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We recently had an incredible guest on our Trailblazers podcast – Anthony Siblall, Vice President of Strategic Development at Premier Tech!
With 28 years of experience at the company, Anthony has been instrumental in helping Premier Tech lead the charge in automation, innovation, and adaptability. Our conversation was full of leadership insights, and here are three key takeaways that will inspire you as a leader:
1. Automation and the Human Element
Anthony walked us through Premier Tech's journey in automating labor-intensive tasks, particularly in industries like packaging. With labor shortages and safety concerns at an all-time high, the need for automation has grown rapidly. Anthony emphasized that automation isn’t about replacing jobs but making work safer and more sustainable for people. He said, “We’re not eliminating jobs; we’re doing the work people can’t or don’t want to do anymore.”
Leadership Tip: When implementing new technology or processes, communicate the 'why' behind the changes. Help your team understand how these innovations will make their jobs easier and safer, rather than focusing on potential disruptions.
Make It Fun: Host a “Technology of Tomorrow” session where your team gets hands-on with new tools or processes, paired with a friendly competition or a quiz on the benefits of automation. Offer fun prizes to engage the group!
2. Bringing in Fresh Perspectives
One of the most eye-opening moments in our conversation was Anthony’s reflection on the importance of bringing in outside help. "We’re a bunch of bright engineers, but sometimes you need fresh eyes," he shared. He emphasized that outside consultants or experts can offer valuable insight and help avoid pitfalls that internal teams might miss. It’s not about being less capable; it’s about gaining a new perspective to evolve and grow.
Leadership Tip: Don’t be afraid to bring in outside expertise, whether through consulting, networking, or peer feedback. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can spot issues and opportunities that you and your team may overlook.
Make It Fun: Host a “Fresh Eyes Challenge.” Bring in an outside consultant (hey, maybe someone like us!) for a short session to assess a current project or challenge. Let them provide insights and guide a fun brainstorming session with your team. It's a low-pressure way to show how external support can open new doors and bring valuable ideas to the table, while also helping the team see consultants as trusted partners.
3. The Power of Listening
Our favorite moment in the conversation came when Anthony talked about the importance of listening. “I wish we could all be better listeners,” he said, admitting that even as an engineer by trade, it took him years to truly develop this skill. He emphasized that listening is key not only in business but in all areas of life, adding, “You can’t have true empathy without listening.”
Leadership Tip: Actively practice empathetic listening with your team. Ask more questions and allow space for thoughtful responses. Avoid jumping in with solutions right away—let your team’s voices guide the conversation.
Make It Fun: Try a “Silent Meeting” challenge where, for the first 10 minutes, no one speaks. Instead, everyone writes down their thoughts or solutions. This encourages reflection and gives introverts a chance to share without interruption!
Premier Tech is a global company that specializes in automation technologies, particularly in the packaging and industrial sectors. They design and manufacture solutions that help their clients automate processes for increased safety, productivity, and efficiency. Premier Tech’s technologies focus on optimizing packaging operations, such as stacking, wrapping, and handling products in factories. Their solutions are often driven by the need to address labor shortages, safety concerns, and the desire for increased production efficiency. With over 5,000 employees and manufacturing in 13 countries, Premier Tech has grown significantly from its early days as a smaller company.
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