
Leadership in Manufacturing
Sannah Vinding
Shaping Next Gen Manufacturing Leaders: Join Sannah Vinding and distinguished guests as they help you grow your career in the distribution and manufacturing sectors.
Each episode includes conversations with industry professionals to improve your leadership skills.
Join over 2,400 professionals who trust our insights—sign up here: https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/newsletter/.
The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, a top-ranked show, offers practical advice and lessons to enhance your leadership abilities. With over 150,000 downloads, we are a trusted resource for professional growth within the electronics, distribution, and manufacturing sectors.

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Top 10 Leadership in Manufacturing Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Leadership in Manufacturing episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Leadership in Manufacturing for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Leadership in Manufacturing episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

E106, 7 Essential Lessons on Leadership from 2024: A Leaders’ Guide
Leadership in Manufacturing
12/31/24 • 28 min
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.

E105, How Can Empathy and Leadership Be Used Together
Leadership in Manufacturing
12/17/24 • 42 min
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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E101: What Values Guide You As A Leader
Leadership in Manufacturing
10/22/24 • 26 min
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 DigiKey
- Rob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales
- Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.
- Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics
- Maryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics
- Walter 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!
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Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast - Episode 101: What Values Guide You As A Leader
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.

E100, How Do You Know if You Are a Good Leader?
Leadership in Manufacturing
10/08/24 • 34 min
🎧 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 Electronics
- Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.
- Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)
- Maryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics
- Shane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey
- Rob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales
as 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 leadership
- The value of listening to your team
- Practical advice for building trust and empowering decision-making
- Insights 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.
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Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast - Episode 100
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.

E103, Why Is Feedback So Important In Leadership?
Leadership in Manufacturing
11/19/24 • 11 min
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!
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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.

E110, What Is the Best Advice for New Leaders in Manufacturing?
Leadership in Manufacturing
02/25/25 • 23 min
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! 🌟

E111; How to Build Trust-Based Leadership: Lessons from oemsecrets.com Founder Sam Cowley
Leadership in Manufacturing
03/11/25 • 30 min
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

E67: The Importance of People-First Values Backed by Transparent Leadership
Leadership in Manufacturing
06/20/23 • 34 min

E42: Challenges around entrepreneurship (the good, the bad and the ugly side)
Leadership in Manufacturing
07/05/22 • 35 min

E108, How to Build a Winning Culture: Insights from Schneider Electric's Michael Lotfy Gierges
Leadership in Manufacturing
01/28/25 • 40 min
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! 🌟
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FAQ
How many episodes does Leadership in Manufacturing have?
Leadership in Manufacturing currently has 112 episodes available.
What topics does Leadership in Manufacturing cover?
The podcast is about Management, Podcasts, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on Leadership in Manufacturing?
The episode title 'E91, Building a Future-Ready Sales Team with Mark Wachtel's Leadership Insights' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Leadership in Manufacturing?
The average episode length on Leadership in Manufacturing is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of Leadership in Manufacturing released?
Episodes of Leadership in Manufacturing are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Leadership in Manufacturing?
The first episode of Leadership in Manufacturing was released on Nov 27, 2020.
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Comments

@sannahvinding
Jul 7
Fantastic resource for those eager to learn and lead effectively in electronics component industry.
1 Like
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