Integrity in the Lignin Business

What a strange topic for a kraft lignin blog, but this is important, especially for those just starting their careers or are new to the business.

The goal of this site is to be a “One Stop Shop” for everything related to kraft lignin, including decades of wisdom and experience in the business.  I know many will read this, shake their heads, and continue searching for something they feel is more important. But what I am sharing in this blog should be given high priority. For those who read this and consider it folly, I challenge you to print this, put it somewhere safe, and revisit it every now and then as you gain experience.

In the kraft lignin space, you will meet all kinds of people. If you’re in this business, you will deal with pulp mill managers, researchers, private equity, and entrepreneurs. What a blessing and opportunity it is to work in a relatively small space where most people get to know each other. In this industry, you’ll learn who is trustworthy and who seems – well, less than honest.

A few weeks ago I was told about a group that had recently organized. Regardless of their business plan, I immediately thought to myself, “Here they go again taking someone’s money.” I recently read about a different project that had no chance of success, and I couldn’t help but think about the ones providing the funding. They would figure it out one day. And then there are others who genuinely work hard, are honest, and strive for something they truly believe will be successful – I love working with this type of person; most people do. There are those who are always willing to share their best advice with others, and then there are those who can't find time in their day to return phone calls – it doesn’t take long to figure out which group they’re in.

Over your career, you build a reputation that will follow you wherever you go.  And over time, based on your notoriety, people will make both personal and business decisions about you. I strongly believe that many would love the opportunity to go back in time, return phone calls, help colleagues, and report more honestly on their project’s status. But it’s hard to go back.

Protect your reputation and integrity.

Dale Mitchell