Happy Sunday

Thanks for being part of the Leadership in Manufacturing community, now more than 4,500 strong across electronics, manufacturing, and distribution.

The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast delivers real-world leadership insights from industry experts. No fluff. Just practical strategies to help you communicate clearly, lead with confidence, and build stronger teams in a rapidly changing industry.

This week’s learnings explore a growing leadership tension many teams are feeling right now: how to use AI to improve efficiency without losing trust, judgment, and human connection.

Ready to grow?

Here are 3 insights, 2 reflections, 1 tip, and 1 challenge to strengthen your leadership mindset.

🔍 Three Insights Realities When Complexity and AI Increase

I. AI Scales Work, Not Judgment

AI is excellent at handling repetitive, complex, and data-heavy tasks. But judgment, negotiation, and decision-making in high-stakes moments still require human leaders. Technology can support the work, but it cannot replace leadership responsibility.

II. Customers Still Expect Human Accountability

In electronics and manufacturing, problems are rarely simple. When customers face critical issues, they want to talk to someone who understands the process, the product, and the real-world impact. Trust is built when leaders keep people involved, not hidden behind automation.

III. Relationships Are a Leadership Asset

Automation should enable connection, not remove it. Strong leaders use AI to free up time so teams can focus more on communication, collaboration, and maintaining long-term relationships.

💬 Two Quotes to Reflect On

“AI should never replace judgment calls, negotiations, or how leaders handle a crisis.”

– Kaitlyn Tredaway, COO, CalcuQuote

“Technology can support the work, but people still want human leaders in charge.”

– Sannah Vinding, Engineer & GTM Leader | Host, Leadership in Manufacturing

✅ One Actionable Tip For You

Audit One AI-Driven Process

Look at one place where AI or automation is used today. Ask yourself:

Does this remove friction for people, or does it remove connection?

If it weakens trust or clarity, adjust the process so a human touchpoint remains.

🎯 One Challenge For You

Ask Your Team This Question

“Where does AI help you do your best work, and where do you still need human support?”

The answers will reveal where technology is enabling leadership and where it may be creating distance.

Leadership Across Cultures Starts With Clarity

Leading across cultures is not about speaking more.

It is about speaking clearly, listening deeply, and building trust through consistent action.

Take me to Episode 131

If there is a leadership challenge you are facing or a perspective you would like explored on the podcast, reply and let me know. I read every message and use them to shape future conversations.

Thank you for being part of the Leadership in Manufacturing community.

Your time, attention, and leadership matter.

Until next week,

Stay clear. Stay human. Keep leading forward.

Sannah

Sannah Vinding Engineer & GTM Leader | Host, Leadership In Manufacturing  leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

P.S. This community grows through trusted leaders sharing what helps them. If this resonated, consider forwarding it to a colleague who is navigating similar challenges.