Episode 121
How Do You Know You’re a Good Leader? Real Answers from Real Leaders
What Seasoned Leaders Wish You Knew About Leading Well
Join host Sannah Vinding as she revisits one of the most talked-about episodes of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, featuring a panel of experienced leaders from across the electronics and manufacturing sectors. In this special rerun, Sannah is joined by Don Akery, Walter Tobin, Maryellen Stack, Shane Zutz, Rob Brunson, and Tobi Cornell — each bringing their own perspective to one essential question: How do you know if you’re a good leader?
In this episode, you’ll hear honest, hard-earned lessons on:
Leadership as Team Empowerment
Don Akery shares how great leaders measure success through their team’s accomplishments — not personal recognition — and how a small team scaled from $4M to $40M under his guidance.
Confidence Without Fear
Walter Tobin explains why good leaders build trust by creating environments where people feel safe to make decisions — and mistakes — without fear of retribution.
Leading Through Growth, Not Control
Maryellen Stack reflects on what it means to lead individuals by understanding their unique journeys and supporting their development into future leaders.
One-on-Ones That Build Psychological Safety
Shane Zutz offers practical insight on how leaders can use personal check-ins to foster transparency, vulnerability, and trust in the workplace.
Leadership Rooted in Authenticity
Rob Brunson dives into why being genuine is non-negotiable — and how celebrating others’ success is one of the clearest signs of great leadership.
Creating a Culture of Calm and Ownership
Tobi Cornell highlights the value of calm leadership, especially in high-stakes environments, and how a positive culture leads to stronger performance.
Whether you’re leading a team today or preparing to step into a leadership role, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and reflection. If you missed it the first time, now’s the perfect time to revisit it.
Don’t miss this special rerun — subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
“You can look in their eyes — it’s not about them thinking you’re a good leader, it’s about them saying, ‘Look what we accomplished.”
Key takeaways
Leadership Is Measured by Team Outcomes, Not Titles:
Don Akery and Shane Zutz highlight that true leadership is reflected in the growth, collaboration, and success of the team. Rather than focusing on personal recognition, great leaders measure their impact by how well their people perform, evolve, and support one another — both professionally and personally.
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Empowerment Through Trust and Delegation:
Effective leaders know when to step back and let others lead. Maryellen Stack and Tobi Cornell emphasize the importance of creating a safe space where team members are trusted to make decisions, even if they make mistakes. This trust-driven approach builds confidence, fosters innovation, and prepares individuals for future leadership roles.
Listening as a Leadership Skill:
Leadership is not just about giving direction — it’s about deeply listening. Tobi Cornell and Shane Zutz underscore the value of listening with intent, especially during one-on-ones. Being fully present creates psychological safety, strengthens relationships, and allows leaders to better support their teams in meaningful ways.
“Leadership isn’t a destination, it’s a constant reflection. The real question is: are you helping others grow while continuing to grow yourself?.”
“When you’re happy about your teammates succeeding — and they see your joy in their success — that’s when you’re cracking the code on leadership.”
“You can sense it. It’s not something someone tells you. It’s something you feel — when people begin to do things on their own, with confidence.”
“I tried to think about that in the context of my own team… watching their journeys — where they came in and where they are now — that’s where I believe I’ve been most effective.”
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing podcast, host Sannah Vinding brings back one of the most compelling conversations from the show’s history — a roundtable of respected leaders answering a deceptively difficult question: How do you know if you’re a good leader?
Originally recorded for Episode 100, this conversation features six industry voices: Don Akery, Walter Tobin, Maryellen Stack, Shane Zutz, Rob Brunson, and Tobi Cornell. Together, they reflect on leadership through the lens of trust, team growth, self-awareness, and accountability.
This episode doesn’t focus on management tactics — it’s about mindset, presence, and purpose. Each guest shares a personal take on what signals they look for to know whether they’re leading well. From one-on-one conversations to watching a team grow over time, the answers are honest, unpolished, and deeply human.
One recurring idea: leadership isn’t about holding authority — it’s about enabling others to succeed.
