Explore every episode of the podcast WE Lead | Voices of Innovation

Carla Howard explores how letting go of others’ opinions can free us to focus our energy on the choices we can control. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she shares a practical framework for moving from reaction to ownership, setting boundaries and making courageous choices that align with what matters most

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Amy Rooney, Maria Gillespie and Andjela Pasi bring a global perspective to building workplaces where people can thrive. In this panel discussion from the 2025 WE United Summit, they explore inclusive leadership, work-life realities, psychological safety and why creating space for honest conversations is essential to meaningful change.

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Jeana Bolanos explores what it takes to move AI from experimentation to meaningful business impact. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she looks beyond the technology to the leadership, culture and trust required to scale AI successfully, with practical insights on governance, upskilling and turning AI investments into measurable results.

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Kristine "Krissy" Collins takes a candid look at how the workplace has transformed and what leaders need to do to keep pace. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she explores the changing expectations of emerging talent, the growing importance of AI and continuous learning, and why mentorship and intentional leadership development are essential to building a future-ready workforce.

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Meenal Sethna shares lessons from her leadership journey and the experiences that shaped her career as a CFO. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she explores navigating change, taking ownership of your development, building experience beyond a traditional career path, and surrounding yourself with mentors, sponsors and a personal board of directors who can help you grow.

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Kris DiLeo explores how faith, courage and self-reflection can help us navigate uncertainty, difficult conversations and meaningful change. In this fireside chat from the 2025 WE United Summit, she shares practical insights for grounding ourselves, leading with love and finding purpose and value through every career and life turn. 

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Andres Dandler explores how shifting our perspective can change the way we approach challenges, leadership and life. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, he shares a unique framework for zooming out, examining the habits and beliefs shaping our choices, and seeing how our individual contributions connect to a much bigger picture.

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Jackie Mattox, Amy Keller and Monica Highfill explore the progress women have made in leadership and the work that remains. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, they examine representation, evolving workplace and technology trends, and the importance of staying engaged and intentional about creating access and opportunity for women in an increasingly AI-driven world.

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Michael Levin explores how an entrepreneurial mindset can help people lead and create impact from every level of an organization. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, he shares practical strategies for building ownership, moving beyond command-and-control leadership, strengthening collaboration and having more meaningful conversations about growth.

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Chris Church explores the forces reshaping global manufacturing and what they mean for leaders navigating an increasingly complex supply chain. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, he shares insights on regionalization, supplier diversification, organizational agility and leading teams through volatility and change.

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Dr. Jillian Ciocchetti examines the difference between success that sustains us and success that slowly erodes our well-being. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she explores burnout, workplace culture, relationships and the shift from managing our time to protecting our attention and focusing on what matters most.

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Dave Doherty shares a leadership perspective grounded in trust, humility and creating opportunities for others to succeed. In this live podcast from the 2025 WE United Summit, he explores mentorship, building diverse leadership pipelines, navigating change and creating a culture that can thrive long after an individual leader moves on.

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Jeana Bolanos, Tony Powell and Sue Bayes explore why successful digital transformation often starts by taking a step back. In this panel discussion from the 2025 WE United Summit, they examine the human side of AI and automation, from overcoming fear and building AI fluency to upskilling employees and creating a culture where experimentation can thrive

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Genein Letford explores the connection between brain health, creativity, resilience and leadership performance. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she shares a holistic approach to strengthening cognitive health and examines why investing in women’s brain health, curiosity and creativity matters for individuals and organizations

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Dr. Kerry Burnight explores what it really means to live and age well, focusing not just on lifespan or healthspan, but on “joyspan,” the years we truly enjoy living. In this presentation from the 2025 WE United Summit, she shares practical insights on building connection, purpose and resilience at every career and life stage.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) is joined by Monica Highfill (CEO, Highfill Health & Executive Director, WE United), Simon Meadmore (EMEA Product Category Director at RS), and Cindy Eldridge (Western Area Director, Supply Chain Services at Avnet Electronics) for a conversation about mentorship, leadership development, and preparing organizations to navigate change.

Drawing from their own experiences, the panel explores why mentorship alone is not enough to create lasting impact and how it becomes even more effective when paired with broader leadership and professional development initiatives. They also discuss the role of AI, sponsorship, and continuous learning in helping organizations build stronger teams and prepare future leaders.

You'll hear insights on:

• Why organizations should foster cultures that encourage growth and adaptability
• How mentorship provides guidance, accountability, and confidence at every career stage
• Why successful AI adoption requires both technical skills and human capabilities
• The role of communication, trust, and sponsorship in developing future leaders
• How individuals and organizations can work together to support meaningful career growth

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to strengthen talent, navigate change, and build a more resilient workforce.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) speaks with Andjela Pasi, Vice President of Global Marketing at Waldom, about leadership, career growth, and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of talent in the electronics industry.

