In Richard Ashman’s role as general manager at Palloys, he makes it a priority to look after his staff and cultivate a supportive and inclusive work atmosphere.
As a leader in your business, what is the single most important value you want to pass to your employees?
This quote by Steve Jobs has always resonated with me. “Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”
This statement has always been at the forefront of my leadership values and principles. It’s also central to my operational and strategic planning as I look ahead to brand, product and business growth. My core leadership values underpin the decisions and actions I take each day to meet and exceed my objectives.
Successful leadership involves having a clear vision and taking your team on the journey to achieve success but being flexible and adaptive to different situations and team dynamics. Behaviours and traits I have always tried to employ include a willingness to listen, trust, honesty, integrity and respect. But if I had to narrow it down to one single element it would have to be empowering others to be the best they can be.
To me this means providing the tools, training, support and cultural environment to allow individuals and teams to innovate, take risks if necessary and own a problem through to its successful conclusion to achieve amazing results.
For Richard, inspiration surrounds him, whether it be colleagues at Palloys, industry professionals or market leaders in alternative fields.
How do you find inspiration to move your business forward?
I’ve always found inspiration in business close at hand. Staying connected to my customers, team and competitors provides some of the best sources of truth about my current business.
I also think staying connected with industry trends and drawing insights and learnings from top performing brands that are market leaders outside of my direct industry can often provide innovation from a very different perspective.
Due to the significant impact that Richard has in this position, he doesn’t take tough decisions lightly and is systematic and considerate in his resolutions.
What tough decision have you had to make in your role?
Senior leadership carries many roles and responsibilities as decisions I make can often impact our brand, customers or employees. Decisions about leading my teams and influencing organisational direction are made carefully and methodically.
Our company is growing rapidly and, like many businesses, we too have many challenges. So trying to make decisions on how to best structure the team for future growth and profitability whilst juggling what operational systems and business transformation projects to prioritise can be challenging.
Palloys delivers a commitment to sustainability, offering an ethical range of products and services as well as a dedication and attentiveness to their customers current and future needs.
What have you found to be the most important attributes of your business for your customers?
At Palloys, we pride ourselves on the unique value proposition and product quality we offer to our customers. Palloys supports the complete value chain, including service and brand offering, from CAD/CAM design, 3D printing, moulding, casting, finishing and ready made jewellery through to refining.
At the heart of Palloys is the importance of sustainability. That’s also why only Palloys manufactures jewellery and fabricated metals using 100 percent Australian gold as audited and certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Palloys also recognises the importance of having a customer-centric approach. Our team and overall business is built on trust and having long term relationships with our customers. I think nothing is more rewarding than seeing our customers satisfied by the quality of work and service our team offers, and for them to entrust us to bring their jewellery visions to life.
Richard is optimistic about the new year but addresses his concerns, like many of our contributors, regarding the overall economic situation.
What do you anticipate the challenges of 2023 will be for the industry?
Even amid an uncertain macro-economic factor such as rising Inflation and economic downturn I’m optimistic about 2023 and predict strong jewellery sales.
Talent acquisition, retention and skilled labour shortages continue to be an ongoing challenge. I’m encouraged by the tenure of Palloys highly experienced team, however being prepared for operational changes and impacts as well as our growth objectives, is always important.
The prospect of a new year at Palloys is met with much excitement and enthusiasm.
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
This will be another big year for Palloys and I am especially excited about reconnecting with our customers nationally. I’m also looking forward to introducing the next evolution of our brand and being more visible as a business when it comes to community initiatives. 2023 will be a year for transformations, growth and innovation. We’ve always been committed to being pioneers in everything we do – this year will be no different. Exciting times ahead!
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