# From MBA To COO: Navigating EMS, Mentorship, And A New Leadership Model with Koh Young Europe COO Solin Ahmed

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2025-11-26
- Length: 8m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo

## Summary

Solin Ahmed, COO of Koh Young Europe, explains how an MBA holder navigated the technical SMT industry by shadowing 49-year veteran Harold and adopting a leadership model that pairs operations with sales. He details the transition from observing as a 'sponge' to becoming a trusted advisor, and the strategic partnership with Michael Zahn to bridge the gap between market signals and manufacturing capabilities. Ahmed also discusses the renewed energy at Productronica 2025 and the industry's need for mid-career talent ramps to address the 'missing generation' of engineers.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo#t=7) Introduction: Solin Ahmed and Koh Young Europe
- [0:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo#t=35) From Business Major to SMT Industry Veteran
- [3:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo#t=199) The Value of Shadowing Mentor Harold
- [4:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo#t=280) New Leadership Model: Ops and Sales Partnership
- [6:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-11-26-from-mba-to-coo-navigating-ems-mentorship-and-a-new-leadership-model-with-koh-yo#t=364) Productronica 2025 and Industry Outlook

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Koh Young Europe (company)
- Productronica (other)
- Harold (other)
- Michael Zahn (other)
- SMT Me Zimikon (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Leading by Empowering Your People](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-02-14-leading-by-empowering-your-people) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [BONUS: 3 Actions Manufacturing Leaders Should Take in 2020](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2019-12-16-bonus-3-actions-manufacturing-leaders-should-take-in-2020) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [180: Made in Missouri, Live from the 2024 Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-04-09-180-made-in-missouri-live-from-the-2024-midwest-manufacturers-trade-show-confere) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [How to Attract Young Talent and Build Your Network in Manufacturing with Nicole Wolter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-02-28-how-to-attract-young-talent-and-build-your-network-in-manufacturing-with-nicole) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Cultivating More Effective Manufacturing Leaders w/ Bill Remy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-11-19-cultivating-more-effective-manufacturing-leaders-w-bill-remy) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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