Drawing from her own journey from intern to executive leader, Andjela shares lessons on taking ownership of your career, building meaningful professional networks, and navigating the realities of leadership. The conversation explores the challenges women continue to face as they advance into senior roles, the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership, and why developing people remains one of the industry's greatest opportunities.

You'll hear insights on:

• Why career growth requires visibility, initiative, and strong relationships
• The challenges and rewards of stepping into leadership roles
• How leaders can create environments where all voices are heard
• The importance of balancing people development with business growth
• Why talent retention and succession planning remain critical industry priorities
• How organizations can better support future leaders in a rapidly changing environment

At its core, this conversation is about leadership: how to grow it, how to support it, and how to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead what comes next.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) speaks with Monica Highfill, WE United Founding Director and leader of the organization's global mentorship program, about the growing role of mentorship in developing talent, navigating change, and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

Monica shares the evolution of WE United's mentorship program and discusses why mentorship remains a powerful tool for leadership development, knowledge transfer, and talent retention as organizations face workforce transitions, succession planning challenges, and the increasing impact of AI and digital transformation.

You'll hear insights on:

• Why mentorship matters more than ever in a rapidly changing workplace
• What makes mentorship programs successful and sustainable
• How mentorship supports succession planning and workforce development
• The value of external mentors and industry-wide connections
• Why mentors often gain as much as mentees
• How mentorship helps professionals build confidence, perspective, and resilience

Whether you're developing emerging talent, planning for leadership succession, or looking to grow your own career, this episode explores how mentorship can strengthen individuals, organizations, and the future of the industry.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United), speaks with Chris Church, President of MacroFab, on how leaders can navigate AI, supply chain disruption, and increasing global complexity.

Chris shares how AI is evolving from a research tool into an operational capability, enabling teams to automate workflows, improve decision-making, and focus on higher-value work. The discussion also examines why accountability must remain with the task owner, how organizations can move from collecting data to interpreting it, and what it takes to build teams that can communicate insights clearly.

The conversation turns to supply chain strategy, including sourcing risk, regionalization, and the importance of redesign and contingency planning. Chrisalso highlights the growing need for agility, particularly for smaller organizations, and the long-term importance of talent, investment, and culture in sustaining manufacturing competitiveness.

You’ll hear insights on:
• How AI is shifting from support to execution
• Why accountability and ownership matter more, not less
• How to focus on the metrics that truly drive outcomes
• Why culture directly shapes how AI is applied and where bias can emerge
• What leaders can do to mitigate supply chain risk and prepare for disruption
• Why agility, workforce development, and long-term thinking are critical in today’s environment

Whether you are leading a business, building teams, or navigating change across the supply chain, this episode offers a clear and practical perspective on what leadership requires now.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Dr. Jillian Ciocchetti, surgeon and speaker, for a powerful conversation on leadership, toxic culture, service, and legacy.

Drawing from her experience in the operating room and leading surgical teams in Uganda through Musana Community Development Organization, Jillian shares what high stakes environments reveal about character, culture, and calm under pressure. Together, they explore how leaders can recognize toxic success, build healthier workplaces, and stay grounded in purpose, both professionally and personally.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why great leaders take their own pulse first in moments of crisis
• How to recognize toxic culture and toxic success, even when it looks impressive from the outside
• The difference between Kronos time and Kairos time and why flexibility matters
• The importance of career development conversations over traditional performance reviews
• What it means to plan not only for life, but for death, and why legacy is defined long after we are gone

Whether you are leading a company, a surgical team, a nonprofit initiative, or your own family, this episode offers a grounded, deeply human perspective on influence, courage, and cultural responsibility.

If you are a senior executive, team leader, entrepreneur, or emerging professional, this conversation will challenge you to examine the culture you are creating, the calm you bring to crisis, and the legacy you are building, one decision at a time.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Maria Gillespie (Channel Sales Leader, TE Connectivity) and Amy Rooney (Director of Global Accounts, RFMW) for a candid conversation about leading through crisis, global tension, and uncertainty.

Together, they explore how leaders can stay informed without tunnel vision, manage bias with self-awareness, and create psychological safety for teams when headlines feel emotionally charged. Drawing on lessons from COVID and other disruptions, they share what it takes to lead with steadiness, humanity, and trust.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How to consume news responsibly and avoid tunnel vision
• Why self-awareness matters more than perfect neutrality
• What defines a crisis and why it is often deeply personal
• The difference between reacting to issues and responding to people
• Why validation and transparency build trust in high-impact moments

Whether you are navigating geopolitical tension, business disruption, or the everyday pressures of modern leadership, this episode offers grounded perspective on how to lead with steadiness, empathy, and accountability in complex times.

