Happy Sunday!

Welcome to the Leadership in Manufacturing Newsletter—trusted by over 2,400 professionals in the electronics manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution industries.

The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast delivers practical, no-fluff leadership insights from real industry experts. Each episode features actionable strategies and honest conversations to help you grow your leadership skills and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

This is your go-to resource for building confidence, leading with impact, and staying future-ready.

Start your leadership journey today.

Ready to lead smarter this week? Dive into 3 key insights, 2 powerful quotes, 1 tip to try, and 1 challenge to stretch your thinking.

🔍 Three Insights From Industry Leader

I. Cultural Awareness Is a Strategic Leadership Skill

Mark emphasizes that leading global teams requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. He shares that roughly 20% of how you do business must adapt to local culture—whether that’s where you place a door or how decisions are communicated. Ignoring cultural nuance isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s a missed opportunity for growth, trust, and alignment.

II. Clear Communication Is the Glue in Global Teams

“You can’t over-communicate,” says Mark—and in international organizations, this is especially true. Leading across time zones and borders demands proactive, repeatable communication habits to ensure everyone is seen, heard, and informed. It’s the antidote to disconnection in distributed teams.

III. Listening Drives Trust and High Performance

For Mark, listening isn’t passive—it’s active leadership. He explains that following up, recapping discussions, and confirming shared understanding are crucial when working across languages and cultures. This level of attentiveness builds trust, boosts engagement, and empowers diverse teams to thrive.

💬 Two Quotes From Our Guest

“You can globalize a lot—but there’s always that 20% that must stay local. When you ignore culture, you miss the opportunity to grow your organization.”

– Mark Burr-Lonnon, President, EDAC Group

“If you ignore someone’s input and say nothing, they go quiet—and they don’t come back. Everyone needs to feel heard. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”

– Mark Burr-Lonnon, President, EDAC Group

✅ One Actionable Tip For You

Bridge Cultures Through Better Communication

At your next meeting with a global colleague or remote team, actively ask for their perspective, then follow up with a brief written recap. Include a question like: “What stood out most for you?” or “Did I explain that clearly?” This not only ensures clarity—it also builds trust and shows true respect for diverse ways of working.

❓One Challenge For You

Show Cultural Respect in a Meaningful, Everyday Way

This week, take one small step to acknowledge a colleague’s local custom or cultural value—like Mark did when he approved moving an office door for feng shui. Whether it’s the way a meeting opens, a holiday observed, or simply how feedback is given, showing respect through action builds stronger, more inclusive teams.

Leadership is a journey—not a destination.

Thanks for tuning in and growing with us. Stay curious, stay bold, and keep shaping the future of electronics, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Take me to Episode 116

I’m truly grateful to have you as part of the Leadership in Manufacturing community.

Until next time—keep learning, keep leading, and keep driving change where it matters most.

Sannah

Sannah Vinding Producer & Host, Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast  leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

P.S. Found this newsletter valuable? Share it with a colleague or friend who’s ready to level up their leadership too—because great leaders grow together.