Episode 116
How Cultural Awareness Shapes High-Impact Leadership
Why Clear Communication Builds Stronger International Teams
Join host Sannah Vinding as she sits down with Mark Burr-Lonnon, President of EDAC Group, for a compelling conversation on what it takes to lead diverse teams across regions, cultures, and time zones in today’s fast-paced electronics industry.
In this episode, you’ll uncover actionable insights on:
Leading Across Cultures
Learn how cultural awareness and small gestures—like repositioning an office door—can build trust and strengthen team alignment around the world.
Building Global Trust Through Communication
Hear how Mark uses overcommunication and active listening to unite teams, navigate language barriers, and keep everyone aligned—no matter the distance.
Shaping High-Performance Teams
Discover how Mark evaluates strengths, builds complementary teams, and creates a shared purpose—even across continents.
Hiring with Instinct and Intent
Explore Mark’s approach to hiring and retaining top talent, and why understanding someone in the first 30 seconds can shape a strong global culture.
Staying Curious in a Global Role
See how continuous learning, humility, and curiosity help leaders adapt and thrive in rapidly changing global markets.
Packed with decades of real-world experience, cultural anecdotes, and practical leadership wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of global management in the electronics space.
🎧 Don’t miss this insightful conversation—tune in now to learn how global awareness can elevate your leadership impact.
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“You can globalize a lot of things, but there’s always a part that must stay local. Ignoring culture means missing out on growth.”
1 Minute Leadership Tips
Key takeaways
Cultural Awareness Is a Catalyst for Global Team Alignment
Understanding and respecting cultural differences—down to symbolic details like office layout—can foster trust, increase morale, and create stronger connections across global teams. Leaders who listen and adapt to local customs build more cohesive, high-performing organizations.
Trust and Overcommunication Are the Backbone of Global Leadership
In remote, multicultural environments, leaders can’t rely on proximity—they must rely on intentional communication. Mark emphasizes that frequent, clear updates and follow-ups help bridge cultural gaps and ensure alignment, even across time zones and language barriers.
Effective Leaders Build Teams Around Strengths, Not Titles
Rather than forcing structure, great global leaders evaluate individuals’ natural talents and assign roles that allow them to thrive. This strengths-based approach helps create balanced, self-motivated teams that stay together longer and deliver consistent results.
“I always say you can’t overcommunicate—especially when your team spans continents and time zones.”
“Everybody needs to have a seat at the table—so making sure you’re listening is everything.”
Show Notes
In Episode 116 of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding sits down with Mark Burr-Lonnon, President of EDAC Group, for a powerful conversation on the role cultural awareness plays in developing high-impact leadership across the global electronics industry.
With more than 40 years of international experience, Mark shares how leading diverse teams across Asia, Europe, and the Americas has shaped his approach to communication, trust-building, and strategic growth. He explains why global leadership isn’t just about managing operations—it’s about understanding people, respecting cultural nuances, and being willing to adapt.
A central theme of the episode is the idea that cultural awareness is a leadership skill—not a soft skill. Mark offers compelling examples, from rethinking office spaces to navigating cross-border collaboration, that show how small gestures rooted in cultural respect can have a major impact on team performance and retention.
Sannah guides the conversation through the lens of leadership development, drawing out the practices that have helped Mark scale teams, foster loyalty, and build alignment across time zones. Together, they explore how overcommunication, local empowerment, and active listening are essential tools for any leader operating on a global stage.
Listeners will gain practical insights into:
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Strengthening team cohesion through cultural sensitivity
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Building leadership skills that scale globally
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Making intentional hires and structuring teams for long-term success
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Creating space for feedback, dialogue, and continuous growth
This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to elevate their leadership impact in a complex, multicultural business landscape.
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Guest
Mark Burr-Lonnon
President, EDAC Group
Mark Burr-Lonnon is an accomplished global executive in the electronic components industry, currently serving as President of the EDAC Group. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Mark leads EDAC Connectors and drives the company’s international strategy, building on a career spanning over three decades across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Before joining EDAC in 2024, Mark was Senior Vice President for Europe, Asia, and Global Service at Mouser Electronics, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s international expansion and success for 16 years. His earlier leadership roles include CEO Americas at Yageo and Global Distribution Manager at Philips, giving him deep insight into supply chain management, marketing, and operational excellence in the electronics sector.
Mark is known for his hands-on leadership and focus on team development. He has a strong record of building high-performing teams and nurturing talent across regions and cultures. His colleagues and partners describe him as a compassionate motivator who listens and inspires, consistently delivering results.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of Portsmouth and is active on industry boards, including the China Electronics Distribution Association (CEDA). Mark is recognized for his expertise in OEMs, product marketing, and global distribution.
When not working, Mark enjoys connecting with his roots in the UK, sports, and spending time with family. He is committed to supporting innovation and growth in the global electronics industry.
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