If you are a senior executive, team leader, or emerging professional, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about how you define crisis, how you show up for others, and how you build trust when it matters most.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Genein Letford, educator, speaker, and founder of Cafe Strategies and the Lyrics and Leadership Institute for Brain Health, to explore the intersection of creativity, brain health, and leadership.

Together, they examine why curiosity, imagination, and the arts are no longer “soft skills,” but essential capabilities for leaders navigating constant change across classrooms, organizations, and boardrooms.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why brain health and creativity are critical leadership issues
• How the arts build resilience, empathy, and adaptability
• The neuroscience behind curiosity and innovation
• Why leadership development must be ongoing rather than one and done
• How great leaders create psychological safety and unlock hidden potential

Whether you’re a senior executive, people leader, or emerging professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, learning, and what it truly means to help people and organizations thrive.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, host Jackie Mattox (Founder & CEO, WE United) sits down with Michael Levin, President & CEO of Custom Solutions, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur who has built four multimillion-dollar companies across sectors.

They explore what it takes to build an entrepreneurial, ownership-driven culture from the front lines to the boardroom.

You’ll hear insights on:
- Bottom-up vs. top-down leadership
- Leading through change and uncertainty
- Why vulnerability builds stronger teams
- How to navigate generational differences and the rise of AI
- Creating politically neutral, inclusive workplace cultures

Whether you're a CEO or an emerging leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, culture, and connection.

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, Dave Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of DigiKey, joins us live from the 2025 WE United Leadership Summit to examine the role of influence in driving meaningful, enterprise-level change.

Dave shares insights from decades of executive leadership, highlighting the strategic value of trust, humility, and systems thinking in today’s complex business environment. He challenges conventional models of leadership, emphasizing the long-term impact of values-driven decision-making and organizational alignment.

Key themes in this episode include:

· Influence as a core lever for sustainable change

· Building systems that reinforce accountability

· Leading with humility in high-performance cultures

· Earning trust across internal and external stakeholders

· Aligning leadership behavior with organizational outcomes

Subscribe to WE Lead: Voices of Innovation for forward-looking conversations with executives shaping the future of leadership, strategy, and innovation.

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In this episode of Voices of Innovation, we explore the intersection of personal resilience and professional leadership with Lauren Sloan, a senior leader at Newark (an Avnet company). Diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, Lauren shares her experience navigating treatment, recovery, and identity while continuing to lead at work and at home.

She speaks candidly about the challenges of self-advocacy within the medical system, the physical and emotional realities of reconstruction, and the power of community support. Through her journey, Lauren offers perspective on what it means to lead with vulnerability, courage, and clarity in the face of life-changing circumstances.

Key themes in this episode include:

• The importance of early detection and self-advocacy
• Balancing career leadership with cancer treatment and recovery
• The emotional impact of surgery and reconstruction
• Reclaiming identity and confidence after illness
• The role of community in building strength and resilience
• Practical advice for those newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one

Whether you're navigating your own health journey or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers insight into how women lead with strength.

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In this WE Live webinar, AI strategist Nicole Yue empowers professionals and teams to confidently integrate AI into daily work without needing a technical background.

Nicole walks through how to use AI safely and ethically, protect sensitive data, create simple AI policies, and design effective workflows that save time and increase impact. Whether you're brand new to AI or looking to scale across your organization, this session gives you the tools to start smart and start now.

Learn how to:

• Use AI without risking sensitive data
• Create structured, role-based workflows
• Build a simple, team-friendly AI policy
• Draft high-quality content and analyze data faster
• Unlock ROI by automating low-value tasks

Special thanks to our WE United community, volunteers, and event partners for making this possible.

#WEUnited #AIAtWork #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #WomenInTech #SecureAI #AIProductivity #FutureOfWork #AIWorkflows #EthicalAI #WELive

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In this Voices of Innovation episode, WE United presents an empowering Women’s Leadership Panel hosted at DigiKey, featuring Lisa Pittman, Teri Ivaniszyn, and Tiffani Harding, moderated by Jackie Mattox.

Hear real-world insights on navigating conflict with confidence, leading with courage, advancing your career, strengthening emotional intelligence (EQ), and creating work-life balance.

This inspiring conversation reflects WE United’s mission to support, connect, and empower women leaders in every stage of their journey.

