Ioanna Georgiou, innovation project & portfolio leader, Netherlands

Years with AD

Attribute

Curious

Character

Adaptable

What attracted you to your chosen work?

I was always interested in sustainable technologies and innovative approaches, so I chose to specialize in innovation and business development. One of my first jobs focused on helping companies adopt sustainable practices, which helped me understand the critical link between a company's business model and its sustainability impact. This led me to Avery Dennison's Materials Group R&D team, where I currently manage innovation projects and enable the appropriate structures so that innovation can flourish.

What skills did you develop early that are still useful today?

I have been lucky enough to work in different teams and departments throughout my professional life. I have worked in sales, business development, human resources, service, event planning, quality, and research and development. I even volunteered as IT support at a big Danish music festival. These diverse experiences have enabled me to adapt easily and appreciate various perspectives, understanding the different ways individuals with different expertise communicate. I have learnt the importance of customer centricity, active listening, and entrepreneurship. Even those 10 days as 3rd level support, taught me how to work in very stressful situations where people expect you to solve their problems almost immediately.

How have you grown in your career at Avery Dennison?

Avery Dennison has provided many opportunities for growth that I seized immediately, even when I first joined as an innovation coordinator. In the past four years, I have been able to obtain my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, I have gained a lot of practical experience in workshop facilitation, strategic planning, agile product development, and I have led projects that aim to address real customer needs and improve the circularity of packaging.

What's the biggest stretch opportunity you've taken on?

A year and a half ago, I took over as project manager for a new product development project in our label and packaging division. Due to the complexity of the industry and the demanding functionalities that the product requires, it has been a very interesting experience to navigate this journey. At the same time, I have had to learn how to refine my communication, organizational, and leadership skills, as on any given day, I need to organize the collective work of more than 20 colleagues.

What role has mentorship played in your career?

It comes very naturally to me to ask advice from others and to decide for myself what I can learn from them, so I chose to have mentors already during my student years. As a young professional, having a mentor can help you learn faster and obtain insights that you would otherwise only get after many years of experience. I still remember the first book my first mentor gave me, and I refer to it often. Of course, you should also be able to evaluate your own skills critically and work towards improving them in response.

I have consciously maintained my childhood habit of asking 'why,' as I believe in striving for simple and useful solutions.

What's the best career decision you've ever made?

It is very hard to evaluate the effectiveness of numerous career decisions, but if I had to choose one, it would be the choice to invest in my education. Apart from specialized knowledge, it taught me the importance of critical and analytical thinking. It also allowed me to relocate and step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new cultures, learn new languages, and meet a lot of interesting people.

As you think about the next steps in your career, what are the most important actions you plan to take?

Staying up to date with global trends and understanding their impact on the company is essential for such a role. As a project manager, I recognize the importance of developing strong negotiation and influencing skills, particularly in situations where direct authority is limited.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I really enjoy that no two days are the same, as I get to work on many different topics on a daily basis. Thanks to the company's global reach, I am grateful to interact with talented people from all over the world.

90th Anniversary Reflection

What does Innovation mean to you in your daily work?

Innovation is often perceived as the brainchild of a few creative individuals. However, the journey of a service or product to widespread industry adoption typically involves years of effort from many hardworking people. External factors and unfavorable timing can be just some of the many obstacles. So, it also requires unwavering persistence in the face of conventional thinking. Furthermore, it is crucial to have the ability to inspire belief in an idea or approach in others. All of these reflections make up the basis of what I try to focus on with my work.

How do you get inspired to innovate within your role?

I ask questions and just talk to people, often finding inspiration through these interactions. I am a big fan of design thinking, so empathizing with others is a key part of my process. I have consciously maintained my childhood habit of asking "why," as I believe in striving for simple and useful solutions. I also make an effort to look beyond my immediate field, seeking inspiration and making connections in places that have nothing to do with Avery Dennison’s sector.

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