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Marcy’s Musings: The Art, Science, and Reality of Thriving

By all accounts, the global electronics industry is thriving and has done so in a relatively short historical period marked by momentous technological advancement. Since the invention of the working transistor in 1947—just 77 years ago—our area of electronics alone has seen the first printed circuit board, the advent of plated through-hole technology, microvias and laser drilling, and printed electronics. Particularly considering the technology we support, this technical arc is staggering and should inspire a sense of accomplishment, appreciation, and perhaps even awe.

With technology expected to advance at an exponential pace over the next 20 years, our industry must step up to the need for commensurate development, reinvention, and expansion. If we are to be relevant and prosper during these next critical decades in electronics, we must do more than survive. As an industry, we can and must thrive.

What does it take to remain viable and grow and prosper during so much change? It takes resilience, which includes commitment, vision, positivity, and a willingness to adapt. Resilience is key to thriving over the long term—from an individual to a company, industry, and nation.

Defined as a psychological response to trials and challenges, the primary tenets of individual resilience are acute self-awareness, self-control, good problem-solving skills, and having a supportive social network (human connection). Interestingly, positive psychology (the study of human flourishing) cites mindfulness, inner strength, and human connection, along with a strong sense of gratitude, as being primary to achieving increasing levels of happiness. These things are often present in resilient individuals and groups.

When I think of cultural resilience, I think of my grandparents who were born circa the turn of the last century, and lived through two world wars and the Great Depression. In America, they have been deservedly crowned “the greatest generation” and embody resiliency in a way that their descendants can never fully understand. That generation collectively possessed a determination and positivity that we define as “grit,” and which ultimately resulted in their great professional and financial success.

Our industry has continuously illustrated similar resiliency. Necessity is the mother of invention, and the drive to survive can indeed lead to thriving, which has been true for our industry. But the degree of evolution and reinvention displayed by our companies over the last 77 years is impressive, and we should be collectively proud. Our industry possesses so many intelligent, optimistic, determined professionals who use their vision—and their grit—to keep moving forward despite the challenges inherent in a global supply chain.

In the July 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, I asked Schmoll America, American Standard Circuits, and Alpha Circuit: “What does it mean not only to survive but thrive?” I know you will appreciate how they explain what it means to thrive in their organizations.

Also in this issue, columnist Paige Fiet of TTM-Logan weighs in on how she’s thriving in her own life and career, an excellent follow-up to her last column on problem-solving. Jesse Ziomek of DIS illustrates thriving through innovation and expansion via automation, and Alex Stepinski displays the characteristics of ingenuity and reinvention as he lays out a new model for a much less expensive PCB startup. Our talented columnists Don Ball, Happy Holden, and Mike Carano add their intellect to the mix, making this issue thrive with abundant value. Finally, I welcome Shane Whiteside, representing PCBAA and Tom Yang with CEE as new columnists this month.

Here's to thriving.

This column originally appears in the July 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.