A Matter of positive leadership
Executive leader Anna Schleiffer on unlocking human potential beyond the task.
Question:
Hi Anna, we’re so happy to have you. Could you maybe start by giving the readers a quick introduction, how did you end up where you are now? What led you there? Why did you stay?
Anna:
I’m Anna, VP Global Operations at a leading manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions. I’m originally from Austria and currently based in Chicago. I am part of a global leadership team and oversee the operations at manufacturing sites around the world. As a strategic leader, my job is to help build the future and competitiveness of companies. Prior to my current role, I spent 14 years as a management consultant, which gave me the opportunity to work in a variety of industries and solve complex challenges. Joining a global company was an exciting opportunity to transition from short-term, project-based work to contributing to a multi-national organization and shaping long-term strategies. What drives me is an incredible team, a supportive company culture that values diversity, and the freedom to innovate and drive meaningful change. These factors motivate me every day to make a difference.
Q:
Wow, that sounds like a heck of a career. Could you tell us what matters to you? What drives you?
Anna:
I believe in creating pride in productivity. When people are passionate and proud of what they do, they not only feel more comfortable and have a sense of empowerment and belonging, but they are also more likely to be engaged and perform better. I coach leaders to create the right environment for people to thrive and to foster an open and inclusive atmosphere where people feel safe to openly discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions. Of course, there will always be challenges – the question is how you deal with them. For me, pride in productivity is not just about efficiency but about nurturing growth in every aspect of life, both professionally and personally. It is a transformative mindset that elevates work from a mere obligation to a proud, fulfilling endeavor. It's about creating environments where people feel valued, where their skills are recognized and utilized. This mindset, if adopted widely, can redefine the ethos of work cultures globally, making productivity a shared and cherished value. I’m driven by a commitment to simplifying complexity by promoting standardization and fostering collaboration across teams. I aim to empower people by building on their strengths and available resources, rather than weaknesses. What really drives me is creating a future where people and processes work in harmony to achieve sustainable success and meaningful synergies—a true win-win.
Q:
How did you find your purpose?
Anna:
During my consulting career, I had the privilege of working with a wide range of companies. I learned what works and what doesn't. And, most of all, how important people and culture are to the success of a company. I’ve always been fascinated by complex systems and knowledge management. Over time, I realized that my purpose is to help build an environment where these elements come together to drive positive, sustainable change, customer focus, and operating profit.
Q:
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to fulfilling your purpose or reaching the desired outcome?
Anna:
A big part of what I do is getting people on board with change and making sure it’s implemented in a way that’s sustainable. It’s not always easy—it takes a lot of relationship-building and stakeholder management because, at the end of the day, change only works if people believe in it. One of the most challenging parts of my role is juggling all the different expectations that come with it. There are conflicting priorities, and sometimes I have to make decisions even when things aren’t completely clear. It’s about finding that sweet spot between addressing immediate needs and staying focused on long-term goals—all while staying true to my own values and sense of purpose.
“For me, pride in productivity is not just about efficiency but about nurturing growth in every aspect of life, both professionally and personally. It is a transformative mindset that elevates work from a mere obligation to a proud, fulfilling endeavor.”
– Anna Schleiffer
Q:
How do you bring your Matter into your work and worklife?
Anna:
For me, a big part of what I do is helping to bring purpose and vision to life. Making sure people understand the “why” behind what they're doing, how they can contribute or get better, and why it all matters. Things like sustainability and improving people’s lives are examples of the bigger picture I love connecting people to. I spend a lot of time with people. It's important to listen and make real connections. When people feel heard and included, they’re far more likely to embrace change and new ideas. By fostering these connections and encouraging open dialogue, not only do I continue to learn myself, but I also strive to inspire others to find meaning in their work and to make ideas happen. Over the years, it's been a sometimes challenging but always rewarding learning curve for me personally. I’m deeply grateful to my leaders, colleagues, and inspiring individuals who have supported and guided me along the way.
Q:
What tip would you give people who want to work on things that Matter?
Anna:
Discovering my own “true purpose" hasn't been a straightforward journey – it's been a process of evolution. For a while, I was caught up in the minutiae of daily life, focusing on immediate tasks and details. Now, I realize that the most important thing is to cultivate deep connections and empower those around me to pursue their passions and create a fulfilling future. My tip is to pause, take a step back and identify recurring themes or topics that have always resonated with you. These can point to your deeper purpose. Don’t chase the illusion of who you think you should be. Embrace who you are and build on your authentic strengths.
Q:
If you could change one thing, when it comes to your Matter, what would it be?
Anna:
For me, it's not about changing one thing, it's about constantly identifying small and big changes, what might be important and how to drive continuous improvement. With the rapid advancement of technology, it is more important than ever to create a meaningful environment where people can connect and grow. As leaders, our ongoing role is to protect our teams and create the optimal conditions for our teams and colleagues to not only do their jobs, but to thrive.
Note: The views expressed in this interview are solely Anna's and do not reflect the views or positions of her company.
Anna’s Matters: #positive leadership #people centric #collaboration #innovation #structured complexity