Baker & Taylor CEO Reveals Key Leadership Principles and Philosophies for Success
- As CEO, what leadership principles or philosophies have guided your decision-making process at Baker & Taylor?
As CEO of Baker & Taylor, my decision-making process is guided by key principles that propel our organization forward. These include prioritizing innovation, customer-centricity, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. I lead by example, empowering my team to take ownership and fostering transparency and open communication where all perspectives are valued.
In shaping my leadership approach, I draw inspiration from the philosophy outlined by my friend and author, Kim Scott, in her book “Radical Candor” to care deeply while providing direct feedback to promote growth and improvement in areas such as achievements, challenges, and leadership performance. Actively engaging with our diverse ecosystem of employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders is vital, even if it requires extensive global travel. These interactions across different levels and roles provide valuable insights and inspire innovation. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the words “Grit” and “Kindness” have remained central, driving resilience, adaptability, and compassionate support for our team. Together, these principles and philosophies shape our dynamic culture at Baker & Taylor.
- Can you discuss any major lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur and CEO that have shaped your leadership style?
As an entrepreneur and CEO, I’ve learned some major lessons that have greatly influenced my leadership style. Initially, I focused solely on achieving predetermined goals through sheer effort. However, I’ve come to appreciate the value of balancing my drive with active listening and collaborative brainstorming. While I still strive for excellence and push boundaries, I’ve learned to enjoy the process of product development and surpassing customer expectations. Rather than being attached to outcomes, I prioritize giving my best effort. I’ve also realized the importance of embracing the journey itself and taking time to appreciate the small victories along the way. Moreover, I place a strong emphasis on my mental fitness, practicing daily meditation and reminding myself that “the fastest way to get somewhere is to go slow.”
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve embraced the lessons of resilience and adaptability, recognizing that challenges and uncertainty provide opportunities for growth and innovation. Building strong relationships and partnerships has also been crucial, as collaboration and trust are essential for long-term success. These lessons have shaped my leadership style and continue to guide me as I navigate the dynamic world of business.
- What do you believe sets Baker & Taylor apart in the industry, and how do you ensure the company maintains its unique position?
What sets Baker & Taylor apart in the industry is our rich history spanning almost 200 years. We are not just another venerable institution; we have a genuine legacy. However, what truly distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to innovation. Throughout our existence, we have consistently been at the forefront of major advancements in library services.
Our customers, including librarians, retailers, and educators, recognize that we are dedicated to their success and the betterment of their communities. We view our relationships with them as true partnerships, understanding their unique needs and working collaboratively to address them.
To ensure that we maintain our unique position, we remain focused on our purpose: empowering communities to lead the future of literacy and learning. We never lose sight of this mission and continually strive to deliver exceptional service while embracing innovation. Our motto, “a storied history and a boundless future,” encapsulates our commitment to leveraging our legacy while constantly exploring new possibilities.
In order to stay ahead, we invest in research and development, collaborate with industry experts, and prioritize the personalized experiences and ongoing support that our customers rely on. By combining our deep understanding of the library sector with our innovative mindset, we will continue to set ourselves apart and drive positive change in the industry.
- In your opinion, what are the key qualities or skills that aspiring entrepreneurs should possess to succeed in today’s business landscape?
In my opinion, the key qualities and skills that aspiring entrepreneurs should possess to succeed in today’s business landscape are a combination of curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and humility. Walt Whitman’s quote, “Be curious, not judgmental,” resonates deeply in this context. Entrepreneurs must have an insatiable appetite for learning and be open-minded to new ideas and perspectives.
Thick skin is also crucial because the entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges and setbacks. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities is essential in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Entrepreneurs should continuously seek knowledge and stay updated on industry trends to stay ahead.
Furthermore, effective communication skills and problem-solving abilities are vital for building strong relationships with stakeholders and addressing the inevitable hurdles that arise. A growth mindset is important, as it fosters innovation and encourages continuous improvement.
Lastly, aspiring entrepreneurs should surround themselves with a diverse and talented team and build a strong network. Collaboration and the ability to leverage the strengths of others can drive success in today’s interconnected business world.
- What advice would you give to individuals who are considering starting their own entrepreneurial journey or leading a company?
For individuals considering starting their own entrepreneurial journey or leading a company, I would offer the following advice. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that entrepreneurship is not about the title or the external trappings. It requires true grit and a passion for long-term goals. Angela Duckworth’s definition of grit as “passion and perseverance” resonates deeply in this context. Success in entrepreneurship and leadership involves managing complex relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, investors, and financial institutions. It requires staying positive, being a visionary, and constantly meeting the needs of various stakeholders.
Additionally, I would advise individuals to maintain a secondary passion or hobby that serves as a haven during challenging times. It provides a necessary distraction and helps maintain balance amidst the demands of running a business.
Furthermore, I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to be bold, take calculated risks, and believe in themselves and their ideas. Thorough market research, a unique value proposition, and a well-defined business plan are essential. Building a strong support network, seeking mentorship, and learning from both successes and failures are invaluable.
Above all, embrace innovation, stay adaptable, and prioritize the needs of your customers. Remember that success is the outcome of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine passion for what you do.
- How do you balance the pursuit of profitability with a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility within Baker & Taylor?
At Baker & Taylor, balancing profitability with a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility is deeply ingrained in our operations. We view it as more than just a trend or talking point; it is an operational imperative that has guided us for years.
Our customers have always been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility, understanding that doing business in an environmentally and socially responsible way may not always be the cheapest option. Their support and alignment with our values have been instrumental in driving our sustainability efforts.
We also believe in the power of open dialogue and collaboration within our organization. We actively encourage our team members, who are on the front lines of our service centers and business, to bring forth suggestions on how we can reduce our environmental impact and operate more sustainably. This open-door approach fosters a culture of innovation and shared responsibility.
We continuously seek sustainable business practices, such as waste reduction, the utilization of renewable resources, and supporting community initiatives. By integrating sustainability into our decision-making process and daily operations, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and society while remaining committed to delivering value to all our stakeholders
- Could you share some insights into the company’s financial performance and growth ?
I am thrilled to share some insights into Baker & Taylor’s financial performance and growth. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully navigated through the impact and are entering an exciting era for our company.
Our core print book distribution business has shown strong growth as we continue to meet the needs of our customers in the library and education sectors. We have been able to adapt to the changing landscape and are returning to a more normal operational rhythm across our centers worldwide.
In addition to our traditional offerings, we have also focused on expanding our digital solutions. One notable product is Boundless, a unique digital reading subscription designed specifically for libraries and schools. This innovative solution utilizes machine learning to ensure the right content reaches the communities we serve.
Furthermore, we have recently ventured into the publishing business. Our own publishing division allows us to create and distribute real, authentic children’s books that represent marginalized communities. These books are available in both print and digital formats and are leveled to various reading standards, promoting diversity and inclusive storytelling.
By growing our core business while simultaneously diversifying our offerings, we are positioning Baker & Taylor to respond effectively to the evolving needs of our customers. This strategic approach ensures that we continue to drive financial performance and maintain sustainable growth in the years to come.
