Leadership in Manufacturing

What makes technical training actually work? Not the slides, not the credentials of the trainer, and not the size of the room. According to Don Gillis, HVACR Technical Trainer at HARDI, it comes down to tone, trust, and whether the person delivering the material has genuinely thought about what the audience needs to retain.Don has spent more than three decades in the HVACR industry, starting in the field before moving into service management and eventually into national technical training roles at Copeland, Emerson, and now HARDI. In this episode, he and host Sannah Vinding talk about the leadership side of technical teaching: how tone changes what people retain, how to handle wrong answers without shutting people down, and why trust in a training room is not a nice-to-have, it is the precondition for any learning to happen.Don also shares the leadership lesson that took him the longest to learn, what it means to read the room in a technical training context, and how he designs programs that do not leave retention to chance.In this episode, you will learn:Why tone matters more than the words you choose when delivering technical contentHow to handle wrong answers in a classroom without shutting people down What listening as a leadership skill looks like under real pressureHow to design training with retention built in from the beginningWhy the difference between a good training session and a sales pitch is who the trainer is thinking aboutWhat the football coach analogy teaches about reading the people in front of youHow Don built curriculum skills outside his job description through curiosity and persistenceAbout the guest: Don Gillis is an HVACR Technical Trainer at HARDI with more than 30 years of experience across field work, service management, and technical education. He has built training programs designed for real retention, not just coverage, for distribution counter sales, technicians, and OEM networks.Hosted by Sannah Vinding, engineer and go-to-market leader, the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast brings real conversations to leaders across manufacturing, distribution, electronics, and supply chain. Subscribe to the newsletter at https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

AI is making reps faster. But faster is not the same as better. The rep who brings value still wins. The question is how you build that value when the tools are changing.In the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Hunter Starr, CPMR, President at Performance Technical Sales, to explore how the manufacturers rep role is evolving as AI reshapes research, outreach, and customer engagement in the electronics and component industry.The conversation focuses on practical AI adoption at the field sales level — not theory, but what Hunter's team is actually doing. From using ChatGPT with curated manufacturer data to improve cross-reference accuracy, to building shared industry-specific messaging templates that scale across the team, Hunter shares a grounded view of Phase 1 AI integration in a rep firm.Hunter also gets specific about what AI cannot replace: the judgment call after the research, the follow-through after the meeting, and the trust that builds over time with engineers and purchasing teams. He talks about leading without a formal title, running open Monday team meetings where nothing is off limits, and why persistence is still the most important skill a new rep can develop.This episode is for manufacturers reps, field salespeople, FAEs, and sales leaders in electronics and component distribution who want to understand how to adopt AI tools practically without losing what actually builds business.In this episode, you will learn:Why access to engineers has changed and how to adapt your approachHow to use AI for part cross-referencing with better accuracy and less riskWhy constraining AI to curated manufacturer data produces more reliable outputHow to build messaging templates that your whole team can use across verticalsWhat manufacturers are building with AI that will change how reps interact with customersWhy follow-through and persistence still outperform speed in technical salesHow to lead a team and build trust without relying on a formal titleAbout the guest: Hunter Starr, CPMR, is President of Performance Technical Sales, a manufacturers rep firm serving OEM engineers and purchasing teams across Eastern North and South Carolina. With nearly a decade in manufacturer representation, Hunter supports customers across industrial, off-highway, defense, agricultural, and appliance markets. He is a Certified Professional Manufacturers' Representative and was recognized as a Rising Star by the Electronic Representatives Association.Hosted by: Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain lead technical teams with clarity, trust, and confidence as complexity and AI reshape how work gets done.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at: https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/ Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

