CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Vincent Travaglini, Former President & CEO of StackTeck - Lessons in Leadership, Innovation & the Power of Relationships
In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Vincent Travaglini, retired President & CEO of StackTeck. With over three decades of leadership in engineering, operations, and executive management, Vince shares the innovations that transformed the mold-making industry, the cultural mindset that fueled StackTeck’s growth, and the role of automation in shaping the future of manufacturing.
From moving beyond “black and white” engineering thinking to navigating crises with persistence and innovation, Vince offers candid insights into leadership, decision-making, and continuous learning. He also reflects on the importance of relationships, networking, and what he’d tell his younger self starting out in his career.
Whether you’re an engineer aspiring to leadership, a CEO facing uncertainty, or a leader committed to lifelong learning, Vince’s reflections are filled with valuable lessons you can apply today.
00:00 – Introduction
John Wilson welcomes Vince Travaglini to the CEO Global Network Podcast.
00:18 – What innovation most changed the mold-making industry during your career?
Vince explains how the digital age transformed mold-making from craftsmanship to engineering science, powered by CAD, CAM, and faster computing.
01:30 – What was the hardest mindset shift moving from engineer to CEO?
Vince recalls leaving black-and-white engineering thinking behind, learning to embrace the “gray” of sales, customers, and leadership.
02:19 – Looking back, what decision had the biggest impact on StackTeck’s growth?
Rather than a single decision, Vince highlights culture, persistence, and continuous innovation as the drivers of resilience through economic downturns and global challenges.
03:52 – How is automation shaping the future of mold-making and packaging?
Vince discusses COVID-accelerated adoption of automation, from vision systems to robotics, and why automation is now core to the industry despite integration challenges.
05:25 – What advice would you give the next generation of engineers and leaders?
Vince emphasizes curiosity, continuous learning, and working hard without expecting immediate rewards—opportunities come when effort is noticed.
06:35 – If you could go back to your early career at McDonnell Douglas, what advice would you give yourself?
He candidly shares that he would focus on building relationships and networking earlier, recognizing their critical role in leadership growth.
07:53 – Closing Reflections
John thanks Vince for his career insights and contributions, emphasizing the leadership lessons shared in the conversation.
