The packaging industry is evolving, driven by innovation, sustainability, and visionary leaders redefining its future.
Among them, women are breaking barriers and making strides in manufacturing, operations, and executive leadership. Their impact extends beyond their own success, paving the way for the next generation of talent and shaping a more inclusive, dynamic industry.
Few embody the spirit of resilience and impact more than Lisa Pruett, President of RRD Packaging, Labels, and Supply Chain Solutions businesses. With a career spanning leadership roles in sales, operations, and executive management, Lisa has led through transformation, driven results, and built a leadership style rooted in collaboration, decisive action, and relentless hard work. She has been at RRD for 5 years and leads a talented global team dedicated to providing clients with cutting-edge, sustainable, and impactful solutions. While at RRD, her focus has been on driving growth through strategic capital investments, expanding capabilities, and fostering strong partnerships, particularly with clients.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Emily Leonczyk, Executive Director and VP of PPC, sat down with Lisa to discuss her career journey, leadership philosophy, and how the industry can better support women.
Lisa’s approach to leadership is refreshingly direct: work hard, move fast, and don’t waste time worrying about what others think. But her insights go deeper, exploring what it means to be the only woman in the room, why true leadership is about influence rather than authority, and why the idea of work-life balance might just be a myth.
Her story is a powerful example of growth and bold decision-making—offering instrumental lessons for anyone striving to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in their career.
…
Emily Leonczyk (EL): Lisa, can you start by sharing a bit about your career journey? How did you get into the packaging industry?
Lisa Pruett (LP): My path wasn’t exactly traditional. I went to West Point, served in the Army, and when I was transitioning out of the military, I was recruited into the manufacturing sector. Many packaging companies actively recruit junior military officers because they make great leaders in manufacturing due to leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
When I transitioned into sales, I really found my footing. My career evolved from sales leadership into broader operational roles, eventually leading to my current role as President of RRD Packaging, Labels, and Supply Chain Solutions.
EL: Was there a moment early in your career when you realized this was an industry where you could build a future?
LP: Absolutely. I remember the first time I saw dots through a loupe and understood that’s how printing worked. It felt like magic.
Beyond that, I loved the dynamic nature of the business—working with our clients’ marketing teams, purchasing teams, and manufacturing leaders all at once. That complexity was exciting to me then and still is today.
EL: Since we’re celebrating Women’s History Month, I want to ask: Have you faced specific challenges as a woman in manufacturing?
LP: I’ve always taken the approach of: I’m just going to be amazing at what I do. I can’t control other people’s views, but I can control how I show up.
There’s actually a power in being the only woman in the room. You stand out. That can be intimidating, or it can be an opportunity. I choose to see it as the latter.
EL: I love that perspective. Shifting to leadership—how has your approach evolved over time?
LP: Early in my career, leadership was more about execution—getting things done, managing teams, hitting numbers. But as I moved into bigger roles, it became more about influence.
At RRD, we have a highly matrixed organization. I don’t have a direct reporting relationship with many of the functions I work with—finance, procurement, HR—so success comes from collaboration and partnership.
You don’t lead by telling people what to do. You lead by making them want to be part of what you’re building.
EL: You’re known for having a strong work ethic. What do you think about work-life balance?
LP: Balance doesn’t exist—at least not on a daily basis.
You make choices. Family, career, health, friendships—something will always take priority at any given time. And that’s okay.
I’ve learned to give myself grace. For example, I used to stress about working out while traveling. A few years ago, I just decided—I won’t work out when I travel. Instead, I make sure I prioritize fitness when I’m home. That shift was freeing.
The key is looking at balance over the long term, not the day-to-day.
EL: That’s a great takeaway. Let’s talk about women in manufacturing. How do we get more women into leadership and technical roles?
LP: It’s tough. We work really hard on it at RRD, but it’s a challenge across the industry.
One initiative I’m really proud of is our Women in Manufacturing group. It started small—with just a few women meeting for training and mentorship—and has now grown into a global network.
The goal is simple: create a community where women feel supported, connected, and empowered. RRD is a big company so making it feel a little smaller is important for us.
That’s how change happens—one person at a time.
EL: If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
LP: Worry less about what people think. Be fearless sooner.
I think that’s something you gain with experience, but I wish I had learned it earlier.
EL: Last question—what excites you most about the future of the packaging industry?
LP: We are brand stewards. Packaging isn’t just about the box—it’s about telling a story, protecting products, and driving sustainability.
With the shift away from plastics and a growing focus on sustainable solutions, paperboard packaging is in a powerful position. That’s what excites me—being part of an industry that’s evolving, growing, and making a real impact for clients and their customers.
…
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Lisa’s insights reinforce an essential truth: when we support one another, challenge norms, and lead with intention, we don’t just shape our own success—we transform industries, open doors, and build a stronger future for all.
Want to hear more from Lisa? Join her at PPC’s 2025 Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference, where she’ll share insights on how to create effective, intentional environments, inspiring people to bring their best, drive results, and fuel growth. Learn more here: https://paperbox.org/event/spring25/