Jim Rooney, CEO of Pretium Packaging, emphasized the importance of people, culture and innovation in business success during his talk at Elon’s Business School.
On November 13, the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business hosted Jim Rooney, CEO of Pretium Packaging, at the LaRose Digital Theatre. Rooney spoke to students about his expertise in leadership, innovation, and navigating real-world challenges.
Rooney began his talk by emphasizing the importance of people and organizational culture in driving business success.
“The most critical asset of any business is its people,” said Rooney. “Making sure we have a people-focused culture is at the heart of the success of that business.”
He shared anecdotes about visiting manufacturing sites and engaging directly with employees on the shop floor.
“I go out and talk to the people on the shop floor,” Rooney said. “It sends the message to them that you care. When you lean in and engage with your team, you build a strong organization where people feel valued and motivated.”
Transitioning to the topic of innovation, Rooney described it as a process centered on solving customer problems and delivering novel solutions. He recounted the development of the Heinz Dip & Squeeze ketchup packet as an example of innovation driven by customer needs.
“I asked my client at Heinz, ‘What’s keeping you up at night?'” Rooney said. “He mentioned that families at Chick-fil-A were dissatisfied with the standard ketchup packets. So, we set out to create a new experience. Together, we developed a unique, innovative package that Chick-fil-A could proudly claim as their own, which is pretty cool.”
Rooney also touched on the critical aspect of work-life balance.
“The most important thing we have is our time,” he said. “You have to have work-life balance. It is extremely important. Your job is an important part of your life; it is not the most important part of your life.”
Offering advice to students preparing to enter the workforce, Rooney emphasized the importance of being selective and proactive.
“Remember that you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you,” he said. “You have the right to be picky. You have the right to ask them a lot of questions.”
During the Q&A session, students asked Rooney questions on various topics, including the future of e-commerce, strategies for maintaining work-life balance, and the role of mentorship in professional development.
“If you’re not having fun today, we’re doing something wrong,” Rooney said in closing. “Make sure you spend your time in the right manner with the right people.”
