Episode 117
How the Shift from Manager to Director Changed My Leadership Style
Why Stepping Into Leadership Requires a Change in Mindset
Join host Sannah Vinding as she sits down with Joshua Nix, Director of Supply Management at Mouser Electronics, for a real and insightful conversation about what it means to grow into leadership—without losing your spark along the way.
In this episode, you’ll hear practical insights on:
- Shifting from Task-Driven to Strategic Thinking: Discover how changing the way you approach challenges—and learning to zoom out—can transform the way you lead and communicate.
- Leading Through Questions, Not Just Answers: Learn why asking open-ended questions can spark better collaboration, help teams navigate roadblocks, and lead to smarter decisions.
- Empowering Teams Through Ownership: Explore how giving people the space to lead with their strengths builds stronger engagement, deeper trust, and better outcomes.
- Building a Habit of Continuous Learning: Hear how reading, curiosity, and industry awareness help leaders stay sharp and adaptable in a fast-changing landscape.
- Listening as a Core Leadership Skill: Find out why great leaders listen more than they speak—and how feedback and trust shape long-term success.
Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role or looking to refine how you lead, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to grow in leadership while staying true to yourself.
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“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and listening with intention.”
1 Minute Leadership Tips
Key takeaways
Empowerment Fuels Seamless Role Transitions
The move from manager to director isn’t just about a title—it’s about being trusted to lead before the promotion. When team members are empowered to take initiative, growth becomes a natural next step, not a leap.
Strategic Leaders Ask More and Direct Less
Leadership evolves when you shift from task execution to curiosity-driven strategy. Asking open-ended questions and zooming out to see the bigger picture builds alignment and reveals smarter paths forward.
Listening Is the Leadership Skill That Changes Everything
Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice—it’s about making space for others to be heard. Intentional listening earns trust, improves decisions, and turns teams into collaborators.
“The best kind of leadership happens when you empower others to lead with you—not just follow you.”
“Leadership isn’t about climbing the ladder faster—it’s about learning to lead differently at every step.”
Show Notes
In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding chats with Joshua Nix, Director of Supply Management at Mouser Electronics, about what it really takes to grow as a leader—and how that growth changes the way you lead.
Joshua shares how his leadership style has evolved as he moved from manager to director. It’s not about getting a new title—it’s about shifting your mindset. He talks about learning to ask better questions, stepping back to see the big picture, and focusing more on people than just tasks.
One of the big themes in this conversation is listening. Not just hearing—but truly listening. Whether it’s asking your team for feedback, giving them ownership, or understanding what energizes them, great leadership starts with curiosity and connection.
Sannah and Joshua also dive into the habits that keep leaders growing—like staying plugged into the industry, sharing insights across teams, and carving out time to learn something new every day.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
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What changes when you step into a director role
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Why asking good questions can be more powerful than giving answers
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How to lead people with different strengths and styles
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Ways to stay sharp in a fast-moving industry
This episode is full of honest insights for anyone looking to grow into leadership—or grow stronger in the role they already have.
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Guest
Joshua Nix
Supplier Management Director at Mouser Electronics
Joshua Nix is an accomplished supplier management leader with over 11 years of progressive experience at Mouser Electronics. He currently serves as Supplier Management Director, overseeing the Test & Measurement, Hardware, Enclosures, Tools, Wire & Cable, and Thermal Management portfolios. Joshua is passionate about inventory strategy, supplier relationships, and launching new products (NPI) to support Mouser’s growth and customer needs.
His career at Mouser spans diverse roles in Customer Service, Sales & Marketing, Customer Development, and Product & Supplier Management. Joshua is known for building strong partnerships across teams and organizations, driving business strategy, and delivering measurable results. He emphasizes continuous learning and relationship-building as the foundation of success.
Joshua holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Walden University and has completed leadership training through the Center for Leadership Studies. He has been recognized as a Mouser Top Performer and received multiple honors for his commitment to excellence.
Based in Mansfield, Texas, Joshua is active in professional communities and values collaboration at every level.
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This episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing podcast is created in partnership with oemsecrets.com.
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