Special thanks to Cori Bregier for organizing and to Linda Johnson for serving as executive sponsor of this impactful event.

#WEUnited #WomensLeadership #Leadership #ConflictResolution #WorkLifeBalance #EQ #CareerGrowth #VoicesOfInnovation

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At the intersection of innovation, leadership, and responsibility, this powerful WE Live conversation brings together influential voices from the tech and manufacturing sectors to explore how mission-aligned companies are shaping a future where profitability and purpose go hand in hand.

Featuring:

• Jackie Mattox: Founder and CEO, WE United
• Jay Sebastian: Senior Director & ECO of Human Resources and General Affairs, TDK
• Anne Taylor: Senior Vice President, Vishay
• Andjela Pasi: Global Director of Marketing, Waldom

Together, these leaders unpack the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, starting with the shift from Affirmative Action and traditional DE&I toward more integrated, organization-wide ESG frameworks. They explore how practical, cross-functional strategies are being used to embed ESG principles directly into leadership and operations, moving beyond checklists to meaningful transformation. Most importantly, they examine what’s truly at stake for the communities we serve, the stakeholders we answer to, and the next generation of talent counting on today’s leaders to build a more equitable and sustainable future. 

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In this episode of WE Lead: Voices of Innovation, we explore the power of sustainable leadership from Andrea Klein, Founder and CEO of RAND Technology. Recorded live at the 2024 WE United Leadership Summit, this session offers a candid look at how Andrea built the only 100% woman-owned global independent distribution company in the electronics supply chain. 

She shares key lessons from her early career in the male-dominated tech industry, revealing how customer focus, transparency, and ethical decision-making became the foundation of her leadership philosophy. From defining her value proposition to leading with integrity under pressure, Andrea outlines what it takes to build a business that lasts. 

Key themes in this episode include: 

• Sustainable leadership rooted in values and discipline 
• A customer-first mindset that builds long-term trust 
• Creating a high-integrity culture and hiring for character 
• The unique strengths women bring to tech and supply chain roles 

Whether you're building your influence or leading at scale, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think long-term, act with intention, and lead sustainably. 

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Join us for our first-ever WE Live discussion with Michael Knight, CEO Endries Industrial and Allison Sabia, CEO Galco Industrial Electronics, as we explore the dynamic and complicated topic of tariffs and the impact on our supply chain.  

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On this episode of the WE United Leader in Highlight Podcast, Jackie Mattox, Founder and CEO of WE United, sits down with Martin Chatterton, CEO of EETech Group. Together, they dive into leadership in the electronics industry, focusing on building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating the unique challenges of leading in a rapidly evolving industry. 

Martin reflects on his unexpected entry into technology—starting with a chance meeting in a Home Depot parking lot—and shares how this serendipitous moment led to a thriving career spanning over 25 years, including leadership roles at Rochester Electronics and Arrow Electronics. Martin brings insights into the power of mentorship, the importance of empathy in leadership, and strategies for cultivating company culture amidst economic shifts.

The discussion also examines key trends and takeaways from the 2024 electronica event, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing the electronics ecosystem in 2025. Martin shares his perspective on economic shifts, leadership in turbulent times, and the importance of staying grounded in vision and values.

Whether you’re an aspiring professional or a seasoned leader, this episode delivers practical advice on strategic growth, leadership soft skills, and the importance of collaboration across industries. 

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Join Jackie Mattox, Founder and CEO of WE United, as she welcomes Wendy Covey, Co-Founder of TREW Marketing, to the WE United Leader in Highlight Podcast. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing to technical audiences. Wendy, a seasoned expert in engineering and manufacturing marketing, shares insights from her journey co-founding TREW Marketing and the critical need for tailored strategies when engaging skeptical technical buyers.

In this episode, you'll gain insights into data-driven marketing strategies that resonate with engineers, hear highlights from Wendy's "The State of Marketing to Engineers" report, and discover how TREW Marketing is reshaping outreach in technical industries. Wendy also shares the story behind the Industrial Marketing Summit, a transformative event for marketers in engineering and manufacturing sectors. 

Don't miss the chance to learn from these two leaders as they discuss practical strategies for marketing to technical audiences, the role of research-driven insights in crafting effective campaigns, and their dedication to fostering collaboration and leadership in the ever-evolving electronics ecosystem.

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Tune in to hear from WE Founder and CEO Jackie Mattox and UC Irvine’s Dean of Continuing Education, Krissy Collins in a thought-provoking discussion on transformational leadership and systemic change, highlighting women's unique challenges and opportunities. The conversation touches on many critical topics, including the importance of empathy and human skills, strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, and the significant impact of gender parity on organizational success. This discussion also refers to work by Dr. Shawn Andrews’ related to women and men’s superpowers. 