The autonomy of a startup feels freeing, until the guardrails disappear and every mistake is amplified.The structure of a large enterprise feels slow, until you realize some of those constraints exist for a reason.Most leaders do not get to stay in one type of organization their whole career. The question is whether you adapt or just repeat what worked last time.In the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Chris Lanier, Managing Director, Americas at Exein, to explore what actually changes when you move between large and small organizations, and what leadership skills travel with you no matter where you are.Chris has built and led global go-to-market teams across Microsoft, Wind River, and Exein over a 25-year career, giving him a rare vantage point on how leadership instincts shift with context. In this conversation, he shares his trust-first philosophy, how he hires for attitude and aptitude over deep experience, and what it takes to lead cross-cultural global teams with clarity.Chris also breaks down the cybersecurity challenge facing IoT and manufacturing leaders today: why centralized security is not enough when devices are scattered across facilities, what the EU Cyber Resilience Act means for device makers, and why a casino fish tank thermometer became the entry point for a major data breach.This episode is for engineering leaders, operations managers, and technical sales leaders navigating organizational growth, scale, or transition who want to lead with clarity and trust regardless of the environment.In this episode, you will learn:Why autonomy in small companies amplifies both your best and your worst decisionsHow to extend trust from day one, and when to recalibrateWhy in-person time with global teams compounds over months of remote workHow to hire for attitude and aptitude when deep experience is hard to findWhat distributed device security means for IoT and manufacturing leadersWhy the best leaders combine vision and confidence with genuine humilityHow to recognize when your leadership style no longer fits your environmentAbout the guest:Chris Lanier is Managing Director, Americas at Exein. He spent more than 20 years at Microsoft in multiple director-level roles leading Americas and worldwide sales organizations across IoT, cloud, automotive, and embedded platforms. He also held executive leadership roles at Wind River. Chris is known for his people-first approach, his commitment to transparency and trust, and his track record of building high-performing globally distributed teams.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain lead technical teams with clarity, trust, and confidence as complexity and AI reshape how work gets done.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

The tools are changing.But leadership is what determines whether they create impact.In Part 2 of this conversation on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding continues the discussion with Tom Walker, Co-Founder and Vice President of Spectron Components, shifting the focus from tactics to leadership.In Part 1, Tom shared how AI-powered workflows are helping modern manufacturer’s reps identify better targets, prepare smarter, and demonstrate real return on investment.In this episode, the conversation goes deeper.How do you build trust when AI becomes part of your workflow?How do you stay relevant without losing the human connection?How do small rep firms scale intelligently without losing culture?Tom shares how AI is reshaping preparation, account strategy, and multi-line selling. He explains how tools like custom GPTs and data-driven targeting allow reps to walk into meetings focused on the customer’s real problem, not guessing.But the bigger theme is this: preparation builds trust.You’ll hear how Spectron Components maintains a strong culture while adopting new tools, why compatibility matters when choosing lines, and what mindset shifts reps need to stay competitive in the next five years.This episode is for leaders in manufacturing, distribution, and the manufacturer’s rep community who want to modernize their approach without sacrificing credibility, relationships, or long-term thinking. In this episode, you will learn:Why trust is built before the meeting ever startsHow AI helps reps identify real customer pain points fasterHow multi-line selling becomes smarter with structured dataWhy company culture matters even more as tools evolveHow small rep firms can compete with larger organizationsWhat mindset shift is required to stay relevant in the next 2 to 5 yearsWhy long-term relationships still outperform short-term winsAbout the guest:Tom Walker is Co-Founder and Vice President of Spectron Components, an award-winning manufacturer’s rep firm in Southern California. With more than three decades in the electronics industry, Tom brings a practical, grounded perspective on how reps can adapt, stay human, and build lasting relationships while integrating AI into their workflows.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, global product marketing and go-to-market leader, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain lead technical teams with clarity and trust as AI reshapes how work gets done.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore leadership insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

The role of the manufacturer’s rep has changed.Access is more limited. Expectations are higher. And the old playbook no longer works the way it used to.In Part 1 of this two-part episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Tom Walker, Co-Founder and Vice President of Spectron Components, to break down how the modern manufacturer’s rep role is evolving in response to these shifts.This conversation focuses on execution. Tom shares how reps are moving from traditional technical support into a more proactive, data-driven “hunter” role. You’ll hear how AI-powered workflows, custom GPTs, and smarter targeting are helping reps identify the right accounts, find verified engineering and purchasing contacts, and support principals more effectively.Rather than chasing volume or relying on cold outreach, Tom explains how Spectron uses curated drip marketing, physical and digital mini-guides, and Salesforce reporting to build trust, reduce noise, and create real return on investment for both customers and manufacturers.This episode is for leaders across manufacturing, distribution, and the manufacturer’s rep community who want to understand what effective rep partnerships look like today and how AI can support smarter, more focused execution without losing the human connection.In this episode, you will learn:Why the manufacturer’s rep role has shifted from support to huntingHow limited access is reshaping sales and marketing workflowsHow AI and custom GPTs can identify target accounts and verified contactsWhy curated drip marketing outperforms cold outreachHow reps can demonstrate ROI and accountability to principalsWhat modern rep effectiveness actually looks like in practiceAbout the guest:Tom Walker is Co-Founder and Vice President of Spectron Components, an award-winning manufacturer’s rep firm in Southern California. With decades of experience connecting electronic component manufacturers with OEM engineers and buyers, Tom brings a practical, real-world perspective on sales, marketing, and AI-enabled workflows in the rep industry.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain lead technical teams with clarity, trust, and confidence as complexity and AI reshape how work gets done.Part 2 continues the conversation with a deeper look at leadership, skills, and what the future manufacturer’s rep model requires.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

