Growth does not happen by chance. At Novanta, it is driven by intention – through empowerment, curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These principles are foundational to how we lead, solve problems, and deliver results across the organization.
This approach is exemplified in the work of Erik Scudder, EHS and Facilities Supervisor in Mukilteo, Washington. In his role supporting a facility where industrial CO2 lasers are developed, Erik oversees the safety and wellbeing of 126 employees while advancing a people-centered approach to operational excellence.
Moving Beyond Compliance to People-First Leadership
Safety and operational rigor are critical in advanced manufacturing environments, but true impact comes from going beyond compliance. Erik’s leadership philosophy emphasizes empowering people rather than relying solely on rules and checklists. By fostering an environment built on trust, openness, and accountability, teams can take ownership and actively contribute to improvements.
This mindset reflects a broader belief in our organization: High standards and approachability are not mutually exclusive. When leaders balance decisiveness with empathy, they create conditions where people feel supported to do their best work.
Growth Requires Intentionality
A growth mindset does not happen automatically. It requires deliberate effort and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Continuous improvement starts with the belief that good enough is never the finish line.
Staying open to new opportunities is essential in an environment where technology, competition, and customer expectations are constantly evolving. Growth is a continuous cycle of creativity, problem-solving, forward thinking, and adaptability – qualities that prevent stagnation at both the individual and organizational level.
Learning Through Risk, Feedback, and Reflection
Trying new approaches inevitably involves risk, and failure is part of the process. What matters most is how teams respond. At Novanta, we treat mistakes as opportunities to learn, reflect, and improve.
Rather than personalizing failure, we encourage leaders to approach challenges with introspection, asking what can change and what lessons they can apply going forward. This same philosophy extends to supporting others. Constructive feedback, even when difficult to hear, is a gift that enables growth and strengthens performance.
Collaboration Powered by the Novanta Growth System
One of the key frameworks supporting this culture of improvement is the Novanta Growth System (NGS). NGS is foundational to how we drive operational excellence, innovation, and long-term value creation.
Through initiatives such as 3P (Production Preparation Process) and Kaizen events, teams bring together diverse stakeholders to solve problems collaboratively. These efforts reinforce the value of teamwork, creativity, and shared ownership. Different perspectives consistently lead to better outcomes.
Collective Success as a Growth Strategy
At the heart of our culture is a belief in collective success. Knowledge is not meant to be siloed, and growth is most powerful when people are empowered to help one another succeed.
A true growth mindset at the organizational level depends on individuals who want to see their colleagues develop and thrive. By unlocking potential across teams while continuously raising the bar, we build a culture where empowerment fuels performance and shared success drives sustainable growth.
This is how we lead, learn, and grow together.