Michael Williams

Interesting read:

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“Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the ‘me’ for the ‘we.’” Phil Jackson (yes, the super coach of Chicago Bulls, I'd say he has all my attention when it comes to building successful teams) I came across this simple, yet powerful quote in this interesting article on the Fourth Q. Worth a read! As leaders, we all need to grasp the challenge and opportunity laying in the new skillsets demanded equally by our teams and the situations we encounter. #leadership #team

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Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the game-changer that transforms operational leadership from purely tactical to strategically impactful. Let’s explore why EQ isn't just a skill but the strategic advantage every operations leader needs to harness.

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What do you lean on in times of adversity? Listen to episode 22 of the Unstuck: Break the Mold and Become Unstoppable Podcast "Getting Unstuck When Adversity Hits" to find out where I find my strength during those times. https://lnkd.in/eutz7uB3 https://lnkd.in/emfcSy5W https://lnkd.in/ezadSehq #unstuck #unstuckmasterplan #executiveleadership

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Amazing to hear Gavin Hattersley, CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company, share insights at The Beverage Forum! Molson Coors' strategic shift towards "beyond beer" brands like Simply Spiked, ZOA Energy, and more has been a game-changer, driving growth in both top and bottom lines for the first time since 2005 (talk about impressive!). As Gavin rightly puts it, "Summer is when we'll win or lose as an industry." The success during May through Labor Day will determine the trajectory of the entire category. Molson Coors' approach to innovation has evolved significantly in recent years. They've transitioned from a strategy of throwing a plethora of products at retailers and distributors to a more deliberate approach. This shift has led to a more focused and effective product lineup, enhancing their overall strategy and market performance. One of their big bets for this year is Happy Thursday, a no carbonation beverage similar to Vitamin Water with alcohol. This innovative product was inspired by insights into trending beverages from TikTok. It's no secret that macroeconomic conditions have posed challenges, leading to a somewhat subdued outlook. Interestingly, despite ongoing innovation in cannabis beverages, the impact on Molson Coors remains minimal. Additionally, Molson Coors' response to the growth of brands like Athletic Brewing Co. includes innovations such as Birra Peroni 0.0 and Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic. Excited to see how the industry evolves, and looking forward to more discussions and insights from leaders like Gavin Hattersley at The Beverage Forum! #BeverageIndustry #Beer #Innovation #TheBeverageForum #IndustryInsights #CPG #Retail #NonAlch #CSD #Alcohol Danny Stepper LA Libations Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.

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Got a minute? How about a “Macro” minute? Our short form update to the Beverage Alcohol business has been getting positive feedback and we appreciate it. Kaleigh Theriault and I have the latest 4 week ending 5/18/24 NIQ reporting available. One of the views that many of you seem to enjoy is what the business looks like when we create a 4th mega category for Ready to Drink. 🍸 RTD – continues to show some positive impact this period with dollars +1.3% but volume is down over -2%. When viewed on its own, RTD is well over a 12 share of the total alcohol dollars off trade. FMB and Spirits based cocktails are driving momentum while Seltzers are declining growth. This view shows you how volume challenged the Beer, Wine and Spirits segments remain when we exclude RTD.  Most category dollar revenue continues to flirt with flat growth, going into the pivotal summer selling season. 💡 Let me know if you want to get the update details, and please continue to share your thoughts and commentary. 😂 And just because …. Why did the data analyst go broke?  Because he lost his cache! 😆 OK, back to my day job.

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Happy Friday everyone!! I am on the hunt for my next corporate role and would appreciate any leads you might have. Below is a brief synopsis of my experience and skills. Thanks in advance!! Operations Management Professional Continuous Improvement | Process Optimization | Transformational Analysis 💥 A top-performing operations leadership professional who incorporates the fact-based, detail-driven discipline of an engineer into developing, streamlining and implementing practices, policies and procedures, utilizing KPIs and ensuring quality, compliance and customer satisfaction in manufacturing environments. Ensures that the correct resources, equipment and infrastructure are in place to support successful completion of products or projects in the safest manner with the highest quality and in the most efficient and timely manner, accomplished at or below the target estimated cost. ✅ Global Operations Management & Engineering: Creates strategies to increase sales and reduce costs through analytical feedback, competitive intelligence, reduction of waste, increased efficiency and removal of bottlenecks. Spearheads product development and enhancements through product analysis and technology; the creation of project milestones; and leading development teams to deliver on time and within budget. ✅ Process Improvement & Business Transformation: Determines best practices, performs gap analysis and creates improvement plans to enhance processes that utilize human and capital resources to fullest capacity. ✅ Quality Assurance: Establishes baselines for industry and customer requirements by working enterprise wide to identify areas of weakness and implement solutions that comply with all regulatory bodies. Drives strategy for continuous improvement. ✅ Leadership: Applies a collaborative approach that includes team leadership, project management, strategic partnerships, client facing and process optimization. Motivational style used to develop, mentor and empower employees to excel.

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Leadership Lessons from the Frontline Spending time on the floor with your team is one of the best ways to learn as a leader. Seeing operations up close and hearing directly from those doing the work inspires ideas and builds trust. Leadership happens in the details. What’s one lesson you’ve learned by connecting with your team?