How should leaders start using AI without overwhelming teams or chasing tools that never deliver real value?In this bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined again by Ellen Albright, Marketing and Communications Director at E-T-A Engineering Technology, for a focused conversation on starting AI adoption the right way.This short episode centers on one critical leadership principle. AI only creates value when it is aligned with real business objectives. Sannah and Ellen discuss why leaders should start small, avoid tool overload, and treat AI as a support system for daily work rather than a shortcut or trend to chase.Building on the full conversation in Episode 133, this bonus episode highlights practical guidance around refining prompts, setting guardrails, and introducing AI in ways that build trust instead of resistance. The discussion reinforces that AI adoption is a leadership and change management challenge, not just a technology decision.This episode is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to move from experimentation to intentional, people-first AI adoption.In this episode, you will learn:Why AI must align with real business goals to deliver valueHow starting small helps teams avoid AI overwhelmWhy refining prompts over time leads to better outcomesHow AI can support daily work without creating noiseWhy leadership clarity matters more than tools in AI adoptionAbout the guest:Ellen Albright is the Marketing and Communications Director at E-T-A Engineering Technology, where she leads multi-channel marketing, sales enablement, and people-first AI initiatives that support efficiency while protecting engineering expertise and customer trust.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain lead technical teams with clarity, trust, and confidence as complexity and AI reshape how work gets done.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

How can leaders use AI to deliver faster technical answers without overwhelming teams or losing trust? In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Ellen Albright, Marketing and Communications Director at E-T-A Engineering Technology, about building a practical AI agent to support sales and engineering teams.This conversation explores how leaders can turn technical data into faster, more reliable answers by using AI as a first step rather than a replacement for human expertise. Sannah and Ellen discuss governance, training, and change management, and why successful AI adoption depends more on leadership clarity than on tools.This episode is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to move beyond experimentation and implement AI in ways that improve efficiency, protect trust, and strengthen customer experience.In this episode, you will learn:How leaders build AI agents to support sales and engineering teamsWhy AI works best as a starting point, not a final decision makerHow governance and training shape successful AI adoptionWhere human judgment and validation remain essentialHow to align AI initiatives with real business goalsAbout the guest:Ellen Albright is the Marketing and Communications Director at E-T-A Engineering Technology, where she has spent more than 20 years leading multi-channel marketing, sales enablement, and channel partner initiatives. She is actively involved in implementing people-first AI strategies that improve internal efficiency while protecting engineering expertise and customer relationships.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain build people-first cultures, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence as technology continues to evolve.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

In this short bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Bruce Kellar, Senior Vice President of Sales at Sager Electronics, about leading through disruption with clarity, composure, and confidence.This focused conversation explores why overreacting creates risk, how leaders can educate themselves before acting, and why communicating both decisions and reasoning builds trust across teams. Bruce shares practical leadership guidance shaped by decades in the electronics industry and explains why adaptability and the willingness to pivot are essential when conditions continue to change.This episode is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to stay steady during uncertainty, communicate clearly, and lead people through disruption with confidence.⸻In this episode, you will learn:Why leaders should not overreact when disruption hitsHow education and perspective lead to better leadership decisionsWhy communicating the why behind decisions builds trustHow adaptability helps teams stay aligned during changeWhat steady, people-first leadership looks like in uncertain environments⸻About the guest:Bruce Kellar is Senior Vice President of Sales at Sager Electronics. With more than four decades in the electronics industry and nearly three decades at Sager, he has led national sales strategy, built high-performing teams, and driven sustained growth across distribution, OEM, and EMS channels. Bruce is widely respected for his disciplined execution, clear communication, and integrity-driven leadership.⸻Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across the electronics and manufacturing industries build people-first cultures, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence through constant change.⸻Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager ElectronicsStay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

