Q & A
How do you define your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
My leadership style has evolved significantly over time, primarily through a process of continuous reflection, learning, and feedback. Initially, I leaned more towards a directive approach, where I would provide clear instructions and guidance to my team members. However, as I gained more experience and exposure to different leadership philosophies, I began to realize the importance of fostering collaboration, empowering team members, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
​
One significant aspect of this evolution has been learning to listen better. I've come to understand that effective leadership isn't just about giving orders but also about actively listening to the ideas, concerns, and feedback of team members. By being more attentive and receptive to their perspectives, I've been able to gain valuable insights and build stronger relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
​
Moreover, I've learned to collaborate more effectively with my team members, recognizing that diverse viewpoints and skills can lead to more innovative solutions. Instead of solely relying on my own ideas, I encourage brainstorming sessions and foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and contributing to the decision-making process.
Additionally, I've focused on inspiring and leading the team rather than just directing them. This involves setting a compelling vision, communicating it effectively, and motivating team members to work towards common goals. By leading by example, being transparent about the organization's objectives, and providing encouragement and support, I strive to inspire my team to perform at their best and reach their full potential.
Overall, my leadership style continues to evolve as I learn from both successes and challenges. By prioritizing learning, collaboration, and inspiration, I aim to create a positive and empowering environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the team's success.
How do you approach budgeting and resource allocation to optimize efficiency and effectiveness?
Approaching budgeting and resource allocation with a hands-on perspective throughout my career has provided me with valuable insights into various aspects of the business. However, I understand the importance of not solely relying on personal experience but also engaging with functional leaders and their teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific dynamics within each organization and functional group.
​
One crucial aspect of optimizing efficiency and effectiveness in budgeting and resource allocation is staying abreast of new technologies. By continuously assessing how emerging technologies can provide efficiencies and understanding their associated challenges, I ensure that budget allocations are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and technological advancements.
Moreover, I recognize the significance of analyzing new cost structures from both internal and external parties. Whether it's evaluating the cost-effectiveness of in-house processes or assessing vendor proposals, I engage in thorough cost analysis to make informed decisions about resource allocation.
​
Additionally, I prioritize effective communication and collaboration with functional leaders and their teams. By actively listening to their input and understanding their specific needs and challenges, I can tailor budgeting and resource allocation strategies to support their objectives while aligning with the overall goals of the organization.
​
Furthermore, I emphasize the importance of analyzing and implementing budgeting, resourcing, and time management strategies holistically. This involves considering not only financial resources but also human capital and time constraints. By taking a comprehensive approach, I can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve maximum impact across the organization.
In summary, my approach to budgeting and resource allocation involves leveraging personal experience, engaging with functional leaders and teams, staying informed about new technologies and cost structures, and adopting a holistic perspective to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
How do you attract, develop, and retain top talent within your organization?
Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent within an organization is essential for long-term success and growth. Here's how I approach each aspect:
-
Attracting Talent:
-
I believe in the power of internal advocacy. By ensuring that existing talent feels valued and appreciated, they naturally become ambassadors for the organization, attracting top talent through word-of-mouth and positive referrals.
-
Additionally, I focus on building a strong employer brand by highlighting the organization's values, culture, and opportunities for growth. This can be achieved through targeted recruitment efforts, showcasing employee success stories, and maintaining a positive online presence.
-
-
Developing Talent:
-
Development is a balance between listening and leading. Rather than providing solutions, I guide individuals to find their own answers by listening attentively to their challenges and aspirations.
-
I foster a culture of continuous learning and growth by providing access to cross-training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for skill development. By investing in their professional development, I empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
-
-
Retaining Talent:
-
Retention is about creating a culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and understood. I prioritize collaboration, transparency, and open communication to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
-
I ensure that each person understands the impact of their work on the organization's goals and objectives. By recognizing their contributions and providing meaningful feedback, I reinforce their sense of value and commitment.
-
Additionally, I promote work-life balance and flexibility, acknowledging the importance of personal well-being and allowing individuals to thrive both professionally and personally.
-
By focusing on these aspects—creating a positive workplace culture, prioritizing development opportunities, and fostering open communication—I strive to attract, develop, and retain top talent, driving the organization towards success and sustainability.
Can you discuss a specific CSR initiative or sustainability program that you're particularly proud of?
One CSR initiative that I'm particularly proud of is the sustainability program implemented during my tenure at Doria International. Recognizing the importance of sustainability and the need to balance environmental concerns with business objectives, we undertook significant efforts to reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.
​
In the mobile accessories space, where plastics are commonly used, we took proactive steps to transition from virgin plastics to recycled plastics. This move not only helped reduce the demand for new plastic production but also contributed to the circular economy by giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
​
Moreover, we went a step further by researching and sourcing a new biodegradable substrate for our products. This innovative material allowed us to not only use recycled plastics but also ensured that our products would biodegrade in a significantly shorter timeframe, approximately 5 years, compared to the hundreds to thousands of years that traditional plastics take to decompose.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into our operations, we not only minimized our environmental impact but also demonstrated our commitment to corporate social responsibility. This initiative not only aligned with our values as a company but also resonated with our customers who increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly products.
​
Overall, this CSR initiative at Doria International exemplified our dedication to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices. I'm proud to have been part of a team that prioritized making a positive impact on the environment while delivering high-quality products to consumers.