Darren Cassidy - Leading digital transformation in a global brand built on paper and print

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast

Episode 47

Darren Cassidy: Leading digital transformation in a global brand built on paper and print

Summary

Darren Cassidy has been with global print tech giant Xerox for 33 years – in 18 different roles.

He’s now the company’s MD in GB and Ireland – and President of its operations in Western Europe.

But in Episode 47 the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Darren tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi that he is as excited now as he was on the first day he walked through the door at Xerox.

During 30 minutes of insightful leadership chat, he talks about learning to change mindsets, the importance of younger staff and becoming an evangelist for transcendental meditation.

He also reveals how, although he is now the MD, he was originally turned down by Xerox after he failed his first interview.

Key leadership takeaways

Darren said:

On managing change in a business…

“One of the biggest things your team needs during a period of change is clarity… clarity of where to place their attention, and where to focus.”

On having the right mindset to perform and do business…

“When you go into a situation you either see opportunities or problems – the difference is massive. Having the right mindset is a skill… [with the right training] we can all get better at it.”

On being able to change the mindset of the people around you…

“It’s one of the biggest skills leaders need today.”

On becoming an evangelist for Transcendental Meditation…

“During the one time in my career when things started to appear dark, my wife announced – You’re going to do this meditation course, I think it will be good for you! And it was. I now do 20 minutes meditation every day.”

On the importance of leaders creating a culture of learning…

“The pace of change means if we’re not learning we’re going backwards fast. Talk to people, be inquisitive. Spend time engaging with what you don’t know.”

On why leaders should always be looking to take on young staff…

“Xerox is a good company to work for… so one of our greatest strengths is the number of people who have been with us for 35 years or more – but at times it’s also our greatest weakness.”

On recognising what you want to do…

“I drifted through school because I wanted to be a professional sportsman… then I realised what I really wanted to do was selling – and everyone told me the best sales company in the world was Xerox.”

On why selling should be better recognised as a skill in business…

“Sales done well is tough to do – but it has high impact.”

On celebrating the success of your staff when they move on…

“I love it when people get bigger jobs and get promoted… it’s the biggest accolade.”

On leaders not surrounding themselves with ‘yes men and women’…

“I pick a team full of people who are brave enough and good enough to tell me to stop… slow down… to challenge me.”

And his advice to young, would-be leaders…

“Learning what you don’t like is just as important as learning what you do like – so go and try things. Don’t take the next, safe option. Take risks!”

Related links

• There’s more about Darren Cassidy’s leadership philosophy, on his LinkedIn pages