a feedback culture that propels team growth in the manufacturing industry. In this episode, you'll explore innovative strategies to enhance leadership through effective feedback mechanisms.In this episode, you will discover:Leading with Intent: Learn how being intentional about feedback can foster a culture of openness and improvement within your team.The Balance of Expectations and Support: Understand the crucial relationship between high expectations and high support, and how it impacts team effectiveness.Personal Growth Through Feedback: Embrace the value of making mistakes and learning from them as crucial to refining your leadership skills.Creating an Open Dialogue: Discover strategies for establishing trust and transparency in feedback that promotes growth and collaboration.Time Management in Leadership: Explore the importance of dedicating time for impactful feedback delivery and reflection in a fast-paced work environment.Celebrating Success: Gain insights into the power of recognizing and affirming positive behaviors within your team to encourage continuous improvement.Navigating Constructive Feedback: Delve into methods for delivering constructive feedback that focuses on mission-critical outcomes without overwhelming team members.Enhancing Team Communication: Reflect on the importance of clear communication and how tailored feedback can drive performance and engagement.Damien and Shane's insights into fostering a feedback-friendly culture and their dedication to unlocking team potential provide invaluable strategies for leaders seeking to enhance their leadership approach in the manufacturing sector.Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your leadership capabilities, ensuring your team's continuous growth and success.Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Practical Leadership Skills You Can Use Immediately! Join 2,400+ Leaders - Get Leadership Tips You'll Actually Want to Read! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious and keep learning Thanks for listening!Sannah & The Leadership in Manufacturing Team.