This video features Part 1 of a comprehensive interview with former Chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes, Michael Critelli, where he shares his unconventional career path and leadership insights. Starting his career in law before moving to a corporate legal department at Pitney Bowes in 1979, Critelli navigated through various roles, eventually becoming the CEO and Chairman. He emphasises the importance of customer-driven value, the challenges and transformations he faced, including navigating the company through the Internet boom, 9/11, recessions, and the decline in traditional mail. Critelli also discusses strategic decisions, such as acquisitions and divestitures, focusing on the importance of adapting to change, learning from 'weak signals' in the market, and maintaining a continuous strategy refresh. His journey underscores the significance of internal promotion, humility in leadership, the value of asking challenging questions, and the impact of listening to dissenting voices for organisational growth and adaptation.

00:00 The Unconventional Path to Leadership: Michael Critelli's Journey
01:30 Rising Through the Ranks: From Legal Counsel to CEO
04:28 Strategic Shifts: Reinventing Pitney Bowes for the Future
07:09 Embracing Change: The Power of Strategic Adaptation
17:52 Listening to the Dissenters: The Value of Contrary Opinions
28:13 The Importance of Being Agile and Learning from Failure
45:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Leaders

Find Mike here: https://www.mikecritelli.com

Journey of a CEO: Innovation and Strategic Adaptation at Pitney Bowes

This script features an extensive conversation with Michael Critelli, former Chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes, discussing his unique career trajectory, strategic innovations, and leadership insights. Starting as an outsider in the legal domain, Critelli's move to Pitney Bowes in 1979 marked the beginning of a transformative era in mail communication and corporate strategy. He narrates his rise within the company amidst challenges like the internet, 9/11, recessions, and the decline in mail volume. Critelli emphasizes the importance of listening to clients, adapting to market changes, and leveraging internal potential for leadership roles. The dialogue also explores how Pitney Bowes redefined itself from a mailing company to a 'Mailstream solutions enterprise through strategic acquisitions and innovation. Critelli shares lessons on leadership, recognizing the value in dissenting opinions for business growth, the criticality of adapting business strategies in response to external changes, and the significance of continuous learning and staying humble as a leader. The script culminates in a discussion on strategic decision-making, highlighting the importance of not getting emotionally attached to current successes and being open to change for future sustainability.