WE Lead | Voices of Innovation

Hosted by Jackie Mattox

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Episodes

132

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

WE Lead: Voices of Innovation is a bold, future-focused podcast for those who value truth, expertise, and transformative discussions. In a world where systems and norms are constantly evolving, this podcast serves as a platform for critical thinkers, industry leaders, and change-makers to explore provocative topics that challenge the status quo. Innovation thrives when various perspectives are shared with civility and respect. WE Lead: Voices of Innovation pushes beyond groupthink, applying analytical rigor and bold curiosity to conversations that matter. Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or looking to lead with greater impact in your daily life, this podcast will equip you with new insights, fresh ideas, and informed outlooks. Your voice matters as much as your willingness to listen. Subscribe today and be part of the conversation.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 10, 202658 min

A New Perspective on Mentorship: Executive Insights for Navigating Change

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. Support the show

July 6, 202632 min

Owning Your Career, Leading with Confidence, and Shaping the Future of the Industry with Andjela Pasi

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. Support the show

June 19, 202624 min

Mentorship, Change, and Building the Next Generation of Industry Leaders with Monica Highfill

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. Support the show

March 30, 202647 min

Leading Through AI and a Rapidly Shifting Global Landscape with Chris Church

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. Support the show

March 16, 202637 min

Take Your Own Pulse: Leadership in High-Stakes Moments with Dr. Jillian Ciocchetti

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. Support the show

March 10, 202642 min

Leading with Humanity and Trust in Complex Times with Amy Rooney and Maria Gillespie

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. Support the show

February 10, 202645 min

Voices of Innovation with Genein Letford

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. Support the show

December 2, 202547 min

Michael Levin - Leader in Highlight

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

October 30, 202557 min

2025 Summit: Driving Change Through Influence with Dave Doherty

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

October 27, 202528 min

Lauren Sloan - Member in Highlight

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. Support the show