One compelling example discussed is the role of divergent problem-solving, where women leaders excel by considering all angles of a problem, leading to more comprehensive and practical solutions. Additionally, hear Jackie emphasize the importance of patience and grace in implementing systemic change to foster inclusive and supportive professional environments and learn about the critical role of women leaders in driving positive change. 

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways on ways to overcome systemic barriers and lean into your unique superpowers.

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Hear from Genein Letford in the latest episode of the WE United Podcast as she presents “The Neuroscience of Executive Presence.” This presentation was first shared with WE Summit attendees in the fall of 2023. 

Genein shares that the workforce is moving from a VUCA-acronym world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) to a BANI-acronym world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) and how prismatic leadership and executive presence are key components of this “new normal”. She defines prismatic leaders as constantly evolving and highly empathetic; they know how to pull out the individual talents of their team members. Prismatic leadership cannot exist without executive presence, she notes. Executive presence is the ability to inspire confidence in your team that you are a leader they want to follow.

To enhance executive presence, Genein shares four tools with specific examples including turning perceived liabilities into superpower strengths, myelinating your growth experiences, increasing awareness of your self-awareness, and using the arts. She poses questions such as, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” and “How can you become an executive at things you never do?” enforcing the idea that we must practice what we wish to excel at. 

Listen in for more insight from Genein on becoming a prismatic leader and strengthening executive presence!

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In this episode of the WE United podcast, hear from Carla Howard as she presents “Cultivating Resiliency by Quieting Your Inner Critic” to the attendees of the 2023 Annual WE Summit. In her presentation, Carla discusses when and how our inner critic tends to show up in life, and how to quiet that critic through confidence and resiliency.

Our inner critic tends to show up when we are out of our comfort zone, in the midst of comparison, or during feelings of self-doubt. With practice, we can learn to recognize these patterns of arrival – like a broken record that skips repeatedly. Instead of shying away from our inner critic, Carla recommends getting to know them! Describe them, record times when they appear, and even give them a name. “When you recognize and name your inner critic, you’re already on the path to improvement.”

Carla concludes with suggestions on reframing the message from our inner critic. By knowing what your critic is going to say, you can prepare to diminish their voice and take back your confidence and power. Listen in for more tips from Carla on quieting your inner critic! 

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In the latest installment of the WE United podcast, Phil Gallagher, CEO - Avnet & WE Advisory Council Member, addresses WE summit attendees with his presentation “Leading in a Fast Moving World.” Through personal and professional anecdotes, Phil touches on the key qualities of a leader and what he’s learned throughout his tenure in the industry. 

 In the world of business – trust and likeability are key; “People still do business with people they like and trust over a long time.” Phil’s speaks frequently of mentorship and how it should be a should be a continuous journey, not confined to a structured program with an expiration date. In exploring the core values of leadership, he maintains that emotional intelligence is what sets high achievers apart. Leadership is not always about having the highest IQ or being the most intelligent, but about qualities such as self-awareness, conflict management, and empathy. 

The session ends with a Q&A session and more insights from Phil on topics such as confidence, the trajectory of a leadership path, and how sometimes, it's not about the comeback; it's the way you leave a situation that determines your ability to return. Tune in to this episode to hear more detail from Phil!

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Hear from industry leader Lynn Torrel in the latest episode of the WE United podcast, where she presents ‘Leading Leaders.’ This insightful talk was initially shared with WE Summit attendees in September 2023. Drawing from her personal experiences and various opportunities, Lynn sheds light on what it truly means to be a leader and how to guide others in their leadership journey.

Lynn begins by recounting an early career opportunity she had to live and work abroad. During this time, she learned the significance of modeling leadership behaviors and never asking people to do work that as a leader, you would not do yourself.  She emphasizes the value of embracing change and being open to unexpected paths, which she discovered while living abroad and gaining a unique cultural perspective.

As Lynn takes us through her career trajectory within the industry, additional key themes emerge including having a plan, advocating for yourself, and leaning on the expertise of the team around you (which is especially important if you are leading leaders!). Lynn, a working mother, also acknowledges the distinct challenges faced by professional women and the importance of achieving balance.

In her closing comments, Lynn offers valuable advice to the next generation of female leaders: ‘Be prepared, be confident, and be true to yourself.’ For more insights, tune in to Lynn’s engaging presentation!

