Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1527952
42 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2024 ey are making a strategic move with a new or current product they want to make. I try to understand what they're looking for and give them options. ey may not be perfect options, so it's a bit of give-and-take on what is available and what you truly need. What advice would you like to share with the youngsters in the PCB field? You must be extremely flexible. Don't expect the organization to be flexible for you. You may be gied and have a lot of good qualities, but the organization is bigger than you, so be flexible and do your best. I started in sales, but it ended up being more technical. All my deal- ings now (and probably most of them over the past 46 years) have been technical even though I'm not an engineer or a PhD. at's why I primarily deal with engineering, tech- nology, and upper management. My advice is to get in touch with all areas of the organiza- tion. If you desire to lead the company or to be in some kind of leadership role, you have to know about the other areas, not just your own. Is there anything you'd like to share with our readers? Actually, I have some exciting news to share: I've been asked to join the directors of a startup company that will bring a very advanced piece of PCB fabrication technology to the United States. I've been working with a global group, and between the five of us, we have more than 200 years of experience in this industry. I can't say much more than that, but I can dis- close that you will see much more momentum regarding this in the next six months. It's very exciting. PCB007 Preeya Kurayis a material scien- tist. To read previous columns, click here. What are your thoughts on the future of American manufacturing and nearshoring? I have a feeling that, from a strategic stand- point, it is inevitable and a must that nearshor- ing occurs. From a commercial standpoint, it is an incredible—if not impossible—mountain to climb. Besides the capacities, the capabilities in Asia are quite amazing. If you are consider- ing getting into the commercial field against the Asian competition by nearshoring, just know that it will be tough. Tell me about your current role as CEO of Sunrise Group. e basis of my business involves a lot of secrecy. I keep everything I do with my cus- tomers under a strict NDA, because it involves many key decisions they make in their busi- nesses regarding sourcing of both products and technology. I'm involved in those two aspects of the business: the products and the technol- ogy encompassing both the raw material sup- plier and the PCB manufacturer. So, it's high-level consulting on supply chain and technology? Exactly. I'm normally dealing with CEOs or CTOs who look at it from a different point of view than just "we need a cheap replacement." " ...from a strategic standpoint, it is inevitable and a must that nearshoring occurs. "