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In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Mark is joined by Malcolm Humble, Managing Director of Arian EMS, who has built his career from the shop floor through to leading a successful electronics manufacturing business.

Together, they explore Malcolm’s journey through the manufacturing industry, reflecting on the key moments, challenges, and decisions that shaped his path into leadership. From early hands-on experience to running his own company, Malcolm shares how his perspective on leadership has evolved over time.

The conversation dives into what effective leadership really looks like in practice - from leading as part of the team to creating a culture built on respect, trust, and open communication. Malcolm discusses the importance of authenticity and adaptability, and why involving people at every level of the business is critical to long-term success.

They also touch on the realities of stepping into leadership and entrepreneurship, including the self-doubt, pressure, and personal challenges that often come with it. Malcolm speaks candidly about navigating uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and learning from mistakes along the way.

From building a business from the ground up to maintaining a positive and resilient mindset, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in manufacturing or stepping into leadership roles.

This is a conversation about growth, resilience, and what it truly means to lead from within.

You can connect with Malcolm on LinkedIn here.

Are you a leader in the manufacturing and engineering space? We're hosting an epic event on the 30th April 2026 and we'd love to see you there!

You'll join Manufacturing Leaders from across the North East at New College Durham to share insights, challenges, and ideas shaping the industry's future.

Find out more and register your interest for the Manufacturing Leaders Summit 2026 by clicking here.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.

Send us Fan Mail

In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Mark is joined by Ashleigh McKendrick, founder of The STEM Coach and an experienced chemical engineer turned leadership coach.

Together, they explore the often-challenging transition from technical expertise into leadership roles within engineering and STEM. Ashleigh shares her own journey from the oil and gas industry into coaching, highlighting the key moments that shaped her path and the insights she’s gained along the way.

The conversation dives into what it really takes for engineers to step into leadership - from building influence and visibility to maintaining technical credibility while developing a new skillset.

They also discuss the unique challenges faced by women in engineering, from navigating cultural barriers to establishing authority in male-dominated environments. Ashleigh offers an honest perspective on what needs to change, alongside practical ways both individuals and organisations can better support progression.

From the role of mentorship and strategic career planning to understanding personal strengths through tools like DISC, this episode is packed with actionable insights for engineers looking to grow into leadership roles.

This is a conversation about evolution, self-awareness, and bridging the gap between technical brilliance and impactful leadership.

You can connect with Ashleigh on LinkedIn here.

Are you a leader in the manufacturing and engineering space? We're hosting an event on the 30th April 2026 and we'd love to see you there! You'll join Manufacturing Leaders from across the North East at New College Durham to share insights, challenges, and ideas shaping the industry's future.

Find out more and register your interest for the Manufacturing Leaders Summit 2026 by clicking here.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.

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What does it take to lead a 172-year-old business in a world that doesn't stand still?

In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Leaders Podcast, Mark is joined by Kiran Fothergill, Executive Vice Chairman of the Kipling Group and sixth-generation leader behind Pickering Lifts.

Together, they explore the balance between legacy and innovation - and the responsibility that comes with stewarding a historic family business into the future. Kiran reflects on what long-term thinking really looks like inside a family-owned organisation.

From navigating economic and political cycles to expanding into new markets such as escalators and loading systems, he shares how patient, strategic leadership has shaped the company’s evolution.

The conversation also turns to the future of engineering - the growing skills gap, youth unemployment, and why apprenticeships are more important than ever. Kiran speaks candidly about the role businesses must play in developing talent early and creating real pathways into industry.

This is a conversation about stewardship, resilience, and building something designed to last for generations.

If you’re leading through change, or planning for the long term, this episode is well worth your time. Tune in now!

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Are you a leader in the manufacturing and engineering space? We're hosting an event on the 30th April 2026 and we'd love to see you there!

You'll join Manufacturing Leaders from across the North East at New College Durham to share insights, challenges, and ideas shaping the industry's future.

Find out more and register your interest for the Manufacturing Leaders Summit 2026 by clicking here.

Please like and subscribe - it genuinely helps grow the show and, in turn, helps push the industry forward.

Theo James is a Manufacturing & Engineering Recruiter based in the North East, helping Manufacturing and Engineering firms grow across the UK.

If you’d like more information about Theo James, feel free to get in touch with the team or Mark anytime.

You can call us on 0191 511 1298.