Leadership in Manufacturing

E109, Join host Sannah Vinding and guest Manny Brunson, Vice President of Sales at Carlton-Bates (now WESCO OEM Solutions), for an insightful discussion on the role of core values in business leadership within the manufacturing industry. With over forty years of industry experience, Manny shares his expertise on creating a strong organizational culture and the essence of leadership.In this episode, you will discover:The Power of Core Values: Explore how having a set of core values can create a thriving company culture and serve as a foundation for building winning teams.Leadership Through Example: Learn the importance of leading by example and fostering a work environment where actions speak louder than words.The Role of Integrity and Zero Entitlement: Understand the crucial role integrity and a zero entitlement mindset play in nurturing relationships with clients and colleagues.Building a Competitive Spirit: Gain insights into encouraging a competitive yet joyful attitude within your team, fostering success and growth.Continuous Improvement: Discover the significance of continuous personal and professional development and how team coaching can drive improvement.Navigating Business Challenges: Hear Manny's strategies for dealing with limited resources, work-life balance, and the rapidly evolving electronics industry.Manny's commitment to core values and his strategic approach to leadership provide invaluable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their team's performance and culture.Uncover the power of cultivating core values to foster a resilient company culture and enhance team dynamics in the manufacturing industry.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! 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.PS. 🎉 We did it again! The Leadership in Manufacturing podcast is honored to be a top-ranked choice for industry professionals in both 2024 and 2025. Thanks to our incredible guests and loyal listeners for their continued support. Here's to more inspiring conversations and leadership growth! 🌟

E108, Join host Sannah Vinding and special guest Michael Lotfy Gierges, Executive Vice President at Schneider Electric, as they dive into the transformative world of smart home technology, automation, and people-centric leadership. With over 20 years of experience in energy management, Michael shares his passion for sustainability, talent development, and leading a globally diverse team.In this episode, you will discover:Impactful Innovation: Learn about Michael's journey in the electronics industry and his commitment to making a direct impact on humanity and the planet through energy solutions.Evolving Leadership Styles: Explore how Michael’s leadership style has evolved to prioritize empathy, humility, and high performance within his teams.Breaking Down Silos: Discover strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration and overcoming organizational silos in a global company.Diversity as a Superpower: Understand the importance of diverse teams and how Schneider Electric leverages cultural and ethnic diversity to drive innovation and success.The Essence of Feedback: Gain insights into the structured and unstructured mechanisms Michael employs to solicit honest feedback and drive continuous improvement.Recognizing and Empowering Talent: Hear about the impactful ways Michael and his team recognize, celebrate, and empower talent within the organization.Balancing Professionalism and Personability: Learn how to create a compassionate yet high-performing work environment through a balance of empathy and professionalism.Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Get Michael’s valuable advice for new leaders, emphasizing humility, listening, and being bold in their approach to leadership.Michael’s thoughtful approach to leadership and his dedication to fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture will provide you with actionable strategies to enhance your leadership and impact in the manufacturing industry.Tune in to gain profound insights and elevate your leadership journey to new heights.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join the 2,400+ professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry who rely on our insights. Stay Ahead, Stay Informed: 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.PS. 🎉 We did it again! The Leadership in Manufacturing podcast is honored to be a top-ranked choice for industry professionals in both 2024 and 2025. Thanks to our incredible guests and loyal listeners for their continued support. Here's to more inspiring conversations and leadership growth! 🌟

E107, Join host Sannah Vinding and guest Dennis Reed, a senior research analyst at Edgewater Research with over 15 years of experience in financial services and technology, as they delve into the evolving landscape of the automotive and electronics manufacturing industry. In this podcast episode, you'll explore the pivotal factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and gain valuable insights into the market trends anticipated for 2025.In this episode, you will learn about:The Transition to Electric Vehicles: Understand the current state of EV adoption, the challenges of matching internal combustion engine (ICE) performance and pricing, and the crucial role of charging infrastructure.Hybrid Vehicles Preference: Learn about the emerging consumer trends favoring hybrid vehicles over pure EVs and the implications for the market.Economic Stability and Growth Projections: Explore the forecasted stability and growth trends in the EV and hybrid segments for 2025, including insights on component vendors' growth potential.Impact of Tariffs: Gain knowledge on the effects of tariffs on Chinese imports and how companies are mitigating increased costs through strategic relocations.Geopolitical Relations and Economic Stability: Delve into the impact of international tensions on economic stability, emphasizing the necessity for cooperative leadership among the US, China, and the EU.Market Challenges and Optimism: Discover insights on the current economic climate marked by inflation concerns, inventory oversupply, and pressure on profits, alongside cautious optimism for specific industry recoveries.Sector Growth Opportunities: Uncover potential growth areas, particularly in AI, automotive, industrial markets, medical, and aerospace industries.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join industry leaders in electronics manufacturing to elevate your career. Gain practical leadership skills and insights from experts shaping the future. Subscribe NowYou can find Sannah on LinkedIn or 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!