How should leaders use AI without losing trust, judgment, and human connection? In this short bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Kaitlyn Tredaway, COO at CalcuQuote, about where artificial intelligence truly adds value and where human leadership must remain in charge.This focused conversation explores why AI is best used for efficiency, scale, and repetitive work, while people remain essential for decision making, negotiations, crisis management, and customer relationships. Sannah and Kaitlyn discuss the real risks of over automating leadership and why trust cannot be outsourced to technology.This episode is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to adopt AI thoughtfully, protect relationships, and lead with clarity in an increasingly automated world.In this episode, you will learn:Why AI should support leaders instead of replacing themWhere human judgment still matters most in leadershipHow automation can improve efficiency without damaging trustWhy customer relationships require real human connectionHow people first leadership works in an AI driven workplaceAbout the guest:Kaitlyn Tredaway is the COO of CalcuQuote, where she leads operations, strategy, and customer success for software serving the electronics manufacturing industry. Since joining in 2016, she has helped scale the company from a small startup to a global organization. Kaitlyn is known for transparent communication, strong customer focus, and practical use of AI that supports teams without sacrificing culture.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding is an engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. She helps leaders across the electronics industry build people first cultures, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence as technology continues to evolve.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Why trust and clarity matter in cross cultural leadership.How do leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and navigate cultural differences inside global electronics and manufacturing teams? In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Jessica Chang, Distribution Sales Manager at MEAN WELL USA, about how leaders build strong relationships across borders and communicate with confidence in multicultural environments.Jessica shares how cultural expectations shape communication, why clarity prevents misalignment, and how slowing down often leads to better outcomes. She explains how to translate complex headquarters programs into simple steps teams can act on, why urgency means different things across cultures, and how listening has become her most valuable leadership skill.This conversation is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain who want to improve communication, strengthen partnerships, and build trust with global teams.In this episode, you will learn:How cultural differences shape communication in global teamsHow clarity, honesty, and repetition reduce misalignmentWhy leaders must translate urgency, not just react to itHow to simplify complex programs for U S distributors and customersWhy listening is a core leadership habit across culturesHow to build long term trust with partners and internal teamsAbout the guest:Jessica Chang is the Distribution Sales Manager at MEAN WELL USA. With more than 20 years in the power electronics industry, she leads U S distribution efforts while collaborating closely with headquarters in Taiwan. Jessica is known for simplifying complexity, strengthening distributor relationships, and building trust across cultural and operational boundaries.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding, Engineer, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. With more than 20 years of experience in electronics, manufacturing, and product development, Sannah helps leaders grow their skills, build strong teams, and communicate with clarity.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager ElectronicsStay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Why AI should support people, not replace them.How do modern leaders use AI to support people, strengthen culture, and scale global teams? In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding speaks with Kaitlyn Tredaway, COO at CalcuQuote, about how leaders can balance technology and trust while growing a global remote team.Kaitlyn explains why AI should handle routine and complex tasks so people can focus on communication, judgment, and customer relationships. She shares how clarity, collaboration, and transparency help teams stay aligned across regions and time zones. Together, Sannah and Kaitlyn explore how efficiency and empathy work side by side in modern leadership.This conversation is for leaders in electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain who want to improve communication, lead remote teams with confidence, and use AI in a people first way.In this episode, you will learn:• How AI supports high value work instead of replacing people• How to build clarity and trust in remote teams• Why communication keeps global teams connected• How to scale operations without losing culture• Why people and processes still matter in modern leadership• How efficiency and empathy work together in high performing teamsAbout the guest:Kaitlyn Tredaway is the COO of CalcuQuote, where she leads operations, strategy, and customer success. Since joining in 2016, she has helped scale the company from a two person startup to a global team. Kaitlyn is known for building high performing teams, embracing change, and keeping a strong customer focus.Hosted by:Sannah Vinding, B2B marketing strategist, leadership educator, and host of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. Sannah brings over 20 years of industry experience in electronics, product development, and leadership growth, helping professionals build stronger teams and lead with clarity.Listen to more episodes, sign up for the weekly leadership newsletter, and explore insights at:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep leading forward.