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Catch host Jackie Mattox as she interviews Simon Meadmore, an electronics industry leader, on the latest episode of the WE United podcast. With a 30+ year career in the electronics industry, Simon shares how he got his start as a new hire on the production line at a contract manufacturing company, progressing through different roles at various companies as he moved up the corporate ladder. Throughout his tenure, Simon has seen the impact technology has had on the industry and the state of near-constant connection we are in now. He shares his thoughts on technology’s impact going forward and what he sees as potential threats to growth within our industry.

His recent departure from Newark has provided him with time for reflection and perspective on what comes next.  Simon and Jackie discuss topics of confidence, imposter syndrome, and emotional intelligence, and how leaders are not necessarily taught these skills but they are more important than ever. Simon encourages listeners to share their experiences with doubt and fear and to connect with others – “people need to remember they are not on their own.”

The conversation shifts to the topic of mentorship and three key mentors Simon has had (and still has!) at different points in his career. His key words of advice include doing what you say you’ll do and following up on your commitments to make positive impacts. Jackie and Simon leave listeners with final thoughts on career advancement, things that bring the most pain and joy, and the impact WE United will have on the growth and diversity of the electronics industry. Tune in to hear more thoughts from Simon!

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Join host Jackie Mattox, along with WE Chapter Council Leads, Susan Leager and Jessica Knight as they chat all things WE Chapters in the latest Changemakers podcast episode. Susan and Jessica first introduce themselves and their backgrounds in the industry before diving into how they were introduced to the Women in Electronics organization and became involved with WE Chapters.  

Susan shares insight into how the chapter program has developed over the years, and how in the midst of the pandemic, the shift from in-person meetings to virtual meetings led to new opportunities for communication and connection. The chapter program continues to evolve and align with the monthly leadership trainings, reinforcing the content as members are able to put the knowledge they’ve learned into practice. As we’ve headed into our ‘new normal’, Jessica shares exciting updates about the relaunch of local chapter meetings and in-person events, including the upcoming 5K WE United Walk-A-Thon.

Jackie, Susan, and Jessica close with some final thoughts on the value networking and connecting with others in the industry, and their hopes for the future or Women in Electronics. Tune in to here more detail!

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Join host Jackie Mattox as she catches up with Clarence Semple, Sr. Business Development Manager at Newark Electronics, & Paul Starr, Director of Sales & Customer Engagement at Newark Electronics, and part of the WE United Collegiate Committee in the newest edition of the WE United Podcast, Changemakers Series. Paul and Clarence first share not only how they got started in the electronics industry, but how and why they became involved in the WE organization. Both felt called to action after hearing Jackie speak about Women in Electronics at a Newark event, and they wanted to show others how to make an impact and what they can bring to the table. 

For many people fighting systemic issues of gender parity, diversity, and inclusion, it often feels like “What can I do?” or “How can I help?” Clarence and Paul offer insight on the benefits they’ve received being involved with WE United and how they practice what they’ve learned in their own leadership positions. To the men and women alike who wonder what they do behind the scenes as men supporting an organization like Women in Electronics, they challenge, “come see for yourself!” Both speak of a strong desire to leave the industry better than they found it and to create a more inclusive environment by opening doors to not only future generations, but those that have felt they might not initially belong. 

This leads to their thoughts on participating in the WE summit last fall – of what it felt like to be part of a small group of men in a room dominated largely by women, and how that is not the ‘norm’ in our industry and the unique perspective it gave. Clarence and Paul share final takeaways about their efforts as part of the collegiate committee and what they are trying to accomplish, including their outlook on the incoming generation and the value they will bring to workforce. Tune in to hear more in detail from Clarence and Paul! 

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Join Jackie Mattox, founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, she sits down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Mike Morton, CEO of TTI, Inc. in the latest “Leader in Highlight” podcast episode. Mike starts off with how he moved from a procurement role in the hardware business into the electronics industry after meeting Paul Andrews, Founder of TTI. He shares memories of Paul and his continued legacy throughout the company – from his compassionate, easy-going nature to his philosophy on doing business and his drive to be better in all the things he did. Mike continues with the story of how Paul was introduced to Warren Buffet, leading TTI to eventually becoming a Berkshire Hathaway company.  

The conversation then shifts to Mike’s tenure with TTI and the skills developed along the way that enabled him to thrive in the role of CEO today. His best advice is that there is a difference between learning and being taught – don’t wait for anybody, go out and learn! He attributes his success to experiencing the broad range of functions within the company. The diversity and learning all aspects of the business positioned him well to ultimately have responsibility for the business. He shares his outlook on growth for not only the future of TTI, but the distribution channel in general, as well as the broader electronics industry. 

Looking back on his career, Mike shares what he’s been most proud of, what he would or wouldn’t want to change about his career path, what brings him joy outside of work, and the value that the TTI Family of Specialists find as a founding sponsor of the Women in Electronics organization. 

