Episode 181: Interview With Nashay Naeve

In the precise world of engineered manufacturing, few leaders stand out like Nashay Naeve. As President of the Engineered Plastic Components division at Tsubaki Nakashima, she brings more than technical acumen to the table—she brings a global vision shaped by experience, cultural fluency, and fearless ambition.

With a career rooted in engineering and refined across powerhouse industrials like DuPont and Caterpillar, Naeve’s trajectory is anything but conventional. Her foundation in manufacturing, paired with a master’s degree from Tsinghua University—often dubbed the MIT of China—set the stage for a career that blends innovation with an uncommonly human touch. Fluent in Mandarin and no stranger to international borders, she has led operations across continents, bringing global alignment to the precision parts her team produces.

“I’ve always wanted to do things that people didn’t think were possible,” she says, reflecting on both her professional path and personal pursuits, like earning a pilot’s license and traveling to all seven continents, including Antarctica. “I like to challenge the narrative—especially in industries where women aren’t usually represented.”

Today, from her base in Atlanta, Naeve leads a global team that supports high-growth sectors including medical devices, robotics, and industrial automation. Her division develops plastic components found in diagnostic tools and hospital equipment used worldwide. As supply chains continue to evolve, she’s at the forefront, transforming operational challenges into strategies for resilience and innovation.

What drives her? It’s not just about breaking the glass ceiling—it’s about reframing what leadership looks like. “Global experience has helped me see from different angles,” she explains. “It’s about building trust and understanding the nuances that others might miss.”

In an industry long dominated by tradition and hierarchy, Nashay Naeve is setting a new standard—one where curiosity, courage, and cultural intelligence define success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we4Hoj_8jgQ

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Nashay Naeve, tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.