November 29, 2016
In June, more than 40 members of the AICC Emerging Leaders community came together for the third annual Chair’s Field Trip in historic Richmond, Va., where then-AICC Chair Mark Williams rolled out the red carpet. As a new member of the community, I had been looking forward to this event since the Spring Meeting in Palm Desert. It did not disappoint.
During the 2½-day event, we got to know our fellow Emerging Leaders better, discussed leadership and succession planning with a number of industry leaders, and learned from plant tours that included Richmond Corrugated, Altria Group/Philip Morris USA, WestRock’s Richmond manufacturing facility, and their HQ Design Lab.
I learn something new every time I go into a manufacturing plant, and the breadth of plant tours we had on this trip was especially valuable, but the highlights of this field trip for me were the leadership discussions and networking within the group.
Scott Ellis facilitated the best panel discussion I’ve seen in some time, on the “Unwritten Rules of Leadership,” with Mark Williams, Jana Harris, Andy Pierson, Jerry Frisch, David Callif, and Joe Hodges sharing their personal journeys and offering up advice to their younger selves. The fact that many knew each other previously increased the interaction and took the discussion to a higher, more personal level. Having access to insight and reflection from longtime leaders in the industry was incredibly valuable. One leadership characteristic that came up multiple times throughout the discussion, which everyone could relate to, was persistence. The conversation flowed and could have lasted much longer.
It was a busy few days, and while my to-do list grew during the week’s events, I left Richmond feeling refreshed and re-energized. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the hustle of daily life and forget to take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and make sure we are still developing personally and professionally each and every day.
The large turnout for this year’s field trip is a testament to the great value of this community. It is inspiring to have the chance to interact with so many young, talented leaders who are passionate about the corrugated and packaging industry. The relationships made at this and future events extend far beyond business and will carry on for years to come.
Greg McGrath is sales and business development leader, UV/IR systems, at Baldwin Technologies. He can be reached at 815-979-0373 or gregory.mcgrath@baldwintech.com.
