17 Sep
Embracing Change and Technology in Refractories
Welcome to the first instalment of our new series, “A Conversation with the CEO,” where we chat with industry leaders about their insights, experiences, and how technology is shaping their world. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dennis, the CEO of Refractory & Metallurgical Solutions (RMS), a company specializing in refractory materials.
Wait, What even are Refractories?
If you’re like me, the term “refractories” might not be one you hear every day. But as Dennis explained, they’re a crucial part of almost everything we touch. “Everything we see and use has come into contact with a refractory at some point,” Dennis told me. “Without refractories, we wouldn’t have steel, glass, or even silicon for electronics.” In a nutshell, refractories are materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures without falling apart. They’re essential in processes like steelmaking, glass production, and more. If it needs high heat, chances are refractories are doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Essentially, they’re the unsung heroes enabling modern manufacturing.
How Refractories Are Evolving
Curious about how technology has impacted the refractory industry over the past couple of decades, I asked Dennis what’s changed. “While the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry haven’t changed, our methods and machinery certainly have,” he shared. “We’ve seen improvements in manufacturing with better equipment and technology. Data collection is now more sophisticated, helping us make better decisions and predict future outcomes.” He emphasized the importance of using data to enhance processes. With advanced data collection, companies can move away from relying solely on that one guy who’s been around forever (you know the one) and start making more informed, data-driven decisions.
Is There an AI for That?
We couldn’t talk about technology without touching on AI. I asked Dennis how AI is influencing the refractory space. “AI has tremendous potential, especially in interfacing human interactions with data,” he noted. “It can help structure reports, sift through large amounts of information, and highlight key points.” While AI isn’t yet widely used in analysing data from programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in their industry, Dennis believes it’s only a matter of time before it becomes integral. “As processes become more automated, we’ll need AI to interrogate and give us the right data based on first principles.”
Challenges and Innovations Ahead
Dennis also shared some exciting developments on the horizon, like moving away from carbon-based technologies and exploring alternatives like hydrogen. “These new innovations present challenges for refractories,” he admitted. “We need to understand the impact of these changing technologies with the current materials we have. “There’s also a big push towards increasing the circular economy by recycling more refractory materials, reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In such a specialized industry, I wondered how Dennis and his team keep up. “We continuously scan the industry for new trends and collaborate with clients,” he said. “Technology enables us to offer remote support, conduct virtual inspections, and provide expertise without always needing to be on-site. “He mentioned that tools like video conferencing have been game-changers, especially since COVID. They allow RMS to support clients worldwide in real-time, enhancing their ability to provide timely solutions and strengthen relationships.
Tech: Friend, Not Foe
I asked Dennis what advice he’d give to other CEOs about leveraging technology for business growth. “Embrace technology as an investment rather than a cost,” he advised. “It’s an enabler that unlocks potential, improves services, and enhances communication. “He stressed that leaders should see technology as a way to create efficiencies, reduce time spent on routine tasks, and allow employees to focus on more strategic initiatives. “If you don’t embrace technology, you’ll likely be left behind.”
Getting the Team Onboard
Change can be scary (just ask anyone who’s tried to switch coffee brands), so I was interested in how Dennis encourages his team to adopt new technologies. “Fear is driven by the fear of change,” he acknowledged. “To overcome that, you need to show people what the future will look like and how it’s going to empower them.” He shared that during their transition to tools like Microsoft Teams, they focused on highlighting the benefits—like improved work-life balance and increased productivity. “Once people adopt it and see the benefits, the adoption rate soars.”
Daily Tech Rituals
On a more personal note, I asked Dennis if there’s a specific tool or routine he can’t live without. “Every morning, I scan through emails to see what’s going on,” he shared. “I organize them so I can respond efficiently. I also spend time on LinkedIn to stay updated on industry developments and read business news to keep a pulse on the market. “But Dennis also emphasized the importance of unplugging once in a while. “It’s important to have tech-free time for personal development and reflection,” he said. “Whether it’s listening to an audiobook or reading articles, it’s about continuous learning.” He believes in spending at least 18 minutes a day on personal development. “You can’t tell me you don’t have 18 minutes a day,” he laughed. “It’s like going to the gym—you might not see results immediately, but over time, it makes a big difference.”
Balancing Tech in Life
We also talked about how technology bridges his personal and professional life. “Technology should be integrated into both personal and professional aspects,” Dennis explained. “It’s about making time for personal development and using tools that make learning accessible, like audiobooks or podcasts.” He mentioned that embracing change and continuous learning are key to staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Parting Wisdom: Embrace Change or Get Left Behind
As we wrapped up, Dennis left me with some insightful thoughts. “The only constant in life is change. We need to embrace it and not be afraid. Technology is an enabler—it’s there to unlock potential, not just for the business but for our teams and ourselves.” He added that leaders need to be aware of the landscape they’re operating in and leverage technology to unlock that potential.
Wrapping up
Talking with Dennis was both enlightening and inspiring. It’s clear that embracing change and leveraging technology are essential—not just in the refractory industry but in any business aiming to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world. So, whether you’re in refractories or run a coffee shop (can you tell I like coffee?), perhaps Dennis’s insights can spark some ideas on how to navigate change and make technology work for you.
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