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Just found out I’m now responsible for the suggestion box at work. At first, I had no idea where that was coming from—but as a manufacturing veteran, I’m not surprised! 😄 I guess saying “yes” one too many times makes you the go-to person for everything! In all seriousness, I’m excited to use this as a tool to tap into the deepest thoughts of our hardworking team. Listening and responding to their ideas is a key part of the One Degree Shift program I’m driving. Every small improvement counts! 🚀 #ContinuousImprovement #OneDegreeShift #Leadership #Manufacturing #EmployeeVoice

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Molson Coors Beverage Company takes a majority ownership stake in ZOA Energy, a "better-for-you" energy brand co-founded by celebrity actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson The deal is a natural development after the 2021 distribution deal September 2023 minority stake purchase by MCBC, and a clear sign of Molson doubling down on its transition to a 'total #beverage' company "ZOA’s portfolio features better-for-you energy drinks and pre-workout supplements, all made with high-quality ingredients, according to the company, like electrolytes, B & C vitamins, and zero sugar. It comes in 12-ounce cans with 160 milligrams of caffeine in flavors like Frosted Grape, Tropical Punch, Strawberry Watermelon, and Cherry Limeade." Reportedly, ZOA’s highlights a 50% repeat purchase rates, and 30% of consumers being 'new to category' meaning less dependence on costly MS% fight over the same consumers vs the category incumbents Zoa's omnichannel presence is also a point to highlight: - 25k+ retail locations - 86k+ points of distribution - Significant DTC business - 3P #eCommerce: top 10 energy drink brands on Amazon #food #fmcg #cpg #strategy Frederic Fernandez & Associates

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In the realm of leadership, the distinction between “I” and “Us” is crucial in shaping effective leadership behavior and attributes. While personal achievements and individual decision-making have their place, true leadership thrives in the collective strength of “Us.” Leaders who embody the “Us” mindset prioritize team success over individual accolades. They understand that the power of collaboration and collective effort far outweighs solitary achievements. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and shared responsibility, these leaders empower their teams to contribute their best. Being a part of “Us” means valuing the input and perspectives of every team member. It involves active listening, encouraging open communication, and creating a culture where everyone feels their contributions matter. This approach not only enhances team morale but also drives innovation through diverse thinking. Collective leadership is about recognizing that no single person has all the answers. It’s about leveraging the strengths and talents of the entire team to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Leaders who champion this approach inspire trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and resilient. #Leadership #Teamwork #CollectiveLeadership #Collaboration #Inclusivity #Empathy #TeamSuccess #OpenCommunication #TeamCohesion #Innovation #SharedResponsibility

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A leader’s job is not to do the thing that needs doing. Good Leaders devote themselves to elevating others and then harnessing thier gifts for mutual benefits to the organization. Find people who are better than you at everything that needs doing, then submit to what makes them incredible.

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Molson Coors is divesting its four craft beer brands and shutting down its own craft label as the brewing behemoth exits an industry it once longed to access. The whiplash further signals that big beer makers are no longer enamored with craft brands as that slice of the market posts negative growth for the first time in its history. Molson Coors announced Tuesday the sale of its craft beer portfolio — Hop Valley in Oregon, Terrapin in Georgia, Revolver in Texas and Atwater in Michigan — to Tilray, a Canadian company with interests in cannabis and beer. In addition, Molson Coors announced it would shut down its Colorado-based, in-house craft brand AC Golden at the end of September, according to a memo obtained by Axios. Molson Coors chief commercial officer Michelle St. Jacques said the moves allow the company to focus on its premium national brands, Blue Moon and Leinenkugel, as well as non-beer alcoholic beverages, such as seltzers and hard cocktails. "As we map our path forward, we recognize we need to sharpen our focus on the segments where we see the greatest opportunity for our collective businesses," she wrote in the memo to wholesalers. Global beer makers like Coors and Anheuser-Busch rushed to acquire craft beer brands at the height of their boom a decade ago, but fortunes have shifted. The overall beer industry sank 5% in production volume in 2023, but saw retail sales increase 3%. Meanwhile, craft beer production decreased 1% — its worst number since the industry came into view in the 1970s. AB InBev divested eight craft brands, including Breckenridge, 10 Barrel and Shock Top breweries, to Tilray last August. Constellation Brands sold its craft breweries — including the billion-dollar Ballast Point — in recent years. Tilray's two acquisitions from big beer makers now positions the company as one of the five largest craft brewers in the U.S. "Tilray Brands plans to continue to invest in the future of these craft breweries, accelerating their growth and capturing a wide range of new market opportunities," Irwin D. Simon, Tilray's CEO and chairman said in a statement. "Tilray Brands is a beacon for craft brands, and we are committed to driving their growth and success within our portfolio." To earn the "craft beer" seal, it must meet the definition of small and independently owned, set by the industry's trade group, the Colorado-based Brewers Association. Now that Tilray is the owner, all four of its new brands will qualify as craft — a symbolic but significant indicator to consumers.

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The Power of Collaboration Leadership is a team sport. Whether it’s driving operational excellence or launching a new initiative, the best outcomes happen when every voice is valued. Success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people working together toward a shared goal. How has collaboration driven success in your team?

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If you want to know what we're about at Veryable, this video captures the essence of what drives us to do what we do. #operationsmanagememt #industryexperience #problemsolving

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