Kim Naran worked her way up from being a cleaner to becoming Managing Director of Packtech Tooling, a specialist tooling supplier to Africa’s printing, packaging, narrow web label and related industries. She shares her inspiring career journey and tips for success.
Your career path involved you starting as a cleaner and eventually becoming Managing Director. What skills/mindset got you to your current position and what were your biggest lessons?
Curiosity got the best of me — ‘stealing with the eye’ as one would say. I was determined to learn and feed my hunger for knowledge. This industry was male dominated and it was extremely difficult to gain respect from my colleagues, but I learnt that it was imperative for me to stay grounded and to lead by example. My biggest lesson was, and still is, to keep learning, and as I climb I uplift others throughout my journey.
How do you drive innovation and excellence in your business?
I focus heavily on training and mentorship. I believe in cross training and imparting valuable information, and I teach my staff to take pride in their work. I have also created an environment where staff feel valued and appreciated and, most importantly, I give them the platform to speak freely and share their ideas.
What is the key to a successful career in the printing industry?
Manufacturing of tooling for the print and packaging industry is a completely different ball game. Attention to detail, especially small detail, makes a huge difference. Communication is key, whether it is with staff or with your clients or suppliers. Be the sponge, and soak up all the knowledge. Be the go-to person. Be the problem solver.
What can be done to attract more women into more technical positions in printing businesses?
We need to create awareness — there are so many women making a name for themselves, yet their name stays behind once they step off the factory floor. Companies in this industry need to uplift and celebrate these women for their amazing work. We need to open our doors and create opportunities for young women who want to enter into this industry, teach them the basics, create mentorship programmes, help them find their path and make it more accessible for them.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I always say that I live for the biggest funeral. I want to be known for uplifting everyone who has crossed my path. I want to be remembered as a leader that led with empathy, commitment, drive and enthusiasm, and a women who has overcome many obstacles over the past few years — a woman who took those obstacles and converted them into stepping stones that have shaped the person I am today.
PACKTECH TOOLING
https://www.packtech.co.za
