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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