Episode 114
Why a Continuous Improvement Mindset Is Crucial at Mouser Electronics with Pete Shopp
How Small Changes Drive Big Results at Mouser Electronics
Join host Sannah Vinding as she welcomes Pete Shopp, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics, for a compelling conversation on how adopting a continuous improvement mindset can lead to long-term success in the electronics manufacturing and distribution industry.
In this episode, you’ll uncover actionable insights on:
- Leading Through Incremental Change: Discover how small, consistent improvements can create major operational transformations over time.
- Building a Culture of Progress: Learn how Mouser fosters a mindset of continuous growth across departments and teams—from operations to engineering.
- Operational Excellence in Action: Hear how Pete’s leadership philosophy is rooted in reflection, adaptability, and empowering every team member to make a difference.
- Collaboration Beyond the Engineering Team: Understand the critical role that cross-functional collaboration plays in innovation and execution.
- Lessons from the Warehouse Floor: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how operational strategy translates into real-world efficiency and impact.
Filled with leadership wisdom, practical takeaways, and inspiring stories, this episode highlights how Pete Shopp and the team at Mouser Electronics are shaping a resilient, dynamic future—one step at a time.
🎧 Don’t miss this insightful discussion—tune in now and elevate your approach to leadership and continuous improvement in manufacturing!
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“At Mouser Electronics, a continuous improvement mindset isn’t just a strategy—it’s part of our culture. It’s what drives us to keep evolving, one small step at a time.”
1 Minute Leadership Tips
Key takeaways
Building a Feedback Culture:
The episode emphasized the importance of creating a strong feedback culture early in a leader’s career. This involves helping employees understand how they want to be recognized and how they prefer to receive feedback. The advice is to engage with team members continuously rather than only during formal review cycles, fostering a culture of trust and transparency.
Coachability and Communication:
Both Damien and Shane highlighted the significance of being coachable and teaching team members to be receptive to feedback. They mentioned the book “Coachability” as a resource for becoming more open to feedback. This concept is crucial as it lays the groundwork for open communication and improvement within teams.
Consistent Recognition and Encouragement:
Providing positive reinforcement and recognizing team efforts was discussed as a vital aspect of leadership. Shane’s story about receiving impactful feedback from a colleague and Damien’s experience of reassurance early in his career illustrate how meaningful, positive feedback can boost confidence, encourage consistency, and focus on actions that lead to results.
“A continuous improvement mindset is what sets leading organizations apart. At Mouser, it’s clear that progress happens through consistent, thoughtful steps—and that’s where real transformation begins.”
Show Notes:
In Episode 114 of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding sits down with Pete Shopp, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics, to explore the power of a continuous improvement mindset and how it drives operational excellence across the organization.
Throughout the conversation, Pete shares how embracing incremental progress has been central to Mouser’s ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the fast-paced electronics industry. He reflects on his nearly 30-year journey at Mouser, highlighting how small, consistent changes have created major transformations over time.
A key theme of the episode is the idea that success isn’t built on massive leaps but on steady, intentional steps. Pete explains how continuous improvement allows teams to reflect, simplify complex challenges, and celebrate long-term growth. His perspective underscores the importance of cultivating a culture where every team member contributes to improvement—no matter their department.
Sannah brings in her signature focus on collaboration and leadership, emphasizing the need to recognize the many different roles that drive innovation in manufacturing. She and Pete discuss how teamwork, operational visibility, and curiosity empower both individuals and companies to move forward with purpose.
The episode also highlights how Pete’s operational insights—paired with the creativity of engineers—enable Mouser to stay ahead in a competitive, dynamic 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.
Guest
Pete Shopp
Senior Vice Presidents of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics
Pete Shopp is Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics, a leading global distributor of semiconductors and electronic components. With nearly three decades at Mouser, Pete is recognized for his deep industry expertise, operational leadership, and commitment to innovation in the electronics supply chain.
Since joining Mouser in 1995, Pete has played a key role in the company’s growth, overseeing major expansions and operational improvements. His responsibilities span global logistics, supply chain management, customer service, and strategic planning, helping Mouser deliver outstanding service to engineers and buyers worldwide.
A graduate of UCLA with a BA in Economics, Pete is passionate about supporting the next generation of engineering talent. He actively engages with university programs and STEM initiatives, encouraging innovation and problem-solving in the field.
Pete is based in Mansfield, Texas. When he’s not driving operational excellence at Mouser, he can be found supporting local education and industry associations.
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