Episode 110
What’s The Best Advice For New Leaders In Manufacturing?
How Mentorship and Confidence Are Keys to Progressing in the Manufacturing Industry
Tune in to this engaging episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, as Eric Slatten, along with industry experts Damien Croft, Jaime Plank, and Eric Gleason, dive into valuable insights and strategies for thriving in today’s manufacturing industry. Listen as they reflect on their journeys, share advice for growth, and explore the skills and mindset needed for success in leadership and beyond!
In this episode, you will discover:
Building Unshakeable Confidence: Eric Slatten emphasizes the importance of self-assuredness in professional settings, underscoring that confidence, coupled with humility, is vital in engaging with industry leaders and clients.
Listening with Purpose: Uncover why listening to learn and understand, rather than just responding, is a critical skill for leaders in manufacturing and beyond.
The Power of Continuous Learning: Whether it’s strengthening financial acumen or diving deeper into engineering concepts, this episode will inspire you to keep expanding your skill set.
The Role of Mentorship: Explore how mentorship has evolved to become a cornerstone of career advancement, offering personalized guidance to navigate complex industry challenges.
Creating Value Beyond the Job Description: Damien Croft shares insights on leveraging knowledge to maximize value across organizations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication beyond one’s immediate role.
Navigating Change and Embracing Opportunities: Jaime Plank discusses how embracing change can lead to unexpected growth opportunities and spur innovative thinking within your organization.
Preparing the Next Generation: Gain valuable advice for newcomers to the industry on seeking mentorship, being open to learning, and proactively engaging with more experienced professionals.
This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights and practical advice, empowering you to elevate your leadership approach and drive success within the manufacturing sector.
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“That’s what people used to tell me too. You know? They said, you don’t have to know everything. You just have to know who to call.”
Key takeaways
Confidence and Continuous Learning::
Confidence in one’s abilities and a commitment to continuous learning are crucial. It’s important not to worry too much about titles or fear making mistakes, as these are valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Building self-confidence and developing skills, particularly in financial and engineering knowledge, can significantly enhance personal and professional progress.
The Importance of Listening:
Effective listening involves understanding and learning, not just responding. This skill is essential for better communication and is a key component of leadership and organizational growth.
Embracing Change and Mentorship:
Embracing change can act as a catalyst for growth. Seeking mentorship provides guidance and support as individuals advance in their careers. Being adaptable to change can unlock new opportunities, and proactively seeking mentorship can greatly aid in career development.
“If you’re not improving, you’re plateauing. With the right mindset, you can always keep growing.”
“Have more confidence in your abilities, would be my suggestion to myself ten years ago.”
“I’ve embraced a lot of change in organizations over the past seven years since becoming a leader.”
Show Notes:
In episode of the “Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast,” hosted by Sannah Vinding, guests Eric Slatten, Eric Gleason, Damien Croft, and Jaime Plank share their insights and advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the industry.
Eric Slatten emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, learning from mistakes, and the need to improve financial and engineering skills. Sannah Vinding and Eric Slatten discuss the significance of listening to learn and engage meaningfully with others.
Jaime Plank highlights the importance of owning one’s leadership journey, encouraging team members to manage their development, whether aiming for leadership or flourishing in their current roles. He advises listening more than speaking and viewing changes as opportunities for growth.
Eric Gleason advises newcomers to the industry, particularly Gen Z, to seek mentorship, suggesting that understanding who knows what is more important than trying to know everything. He encourages connecting with knowledgeable individuals and being honest about knowledge gaps with customers.
Damien Croft shares that the key to success is translating learning into practical application and maximizing value for customers, employers, and partners. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge across teams to contribute beyond one’s role.
Overall, the episode highlights the critical role of confidence, lifelong learning, mentorship, and open communication in advancing 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 manufacturing industry.
Guests
Eric Slatten
President & CEO at ECS Inc. International
Eric Slatten is the President and CEO of ECS Inc. International, located in Lenexa, Kansas. With over 17 years at ECS Inc., Eric has been pivotal in steering the company towards innovation and growth in the frequency control and power management sectors. He oversees all aspects of the business, including OEM, CEM, global distribution partners, and the sales representative network. Eric is deeply involved in contract negotiations and plays a central role in acquisitions.
In addition to his leadership at ECS Inc., Eric is a partner at The Slatten Group, focusing on real estate and other investments. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Psychology, and Business from The University of Kansas. Eric is also an active member of Vistage Worldwide, Inc., where he engages with other executives to enhance his leadership skills and contribute to his community.
Eric Gleason
Director - Distribution Sales North America at ebm-papst inc
Eric Gleason is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the fast-paced and challenging technology industry. Currently serving as the Director of Distribution Sales for North America at ebm-papst Inc., Eric has a proven track record of cultivating and maintaining long-term, profitable relationships with clients and industry professionals. His excellent communication skills and ability to manage and grow diverse account bases have set him apart as a relationship manager and solutions provider.
Eric’s career spans over a decade, during which he has held various key roles, including Regional Distribution Manager and Field Account Representative. His strategic approach to sales, coupled with his technical expertise, has consistently driven growth and increased customer revenues. Eric’s dedication to operational excellence and customer satisfaction has been recognized by colleagues and partners alike.
Jaime Plank
Director, Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics
Jaime Plank is an accomplished Director of Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics, where she leverages her extensive experience in global industrial distribution. She is recognized for her strong leadership skills and expertise in strategic supplier relationships, category expansion, and revenue growth. Jaime holds a Master of Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the University of North Texas.
Damien Croft
General Manager at NorComp
Damien Croft is a seasoned leader in the high-tech electronic component industry with over nine years of experience at NorComp. As General Manager, he spearheads the growth and development of individuals and teams, ensuring sustainable and profitable P&L growth. Under his stewardship, NorComp has capitalized on significant growth opportunities, driven by its core competencies in engineering and manufacturing highly reliable connectivity products.
Damien’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has untapped potential. He is passionate about building high-performing teams that excel through mutual trust and collaboration. His approach fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and creativity, enabling him to consistently deliver results.
Before his current role, Damien held key positions such as Director of Sales and Global Account Manager at NorComp, where he honed skills in sales forecasting, strategy, and lead qualification. Damien’s career journey also includes leadership roles at EDAC Connectors and MH Connectors, where he significantly contributed to sales growth within the EMEA region.
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