John La Pierre: Embrace Change to Avoid Stagnation and Reflect on Progress
John La Pierre, Director of Public Relations at DENSO International Europe B.V. (DIEU)
Profile
With over 28 years of experience at DENSO, John La Pierre has worked in various departments since 1996, from finance and accounting to strategic and corporate planning.
Where he works
Currently, John serves as the director of public relations in Europe. Based in the EU Regional Headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, he is responsible for public relations and collaborates closely with regulatory affairs to strengthen the company's governmental affairs function. Furthermore, he enhances DENSO's reputation and presence among EU institutions in Brussels.
True collaborative efforts to achieve the shared goal
Public relations is a crucial tool for effectively communicating important company updates to our associates and building engagement. We also manage our external and brand communications through various channels, such as social media and events like the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich. Additionally, we collaborate with associations like CLEPA for joint lobbying efforts and work directly with our team in Brussels for lobbying activities in Brussels.
In September 2023, we proudly hosted the first visit of a Member of the European Parliament at one of our manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic. It's worth mentioning that without the strong support from DMCZ members, we could not have achieved this success. The internal understanding of the significance of this event and the alignment of activities planned on that day, not only in DIEU and DMCZ but also in DNJP, was crucial to its success.
Maintaining the status quo hinders effective functioning and leads to stagnation
Despite our daily challenges, it is crucial to continue working towards progress. Maintaining the status quo will result in stagnation and hinder one's ability to function effectively. This could lead to a loss of competitive advantage.
At this moment, we are reviewing our Governmental Affairs activities. While the foundation is set, we must move on to the next phase. Challenges, both personal and organizational, are an essential part of this next phase. We need to enhance our organizational capabilities to grow and overcome challenges that will occur.
Take a moment to reflect on how far we have come
I think it's essential to take a moment to reflect on what we're thankful for each day. After completing a project, I always ask the PR team members to share three points: what we did well, what we could improve, and what they're grateful for.
We often take things for granted, and I believe we can be more grateful for the accomplishments and successes we experience in our personal and business lives. Celebrating these moments can bring us closer together as a team.
In addition, one of my greatest motivations comes from contributing to the growth of the team members and seeing our efforts recognized by our stakeholders, resulting in outstanding achievement.
Diversity broadens perspectives and creates a balanced approach
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Working in a diverse environment can broaden our perspectives and lead to balanced solutions. When starting a project or new approach, I make it a point to reach out to those with a different perspective or see obstacles instead of opportunities. This helps me understand their point of view more deeply and consider how to convince them of the project's benefits.
One challenge in a diverse environment is that sometimes language can be misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings. Therefore, it's essential to confirm understanding and communicate clearly. I consider myself fortunate to work alongside talented individuals and learn from them. Furthermore, I appreciate the opportunity to lead a diverse team.
What do you like about DENSO?
I believe we can make a difference in society at DENSO. DENSO's philosophy of contributing to a better world by creating value and a vision for the future resonates with me, as does the fact that DENSO supports employees' professional growth.
Working with John
Peter Flanker, Senior Technical Manager, Regulatory Affairs, DIEU
John & I go back a long time together in the Works Council in early 2000.
Taking different career paths, it was in 2018 that our roads crossed again with the launch of the Governmental Affairs function in Europe.
Seasoned with totally different experiences that John and I gratefully obtained from working with many other colleagues, we are today more complementary in our thinking and actions than before.
The result is never a dull moment and a strong trust in and mutual respect for each other. That is what makes John a coach, a sparring partner, and a friend.