Episode 67
The Importance of People-First Values Backed by Transparent Leadership
Join us as we delve into the world of leadership in manufacturing with Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey Electronics. Shane offers rich insights drawn from his diverse experiences and emphasizes the importance of empathetic and strategic leadership.
In this episode, you will discover:
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Transferable Leadership Skills: Learn how Shane transitioned from education to business and applied his leadership skills across different industries.
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Respect and Care in Leadership: Understand the importance of treating people with respect, showing genuine care, and bringing energy and passion to your role.
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Active Presence and Listening: Gain insights into the value of being present, constantly aware, and listening actively to learn and grow.
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Patience and Advocacy for Aspiring Leaders: Discover why patience is essential for progress and learn how to advocate for yourself to gain exposure and experience.
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Craftsman Mindset for Career Growth: Explore Shane’s advice on preparing for career growth and maintaining a craftsman mindset.
Embracing Failures and Transparency in Leadership: Explore the value of sharing failures, vulnerability, and maintaining transparency in leadership.
Shane’s commitment to people-centric culture, continuous improvement, and strategic communication will provide you with actionable insights to enhance your leadership approach and foster a thriving work environment.
“I think the one thing that’s been really a staple at Digikey is that when we say customer first, it actually means customer first. When we say people first, it actually means people first.”
Key takeaways
Transferable Leadership Skills and Respectful Treatment:
Shane Zutz underscores the importance of recognizing that leadership skills are transferable across industries. Emphasizing respect, care, energy, and strategic thinking in leadership roles can lead to effective outcomes, no matter the industry. Zutz’s own journey from education to business highlights how core leadership principles remain applicable in varied professional contexts.
The Power of Vulnerability and Transparent Communication:
Emphasizing vulnerability and transparency, Shane Zutz believes these traits are crucial to successful leadership. Effective communication, especially in a hybrid work setup, involves being genuine and relatable. Utilizing simple methods like video messages can enhance employee morale and engagement and foster a human-centric work environment as evidenced by DigiKey’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continuous Improvement and Personal Growth:
The episode stresses the importance of continual personal and organizational growth. Both Shane and Sannah advocate for stepping out of comfort zones and embracing learning opportunities. They discuss the need for companies to create environments conducive to skill development and for individuals to take responsibility for their own learning. Leaders should foster a culture where challenges are met with strategic discussions and opportunities for advancement.
“In the ever-evolving electronics manufacturing industry, skills have become the new currency. Companies need to create environments that allow employees to explore and develop their skills, empowering them to adapt and thrive in the face of constant change.”
“As leaders, we have to work together in the industry to help build that environment. It’s not going to be just one group or one function or one company. We have to find ways to pull talented people into this industry because, you know, this is just a wonderful economic sector to begin to continue to grow.“
Show Notes:
In Episode 67 of the “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding sits down with Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey Electronics, for an engaging discussion on effective leadership and innovation in the distribution channel.
Key highlights from their conversation include Shane’s reflections on his early days in the business world, where he initially lacked confidence but found that leadership skills are transferable across various industries. Shane emphasizes that respecting and caring for people, along with bringing energy and passion, are vital characteristics of effective leadership.
The episode focuses on Shane’s advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to be present, actively listen, and learn from the opportunities around them. He stresses the importance of patience in progress, self-advocacy, and gaining diverse experiences. Shane advises maintaining a craftsman mindset, being transparent, and communicating effectively, especially in a hybrid work environment as demonstrated by DigiKey’s adaptive communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listeners will also learn about Shane’s “High Impact Leadership” newsletter, which he shares intimately with his LinkedIn connections every Friday, offering his personal thoughts on leadership. Shane and Sannah discuss the importance of fostering a positive environment within the industry and attracting diverse talent.
The conversation also touches on the adaptability required for work-from-home challenges and the continuous improvement necessary in leadership roles. Both Sannah and Shane underscore the significance of simple, relatable communication, advocating for quick and genuine methods such as video messages to boost employee morale.
Shane concludes with insights into the value of continuous learning and personal development, reflecting on his transition from education to the business world and the fast-paced changes it entailed. His advice includes focusing on learning, stepping out of comfort zones, and embracing opportunities for growth.
Throughout the episode, Sannah and Shane share personal stories and practical insights, making this a must-listen for those keen on enhancing their leadership skills in the manufacturing industry.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that blends practical advice with personal growth, all aiming to inspire and develop future leaders in the manufacturing sector.
Shane Zutz
Shane Zutz
Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey
Shane Zutz is the Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, where he plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards global innovation and growth. With over 5 years in this position, Shane oversees a team that supports more than 5,000 employees worldwide. His expertise extends to both human resources and finance, enabling him to drive significant transformation initiatives within the company.
Before joining DigiKey, Shane had a successful career in education, serving various roles such as teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Under his leadership, the school underwent a $26 million renovation project and implemented a state-recognized college and career readiness program.
Shane holds a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University, a graduate degree from Minnesota State University – Mankato, and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. His diverse background and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in DigiKey’s ongoing success and expansion.
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