Episode 106:
7 Essential Lessons on Leadership from 2024: A Leaders’ Guide
Learning to maximize value beyond your official job description
As we look back on some amazing podcast episodes from this year, I’ve handpicked a few clips to share and reflect on the valuable lessons we’ve all learned from listening to the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast.
Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion with industry experts Holly Good, Deb Speer, Damien Croft, Greg Trainor, Eric Gleason, and Mark Wachtel. With extensive experience, our guests provide practical advice and perspectives to enhance your leadership journey in manufacturing.
In this episode, you will discover:
1. Maximizing Value in Your Role
Learn from Damien Croft’s experience on translating your knowledge into practical applications that benefit your organization beyond immediate responsibilities.
2. The Power of Humility and Asking Questions
Gain insights from Deb Speer on the importance of being humble, asking questions, and understanding your colleagues’ and clients’ needs to create stronger relationships and better outcomes.
3. The Importance of Clear Communication
Understand Holly Good’s lesson on expressing your career goals and showing leadership potential to achieve success.
4. Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes
Hear from Mark Wachtel on embracing technology, fostering efficient systems, and valuing mentorship to navigate the evolving manufacturing landscape.
5. Staying True to Your Timeline
Holly Good emphasizes trusting your gut, staying the course in your career, and recognizing the right opportunities as they arise.
6. Efficiency in Sales Operations
Mark Wachtel offers advice on reducing administrative burdens for sales teams to keep them motivated and effective.
7. Embracing Career Flexibility
Discover from Greg Trainor and Eric Gleason how exploring diverse roles within the industry can broaden your understanding and open new opportunities.
Our panel’s dedication to encouraging continuous learning, effective communication, and strategic thinking will provide you with actionable takeaways to enhance your leadership skills in the manufacturing sector. Enjoy these reflections and learnings from 2024!
“I think the quicker you can learn to maximize the value that you bring, even outside of the four walls of your official job description, you can very quickly start to climb the career ladder and gain exposure and additional responsibility.”
Key takeaways
Applying Knowledge in Practice:
It’s important not just to learn things but to use that knowledge in ways that benefit the organization, customers, and partners. This approach encourages employees to go beyond their usual duties, fostering innovation and cooperation. It also speeds up career growth by increasing one’s value to the company.
The Value of Asking Questions:
Asking questions isn’t just for gaining knowledge; it’s also a way to show interest, build relationships, and understand different viewpoints within the organization. Developing this habit can lead to better problem-solving, improved communication, and stronger team interactions. It also supports making better decisions and promotes continuous learning.
Communicating Career Goals:
It’s crucial to express your career goals and aspirations so others can help you achieve them, rather than relying solely on hard work to get noticed. By clearly stating career ambitions, employees can receive guidance, mentorship, and opportunities that align with their goals. This openness aids in career planning and utilizing support from colleagues and managers, enhancing career development.
“Look up and learn how the organization works as a whole. This knowledge helps you know who to ask for feedback, seek advice, and add value.“
“Being humble has been huge. I wished back in my career earlier, I would have taken the time and asked more questions. Because when you ask questions, you’re showing interest, you’re gaining new knowledge, and you understand why people do things the way they do. That understanding allows you to work better within that scope and better support your team“
Show Notes:
In Episode 106 of the “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding sits down with guests Greg Trainor, Damien Croft, Deb Speer, Eric Gleason, Mark Wachtel, and Holly Good for an illuminating discussion packed with valuable advice that would have benefitted their younger selves. This episode dives deep into the lessons learned and the growth achieved over their respective careers.
Key highlights from the episode include Damien Croft reflecting on the transition from simply gathering knowledge to applying it practically to maximize value in his role. He emphasizes breaking out of the silo mentality and collaborating across departments to establish truly effective and fulfilling career growth.
Deb Speer discusses the indispensable nature of humility and the importance of asking questions. She illustrates how being genuinely interested and inquisitive can lead to deeper understanding and better collaboration within the workplace.
Greg Trainor introduces the concept of self-advocacy, emphasizing the need to let your career aspirations be known to those who can help you achieve them. He also sheds light on the joys and career benefits of being open to new experiences, including international travel.
Eric Gleason highlights the importance of supporting colleagues who might not be as tech-savvy and the broader implications of approaching generational challenges with empathy and humility. He speaks candidly about the economic pressures faced by younger employees and how enterprises can better support them.
