Think Big - Like a CEO
As I write this blog, the target audience is primarily researchers or perhaps a pulp mill engineer interested in starting or justifying a lignin plant. The executives who read this blog will hopefully nod with approval.
The message today is “think big.” There are numerous commercial opportunities for kraft lignin that have been studied and, yes, developed. But many are just too small in scale to grab the attention of the CEO’s of the world. Here is what I’ve come to understand about senior leaders who are interested in biomaterials, or any other market for that matter. This is what gets them excited – big markets and good returns. They want to “move the needle” for their companies. Yes, a really “cool” or “neat” discovery is great for a company news release, but this isn’t what most CEO’s are looking for. They want big discoveries and innovation. And believe me, these guys made it to the top for a reason: they know the difference between a good public relations project and one that will improve the trajectory of their companies and their stock prices. Researchers and product developers, always ask yourself this question when considering a project: “Is this project big enough to move the needle at my company?” This is what your CEO is looking for.
Do you have trouble thinking big? If so, you’re not alone. But I encourage you to step out of that box and look at the world around you. Walk out on a clear night, think about how vast and huge our universe is, and the power of the One who created it. This is the One you need to go to when you’re searching for answers in life. If He can create this universe, then He can certainly help you with your lignin projects. I know; I’ve experienced His divine intervention.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.” Ephesians 3:20-21
As I wrote this blog today, it dawned on me repeatedly that many of you are hearing a perspective that may be new or unusual to you. Admittedly, with a background in pulp and paper, and a doctorate in ministry, I certainly have unique perspective, and I hope you learn from it. My hope and prayer is that my experience helps as you tackle the challenges not only with kraft lignin but with the world in which you live.
Think big, pray for guidance.
Dale Mitchell
