Navigating leadership

Published : 9-Jul-2024

PPG's SVP, Amy Ericson, discusses guiding principles from her career and the future of protective and marine coatings in the latest Paint and Coatings Industry Magazine article. 

Navigating the paint and coatings industry as a senior female leader comes with unique challenges and experiences. In my experience, I've encountered a recurring set of questions (what I call my FAQs) that capture the collective curiosity of both my peers and those aspiring to reach leadership positions. 

FAQs I've received include the journey to my current role as the Senior Vice President of Protective and Marine Coatings at PPG, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and how diversity and inclusion fuel business growth. I always strive to offer insights from my journey and guidance to those charting their professional paths.

Establish your credibility

Dive deeply into the subjects you're responsible for and become familiar with them. Identify and engage with experts within the organization to supplement your knowledge. Your credibility doesn't necessarily stem from your understanding but from your diligence in gathering, verifying, and sharing information. Credibility is when people can trust you.

Diversify your experience

Embrace challenges and opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. My journey through various roles in different companies—from engineering and marketing to finance and communications —has been incredibly enriching. Contrary to the belief that diversifying one's career path is risky, I've found that it broadens your perspective and skillset. For instance, my former role in leading communications wasn't just about messaging. It deepened my understanding of the company’s technological footprint, environmental implications, and future potential—a pivotal experience that proved invaluable during my United Nations Climate Conference address.

Prioritize networking

Networking is vital for personal and professional growth. Actively engage in seminars, workshops, and conferences. Not only do they provide a wealth of knowledge, but they also offer networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. Reading books, articles, and journals relevant to your field keeps you updated with the latest trends and innovations. Seek mentorship from seasoned professionals within and outside the organization. Their experiences and insights can provide invaluable guidance. Networking doesn’t need to be formal and intensive. It is about creating situations for yourself to engage in open, honest feedback and discussion.

Know your business

True leadership involves understanding your company holistically. This goes beyond merely mastering your department or role. It is about breaking down personal knowledge barriers and having a keen interest in the overarching narrative of the company. 

For instance, familiarizing yourself with the financial metrics driving your company remains crucial—engage with the finance group. Be aware of the policy issues vital to your industry's success by regularly partnering with your public affairs team, and dive into how your company portrays itself to the outside world by reviewing external communications, including your website. Furthermore, gain insights into the market's perception of your company by spending time with the investor relations group. The key is to remain inquisitive, relentlessly seek answers, and dive back in for more. Knowledge is power, and the pursuit of it should be continuous.

What's ahead for the protective and marine coatings business? 

The market is poised for transformative growth, influenced by the need to support infrastructure and improve our industry's sustainability profiles. Our focus areas for PPG protective and marine coatings include energy, marine, technology and infrastructure (EV battery plants, semiconductor plants, or data centers). Central to these efforts remains PPG's coatings, which offer advanced protective and performance-enhancing solutions for these industries operating in challenging and harsh environments. These coatings ensure asset durability and operational efficiency while prioritizing safety and sustainability to support customers in achieving their business goals. Thus, customers turn to PPG for fire protection, steel protection, flooring, anti-corrosion, longevity, and efficiency of their assets. Our products exemplify our commitment to innovation, creating a more sustainable future for our customers. For example, PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 marine coating represents a breakthrough in fouling release technology for vessel owners and operators for optimum efficiency. 

In conclusion, 2024 looks strong for the protective and marine coatings market. Customers across the globe value a relentless drive toward innovation. That innovation can only happen if we foster a diverse and inclusive workforce because, at PPG, we see a direct correlation between employee growth and the success of the business and our customers.

Originally published in Paint and Coatings Industry Magazine.