From CIO to Professional Implementer: Andy Platt’s Strategic Journey

2024-10-23

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, Ryan welcomes Andy Platt, the former CIO of Smuckers and currently a Professional Implementer. Andy shares his career journey at Smucker's, from internal audit to CIO, and how the book Traction helped him realize the com...

Let’s dive in!

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Andy Platt, the former CIO of Smuckers and currently a Professional Implementer. Andy shares his career journey at Smucker's, from internal audit to CIO, and how the book Traction helped him realize the company's success was rooted in strategic focus, core values, and vision. The conversation explores the principles of EOS, the importance of mentorship, and the differences between coaching and mentoring. Andy emphasizes the value of strategic focus at companies and putting the right people in the right roles to foster organizational growth and innovation.

Andy Platt is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years of experience driving growth and transformation. During his tenure at Smucker’s, Andy played a key role in growing the company tenfold through strategic acquisitions and organizational development, ultimately achieving Fortune 500 status. His leadership roles spanned C-level positions focused on acquisition due diligence, integration, and building processes to foster discipline and accountability. After retiring, Andy transitioned into higher education, teaching Business Strategy at the University of Akron. Now an EOS Implementer, Andy leverages his extensive career experience to help business owners and leadership teams achieve their goals with clarity and focus.

Episode Highlights

00:00 - Introduction and Andy’s Background
05:31 - Discovering EOS and "Traction"
10:01 - Cultural Shifts and Strategic Decisions
15:22 - Core Focus and Organizational Goals
20:33 - The Value of Right People in the Right Seats
25:11 - The Role of Mentorship in Professional Development
30:36 - Creating a "Help First" Culture
35:01 - Coaching vs. Mentoring

Quotes

"The 'right people, right seat' approach isn't just about filling roles; it’s about understanding what needs to be done first. Too often, organizations rush to fit people into predefined structures. We should define the mission and then align the right individuals to those roles. This may mean rearranging current positions or even creating new ones. It's about strategic alignment, not just compliance."
"Mentorship is critical for both individual and organizational development. I had mentors throughout my career at Smucker's who shaped my journey. It thrives in a 'help first' culture—where seeking help is encouraged. But here's the kicker: the responsibility lies with the mentee. They must be proactive, open, and ready to articulate their challenges. If they don’t take that step, the relationship struggles."
"Many entrepreneurs resist implementing structure because they fear it will stifle creativity. But in reality, the right structure can enhance innovation! It provides clarity and focus, allowing teams to think creatively within a framework. Without that clarity, you risk chaos, which does not foster innovation; it hinders it."
"Coaching is about skill development within a specific framework, like EOS. Mentoring, on the other hand, is more about leveraging experiences to navigate challenges. The mentee should drive the relationship, seeking insights rather than waiting for advice to come. It’s a dynamic interaction where both parties learn and grow, but the onus is largely on the mentee."
"When Smucker's acquired brands like Jif and Crisco, it was a major cultural shift. We expanded our vision from just fruit spreads to being a broader branded food company. This change was crucial for realizing our full potential. Companies must regularly evaluate their vision and be willing to pivot. Stagnation is a risk no organization can afford."

Episode Resources