Tune in to discover more insights from Mike!

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               Join Jackie Mattox, Founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, as she sits down with Mary Ellen Powell, Senior Director of Global Employee Development at Vishay, for a special “Day in the Life” episode of the WE podcast. Mary Ellen starts off by providing some background on her upbringing and her childhood. She shares how wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to be when she grew up, but ultimately found a path that led her to where she is today – leading a team of 8 that’s responsible for the development of 25,000 employees globally, with a motto of “Make them say no.”
               She talks through the mindsets she brings to Vishay and how her impressive resume of past experiences helped drive the development and mind shift she’s been able to generate within the Vishay organization. Mary Ellen shares the lore behind the Vishay lab coat – a tribute to their late founder, Dr. Felix Zandman – and what her average day looks like. Spoiler: no two days are exactly the same and for Mary Ellen, that’s the draw. Every position has it’s ups and down and Mary Ellen shares her favorite (and least favorite) parts of the job and the benefits of having a ‘healthy dissatisfaction.’
               As a working mom, Mary Ellen keeps it together by managing her calendar wisely and encouraging her team to do the same. She wants her kids to not only see her work ethic but take away the fact that if you put your mind to it and work hard, you can have a beautiful life and be proud of your accomplishments. Lastly, Mary Ellen concludes on fun note sharing which movie characters she finds a combination of in herself. Take three guesses who and hear more in detail from Mary Ellen on the latest WE podcast episode.

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Hear from Karen Gavenda, Director of Strategic Programs, and Melissa Bychinski, Director of Business Development, Value Add Solutions, from RS Americas as they join host, Jackie Mattox, live on location in the latest installment of the WE United Podcast. Karen and Melissa kickoff this episode by sharing background on how they got started not only at RS, but in the electronics industry before diving deep into the topics of women as leaders and mentorship. 

“RS is really progressive in supporting women,” Karen shares, mentioning their Employee Resource Group called Elevate, which aligns heavily with the same initiatives that Women in Electronics is working towards. Melissa adds that the industry has come a long way since her start, and she stays involved with WE because of the continued progression and support for one another. As leaders, both Karen and Melissa reflect on the mentors and mentorship they found early in their careers and how that has led them to pay it forward. They discuss the benefits of different types of mentor/mentee relationships and importance of proactively reaching out to others in need of support.

Expanding on their mentorship experience, Melissa and Karen both cite adaptability as a critical piece of advice they share with mentees, and how sometimes drawing on the opposite of bad advice can lead us forward in our path. “Our industry can be daunting when you first come into it,” Melissa notes, emphasizing the need to have an advocate who is transparent with you and can help you grow. Through their time as leaders, Melissa and Karen share insights in where they’ve seen people derailing their careers, and they highlight the value in not letting the “No’s” get to you and trusting your gut. Ending on a personal note, Karen and Melissa share what makes them the happiest and saddest and some final words of wisdom. Tune in to this episode to hear more in detail from Karen and Melissa!

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Join Women in Electronics Founder & CEO, Jackie Mattox, as she hosts Anne Taylor, Senior Vice President for Customer Experience at Vishay, on the latest episode of WE’s “Leader in Highlight” podcast. Sharing how she got started in the industry, Anne had very different career aspirations at first. She landed a role in electronics and had so much fun, she didn’t want to leave! She talks us through her career path and what keeps her interested; how she’s been connected to Vishay since the beginning and her alignment with the values of the organization.

               Anne discusses what it’s like to be a woman in leadership in a male-dominated industry and how the skills she learned early on help her to lead with kindness, clarity, and empathy. “It’s up to the leaders to make sure the organization knows what the vision is.” She challenges leaders to really understand their employees and identify their skill sets to make sure the right people are in the right positions.  The conversation shifts to mentorship, with anecdotes of Anne’s earliest mentors – her mother and grandmother – and mentors she’s had at Vishay who’ve helped to guide her career. 

               In addition to her involvement in WE’s mentor program, Anne shares how Vishay became involved as a sponsor company and the alignment between both organizations’ values. She highlights her hopes to continue to grow with and contribute to the WE organization. The discussion closes with Anne sharing what makes her feel joyful and sad in her soul, and what song perfectly represents her – for anyone who knows Anne, you won’t disagree! 

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In the latest installment of the Women in Electronics “Leader in Highlight” podcast Founder and Host, Jackie Mattox, catches up with Maria Gillespie, Sr. Manager Distribution Americas at TE Connectivity. Maria first shares how she got her start in the electronics industry – working as an expeditor at a small distributor – and ultimately what led her to stick around and continue her career path to becoming an industry leader. As a lifelong learner, Maria believes “if you are the smartest person in the room, find another room,” and attributes that longing for knowledge, along with a deep respect and involvement in the mil/aero and defense sector of the industry as what keeps her motivated to stay. 

