In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Steve Plumb interviews Ronald J. Bennett, a prominent figure in engineering education and leadership and author of new book The Engineer’s Guide to Authentic Leadership. They discuss Ron's extensive background in industry and academia, the critical need for leadership training in engineering programs, and the principles of authentic leadership.

More about The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership:

The Engineer’s Guide to Authentic Leadership is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of leadership in the technical world. It addresses the gap in essential leadership qualities —such as communication, emotional intelligence, ethics, teamwork, and other soft skills— by providing a roadmap for technical professionals to develop these crucial competencies. Drawing on recent employer surveys and decades of experience, it highlights the importance of skills beyond technical knowledge and demonstrates how to apply them effectively in real-world settings.

This resource introduces the challenges faced by emerging technical professionals, illustrated with real-life scenarios. It guides the reader in overcoming barriers and becoming an effective, authentic leader. While featuring interviews with a diverse group of authentic leaders who started from humble beginnings. These interviews provide practical advice and call attention to the various paths to successful leadership, demonstrating that anyone can become a great leader with the right mindset and skills. This book also focuses on the tools and insights necessary to bridge the gap between technical expertise and effective leadership. The reader will learn from the experiences of others, understand what it takes to be a true leader, and prepare for a fulfilling and successful career. Discover potential, overcome doubts, and embark on a journey to become a leader in the world of engineering.

This book is written for technical professionals who aspire to move up the career ladder or are already on that path. It is designed to help its reader grow both professionally and personally, continuously improve, and be ready for ever-increasing challenges and successes. It will aid in understanding oneself, dealing with occasional failures, and learning how to respond and overcome them.