Sannah guides the conversation toward themes like psychological safety, feedback without fear, and how great leaders create space for others to learn, decide, and grow.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why success is often reflected in your team’s progress, not your own
- How to build a culture where people feel safe making decisions
- What it means to lead with calm, clarity, and consistency
- How one-on-one conversations reveal more than performance metrics ever could
- Why authenticity and self-reflection are core leadership tools
This is a must-listen for leaders across manufacturing, distribution, and beyond — especially anyone looking to reflect on their own leadership journey and measure success in more meaningful ways.
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Guests
Shane Zutz
Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey
Shane Zutz is the Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey Electronics, where he is instrumental in driving organizational performance and leading a global team through significant digital transformation. With over 5 years at DigiKey, Shane has overseen substantial growth and expansion, implementing key initiatives that support over 5,000 employees worldwide.
His leadership is informed by a rich background in education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, where he managed a $26 million building project and introduced state-recognized programs. Shane holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and degrees from Bemidji State University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.
Maryellen Stack
Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics
Maryellen Stack is an experienced Marketing Communications leader with over two decades of expertise in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics, Maryellen has been instrumental in driving the company’s brand and communications strategy. Her extensive skill set includes advertising, branding, business development, communications, public relations, website development, promotions, negotiations, event planning, and cross-functional team management.
Maryellen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She is also actively involved in industry organizations, serving in leadership roles on various committees, including the Electronics Components Industry Association and the Electronics Representatives Association.
With a demonstrated history of success and a passion for fostering new talent, Maryellen continues to make significant contributions to Sager Electronics and the broader electronics community.
Rob Brunson
Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales
Rob Brunson is a dedicated Customer Advocate with extensive experience in sales and marketing within the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Currently serving as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales, Rob has been pivotal in sourcing competitive and high-quality solutions for OEMs and driving the company’s customer-centric approach. His passion for customer advocacy is matched only by his love for dogs, making him a well-rounded professional both in and out of the office.
Rob’s commitment to finding the best solutions for his customers, whether through front-end design work or problem-solving, exemplifies his dedication to excellence. With a strong presence in the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point Area, Rob continues to make significant contributions to his field while maintaining a personal touch in all his professional interactions.
Tobi Cornell
President - Manufacturer's Rep, CPMR
Tobi Cornell is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience at Kruvand Associates, Inc., a prominent manufacturer’s representative firm. As the current President, Tobi oversees strategic operations and manages key accounts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her career at Kruvand began in 1999, where she has played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with manufacturers and distributor partners to better serve the engineering and purchasing communities.
Tobi’s extensive experience includes roles in both outside sales and distribution management. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Texas Christian University. Tobi is actively involved in industry organizations, including the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) and the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA). Her dedication to her profession and her community is evident through her leadership and active participation in various industry groups.
Don Akery
Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics
Don Akery is the Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics, based in Rockford, Illinois. With over two decades of experience in the electronics and distribution industry, Don has proven himself as a visionary leader dedicated to driving organizational growth and operational excellence. He specializes in sales growth, business development, and talent recruitment, with a successful track record in both established and emerging markets.
Prior to his tenure at Waldom Electronics, Don held multiple leadership roles at TTI, Inc., where he significantly grew revenue and market share, and led digital transformation initiatives. He also served in various capacities at Arrow Electronics, further honing his expertise in marketing and asset management.
Don holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences from National Louis University and has completed coursework in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He is actively involved in industry organizations such as Women In Electronics and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.
Outside of his professional life, Don contributes to advisory boards like Breadboard and Sivad Business Solutions, leveraging his extensive experience to help drive innovation and efficiency in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Walter Tobin
CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)
Walter Tobin is the CEO and Executive Vice President of the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA), a role he has held since August 2015. He leads the organization with a focus on empowering electronics representatives globally. Walter’s extensive career spans over several decades, including significant roles such as Corporate Vice President at Future Electronics and All American Semiconductor, and Executive VP at Bell Microproducts. His leadership in managing global accounts and driving sales initiatives has been exemplary.
Walter is a graduate of Boston College, where he earned both his BSBA and MBA in Marketing from the Carroll School of Management. With a career marked by strategic leadership and industry insights, Walter is also dedicated to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for the Charles River Center, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
He is recognized for his sales management skills, time management, and dedication to ethical leadership. Walter’s contributions to the electronics industry are widely acknowledged, making him a respected figure in his field.
“Leadership is about reflection — not just on your results, but on how you’re helping others grow and take ownership. It’s about creating space for people to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
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