???Beyond the Boardroom - Lee Howell
?? On October 30th, we embarked on our LinkedIn journey, where we committed to sharing regular articles about what SVC does and our core mission and values. From day one, we knew we wanted to shine a spotlight on the incredible people working behind the scenes at SVC. ?? Great things take time to grow, and that's why we’re thrilled to have kicked things off last week with our very first interview ??.
You might be wondering - ?? Why? ??
Because our society is truly defined by its members - without your involvement, we wouldn't exist.
As the Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC), we are on a mission to introduce the faces and stories behind our organization. We understand that attending a conference for the first time can be daunting, especially if you don't know anyone. Research shows that this is a common experience, often leaving individuals unsure of how to engage. While those in sales or more outgoing roles may find it easier to connect, those in research or with introverted tendencies might need more time to acclimate. Before you know it, the conference is over!
Today, we're excited to introduce you to Lee Howell, a distinguished leader in the technology sector. Lee serves as the Vice President of Kurt J. Lesker Company , President of KDF Electronics, and a key figure at the SVC . With a wealth of experience and insights, Lee has been an invaluable contributor to our community.
Here's an overview of Lee's roles and committee involvement:
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??? SVC/F Committees:
Beyond his professional achievements, Lee is an avid basketball and pool player, with a wide-ranging taste in music that spans from rock to classical and pop ??. Now, let’s dive deeper into Lee’s journey as we explore his career, personal passions, and the valuable lessons he’s picked up along the way. To help you get to know Lee even better, we’ve crafted a brief Q&A session where SVC asks the questions and Lee shares his thoughtful insights. ??
SVC: When did you first hear about SVC???
LH: When I moved to the US in 2018.? As the Kurt J Lesker company’s new VP of the Process Equipment Division (thin film deposition systems for R&D & production), it was clear that the SVC was a vital society to join, learn from & contribute to.
SVC: How do your experiences with Kurt J. Lesker and KDF influence your work with us at the SVC???
LH: From the technical perspective, I am extremely fortunate to work with many of the world’s leading scientists & pioneering companies, gaining invaluable insight into next-generation needs & technologies.? With the Kurt J Lesker company specializing in R&D-to-pilot production deposition systems & KDF focused upon batch production systems, the R&D-to-production crossover aligns perfectly with that of the SVC.? From the commercial perspective, I reflect many of the SVC’s stakeholders, be it the corporate sponsor, the exhibitor, the conference attendee, or the student, allowing me to understand the needs of the wider SVC community.
SVC: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your current path???
LH: I have been blessed with great mentors in each role I have held.? My strongest influence, however, has been from my family as a child.? The working class approach of working extremely hard every day remains, with the inspiration to do better & dream bigger instilled from an early age.? If ever I wined as a child, my nan, who survived WWII, would quickly remind me of the millions of people who were worse off, pointing out that I should just get on with it.? An extremely strong lady, highly resilient to everything but kindness.? You can be strong & kind at the same time…
SVC: What challenges have you faced in your field, and how have you overcome them??
LH: Global businesses must proactively overcome an ever-changing set of challenges to survive & thrive.? To do so, I surround myself with the strongest possible people, far better than me at each of their specialties, in order to have the strongest team possible.? My job is to ensure the 100,000ft view is in plain sight, that our team’s goals & strategies take us in the direction we’ve chosen & that they have all they need to succeed.?
SVC: How do you balance your professional and personal life???
LH: Organization is everything. I schedule the entire year of family events within my calendar, followed by every reoccurring work meeting with direct reports, management & executive teams. I schedule ‘Management By Walking About’ slots for every day, plus ‘deep work’ slots to ensure time for strategic work.? I protect weekends, wherever possible, from work, prioritizing downtime for myself, my teammates & our families. I work out regularly at 5:00 am in the gym & play pick-up basketball to burn stress.? With critical actions pre-structured to my routine, I can maximize my efficiency & effectiveness.? Of course, the days’ emergencies kick in, but I am then able to address these, with our great team, knowing key bases are already covered.?
SVC: What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field???
LH: Early in my career, my uncle, whom I have always looked up to, told me not to ask a company what they’ll pay me, but to ask what training they’ll provide me.? This reset my expectations & approach overnight, leading to me undertaking my first degree, then my MBA, each funded by my employer.? My advice is to prioritize training, development & experience over short-term financial gains and to be purposeful on how you structure & achieve this.? If I’m allowed a second piece of advice, it is to understand what you want to achieve & work harder & smarter than everyone else to achieve it.? I have never been the smartest person in the room, but I know how to work hard & effectively towards a goal.
SVC: When was the first time you attended the TechCon, and what were your initial impressions???
LH: My first TechCon was in 2018 & I was fortunate enough to have Frank Zimone show me the ropes.? I was instantly struck by how different the set-up was by comparison to other conferences/exhibitions.? The vibe was friendly, informal, welcoming with a real sense of community.? People from around the world, of all walks of life, were greeting each other, updating on family news & proactively supporting each other.? I hadn’t seen the Technical Forum Breakfasts set-up before, immediately seeing the high-value such interactions played for everyone taking part.? Honestly, it took a while to fully comprehend the depth & breadth of the TechCon, with its Key Note Speakers, tutorials, presentations, technical forum breakfasts & networking events, potentially not fully understood till my second TechCon, but I recall feeling inspired, educated &….tired.
Let’s dive into more of his hobbies and favorites.
Discover the Lee Beyond the Boardroom
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?? What's Playing on Your Playlist:
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We hope this interview offers you a glimpse into the incredible people at SVC and sparks meaningful conversations when you meet Lee at our next TechCon event. And remember, it's never too early to start preparing your abstract! Here are the key deadlines:
Technical Sessions:
Poster and Exhibitor Innovator Showcase Presentations: February 9, 2024
We’re excited to see your submissions and look forward to connecting with you at the next TechCon!
Thanks for joining us, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the SVC community!