Learning to lead effectively is key for employees who want to advance in their companies. Alaska Sea Grant has trained nearly 100 mid-level managers over the past 10 years at the Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute to ensure the industry grows and remains strong.

“The 2018 graduates overall seemed exceptionally motivated, energetic and eager to participate in the series of topics presented,” said Quentin Fong, Alaska Sea Grant seafood marketing specialist. Fong is lead organizer for the course.

Eighteen students completed a week of training each in November 2017 and March 2018, they worked on a plant project during the intervening months, and ten students attended the International Seafood Expo in Boston.

Sam Nothstine, expediter at Kwik’pak Fisheries in Emmonak, Alaska, said the most useful part of the training was the session taught by independent leadership trainer Al Bolea. Nothstine learned from Bolea’s first-hand stories about how he became CEO in the oil industry and the decisions he made on the job.

“He encouraged us to be communicative and challenge others, not to retreat from issues,” said Nothstine.

“But the most important aspect of ASPLI is the mentors, especially Chris Sannito and Quentin Fong,” said Nothstine. “They had a very close connection with the students. They encourage everyone to reach their potential, and they are continuing to offer help which I really appreciate.”

Fong and Sannito, both faculty members at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, taught seafood business... Continue Reading ►

Original article written by Sue Keller and published on April 23, 2018 in the Sea Grant Alaska News.