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill. Real leadership comes from experience — from learning, adapting, and building trust with people across every generation.In this episode, discover how to use your experience to connect with multi-generational teams, build trust that inspires performance, and create a company culture where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow.Host Sannah Vinding sits down with Matt Cordell, General Manager at CviLux North America, to explore how leadership evolves over time and why treating your team like family leads to better results. Matt shares lessons from more than 40 years in electronics manufacturing — including how to lead four generations at once, give effective feedback, and balance business growth with people-first leadership.🎧 Listen now to learn how experience, empathy, and trust can transform the way you lead.Guest: Matt Cordell, General Manager, CviLux North America--------------------------------------------------------🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

Adapting your leadership style isn’t just about managing people; it’s about understanding them. In today’s workforce, success depends on how well you connect, listen, and lead across generations.Discover how to bridge generational gaps, empower your team through trust, and build a culture of communication that keeps people engaged and performing at their best. You’ll learn practical ways to listen actively, adapt your approach, and lead with empathy in a world where expectations are shifting fast.To explore what it really takes to lead every generation with confidence and clarity, Sannah Vinding sits down with Mark Adams, Director Global Channel at Advanced Energy. Mark shares lessons from his diverse career in distribution, manufacturing, and engineering, revealing how adaptability and trust create lasting impact.🎧 Listen now to gain actionable insights you can apply immediately to strengthen your leadership and inspire teams across every generation.Guest: Mark Adams, Director Global Channel at Advanced Energy--------------------------------------------------------This podcast episode is sponsored by Sager Electronics.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Bruce Kellar, Senior Vice President of Sales at Sager Electronics, shares what four decades in the electronics industry have taught him about leadership, belief, and building trust. From the early days of GPS and Bluetooth to today’s AI-driven landscape, Bruce has seen the industry evolve — and led teams through every wave of change.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation dives into how belief becomes the bridge between strategy and success, why communication and listening are core to earning trust, and how integrity and adaptability define strong leadership.Bruce also shares personal stories from his early sales career, including one unforgettable lesson in accountability that shaped how he leads today.Whether you’re leading a sales team, managing through disruption, or developing your leadership style, this episode delivers practical insights for staying grounded and guiding others through change.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How belief connects strategy, trust, and performance• Why clear communication and listening build stronger teams• How to lead with integrity and adaptability through disruption• What it means to motivate people who truly believe in the mission• Why mentorship and consistency create long-term success⸻This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager Electronics🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing, distribution, and electronics.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Amy Anahory, CEO of MicroPower Direct, shares her journey of stepping into her family’s power electronics business and leading it through industry disruption, growth, and change. With a background in political science and marketing, Amy proves that leadership is not about having all the technical answers, it is about trust, flexibility, and curiosity.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores what it takes to modernize a family business, build resilience in lean teams, and lead with honesty even during uncertainty.Amy opens up about how motherhood shaped her leadership style, the lessons she learned from her father, and why admitting what you don’t know is actually a strength. She also shares how pushing herself out of her comfort zone, from networking to industry events, has made her a stronger and more confident leader.Whether you are leading a family business, running lean teams, or looking to grow as a leader in manufacturing, this episode is full of practical insights you can apply right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:How family business leadership teaches resilience and adaptabilityWhy trust and flexibility are essential for lean teamsWhat makes admitting “I don’t know” a sign of strong leadershipHow curiosity drives growth and innovationWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is key to becoming a better leader⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Andreas Brockmann, Apprenticeship Coordinator at UNITED GRINDING North America, shares how a four-year apprenticeship program is preparing the next generation of manufacturing leaders. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering and training, Andreas explains why apprenticeships are more than just technical education, they are long-term investments in people, culture, and leadership.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores how mentorship, culture shifts, and workforce development are shaping the future of manufacturing.Andreas takes us inside the process of building apprenticeship programs across the U.S., the lessons he’s learned about gaining management buy-in, and why mentorship is the most powerful form of leadership. He also shares a moving story of a former apprentice who reached out 20 years later, proving the lifelong impact of guidance and mentorship.Whether you are leading teams, developing workforce programs, or thinking about the future of your company, this episode offers practical insights you can put into action right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why apprenticeships are a long-term investment, not a cost• How to start a program without overcomplicating it• The role mentorship plays in developing leaders at every level• How apprenticeships bring culture shifts and fresh energy to teams• Why listening and curiosity are essential leadership skills⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders one conversation at a time. Each episode delivers actionable strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 4,100+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode, Charles Johnson, Lead Trainer and Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc. and host of the It’s a Controls Problem podcast, shares how one leadership mistake reshaped his entire approach to