Developing and Communicating Strategy
Peter Faulhaber, president of Fujifilm Recording Media U.S.A, Inc. (FRMU), is responsible for creating and implementing strategy for the company's operations in North and South America. Facing the challenges of a highly competitive global marketplace, he enrolled in Strategy—Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage at Harvard Business School to learn from the experiences and insights of senior executives from around the world. He shares his thoughts about the program.
Can you talk a little about your company's business?
FRMU is the leader in innovative data protection products and solutions that enable organizations to effectively manage exponential data growth. Many of the world's largest data centers use our products and solutions for data protection applications including backup and long-term archiving. Under my leadership as president of the company, we have increased our manufacturing share and branded market share position through new product and service innovations with a focus on exceptional customer satisfaction.
Why did you choose to attend this program?
I chose to attend Strategy—Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage because I believe strategy is the most relevant topic at the senior management level. I have always been very focused on strategy with my direct team. I was hoping for the opportunity to discuss the latest trends and best practices in strategy and to exchange ideas with my fellow participants. It's never easy to break out of the daily routine, but this subject matter deserves dedicated time and effort.
What were your objectives, and did the program meet them?
My main objective was to gain new perspectives and tools for developing an enhanced, comprehensive, and sustainable business strategy in today's ever-changing market environment. Through collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas, the program helped me achieve this objective and more. The entire experience exceeded my expectations.
Has your approach to strategy changed as a result of your experience in the program?
I repeatedly refer to concepts from the program in my day-to-day work. I have used some of the more thought-provoking discussion topics with my leadership team.
What was the biggest takeaway from this program?
I enjoyed everything—being back in a classroom, living on campus, sharing ideas in smaller discussion groups, connecting with people from around the world who had different intercultural skills, engaging in discussions enriched by unique perspectives, and being inspired by people who want to make a difference and want to make things happen. But the main takeaway for me was that the program reinforced the value of careful, long-term, strategic planning based on facts, and the importance of clearly communicating that strategy to every level of the organization.