Join host Sannah Vinding as she brings together industry experts Holly Good, Eric Gleason, Deb Speer, Greg Trainor, Mark Wachtel, and Damien Croft to share their invaluable insights on leadership in manufacturing from the past year. This episode dives into essential lessons and personal reflections that every leader can learn from to navigate their journey successfully.In this episode, you will discover:The Importance of Humility: Learn why being humble can establish your authenticity and foster a culture of continuous learning and support among your team.Asking for Help: Understand the critical role of seeking assistance and how it can significantly contribute to achieving your career aspirations.Enhancing Your Value: Hear Damien Croft’s take on translating knowledge into practical value and how stepping beyond your job description can accelerate career growth.Effective Communication: Greg Trainor emphasizes the need to vocalize your career goals and how open communication can align support from your peers and superiors.Continuous Curiosity: Discover why staying curious, asking questions, and seeking feedback can advance your understanding and ability to collaborate effectively.The Balance of Timing: Holly Good discusses the alignment of opportunities with personal and professional timing and the importance of staying the course.Data-Driven Efficiency: Mark Wachtel shares insights on leveraging data to streamline processes, ultimately keeping your sales team focused and motivated.These guests bring a wealth of experience and refined perspectives, offering practical advice and strategic reflections that are vital for any leader in the manufacturing industry.Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your leadership journey with lessons from some of the best in the field.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! 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.PS. The "Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast" is ranked in the top 10 best electronics podcasts worth listening to in 2024.

How can empathy and leadership be used together Paul Pickard - Episode 105Join host Sannah Vinding and guest Paul Pickard, Chief Technology Officer at Insight Lighting and a pioneer in the lighting industry, as they dive into the intricacies of strategic project management and leadership evolution in manufacturing. In this episode, you'll explore how to effectively manage timelines, resources, and risks while fostering a culture of innovation and empathy.In this episode, you will discover:Evolution of Leadership: Hear Paul Pickard's journey from a task-oriented leader to a more supportive leadership approach inspired by balancing high expectations with strong team support.Supportive Leadership and Company Culture: Discover how aligning team members' skills with tasks and fostering a trusting environment can enhance innovation and perseverance.Encouraging Diverse Thinking: Recognize the benefits of diverse backgrounds, holistic thinking, and the freedom to disagree for creativity and problem-solving.Collaborative Problem-Solving: Explore the advantages of working with, not for, team members and encouraging a culture of collaboration over hierarchy.Importance of Trust and Empathy: Learn how cultivating a culture of trust and empathy allows team members to share ideas and collaborate effectively for better outcomes.Leadership Beyond Milestones: Understand why effective leadership is about nurturing others to become leaders themselves and encouraging ownership within the organization.Paul’s innovative ideas and leadership insights will equip you with practical strategies to tackle the dynamic challenges of the manufacturing industry and elevate your leadership approach.Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your project management, resource management, and leadership strategies to the next level.Don't miss this engaging episode—tune in to elevate your understanding of the electronics industry and enhance your leadership journey.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! 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.PS. The "Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast" is ranked in the top 10 best electronics podcasts worth listening to in 2024.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join host Sannah Vinding and special guests:Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesDive deep into the dynamic world of electronics and discover what makes it so exciting and integral to our daily lives.In this episode, you will uncover:The Thrill of Innovation: Explore how the electronics industry places professionals at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies and developments, from AI advancements to the rise of electric vehicles.The People Factor: Learn why relationships and community are at the heart of the electronics sector, creating a closely-knit network of professionals who drive the industry forward.Diverse Career Experiences: Hear firsthand accounts of how each day presents new challenges and opportunities, making careers in electronics both stimulating and rewarding.Real-World Applications: Understand the immense satisfaction that comes from seeing projects come to life and how these innovations impact everything from medical devices to everyday consumer products.Leadership Insights: Gain valuable leadership advice as our guests reflect on what makes an effective leader in the fast-paced world of electronics, emphasizing empathy, innovation, and problem-solving.Foster your excitement for the electronics industry and garner practical knowledge from industry experts who are not only shaping the future but living it. Their combined experiences and stories offer a treasure trove of inspiration and actionable advice for both current and aspiring leaders in manufacturing.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or 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 Episode 103, join host Sannah Vinding and guests Walter Tobin, CEO of the ERA, Don Akery, CEO of Waldom Electronics, and Shane Zutz, VP of HR at DigiKey, as they delve into the nuances of leadership feedback in the manufacturing and distribution industry. Listen in to uncover valuable insights on leading through feedback, both direct and indirect, and fostering an open communication environment.In this episode, you will learn:Recognizing Indirect Feedback: Learn techniques to sense feedback in everyday interactions and how to respond effectively even when it's not vocalized.Developing Open Communication: Dive into strategies for encouraging honest feedback within your team and overcoming the barriers of silent feedback.Leading by Example: Hear from Don Akery on the importance of transparency, ethics, and setting the right example for your team.Handling Silent Feedback: Gain insights from Shane Zutz on addressing silent feedback with a soft approach, building trust, and fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue.Leadership through Listening: Walter Tobin discusses the significant transition from being a doer to a delegator, and eventually to a leader who empowers their team to take initiative and lead themselves.Navigating Different Perspectives: Understand the value of seeing through your team's eyes and how to adapt your communication style to bridge gaps and enhance mutual understanding.Walter, Don, and Shane share their personal experiences and methodologies, offering you robust, actionable strategies to navigate feedback and grow as a leader within the manufacturing sector.Tune in to this enlightening episode, and elevate your feedback mechanisms and leadership approach to foster a thriving, communicative, and effective team environment.Tune in to this episode for actionable leadership tips that will help you become a more insightful, trustworthy, and effective leader in the manufacturing and distribution sector. Don't miss out on this invaluable discussion!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast - Episode 103: Why is feedback so important in leadership?Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sannahvinding/ or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious and keep learning Thanks for listening!Sannah & The Leadership in Manufacturing Team.PS. The "Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast" is ranked in the top 10 best electronics podcasts worth listening to in 2024.

