The FINAT European Label Forum 2024's Session 5 centered on "Label Leadership," providing an in-depth exploration of effective leadership strategies within the label industry. The session featured a panel discussion with label industry leaders and a closing keynote by Olympic gold medalist and coach Tim Foster. Both segments offered invaluable lessons for leadership, team dynamics, and adaptability in a fast-evolving world.

Panel: Branding and Leadership in the Label Industry

The panel, comprising industry leaders from various countries, tackled critical challenges in attracting and retaining talent while emphasising the unique aspects of leadership within the label sector.

Addressing the Talent Shortage

One recurring theme was the pressing need to attract younger generations to the industry. Panelists acknowledged that the label industry often struggles with its image as "not sexy." However, the consensus was clear: rebranding the sector to highlight its innovation, sustainability efforts, and impact on everyday life is essential. Suggestions included:

• Enhanced Employer Branding: Leaders emphasised creating authentic narratives around the industry's contributions to sustainability and innovation. Using digital platforms, companies can showcase how their work impacts global supply chains and consumer experiences.
• Engaging Gen Z and Millennials: Panellists noted that younger generations value purpose-driven work, collaboration, and continuous learning. By fostering an inclusive and adaptive workplace culture, the label industry can better resonate with these demographics.
• Educational Partnerships: Some companies have successfully collaborated with educational institutions, such as graphic arts schools, to recruit talent directly. Panelists highlighted programmes like internships, apprenticeships, and job rotation as effective tools for attracting and developing young professionals.

Building Inclusive Leadership

Leadership in the label industry must evolve to meet the expectations of a diverse workforce. The panel stressed the importance of:

• Intergenerational Collaboration: Pairing experienced employees with younger professionals fosters mutual learning and innovation. Mentorship programmes that encourage two-way knowledge sharing were cited as highly effective.
• Flexibility and Autonomy: Empowering employees with flexible work arrangements and opportunities for creative problem-solving aligns with the values of younger generations.
• Positive Workplace Culture: Leaders discussed how trust, empathy, and transparency form the foundation of a productive and engaged workforce. They also emphasised creating a culture where feedback is constructive and actionable.

Closing Keynote: Lessons from an Olympic Champion

Tim Foster’s keynote on leadership drew on his experiences as both an Olympic gold medalist and a coach. His insights offered profound parallels for label industry leaders aiming to inspire and guide their teams effectively.

Key Leadership Lessons

Tim Foster used the analogy of his Olympic rowing team to illustrate the following principles:

1. Trust as a Foundation: A successful team begins with trust in individual expertise. Foster described how each rower brought unique strengths to the boat, emphasising the importance of recognising and leveraging individual contributions.
2. Constructive Conflict: Foster highlighted how his team embraced open and honest communication. After a rare defeat before the Sydney Olympics, the team held a candid discussion where every member took personal accountability and identified areas for improvement. This meeting transformed their approach, ultimately leading to their gold medal win.
3. Commitment and Accountability: Foster stressed the importance of shared goals and relentless effort. His team’s mantra, "Will it make the boat go faster?" served as a guiding principle for decision-making and action, ensuring alignment with their ultimate objective.
4. Adapting Leadership Styles: As a coach, Foster learned that effective leadership requires understanding and addressing the unique motivations of team members. He stressed the need for leaders to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence to inspire their teams.

Applying Sports Lessons to Business

Tim Foster drew direct connections between sports and business leadership:

• Set Ambitious but Clear Goals: Just as his team aimed to surpass the world record, businesses should define measurable, ambitious targets to drive performance.
• Foster Team Resilience: Challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth. Leaders should cultivate a culture where teams view failures as stepping stones to success.
• Promote Continuous Improvement: Foster described how his team’s training regime involved constant evaluation and refinement. Similarly, businesses must invest in upskilling and innovation to stay competitive.

Conclusion: Inspiring Leadership for a Dynamic Future

Session 5 at the FINAT European Label Forum 2024 underscored the critical role of leadership in navigating industry challenges and fostering innovation. Whether through panel discussions on employer branding or Mr. Foster's inspiring anecdotes, the session provided attendees with actionable strategies to lead with purpose, adaptability, and vision.

For label industry leaders, the key takeaway was clear: the future lies in building inclusive, dynamic, and innovative organisations that inspire employees and embrace change.

These insights can serve as a foundation for more detailed discussions, guiding the industry towards a more resilient and sustainable future. FINAT welcomes the label industry to continue the dialogue at the upcoming European Label Forum on 21 – 23 May 2025 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. More information will be available at the beginning of 2025 on https://www.europeanlabelforum.com/ .