Industry Voices: Debbie Nice on Leading with Integrity

In this next instalment of our new series, Industry Voices, we distill the highlights from our March 2024 interview with Boss interim CEO, Debbie Nice

This article is an edited version of our interview with Debbie, originally published in our March 2024 issue: Dealer Support

“The office supplies industry had 4 wholesalers and over 2,500 dealers when I started my career. E-Commerce and mobile phones didn’t exist and the top 10 items for sale included Tippex, Twinlock Crystalfiles, typewriter ribbons and fax rolls. Almost everything has changed. The industry has diversified its product range massively from being a supplier to the office to a supplier to the whole business. To keep evolving and attract new talent we must listen to the workforce and identify leaders of the future.

Modern Working Styles

When hiring we need to be aware that people are looking for flexible working routines, modern working environments, fulfilling careers and they need great leaders from who they can learn and progress. Technological advances during my working career have been phenomenal and the tools to enable us to work remotely are empowering. I’m a fan of LinkedIn for business networking and for thought leadership and continual learning and it’s much easier to keep in touch with people now.

Investing in People

I think investment in people is essential as there have been so many changes in the way we work over the last 5 years. Training and redefining job descriptions will be important with the advance of AI, carbon reduction targets and the aftermath of the pandemic all forcing companies to reorganise their workforce and upskill their teams to take advantage of new opportunities. Investment in efficient technology, e-Commerce and systems will help companies keep costs down whilst creating capacity to sell more, investment in a sustainable policy will be critical to help companies compete and win business.”

To read the full version of Debbie’s interview, you can click the link above to revisit the March 2024 issue of Dealer Support.