leading technical teams.Hosted by Sannah Vinding on the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, this conversation explores how active listening and humility transform leadership in manufacturing, building automation, and controls.Charles takes us through his journey from engineer to trainer, revealing why listening — not just hearing — is the skill that builds trust, drives collaboration, and accelerates growth. He explains how he fosters a learning culture for technicians and integrators, why checking your ego at the door is critical, and the daily habits that keep him sharp in a fast-changing technical environment.From leading mixed-skill engineering teams to bridging the gap between technical detail and clear communication, Charles offers a candid look at what real leadership looks like in practice. He also shares insights on teaching, mentorship, and why humility is the foundation of strong collaboration.Whether you are managing engineers, guiding cross-functional projects, or stepping into your first leadership role, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons you can apply right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How active listening can reshape your leadership style• Why humility and curiosity are critical for collaboration• What it takes to build a learning culture across mixed-skill teams• How to balance technical expertise with effective communication• The daily habits that keep leaders sharp in fast-changing industries⸻🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders — one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics, distribution, and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.Each episode brings relatable, time-efficient strategies to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in today’s dynamic industry.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this bonus episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding reconnects with Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing at UNITED GRINDING North America, to dive deeper into the power of authentic storytelling in manufacturing marketing.Jacob shares why marketing in manufacturing is uniquely challenging - from long sales cycles and complex buying committees to the need for tailored messaging for multiple decision-makers. He explains how UNITED GRINDING’s Unstoppable Grit campaign turned real customer experiences into compelling stories that build trust, create emotional connections, and deliver value for both the brand and the customer.You’ll hear how authentic, customer-driven storytelling can become a competitive advantage in even the most technical B2B environments, and how these stories can be repurposed into a powerful, evergreen marketing asset.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What makes marketing in manufacturing different from other industries• How authentic storytelling builds stronger emotional connections than any sales pitch• Why the Unstoppable Grit campaign elevated customer voices to a national stage• How customer stories benefit both the brand and the client• Ways to turn real customer experiences into lasting marketing assetsWhether you’re in B2B marketing, leading a manufacturing team, or simply looking for ways to make your brand more human, this episode offers actionable ideas you can put into practice right away.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.Each episode brings relatable, time-efficient insights to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in a competitive sector.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this special episode, host Sannah Vinding revisits a powerful conversation from Episode 100 — where six respected voices in the manufacturing and distribution space answer one deceptively simple question: How do you know if you’re a good leader?Guests featured in this episode include:Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsTobi Cornell: President - Kruvand Associates, Manufacturer's Rep, 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 SalesTogether, they offer honest, experience-driven reflections on what leadership truly looks like.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why great leadership is often measured by the success and growth of your teamHow to foster a culture where people feel safe to fail, learn, and leadThe subtle, non-verbal signs that reveal whether you’re leading effectivelyHow trust, authenticity, and listening are core leadership practicesWhy fear-based leadership damages creativity and motivation Practical, real-world strategies for building strong, empowered teamsListen now and explore what real leadership means in the manufacturing industry.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🌐 Learn morehttps://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Jacob Baldwin, Director of Corporate Marketing at UNITED GRINDING North America, to explore how marketing becomes a strategic growth engine in the manufacturing industry.Jacob shares how modern marketing teams can drive real business outcomes by aligning closely with sales, engineering, and operations. He explains why treating marketing as a service-oriented partner, rather than a support function, is key to unlocking value in complex B2B environments.From executing large-scale events to crafting customer-centered campaigns like Unstoppable Grit, Jacob offers a grounded look at what works—and what to rethink—in industrial marketing. He also opens up about learning through feedback, navigating internal communication, and staying intentional in the face of digital transformation and evolving tech.Whether you’re leading a marketing team or building cross-functional partnerships, this episode offers actionable insights to lead with clarity, strategy, and purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why strategic alignment makes marketing a true business partner• How to lead cross-functional projects with empathy and structure• What makes B2B storytelling work in technical industries• How to create better communication through repetition and context• Why feedback loops and reflection improve future executionWhether you’re new to industrial marketing or looking to elevate your leadership style, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice from inside one of the industry’s leading organizations.🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.At Leadership in Manufacturing, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one conversation at a time.This podcast delivers actionable leadership insights tailored for professionals in electronics and manufacturing who are ready to lead with impact.Each episode brings relatable, time-efficient insights to help you lead smarter, communicate better, and grow your influence in a dynamic sector.📥 Join 2,400+ professionals who get leadership insights straight to their inbox:👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!🌐 Learn more about the show:https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/