Next-Gen Leadership insight
Why Confidence-Driven Leadership is the Future of Manufacturing
Insights from Industry Leaders
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the powerful notion that growth in leadership and manufacturing comes not only from learning and mentorship but also through embracing diverse perspectives.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that every team member feels valued and heard. By supporting each other’s growth and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity, we create a thriving workspace capable of achieving remarkable outcomes.
In our episode, we explore the personal experiences and insights from the esteemed leaders within the industry, featuring Eric Slatten, Eric Gleason, Jaime Plank, and Damien Croft. They share invaluable advice rooted in confidence, learning, and embracing change.
High-trust cultures drive business success—boosting attraction, retention, agility, productivity, and safety. Gallup’s research reveals that when employees strongly trust their leaders, 1 in 2 are engaged; without trust, that number drops to just 1 in 12.
Cultivating Growth-Oriented Leaders
- Embracing Change: As Jaime Plank, Director of Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics, emphasizes, embracing change equips leaders to transform challenges into growth opportunities. By welcoming new possibilities, leaders can foster creativity and spur organizational advancement.
- Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Eric Gleason, Director of Distribution Sales North America at EBM Pabst, underscores the critical role of mentorship in nurturing young talent. Connecting with mentors and sharing knowledge creates a vibrant environment of learning where new leaders can thrive.
“Have more confidence in your abilities. We’re all still learning, and as long as you aren’t arrogant, be confident in the knowledge you possess.”
“You just need the one ‘yes’. Keep trying and pushing because one ‘yes’ can change your life.”
Leadership Strategies for Emerging Leaders
- Confidence Over Complacency: Eric Slatten articulates the importance of addressing challenges with confidence rather than fear, candidly sharing his journey toward greater financial acumen and engineering knowledge. His self-awareness sets a precedent for continuous personal and professional growth.
- Listening to Learn: A collective theme emerges from all contributors—listen deeply, not just to respond but to genuinely understand. Such mindful listening fosters meaningful insights and communication within teams.
Measuring Leadership Success in Manufacturing
- Tangible Metrics: Enhanced decision-making processes, improved project outcomes, and operational efficiency
- Intangible Indicators: Increased employee engagement, strengthened team collaboration, and sustained leadership development
- Personal Growth: Leaders’ expanding capability to adapt to industry changes and mentor the next generation
“It’s really important for every individual to kind of own what leadership looks like for them. I’m here to help facilitate, encourage, and point in the right direction.”
Manager development is key to communicating and navigating change.
Why This Matters
In an era dominated by technological advancements and competitive markets, the insights from Eric and fellow leaders highlight that authentic confidence, mentorship, and open communication remain essential to thriving in manufacturing leadership. By fostering an environment where continuous learning and self-improvement are encouraged, leaders can shape resilient teams equipped to drive future innovations.
The Path Forward
For manufacturing leaders aiming to excel in today’s dynamic market, the message is clear: foster confidence, nurture mentorship networks, and embrace the learning journey alongside your team. As demonstrated by Eric Slatten and his colleagues, when leadership prioritizes personal growth and cultivating relationships, it sets the stage for success that goes beyond conventional expectations.
Use communication to deliver the right information at the right time.
“The quicker you can learn to maximize the value you bring, even outside the four walls of your official job description, the quicker you can take on more responsibility and gain exposure.”
Listen Here:
Let’s continue this journey together, building bridges across cultures, fostering innovation through diversity, and leading with kindness and purpose in the manufacturing industry.
Join Us Today - Get practical tips to improve your leadership style with a newsletter you'll enjoy!
Sannah Vinding
Sannah Vinding
Producer & Host, Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast
Sannah Vinding is a distinguished Engineer, B2B Marketing Strategist, and Executive Leader with over two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry.
She is renowned for her technical engineering expertise, innovative product development skills, and strategic marketing acumen.
As the producer and host of the top-ranked “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” Sannah is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders in electronics manufacturing, encompassing both distribution and the manufacturing sector. The podcast delivers invaluable insights and practical advice on how to enhance their effective leadership and leadership competencies, serving as a premier resource for industry decision-makers with over 150,000 downloads.
With a Master’s degree in Design/Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, Sannah has established herself as a thought leader in her field, dedicated to fostering innovation and driving success through customer-centric marketing strategies.
🎧 Available on Your Favorite Podcast Platforms!
Related Episodes
What are the four fundamentals of leadership?
Effective leaders are committed to self-improvement. They seek feedback, reflect on their experiences, and continually look for ways to enhance their skills
How Sannah Vinding Built a Top-Ranking Leadership Podcast in Manufacturing
Sannah Vinding’s story is a testament to how passion, creativity, and strategic thinking can converge to create a successful podcast. Her journey from engineer to top-ranking podcaster in the manufacturing sector offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a mark in their field.
