Sam Mansfield is an completed Enterprise Architect with deep experience in expertise and strategic innovation.
A Georgia native, Sam’s profession journey has taken him from founding startups to his present management function at Mansfield Power, a family-run enterprise. With superior certifications in expertise product administration, course of administration, and steady enchancment, Sam constantly drives operational effectivity and enterprise progress.
His skilled method is strongly influenced by his passions for health and music, which he believes are important to efficient management. These pursuits assist him preserve psychological readability and resilience, notably in high-pressure conditions. Past his skilled pursuits, Sam is devoted to humanitarian work, particularly in La Gonave, Haiti, the place he actively helps infrastructure, medical, social, and academic initiatives. As a husband and father, Sam seamlessly integrates his private values along with his skilled life, embodying a holistic method to success.
How does your background in startups affect your present work at Mansfield Power?
My expertise in startups has been extremely invaluable in my present function at Mansfield Power. Startups train you to be scrappy, modern, and adaptable—qualities which might be important whenever you’re working in a bigger, extra established firm. In a startup, you’re typically carrying a number of hats, which suggests you develop a deep understanding of assorted elements of enterprise, from product growth to advertising to operations. This has helped me deliver a extra holistic perspective to my work at Mansfield Power. I method challenges with the mindset of discovering artistic options that may drive progress and effectivity. My background additionally makes me comfy with taking calculated dangers, which is essential in pushing the boundaries of what’s attainable in a family-owned enterprise.
What does innovation imply to you, and the way do you foster it inside your crew?
Innovation, to me, is about difficult the established order and always in search of higher methods to realize our targets. It’s not nearly new expertise or groundbreaking merchandise—it’s additionally about incremental enhancements in on a regular basis processes. To foster innovation inside my crew, I encourage a tradition of openness and experimentation. I would like my crew to really feel comfy sharing their concepts, irrespective of how unconventional they might appear. We often maintain brainstorming periods the place no concept is off the desk. I additionally consider in giving my crew the autonomy to discover these concepts, even when it means sometimes failing. Failure is a part of the innovation course of, and it typically results in sudden breakthroughs. By creating an atmosphere the place my crew feels supported and empowered, I consider we are able to constantly innovate and keep forward within the business.
How do you combine your ardour for health into your skilled life?
Health is a cornerstone of my life, and I’ve discovered that it naturally integrates into my skilled routine. The self-discipline and consistency required in powerlifting and Muay Thai translate on to how I method my work. For instance, simply as I set particular health targets, I set clear goals in my enterprise initiatives. The identical psychological toughness I develop within the gymnasium helps me push by means of difficult conditions at work. Moreover, I’ve discovered that health offers me the power and psychological readability I have to deal with complicated issues and make strategic choices. I encourage my crew to prioritize their well being as nicely, as a result of I’ve seen firsthand how bodily well-being positively impacts efficiency and productiveness. On a sensible degree, I typically schedule my most demanding duties after a exercise once I’m at my peak psychological sharpness.
What’s your method to managing threat in each your private {and professional} life?
Danger administration is an important facet of each enterprise and life. In my skilled life, I method threat by being totally knowledgeable and ready. I consider in doing in depth analysis, understanding all attainable outcomes, and having contingency plans in place. That mentioned, I’m additionally a agency believer that taking calculated dangers is important for progress. Whether or not it’s coming into a brand new market or investing in a brand new expertise, I weigh the potential rewards in opposition to the dangers and make knowledgeable choices that align with long-term targets.
In my private life, I take an analogous method. For instance, in health, I push my limits however all the time with an understanding of my physique’s capabilities and with security measures in place. Whether or not it’s deciding on a rigorous coaching routine or planning a household journey, I assess the dangers and advantages rigorously. This balanced method permits me to pursue bold targets whereas minimizing pointless dangers.
How do you stability being a frontrunner at work with being a frontrunner at residence?
Management at work and at residence each require empathy, endurance, and a transparent imaginative and prescient, however they manifest in a different way. At work, management typically means guiding a crew towards a typical enterprise purpose, making powerful choices, and being the one who units the tone for the corporate tradition. At residence, management is about being current, supportive, and setting a robust instance for my kids. I stability these roles by prioritizing high quality over amount. After I’m at work, I’m absolutely devoted to my obligations there, and once I’m at residence, my focus is solely on my household. This implies being conscious of my time and power, guaranteeing that I’m not spreading myself too skinny. I additionally consider that management in each realms includes steady studying and adaptation. Simply as I’m always bettering as a frontrunner in enterprise, I’m all the time striving to be a greater husband and father.
What motivates you to proceed evolving in your profession?
My motivation comes from a want to depart a long-lasting influence—each inside my business and inside my neighborhood. I’ve all the time been pushed by the concept that there’s all the time room for enchancment, each personally and professionally. In my profession, this implies always in search of out new challenges, studying from others, and staying forward of developments. The power sector is evolving quickly, and I need to be on the forefront of that change, serving to to drive innovation and sustainability. On a private degree, I’m motivated by my household and the legacy I need to depart for my kids. I need to present them that with laborious work, self-discipline, and a willingness to take dangers, they’ll obtain nice issues. This retains me pushing ahead, even when the trail is unsure.
How has your method to enterprise modified through the years?
My method to enterprise has advanced considerably through the years, largely as a result of experiences and challenges I’ve confronted. Early in my profession, I used to be extra centered on speedy progress and the thrill of latest ventures. Whereas that power remains to be part of who I’m, I’ve discovered the significance of sustainability and long-term planning. Now, I take a extra measured method, balancing innovation with stability. I’m extra centered on constructing techniques and processes that may stand up to market fluctuations and assist sustained progress over time. I’ve additionally turn into extra people-focused, understanding that the success of any enterprise lies in its capacity to draw, develop, and retain nice expertise. This has led me to speculate extra in management growth and firm tradition, guaranteeing that my crew has the instruments and assist they should thrive.
What’s one piece of recommendation you’d give to aspiring enterprise leaders?
One piece of recommendation I’d give is to embrace adaptability. The enterprise world is consistently altering, and the flexibility to pivot when vital is an important talent. This doesn’t imply abandoning your long-term targets, however moderately being open to new concepts and keen to regulate your methods as circumstances evolve. Adaptability requires a mindset of steady studying and resilience. Don’t be afraid to step exterior of your consolation zone, take dangers, and be taught from failure. Each expertise, whether or not profitable or not, is a chance to develop and turn into a greater chief. And most significantly, keep true to your values. Ultimately, your integrity and the relationships you construct will probably be what defines your profession.
