Vanguard Magazine

60 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 www.vanguardcanada.com game ChanGer See the full interview online As the President of HCL Logistics Inc., Tim Van Holst is responsible for being "innovator, contract compliance, se- curity compliance, and head employee cheerleader." He said that his daily activities revolve around ensuring their staff think with a mindset that supports the vision of an engaged, empowered, loyal and moti- vated workforce. "Supporting this cul- ture of individual and company continu- ous improvement naturally cascades to our customers and reflects in our perfor- mance for them," he added. Van Holst started out in the de- fence industry working for Magna in the position of GM, Diesel Division. "Through business process improve- ment, relationships and technology, I have been able to create a different outlook for warehousing, distribution and logistics," he said. As a Vanguard Game Changer, we had the opportunity to interview Tim Van Holst. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? Old Management, styles or relationships don't work in today's world. People do not naturally want to trust and fol- low you or your direction. We live in a fast-paced, "informed," yet personally disconnected society; the only thing that resonates with people is when you take the time to actually talk with them, not at them. This is the difference between a boss and a leader. Q What was your worst moment? Requiring to lay off staff when vol- umes lowered. Our entire management team is cognizant of the impact of fear and anxiety to each employee or family when a layoff occurs. We, as a group, have worked through volume reduc- tions where possible, because to our team heart count is more important than headcount. Q What was your "aha" moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader? Tell us that story. When I connected with my employee's desperate need for authentic or humble leadership. Whether it is our employees or our customers, taking the time to establish a personal relationship that is more open and honest then most leaders are comfortable with. It goes a long way when the road gets tough. Employees and customers hate nothing more than a political answer; I try to avoid ever hav- ing to give such answers unless privacy of the customer or employee is required. Q Step back and analyze your journey; what is the takeaway you want to give to your audience? Personal, humble, honest characteristics can be game-changing in a co-worker, client and business success. When you know the reason why you do what you do, and it equates to taking care of your employees as much as your clients, the result is an autonomous, successful busi- ness. Q What is the best advice you received? Don't spend a minute sulking over something you didn't get or have given to you. Relentlessly give of yourself, and you will be rewarded in kind. Q What is a habit that contributes to your success? Being relentlessly optimistic, focusing on my vision, and taking risks. Always tak- ing the opportunity to listen, guide and counsel. Q What people or organizations do you believe best embody the Innovation mindset? Apple Inc., FactoryBucket.com and Si- mon Sinek. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your organization or industry sector? Change in process or use of technology can sometimes be uncomfortable for peo- ple. Q What are the biggest impediments to innovation in today's enterprise? Fear of job loss or change. People getting comfortable with innovation or technol- ogy and embracing it tends to be a stum- bling block for some businesses. Q How has innovation become engrained in your organization's culture and how is it being optimized? I count our organization blessed that our staff adopt the philosophy continuous improvement. They understand the re- quirement to stay current and supportive of what we can offer to customers. Not only do they use the latest technology, they also look to maximize our systems to deliver the best results. Q What is your parting piece of advice? Remember your "why." Whether it is your employees, client, end customer, or peers, why you do what you do is the driv- ing force to a positive outcome. Tim Van holST PrEsIdEnt hcl loGIstIcs Inc.

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