Episode 100
How Do You Know if You Are a Good Leader?
How to Identify Effective Leadership Skills in Manufacturing
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of effective leadership in manufacturing with a distinguished panel featuring Don Akery, Walter Tobin, Maryellen Stack, Rob Brunson, Shane Zutz, and Tobi Cornell. Guided by our insightful host Sannah Vinding, this episode brings together years of industry experience to shed light on what it truly means to be a good leader.
In this landmark episode 100, you will discover:
- The Power of Team Success: Hear from Don Akery about how a leader’s effectiveness is measured by the achievements of their team.
- Cultivating Confidence and Growth: Learn from Walter Tobin on transitioning team members from doers to leaders by instilling self-confidence.
- Trusting Your Team: Sannah Vinding emphasizes the importance of recognizing and relying on the expertise of your team members.
- Personal Vulnerability in Leadership: Shane Zutz discusses the value of showing vulnerability to foster open communication and trust within your team.
- Authenticity and Support: Rob Brunson underscores the significance of being your genuine self and building supportive, non-competitive team environments.
- Individualized Approach to Management: Maryellen Stack shares her insights on managing individuals uniquely to promote a collaborative, innovative culture.
- Fostering Future Leaders: Explore how to empower and support your team with insights from our diverse panel of experts.
With rich discussions and actionable advice, this episode will equip you with the tools to assess your leadership effectiveness and cultivate a thriving, innovative team culture.
Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights from some of the industry’s leading minds.
“Effective leadership is truly about facilitating your team’s success. In my career, I had the privilege of leading a small business where we saw a tenfold increase in sales within three years. That wasn’t just my success; it was our success, forged through collective effort and mutual trust.”
Key takeaways
Leadership Reflected in Team Success:
Effective leadership is often evidenced by the success of the team. Don Akery illustrates this by sharing an example from his career where his leadership helped a small business increase sales tenfold in three years. Successful leaders facilitate their team’s achievements and growth, prioritizing the team’s progress over their own accolades.
Importance of Authenticity and Confidence:
Authentic leadership cannot be faked; it requires genuine interactions and a focus on developing self-confidence in team members. Walter Tobin and Rob Brunson stress that leaders should guide, support, and allow their teams to make decisions and learn from their mistakes without fear of retribution. This approach not only fosters a positive team culture but also empowers individuals to grow into future leaders.
Listening and Adapting:
True leadership involves actively listening to the team, valuing their input, and being open to modifying one’s plans based on viable alternative ideas. Both Tobi Cornell and Shane Zutz highlight the necessity of creating a safe, open environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Effective leaders must also recognize their own behavioral barriers and work on overcoming them to improve communication and team dynamics.
“Cultivating future leaders means providing support, ownership opportunities, and trusting your team as experts in their fields.”
“Leadership isn’t about being authoritarian; it’s about being genuine and supportive. It’s the mutual joy in our team’s success that truly defines good leadership, transcending beyond just business into personal character and authentic connections.”
Uncover Key Insights to Elevate Your Leadership Skills
“A good leader manages individuals, not just a team. By empowering our team members to make decisions and learn from mistakes, we not only foster their growth but create an environment ripe for innovation and collaboration.”
Show Notes:
In Episode 100 of the “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding is joined by an esteemed panel including Don Akery, Maryellen Stack, Walter Tobin, Rob Brunson, Shane Zutz, and Tobi Cornell. Together, they explore the question: “How do you know if you are a good leader?”
Key highlights from the discussion include
Don Akery’s insights on leadership success being reflected in the achievements of the team. Don shares how he facilitated a tenfold increase in sales for a small business over three years by empowering his team and leading with adaptability.
Walter Tobin underscores the importance of feedback, guiding team members to grow from doers to leaders, and instilling self-confidence, allowing for risk-taking and learning without fear. He stresses that a true leader listens and adapts, valuing the team’s input over a rigid plan.
Maryellen Stack discusses the importance of managing individuals based on their unique strengths, promoting a safe and collaborative environment that fosters team growth and decision-making autonomy. She aligns with Sannah in advocating for trusting the expertise of team members and recognizing diverse approaches to achieving objectives.
Shane Zutz emphasizes understanding team issues through one-on-one meetings and creating a psychologically safe environment by owning up to barriers and vulnerabilities. He advocates for leaders focusing on the growth of others and fostering genuine relationships within the team.
Rob Brunson associates leadership with authenticity and mutual joy in shared successes. He advises leaders to support holistic team development, stay genuine, and be resilient in tough times. He critiques toxic competition, emphasizing the value of authentic, supportive relationships.
Tobi Cornell wraps up the conversation by highlighting the importance of calmness and empowerment in leadership. He suggests that leaders listen to all stakeholders and foster a positive team culture to encourage creativity and mutual support.
Through rich dialogue and personal stories, each guest shares unique perspectives on effective leadership. They collectively agree that true leadership blends personal authenticity with the empowerment and growth of the team, ultimately underscoring that effective leadership cannot be faked. The episode provides valuable insights into recognizing and nurturing good leadership traits within the manufacturing industry.
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
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
President - Manufacturer's Rep, CPMR
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.
“Effective leadership requires self-introspection and a genuine connection with your team, emphasizing kindness and authenticity as foundational qualities.”
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