# 26 - Paul Nowak, VP of Enterprise Solutions at Quad Graphics

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2020-06-16
- Length: 46m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-f12

## Summary

Paul Nowak, VP of Enterprise Solutions at Quad Graphics, discusses his 27-year career in the packaging industry, from his early days inspecting folding carton defects to leading enterprise solutions. He shares his personal journey as an out gay man in the early 1990s, explaining how stopping self-editing and showing his authentic self led to promotions and better problem-solving through diversity of thought. Nowak highlights Quad Graphics' inclusive culture, acquired via the purchase of his previous employer, and emphasizes the importance of safety, mentorship, and community organizing skills in navigating corporate environments. He concludes by expressing a desire to magically transition the packaging industry to renewable energy to reduce capital expenditure barriers.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=6) Introduction: Paul Nowak and Quad Graphics
- [2:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=136) Paul Nowak's Career Path and Role at Quad
- [6:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=382) Starting in Packaging and Industry Culture
- [11:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=695) Quad Graphics Acquisition and Company Culture
- [15:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=933) Coming Out and Authenticity in the Workplace
- [24:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=1464) Safety, Planning, and Resources for LGBTQ Employees
- [34:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=2058) Applying Community Organizing Skills to Sustainability
- [39:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=2393) Mentorship from Tim Wayman
- [42:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2020-06-16-26-paul-nowak-vp-of-enterprise-solutions-at-quad-graphics#t=2572) Magical Fix: Transitioning to Renewable Energy

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Quad Graphics (company)
- New Belgium Brewing (company)
- Home Depot (company)
- Beck Carton (company)
- Proteus Packaging (company)
- Human Rights Campaign (other)

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## Citing this page

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