Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, discusses print leadership with Fred Soar, managing director of Soar Print.

In the sixth episode in our Leading in Print series for The Print Files, Fred Soar, owner of successful print business Soar Print - which is celebrating its centenary this year - shares the lessons he has learned from 30 years of leading and growing a print business.

He tells us how he got into the print industry and began working with the family business. He acknowledges the importance of education and continuous learning for his staff and himself, including the benefits of business coaching.

The discussion moves on to the need for on-going adaptation to keep up with the increasing pace of change, always looking for improvements and being willing to adopt new technology and machinery. This leads to the benefits obtained by working closely with clients and suppliers to help them improve their operations, adding value to their businesses as well as your own.

Fred reviews the company values that form the foundation of their decision making, and are vital when conducting acquisitions and merger which Soar Print has managed. He describes the company's strategic planning and subsequent monitoring while also noting that addressing environmental issues, recycling and reducing the company's carbon footprints are actually reducing costs, not introducing expenses.

The episode wraps up with Fred revealing the key lessons he has learned, and the most important leadership principles he would pass onto the younger generation of print leaders and aspiring leaders.

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The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via their website www.print21.com.au or send an email to editor@print21.com.au

Coordinator: Grant McHerron

Host: Wayne Robinson

Producer: Steve Visscher

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