FlexoTech Podcast: Ep1 - Future Flexo Stars

In this podcast Andy Knaggs speaks to Shane D'Souza of Clifton Packaging about his experiences in leading the company as CEO, and what lessons can be learnt from it.

Welcome to the very first episode of Leaders in Flexo, a brand-new podcast series from FlexoTech exploring the people shaping the future of the flexographic printing industry. In each episode, we sit down with senior leaders to discuss the challenges, opportunities and leadership philosophies driving change across the world of flexo. Our inaugural guest is Alena Maran, VP of Strategy and Transformation at adapa Group, one of Europe's leading flexible packaging companies. Alena shares her insights into leading large-scale business transformation, explaining how adapa is evolving from a collection of acquired businesses into one unified, customer-focused organisation under its "One adapa" vision. She discusses the realities of driving change in an industry facing increasing regulatory pressure, sustainability demands, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological development. The conversation explores what effective leadership looks like during periods of change, from building trust and communicating with transparency to empowering employees to become ambassadors for transformation. Alena also explains why simplicity, customer centricity and data-driven decision-making are central to adapa's future, while sharing her views on the growing role of flexographic printing alongside digital and other print technologies in meeting the changing needs of packaging customers. Along the way, Alena reflects on the importance of authenticity in leadership, the lessons she's drawn from legendary polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, and why embracing complexity has become one of her greatest professional passions. It's an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation and leading organisations through uncertainty, offering valuable insights for anyone working in flexo, packaging or business transformation.

In this episode, hosted by FlexoTech editor Andy Knaggs, we shine a spotlight on the future of the flexo printing industry. We sit down with emerging talent - Grace Stenson, Lewis Minnis, and Archie Flatt - who are bringing fresh ideas, new energy, and innovative thinking to flexo. They share what drew them to the industry, the skills they’re developing, and how they see flexo evolving in a rapidly changing print and packaging landscape. From technology and sustainability to career pathways and real-world experiences, this conversation offers an honest look at what’s inspiring the next generation and why the future of flexo is in capable hands.Want to stay up to date in the world of flexo? Check out our website here: https://www.flexotechmag.com/