The conversation continues with the topic of leadership, and Maria notes how becoming a mother helped her progress and find strength as a leader. Empathy, patience, and accountability are key themes as Jackie and Maria discuss the intricacies of being a leader and the importance of the human factor. Leaders sometimes must make tough decisions and for Maria, open communication allows her to be comfortable in whatever difficult action needs to be taken. Beyond her own success, Maria aspires to be a sounding board for others. She actively shares connections and resources, lifting her team and supporting their growth. Her involvement in the WE organization aligns with this commitment to fostering professional development.

Maria and Jackie conclude on a more personal note, sharing what makes her happy and sad in her soul, what movie character she sees in herself (hint: she’s tough, empathetic, and passionate, just like Maria herself), and what key takeaways Maria wants to leave with listeners. Tune in to discover more insights from Maria! 

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Join Jackie Mattox as she hosts Terri Walsh, Vice President & General Manager – North America at RUTRONIK Electronics, on the latest “Leader in Highlight” Women in Electronics Podcast episode. A nearly 30-year veteran in the industry, Terri shares how she got her start as an entry level engineer and how her career choices led her to the role she’s in today as a leader at RUTRONIK. Terri speaks on the opportunity she’s had to build a culture and a team from the ground up, focusing on inclusivity and embracing the differences and challenges that brings. She continues by highlighting the advances that women have made in her time in the industry, noting that one of the most positive things she has seen is the ability for women to come together and support one another. Jackie and Terri discuss work-life balance and the importance of choosing priorities and making the best decisions for you. Terri thinks back on the mentors in her life and how sometimes you just need someone to see something in you that you didn’t see yourself to give you a push forward. The interview concludes with thoughts on modern feminism, how connecting with people and helping others brings joy, and how our darkest moments can put everything else in perspective. Tune in to hear the full detail! 

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Jackie Mattox of Women in Electronics hosts Jens Gamperl, Founder of Sourceability, on the latest installment of WE Radio’s “Leader in Highlight” Podcast series. Jens takes a deep dive through his career path and how his background in IT and distribution ultimately led to the creation of Sourceability. He shares what Sourceability does, how they work with the electronics industry, what services they provide, and how they continually look to their customers to develop the future of the company. Jens and Jackie discuss not only the future of Sourceability, but the future of the industry and the importance of training young leaders. Trust is at the forefront of this movement; it’s the job of the leader not only to inspire, motivate, and empower the people that they’ve hired, but trust them in their decision-making. Jens continues with the value he finds in the WE organization and how women have played an important role through his career. At the end of the day, Jens comments how it’s about making the best decisions for the company and the greatest joy is in hearing that if you could go back, you’d do it all again. Don’t miss this insightful interview! 

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Join host, Jackie Mattox, on the WE Podcast latest episode of the "Leader in Highlight" Series as she interviews executives, Dave Doherty, President and COO, and Linda Johnson, Executive Vice President Operations, from DigiKey.

Highlights from this episode include DigiKey's recent brand refresh and their focus on continuous innovation. Dave and Linda emphasize the aim to provide customers with instantaneous access to information, the investment in automation to enhance the digital experience, and the importance of being a healthy ‘disruptor’ by being that one-stop shop for customers of all sizes, supporting both small-scale orders for designers, home engineers, and hobbyists, and large-scale production orders. 

Dave and Linda also share DigiKey's vision for the future, which involves maintaining the high availability of inventory  and choice of product their customers have come to expect. With their global presence, they can aggregate demand and deliver stock worldwide within 1-3 days, and they are dedicated to providing efficient and streamlined services to their customers. 

We learn that Digikey has kept it's roots in the quaint town of Thief River Falls, from where they headquartered and operating their global organization with the same foundational "people first" values. This episode explores DigiKey's emphasis on employee well-being and company culture and intentionally about how best to support their employees, not just in productivity, but as people in general, prioritizing the three C’s: connection, collaboration, and community. 

The episode concludes with final thoughts on what energizes and brings each executive joy and sadness, not only as leaders, but as human beings. Don't miss this enlightening episode of the "Leader in Highlight" Podcast, where you'll gain valuable insights into DigiKey's history, their customer-centric approach, their dedication to channel partners, employee well-being, and industry innovation.

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In this episode of the "Leader in Highlight" podcast series, Jackie Mattox, the Founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, speaks with Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics.

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