2020 marks a new year, a new decade, and a new opportunity for innovation and growth. With this fresh start, how will leaders in the paperboard packaging industry move forward toward success? We asked a few of our Board members to share their professional and personal leadership goals for the start of the decade.
Here’s what they said:
Be There, Even When You Can’t
John O’Neal, Executive Vice President – Food and Beverage Americas, WestRock
One goal for 2020 is to be present as a leader even when I can’t be there in person. Technology continues to make it easier to be present as a leader even when I’m traveling. My goal reflects increased utilization of various media to ensure we are aligned as a business on our key priorities, including our values and behaviors.
Beat Negative Thinking
Brian Hunt, Chief Operations Officer, Southern Champion Tray
My top professional goal in 2020 is to replace negative thinking with rationale-uplifting beliefs. As an example, it seems that our media inundates us with a disproportionate amount of negativity, and it can dominate our emotions. In 2020, my plans are to pay less attention to social media and replace that time with reading and listening to books/podcasts that will lead to positive visceral responses to challenges. My first action item has begun with listening to Dr. Bob Rotella’s audiobook, Your 15th Club. After all, maybe increasing the ratio of good thoughts on the golf course could be contagious with yielding positive responses at home and work.
Set the Course with Strategy
Laura Parlagreco, Vice President – Operations, Astro Box Corp.
In 2020, I plan to be more strategic. It’s very easy to set strategic goals for the company, but then get caught up in the day to day minutia. I plan to set my team back on course so we answer questions such as, “Does this help us achieve our long-term goals?” instead of, “Will this solve the problem for now?”
Spread Value
Eric Frank, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Koenig & Bauer
This year, I want to motivate and inform the market on the tremendous benefits of print. I plan to take the time to educate print buyers, brand owners, students, and other interested parties on the value of print.
Embrace New Technology
Joel Zaas, President, BOXit Corp.
I look forward to an exciting and successful 2020, our 88th year of business, by embracing change and new technology within our accounting, customer service, and manufacturing departments. This includes using new phone systems, time clocks, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) software, and internal and external safety features with the goals of becoming more efficient and productive while providing a safe work environment for all employees.
Increase Efficiency, Decrease Stress
David Taylor, Vice President – Sales, TAVO Packaging
As a leader, it is my job to facilitate my team to work together to manage growth. Hiring is extremely difficult, and we find ourselves having to do more with less talent. My goal is to help facilitate my team to work together and increase efficiency and productivity for our common cause.
You’ve heard what some paperboard packaging experts have planned for the new year, but what are your team’s resolutions and goals for 2020? Let us know in the comments; we’d love to hear them!
To learn more about PPC, the paperboard packaging industry, and the leaders that move us forward, take a look at our about page.