Meet: Tony Liu – Group Performance Leader

At SEE, celebrating our people and their accomplishments is a core part of our culture. In our “Meet: Our People” series, you’ll hear directly from our people across the globe on what it’s like working at SEE, and a little bit about them outside of work.

Where are you located?

QingPu, Shanghai, China.

How long have you been at SEE? 

12 years.

How did you get started as a group performance leader at SEE and what led you to this role? 

My journey as a group performance leader at SEE began with my enthusiasm for polymer foaming technology while working on my master's degree. This passion eventually led me to SEE after I graduated from college. I started my career at SEE as a foam process engineer and now lead the BUBBLE WRAP^® brand NAIB & AUTOBAG^® brand APS (New Air Inflatable Bubble & Auto Packaging System) operation. It has been an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey so far.

What were some of the most significant challenges you faced while climbing the ladder to lead the NAIB & APS operation, and how did you overcome them? 

While advancing in my career and taking on the role of a group performance leader, I encountered several significant challenges. One of the most prominent challenges was handling various production issues that often came with tight deadlines. To address these challenges, I adopted a "calm down and stop loss" strategy. This approach allowed us to focus on finding effective solutions to the problems. By maintaining a composed and organized approach, we were able to overcome obstacles and prevent delays in order fulfillment. 

Another challenge was meeting manufacturing improvement goals. I embrace the culture at SEE, which encourages us never to be fully satisfied, and this motivates me to continuously identify areas for improvement. By seizing every opportunity and maintaining a proactive mindset, my team achieved remarkable performance. 

Additionally, I sought to improve my leadership skills. I focused on team construction and studied leadership principles.  By prioritizing the growth and well-being of team members, I fostered a supportive and nurturing environment that promoted loyalty and dedication. 

Walk us through a typical day as the group performance leader of the NAIB & APS operation at SEE. 

My typical day involves a mix of overseeing the production process and collaborating with my team to identify opportunities for improvement. Our primary focus is on achieving a zero-loss plant sustainability target, which drives us to consistently reinvent our approaches and strive for excellence.

Share some examples of sustainable practices you implemented in your role and how they positively impacted the company's overall performance. 

One of the key sustainable practices we implemented was the policy of not discarding any unqualified materials. We optimized our processes to reduce scrap output significantly and conducted numerous validation trials and process improvements, ultimately leading to decreased consumption of the entire scrap inventory in just two years.

Moreover, we explored new scrap sources, including those from other production lines, sister plants, and even customer sites. Countless trials allowed us to recycle materials that were previously considered waste, turning them into valuable inputs for our NAIB operations.

What are your favorite aspects of your role?

My favorite aspect of being a group performance leader at SEE is the opportunity to lead a dynamic team while being deeply involved in the technological aspects of NAIB & APS. As a technology enthusiast, I find joy in using my expertise to optimize operations and processes. At the same time, my skills in organization and management enable me to effectively lead and motivate my team. This combination empowers me to drive creativity, efficiency, and safety in our daily operations, leading to a fulfilling and satisfying role. 

What advice do you have for new employees looking to make a difference in their roles? 

My advice to new employees would be to think creatively and take the initiative from the very beginning. Waiting for the perfect moment can lead to missed opportunities. By approaching challenges proactively and fearlessly, new employees can contribute significantly and drive positive change right from the start. 

Who has played a crucial role in shaping the person you are today? 

My father has been a tremendous influence in shaping the person I am today. He demonstrated courage and optimism in the face of adversity and taught me the value of focusing on what we have rather than what we have lost. His dedication to hard work and maintaining a positive outlook has had a profound impact on how I approach challenges and stay resilient in both my personal and professional life. 

What are some hobbies or activities you enjoy?

Outside of work, I have a deep passion for traveling and exploring new places. Experiencing diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes fills me with joy and a sense of adventure. After an exciting day of travel, I find solace in reading a good book accompanied by a cup of tea.

What book or movie has had a lasting impact on you? 

My favorite movie is The Pursuit of Happiness. The story of determination and resilience depicted in the film has always resonated with me. It serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, a positive outlook, and the pursuit of our dreams, we can overcome any obstacle and find happiness in our journey. 

As for books, Rip It Up: The Radically New Approach to Changing Your Life by Richard Wiseman deeply inspired me to confront life with a proactive mindset. It taught me that our actions influence our awareness, not the other way around. The book's positive energy has had a profound impact on my leadership approach, influencing my team to embrace the same proactive attitude.

Interested in joining us? Check out our careers page for open roles.