Episode 115
How Mentorship Shapes Stronger Sales Leaders at Harwin
Why guided growth and shared learning drive sales leadership and team success at Harwin.
Join host Sannah Vinding as she sits down with Jessica Knight, Vice President of Sales, Americas, at Harwin, for an inspiring discussion on how mentorship can transform leadership—from the boardroom to the field.
In this episode, you’ll uncover actionable insights on:
The Power of Mentorship
Learn how both formal and informal mentoring relationships can unlock career growth, build confidence, and sharpen leadership skills.
Leading with Empathy and Confidence
Hear how Jessica navigates the challenges of leadership by empowering her team, practicing active listening, and leading with purpose.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Discover how Harwin fosters team engagement through inclusive communication, shared goals, and real-time feedback.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
Gain perspective on how being a working parent can fuel personal growth—and why setting the right example matters.
Staying Industry-Informed
Explore Jessica’s boots-on-the-ground approach to understanding industry trends and ensuring her team is always one step ahead.
Filled with personal stories, professional insights, and practical leadership tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with authenticity and drive results through mentorship.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation—tune in now and explore how mentorship can strengthen your leadership journey in the electronics industry.
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“In the meeting room, always remember—you’re the expert. You know the details better than anyone else in the room”
1 Minute Leadership Tips
Key takeaways
Mentorship Accelerates Growth for Both Mentees and Mentors
Mentorship—whether through structured programs or informal relationships—helps individuals avoid common pitfalls, make better decisions, and explore new career directions. It’s a two-way growth path: mentees gain guidance and clarity, while mentors sharpen their listening skills and evolve their leadership style through active, intentional engagement.
Active Listening and Team Inclusion Lead to Stronger Leadership
Strong leaders create space for their teams to contribute. By treating team members as experts and inviting them into the decision-making process, leaders build trust, motivation, and innovation. Encouraging open discussions, sharing lessons learned, and framing goals as shared responsibilities strengthens collaboration and creates a more empowered, engaged culture.
Confidence and Self-Acceptance Are Crucial for Leaders—At Work and at Home
Confidence starts with believing in your own expertise. Whether leading a meeting or balancing the demands of work and home life, embracing authenticity and self-acceptance is key. Being open about challenges, especially as a working parent, and setting a strong example of resilience and growth helps create deeper connections and more impactful leadership.
“Even if you’re the mentor or the mentee, both sides grow—and that’s what makes these relationships so powerful”
Show Notes:
In Episode 115 of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding sits down with Jessica Knight, Vice President of Sales, Americas, at Harwin, to explore how learning through others—especially as a mentee—can shape confident, effective leadership in the electronics industry.
Jessica shares her personal journey as a mentee and how that experience became a turning point in her leadership development. From building confidence in high-stakes meetings to navigating the challenges of being a working parent, she reveals how guidance, reflection, and self-awareness have played a central role in her career growth at Harwin.
A core theme of the episode is the belief that leadership isn’t just about directing others—it’s about listening, learning, and evolving. Jessica explains how she applies those principles in her own team by encouraging collaboration, inviting input, and building a culture where everyone contributes to shared success.
Sannah weaves in her focus on practical leadership and team empowerment, drawing out insights on how leaders can create space for growth—not just for themselves, but for their teams. Together, they highlight the importance of transparency, active communication, and staying curious in a rapidly changing industry.
The episode also sheds light on how Harwin stays close to customer needs, market trends, and internal development by fostering open dialogue and continuous feedback.
Remember to subscribe, like, and share our podcast. Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram for more conversations designed to elevate leadership in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Guest
Jessica Knight
Vice President of Sales, Americas, at Harwin
Jessica (Engel) Knight is the Vice President of Sales, Americas at Harwin, a global leader in high-reliability interconnect solutions for demanding industries. With more than a decade of experience in sales, business development, and channel management, Jessica has a proven track record of driving growth and building strong relationships in the fast-paced electronic components sector.
Jessica holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Business from The Ohio State University. Her technical expertise has been developed through close collaboration with OEM customers, helping them enhance product performance and solve complex engineering challenges using innovative Harwin solutions.
Known for her creative problem-solving and passion for continuous learning, Jessica is highly skilled in managing distribution partnerships, product management, and cultivating supplier positioning. She is actively involved in industry organizations, serving as Ohio Chapter Lead and Chapter Council Member for Women in Electronics. Based in Cincinnati, Jessica is recognized by colleagues and partners for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to driving business forward.
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