An electronic package includes a substrate having a conductive element. The conductive element includes a stepped portion disposed at an end of the conductive element. In one embodiment, the conductive element is a lead. In another embodiment, the conductive element is a die pad. The stepped portion includes a first groove extending inward from a lower surface of the first conductive element, and a second groove extending further inward from the first groove towards an upper surface of the conductive element. An electronic component is connected to the conductive element. In one embodiment, a clip is used to electrically connect the electronic component to the conductive element. An encapsulant encapsulates the electronic component and a portion of the substrate such that the stepped portion is exposed outside an exterior side surface of the encapsulant. The stepped portion is configured to improve the bonding strength of the electronic package when attached to a next level of assembly.