Join host Sannah Vinding and a panel of industry experts as they delve into the core values that shape effective leadership.Guests:Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsShane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesMaryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsYou will learn:The Importance of Personal Connections: Understand why human connections and relationships are crucial for effective leadership and team cohesion.Self-Awareness and Introspection: Learn how to be introspective and the value of looking inward to assess and improve your leadership approach.Leveraging Feedback for Growth: Discover strategies for seeking and utilizing feedback from peers, team members, and external networks to continuously improve your leadership skills.Effective Reflection Techniques: Explore methods for reflecting on your leadership style and making necessary adjustments.Recognizing Leadership DNA: Delve into the importance of understanding the fundamental characteristics and values that define your leadership style and team culture.Silent Feedback and Non-Verbal Cues: Learn to read between the lines and interpret unspoken feedback to foster a more responsive and empathetic leadership approach.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or 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!

Join host Sannah Vinding and a panel of industry experts as they delve into the core values that shape effective leadership in the electronics component industry. This special episode features :Shane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesTobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsMaryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsWalter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)sharing their unique perspectives on what drives their leadership styles.In this episode, you will learn:The Essential Role of Honesty: Learn why honesty is the bedrock of great leadership and how it fosters trust within a team.Leading by Example: Understand the importance of leading by example and how it influences team dynamics and culture.Embracing Authenticity: Discover the power of being authentic and transparent in your leadership approach to build genuine connections with your team.The Impact of Direct Feedback: Gain insights on the art of providing direct but respectful feedback to inspire growth and improvement.Overcoming Fear: Explore strategies for tackling fear and uncertainty, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity.The Value of Looking Ahead: Learn the importance of lifting your head to view the bigger picture and communicate the vision effectively to your team.Tune in to this episode for actionable leadership tips that will help you become a more insightful, trustworthy, and effective leader in the manufacturing and distribution sector. Don't miss out on this invaluable discussion!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast - Episode 101: What Values Guide You As A LeaderDon't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sannahvinding/ or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious and keep learning Thanks for listening!Sannah & The Leadership in Manufacturing Team.PS. The "Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast" is ranked in the top 10 best electronics podcasts worth listening to in 2024.

🎧 Discover the essential qualities that define a great leader in manufacturing in this insightful interview!Join host Sannah Vinding and an incredible lineup of guests, including;Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsTobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.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 Salesas they dive into the heart of the electronics sector and discuss what fuels their passion for the industry. On this milestone episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, we celebrate our 100th episode with insightful conversations with experts who are making waves in the world of electronics.In this episode, you’ll learn:Key indicators of effective leadershipThe value of listening to your teamPractical advice for building trust and empowering decision-makingInsights into leadership challenges Each guest brings their unique experiences and perspectives, offering a comprehensive view on what makes the electronics industry so compelling and ever-evolving.Tune in to celebrate this special episode and gain valuable insights into the passion, innovation, and human connections that drive leadership in manufacturing forward.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast - Episode 100Don't miss out! Sign up now to boost your leadership skills with real-life stories! https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/You can find Sannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sannahvinding/ or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious and keep learning Thanks for listening!Sannah & The Leadership in Manufacturing Team.PS. The "Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast" is ranked in the top 10 best electronics podcasts worth listening to in 2024.