19NOVEMBER 2025In an exclusive interview with Industry Outlook Magazine, Ajit Jain, Vice President of Human Resources (APAC & ANZ) at Signode, pointed out how coaching and mentorship within the packaging industry drive innovation in sustainable practices, adapt to digital technology shifts, and enhance workforce skills. Jain, an accomplished CXO leader, brings over 30 years of industry experience, including 13+ years in leadership roles. He excels in general management, industrial sales, and marketing across various sectors, successfully leading large cross-functional teams and managing multi-billion INR operations with full P&L responsibility.INDUSTRY INSIGHTSEMERGING CULTURE OF COACHING & MENTORSHIP IN THE PACKAGING INDUSTRYWith growing scrutiny on environmental impact, how are coaching and mentorship adapting to drive innovation in sustainable practices? What role do mentors play in fostering sustainability?The packaging industry, while rooted in the broader manufacturing sector, demands continuous innovation to stay ahead. To foster this innovation, it is crucial that employees are nurtured to be both creative and critical thinkers. Building an organization that encourages constant ideation starts with mastering the art of asking the right questions, questions that spark curiosity, drive deep insights and lead to breakthrough "aha" moments when facing challenges or problems.In today's context, coaching has gained significant traction across various industries, creating impactful change. Although manufacturing, as a traditionally conservative sector, has typically been slower to adopt such trends, it is now beginning to recognize the transformative potential of coaching and mentorship. These approaches encourage employees to engage with sustainability challenges more proactively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Mentors, by guiding employees to question conventional methods and explore sustainable alternatives, play a pivotal role in embedding environmental consciousness and innovative thinking at every level of the organization.This evolving approach not only aligns with the growing scrutiny on environmental impact but also positions the manufacturing industry to become a leader in sustainable innovation.As the packaging sector adopts digital technologies like AI and IoT, what innovative strategies are companies using in coaching and mentorship to reskill employees for effective technology use?Adopting digital technologies such as AI and IoT in the packaging sector brings a significant shift not just in processes but in workforce dynamics. While the decision to integrate these technologies is critical, the strategic approach Ajit Jain, Vice President - Human Resources (APAC & ANZ)Ajit Jain, Vice President - Human Resources (APAC & ANZ), SignodePIONEERING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN PAPER MILLS
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