Advertise on podcast: WE Lead | Voices of Innovation

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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-advocacyBalancing career leadership with cancer treatment and recoveryThe emotional impact of surgery and reconstructionReclaiming identity and confidence after illnessThe role of community in building strength and resiliencePractical advice for those newly diagnosed or supporting a loved oneWhether you're navigating your own health journey or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers insight into how women lead with strength. Support the show

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 dataCreate structured, role-based workflowsBuild a simple, team-friendly AI policyDraft high-quality content and analyze data fasterUnlock ROI by automating low-value tasksSpecial 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 Support the show

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 Support the show

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 UnitedJay Sebastian: Senior Director & ECO of Human Resources and General Affairs, TDKAnne Taylor: Senior Vice President, VishayAndjela Pasi: Global Director of Marketing, WaldomTogether, 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.  Support the show

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.    Support the show

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.   Support the show

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.  Support the show

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. Support the show

Join Jackie Mattox, Founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, as she sits down with Sarah Rich, Vice President of Customer Success and Operations at Supplyframe, in the latest episode of the WE United Leader in Highlight Podcast. Sarah's career journey began at Supplyframe as the third employee and has seen the company grow into a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for the electronics industry. In this episode, Sarah shares her passion for driving innovation and digital advancement within the industry. She discusses the importance of leadership in creating a positive and supportive work environment, and the need for all business contributors to demonstrate a mindset of perseverance and adaptability. Sarah also highlights the value of resiliency, self-reflection, and the importance of owning your career. Listen in to hear more in detail from Sarah Rich in this episode! Support the show

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. Support the show

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! Support the show

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!  Support the show

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! Support the show