E111; How to Build Trust-Based Leadership: Lessons from oemsecrets.com Founder Sam Cowley

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

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:

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.

Stay Ahead, Stay Informed

Previous Episode

E110, What Is the Best Advice for New Leaders in Manufacturing?

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! 🌟