Episode 102
How to Evaluate and Enhance Your Leadership Skills
Unlocking Leadership Potential: Recognizing Leadership DNA
In this episode, we explore the complexities of evaluating and improving leadership skills in the manufacturing and distribution sector with our distinguished guests: Shane Zutz, Don Akery, Tobi Cornell, Maryellen Stack, Walter Tobin, and Rob Brunson.
This episode provides valuable insights into effective leadership.
You will discover:
- The Power of Personal Connections: Understand how building genuine relationships with your team creates a thriving work environment.
- Self-Awareness as a Leader: Learn about the importance of understanding your own needs to lead effectively.
- Importance of Regular Feedback: Discover methods for establishing continuous feedback loops with your colleagues and peers.
- Adapting to Change: Recognize how adaptability and resilience are crucial traits in leadership, especially in changing markets.
- Enhancing Team Cohesion: Find strategies for building a cohesive team that acts with a shared vision and purpose.
- Leadership DNA: Discuss the foundational traits essential for successful leadership in the manufacturing sector.
- Effective Reflection Techniques: Explore the importance of introspection and reflection in identifying areas for leadership improvement.
Our experts share their experiences and provide practical advice on becoming a more effective and empathetic leader. From personal stories to actionable strategies, this episode is designed to equip you with tools to improve your leadership skills in our industry.
Join us for this journey of continuous improvement and learning.
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“It’s not about being right. It’s about getting it right. And I think that’s really important from a leadership perspective. Right? Maybe there’s a situation where you’re not right, but there’s a situation where you can get it right, and that’s best for everybody.”
Key takeaways
Cultivating Personal Connections in Leadership:
Building personal connections within a team is crucial for effective leadership. By valuing human connections and fostering an environment of care, leaders can create stronger, cohesive teams. Incorporating personal elements like family check-ins or sharing weekend activities helps build trust and understanding.
The Importance of Self-Reflection and Adaptability:
Effective leadership involves ongoing self-reflection and adaptability. Leaders should continually assess their behaviors and strategies, seeking improvements. Reflecting on past successes and anticipating future needs allows leaders to remain relevant and effective in changing environments.
Leveraging Peer Feedback and Networking:
Networking with professional peers provides leaders with valuable insights and new perspectives. Conversations with industry professionals outside one’s organization enhance understanding and offer fresh views on leadership challenges. Regular peer feedback and participation in industry associations aid personal and professional growth, keeping leaders informed and adaptable in a changing landscape.
“Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. It’s about being introspective, embracing feedback, and staying curious to not only lead effectively but also grow alongside your team.”
“The way you kind of learn is how how people react to the information that you share. How what responses are you getting? How are you motivating? Is this working? Is this not working?”
“At times as a leader, we need to be selfish. Now you might most people say, hold on a minute. You leaders aren’t supposed to be selfish. And you’re right. They’re not. But sometimes, selfish is understanding what you need and helping others understand that with your team.”
Show Notes:
In Episode 102 of the “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding engages in an insightful discussion with an esteemed panel of experts, including Shane Zutz, Don Akery, Tobi Cornell, Maryellen Stack, Rob Brunson, and Walter Tobin. The episode explores various methods for evaluating and enhancing leadership skills within the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
Key highlights from the conversation include a focus on the importance of personal connections in leadership. Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, emphasizes the significance of maintaining a human touch by fostering personal and professional relationships within the team. He advocates for leaders to occasionally be “selfish” by understanding their own needs and aligning them with team goals, thereby making both the leader and team more effective.
Maryellen Stack, Director of Marketing Communication at Sager Electronics, shares her structured approach to leadership evaluation through regular team and individual check-ins, underscoring the value of continuous feedback and industry networking. She points out that leaders must be attentive to unspoken feedback and learn to read the room effectively.
Tobi Cornell, President of Kruber and Associates, discusses the necessity of adaptability and flexibility in leadership. She believes that leaders must constantly evaluate their methods based on team responses and learn to ask probing questions to elicit valuable feedback.
Don Akery, CEO at Waldom Electronics, and Rob Brunson, VP of Sales and Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sales, reflect on the importance of introspection and the willingness to evolve. Don highlights the need for self-reflection during periods of frustration, suggesting that leaders often need to pause and evaluate their communication effectiveness. Rob Brunson adds to this by stressing the importance of empathy and ongoing self-improvement, noting that effective leadership is about “getting it right” rather than just being right.
Walter Tobin, CEO and EVP at Electronics Representative Association (ERA), underscores the importance of nurturing an open dialogue between leaders and their teams. He insists that encouraging initiative and delegating responsibility, while providing constructive follow-up, is crucial for leadership growth.
Throughout the episode, the panelists discuss practical strategies for enhancing leadership skills, such as continuous learning, adaptability, and team cohesion. They share personal anecdotes and actionable advice, making this episode a rich resource for anyone looking to become a more effective leader in the electronics industry.
Join Sannah Vinding and her distinguished guests as they share their collective wisdom and experience, offering valuable insights into building strong, adaptable, and empathetic leadership in manufacturing and distribution. Tune in to Episode 102 for a comprehensive guide on evaluating and enhancing your leadership skills.
Guests
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“As leaders in the manufacturing sector, our greatest asset isn’t tucked away in a warehouse or displayed on a balance sheet—it’s the people we empower and inspire every day. True leadership begins with understanding, evolves with feedback, and thrives on continuous growth.”
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