In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding is joined by Heather Fulara, Vice President of Interconnect, Electromechanical & Industrial Automation at DigiKey, to explore how leaders can turn industry trends into strategic action—and why trust, transparency, and curiosity are essential to making it work.

Heather shares how her leadership has evolved through years of supplier collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and leading high-performing teams across a global organization. She explains how listening deeply, acting with intention, and staying open to feedback have shaped how she leads in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment.

From making data more actionable to encouraging innovation through AI, Heather offers thoughtful insights on what it takes to align teams, build strong partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to translate trends into supplier-focused strategies
Why consistency and follow-through build lasting trust
How to lead with data without getting overwhelmed
The role of curiosity in driving innovation and adaptability
Why feedback is one of a leader’s most powerful tools

Whether you work directly with suppliers, lead a growing team, or want to sharpen your leadership in a changing industry, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Subscribe and follow for more leadership insights from real voices shaping the future of our industry.

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