Leadership in Manufacturing

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 accountability

Whether you’re leading a team or building strategy, this episode offers real-world insights to help you lead smarter in a dynamic industry.

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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.

E111, Join host Sannah Vinding and guest Sam Cowley, the founder of oemsecrets.com, as they dive into the dynamic world of the electronics industry and explore leadership in small company settings. In this episode, you'll gain insights into building robust relationships, honing communication skills, and fostering a thriving company culture amidst a rapidly changing market.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Passion for Electronics Growth: Learn what excites Sam about the future growth opportunities in the electronics industry and how his company plans to support new manufacturers and customers.
• Leadership and Communication: Explore Sam’s relaxed yet respectful leadership style and how he navigates communication challenges within a small team.
• Company Culture Dynamics: Understand the importance of ensuring each team member is engaged and empowered in a small company setting, fostering an environment where everyone contributes across roles.
• Emphasis on Relationships: Discover how relationships remain at the core of Sam’s business success, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance.
• Strategic Adaptability: See how a small team can be agile and responsive, making quick decisions to maintain a competitive edge.
• Industry Networking and Growth: Gain advice on leveraging industry networks and events for business development and personal learning.
• The Art of Mentoring: Delve into Sam's approach to seeking mentorship from industry veterans and learning through genuine connections with customers and partners.

Tune in to discover practical advice for enhancing leadership skills and driving success in the manufacturing industry.

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Stay Ahead, Stay Informed:

Join professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry who rely on our insights. The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast offers essential advice and leadership lessons to help you enhance your leadership skills. Embark on this transformative journey designed to boost your leadership competencies. Subscribe here: https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/

You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

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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!

Stay Ahead, Stay Informed

E110, Join host Sannah Vinding as she explores the journey of Leadership in Manufacturing with:

Eric Slatten, President & CEO at ECS Inc. International

Eric Gleason, Director of Distribution Sales North America at ebm-papst Inc

Jaime Plank, Director of Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics

Damien Croft, General Manager at NorComp

This episode offers valuable insights for new leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the manufacturing industry.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Building Confidence in Leadership: Eric Slatten shares personal reflections about gaining confidence and making decisions without fear of failure.
• Embracing Change: Hear from Jaime Plank on how embracing change can lead to new opportunities for growth and creativity.
• The Power of Mentorship: Eric Gleason emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship to advance in the industry and lower barriers of entry for newcomers.
• Value Addition and Learning: Damien Croft provides a perspective on translating learning into practical applications to maximize value in one's role.
• Personal Growth and Skill Development: Understand the significance of continuous learning and skill enhancement in engineering and financial sectors.
• Effective Communication: Gain insights into fostering open dialogues within teams to ensure collective growth and efficient problem-solving.
• Listening to Learn: Reflect on the critical importance of listening not just to respond but to truly understand and learn from others.Each guest shares their unique experiences and strategies, equipping you with practical advice to enhance your leadership skills in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.

Tune in to gain actionable insights and power your leadership journey in the manufacturing industry to new heights.

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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! 🌟

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.

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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.

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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.

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Join industry leaders in electronics manufacturing to elevate your career. Gain practical leadership skills and insights from experts shaping the future. Subscribe Now

You can find Sannah on LinkedIn or visit https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

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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.

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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 105

Join 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.

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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.

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