Mark Wachtel offers insights into the importance of data efficiency and minimizing time spent on non-sales activities to keep his team motivated and effective in their primary roles. He reflects on how timely system efficiencies can enhance overall business performance and employee satisfaction.
Holly Good provides a comforting, yet powerful, message on staying the course and trusting one’s instincts. She discusses how life’s timing is crucial and that the right opportunities will align when it’s appropriate, based on both professional and personal readiness.
Throughout the episode, Sannah and her guests explore a variety of perspectives on leadership, emphasizing continuous learning, the power of collaboration, and the joy of personal growth. The conversation wraps up on a motivational note, encouraging listeners to be proactive, embrace new opportunities, and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
Episode 106 provides not just leadership advice but also a treasure trove of personal stories and honest reflections that can guide professionals at any stage of their careers.
Remember to subscribe, like, and share our podcast. Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram to unlock your leadership potential in the electronics component industry.
Guests
Damien
General Manager at NorComp
Damien Croft is the General Manager at NorComp, where he leads strategic initiatives to drive profitable and sustainable growth in the high-tech electronic component industry. With over nine years of experience at NorComp, Damien has held various roles, including Director of Sales and Global Account Manager, demonstrating expertise in sales forecasting, strategy, and team leadership.
Damien is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and creativity. His leadership style is rooted in the belief that everyone has untapped potential, motivating him to develop empowering environments that promote collaboration and trust.
Deb Grayt Speer
Global Distribution Sales manager at Fair Rite Products
Deb Gray Speer is a seasoned Strategic Sales Leader with over 20 years of expertise in sales management and business development. Currently serving as the Global Distribution Sales Manager at Fair Rite Products Corp., she has held prominent roles, including Director of Global Sales and Director of the Americas, demonstrating her profound impact on the industry. Deb excels in crafting and executing growth strategies, leading high-performance teams, and fostering exceptional customer relationships. Her commitment to collaboration and communication has consistently driven revenue growth and market share expansion. Based in Camden, South Carolina, Deb continues to thrive in her mission to achieve business success through tactical strategies and strong leadership.
Greg Trainor
Senior Director of Global Business Development, Banner Engineering
Greg Trainor is the Senior Director of Global Business Development at Banner Engineering, where he leads a team focused on driving business growth and developing strategic partnerships in the industrial automation sector. With over 20 years of experience, Gregory is an expert in sales management, business development, and customer relationship building. He specializes in innovative technologies such as IIoT, sensors, machine vision systems, and wireless industrial communication. Gregory’s career spans roles at leading companies like Leuze Electronic USA and Datalogic, where he has consistently demonstrated a talent for increasing market share and empowering teams with cutting-edge solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University.
Eric gleason
Director - Distribution Sales North America, ebm-papst inc
Eric Gleason is a highly experienced sales professional based in Portland, Maine, currently serving as the Director of Distribution Sales for North America at ebm-papst Inc. With over nine years at the company, Eric has demonstrated a strong ability to lead and manage distribution networks across the region. Previously, he held positions of increasing responsibility, including Regional Distribution Manager. Before joining ebm-papst, Eric developed his sales expertise at TTI, Inc. and Avnet Electronics Marketing, where he honed his skills in account management and customer relations. Known for his excellent communication skills and strategic thinking, Eric excels in building long-term relationships with clients and driving growth
Holly Good
Relationship Builder, Customer Advocate, and Problem Solver
Holly Good is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in relationship building, customer advocacy, and problem-solving within the electronics industry. She has excelled in managing and supporting channel partner relationships, working collaboratively with sales teams to drive growth and customer satisfaction. Holly has held significant roles, such as Senior Distribution Manager at Knowles Precision Devices, where she focused on organizational leadership, distribution channel management, and business development. Recognized for her contributions to empowering women in electronics, she received the WE Recognizes Award in 2020. Holly is passionate about leveraging her expertise to deliver value and innovation in her field.
Mark Wachtel
President at SJ Associates
Mark Wachtel is the President of SJ Associates, located in Glen Head, New York. With a strong background in the semiconductors industry, Mark possesses expertise in product management, electronics, manufacturing, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University at Buffalo, where he focused on Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You need people’s support to propel your career forward, and they can’t help you if they don’t know what you need.”
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