Welcome to the next edition of Leadership Matters where we ask leaders around the Pacific Zone for their insights and advice about leadership matters to support our continuing journey of personal and professional development.
In this edition, we hear from Vice President Industry Carlos Urbano (Urbano), who is responsible for the growth and development of the Industry and Process Automation business in the Pacific. As a member of the Pacific Zone executive team, Urbano works closely with Schneider Electric’s partners in the region to accelerate digital transformation and drive innovation in the market.
Urbano has held multiple roles within Schneider Electric over the past 16 years. Prior to this current role, he was based in Brazil as the Industry Business Director, where he led a team of approximately 100 people across marketing, sales, and engineering.
Urbano is passionate about Industry 4.0 and IIoT and driving tangible business results. He is proud to be part of such a diverse and inclusive organisation and believes we all have a responsibility to promote sustainable practices and advocate for a better future.
What motivates and excites you about your role at Schneider Electric?
I am truly motivated and excited about my role at Schneider because it allows me to be at the forefront of innovation and technology. Every day, I work with a talented team to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that address our customer needs. The fast-paced nature of the industry and the constant drive for improvement keep me energised and passionate about what I do. Knowing that my contributions have a direct impact on enhancing processes and driving efficiency in various sectors is incredibly rewarding.
What makes you most proud of your team?
What makes me most proud of my team is our commitment to excellence and collaboration. We have a diverse group of individuals who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we foster an environment of mutual support, where everyone's ideas are valued and respected. Witnessing the dedication and teamwork within our team, and seeing how it translates into successful project outcomes, fills me with immense pride. We celebrate each other's achievements and constantly push ourselves to deliver exceptional results.
How do you see Industry and Process Automation evolving in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, the integration of industrial automation and process automation businesses will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industry. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the convergence of these two fields will lead to ground-breaking advancements and synergies in Schneider.
By combining the expertise of industrial automation, which focuses on optimising manufacturing processes and equipment, with the capabilities of process automation, we can unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity. This integration will enable seamless connectivity between the physical and digital worlds, fostering a truly interconnected ecosystem. We will see the implementation of end-to-end automation solutions that span across the entire value chain.
This integration will pave the way for the adoption of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, industrial metaverse, etc. These technologies will enable intelligent decision-making, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations across diverse industries.
We’re one of the leading companies in the world when it comes to sustainability. How is your part of the business contributing to this?
As one of the leading companies in the world, we take immense pride in our commitment to sustainability.
To explain how our business contribute into this, we have to dig into the 'Industrial Sustainability Triad’ (automation, energy optimisation, and software) to know more…
Automation lies at the core of our sustainability initiatives. Through the implementation of advanced automation technologies, we help our customers optimise their processes, minimise waste, and maximise efficiency. By reducing manual labour and improving operational precision, our automation solutions contribute to resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
Energy optimisation is another vital aspect of our sustainability efforts. Our software solutions enable real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, empowering businesses to make informed decisions regarding their energy usage. By identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing energy-saving measures, we help our customers reduce their carbon footprint and achieve significant cost savings.
Our software solutions play a crucial role in driving sustainability by enabling digital transformation. By providing comprehensive software tools, we empower businesses to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, improve data accessibility and accuracy, leading to better decision-making and more sustainable practices.
Through integrating automation, energy management, and software, we offer a holistic approach to sustainability. We collaborate closely with our customers, understanding their unique needs and tailoring our solutions to align with their sustainability objectives. Through our comprehensive suite of offerings, we enable businesses to achieve their sustainability goals while driving innovation and growth.
What was a moment in your career that was pivotal or changed you in some way?
A pivotal moment in my career occurred earlier this year when I made the decision to relocate with my family to Australia. This move presented me with a multitude of transformative experiences and opportunities that are shaping me both personally and professionally, and of course, my family.
One of the most significant aspects of this transition was the chance to work alongside a new group of talented individuals. Collaborating with diverse team members from different backgrounds and cultures is bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. This multicultural environment is not only broadening my horizons but is also enhancing my ability to navigate and thrive in a globalised world.
Embracing this new chapter in my career is being a catalyst for personal growth and development. The journey of moving to a new environment, building relationships, and navigating through unfamiliar territory is challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace change with resilience. This experience is strengthening my adaptability, problem-solving skills, and capacity to thrive in dynamic and evolving work environments.
Which of our company values resonates with you most and why?
Among the company values, ‘Act Like Owners’ resonates with me the most and holds a deep personal significance. This value encapsulates the spirit of taking ownership, accountability, and responsibility for one's actions and their impact on the organisation's success.
To me, acting like an owner means going above and beyond the call of duty, treating the company's goals and objectives as my own, and consistently striving for excellence. It involves taking initiative, seeking opportunities to contribute beyond my designated role, and always looking for ways to drive positive change and create value.
Acting like an owner also means taking ownership of my own professional development. It involves continuously seeking opportunities for growth, learning from both successes and failures, and investing in my skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. By being proactive and embracing a growth mindset, I can contribute to the company's long-term success while achieving my personal goals.
What makes someone a good leader?
A good leader is someone who embodies trust. Trust is a core element that underpins effective leadership. When leaders build trust with their team members, it creates a solid foundation for collaboration, open communication, and high performance.
Trust allows team members to feel safe and supported, fostering a positive work environment. A good leader cultivates trust by being honest, transparent, and reliable. They demonstrate integrity, follow through on commitments, and lead by example.
Leaders who prioritise trust create an atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to take risks, share their ideas, and contribute their unique perspectives. Trust enables open dialogue, constructive feedback, and healthy conflict resolution, leading to better decision-making and innovation within the team.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is that sometimes we have to take some bitter medicine to fix our health problems. This analogy resonates with me because it applies not only to our physical well-being but also to personal and professional growth. I heard this from a very close friend that works for Schneider US and his name is Marcos Carlotto.
Stepping out of our comfort zone is like taking that bitter medicine. It may be uncomfortable and challenging at first, but it is often necessary for our development and success. Just as bitter medicine can address underlying health issues and lead to a stronger, healthier body, stepping out of our comfort zone can address personal and professional limitations and lead to a stronger, more resilient self.
By taking that bitter medicine, we confront our fears, broaden our perspectives, and gain valuable experiences. It is through these experiences that we develop resilience, creativity, and a greater capacity to overcome obstacles. Stepping out of our comfort zone allows us to discover hidden strengths and capabilities we never knew we possessed. It is through these challenging experiences that we learn and evolve, becoming better versions of ourselves.
