Susan Graham is managing director at the FLB Group, the parent company of Filofax, shares her journey into the world of stationery.
How did you get involved in the stationery industry?
I actually wanted to have a career in the Police, but it didn’t happen and after a short spell in retail I joined one of the largest commercial printers in Scotland. We were servicing financial services, hospitality, direct mailing houses, all different sectors with their print requirements. I loved seeing the concept become a reality.
In 2003 I was headhunted by the Letts Filofax Group to join their senior exec team and I’ve been here ever since. This was different from the commercial environment because we made our products. We controlled the what and the why. I was a Filofax user when I joined and have always considered myself a paper planner, therefore, I was joining my ideal company. I love our brands!
What is the best part of being involved in the industry?
Seeing our products come alive from concept. Working with a team where everyone is involved from the owner to the person ensuring it goes out the door for delivery. Having the opportunity to meet and work with our global distributors has been fantastic. Learning about the cultural differences in terms of planning and product preferences, really surprised me. Everyone has such an affection for us and our brands. I believe I’m good at seeing an issue and empowering the team to resolve it. That is probably the most rewarding aspect of my role.
What is your favourite industry memory?
I have loved working with so many passionate driven people during my 20 years with the company. My career highlight has to be being invited to become a board director in 2016 and then being appointed managing director in 2020. At the same time I was appointed President of Print Scotland (the first female). Yes it has been an amazing journey.
What does the rest of 2024 hold for you?
The introduction of our reminder app has been very well received and will enhance the paper planning experience. We are continually looking at ways to be more sustainable from a product perspective and as an overall company. And looking forward to holding our global conference to showcase our new products.
Three interesting facts about me…
- I’m an age group triathlete and represent Team GB. Last year I completed Ironman and qualified for the World Championships.
- This year I swam across the third largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreken.
- I’m a big Elvis fan and have been to Graceland.
My favourite stationery products…
I have quite a few organisers as you could imagine! My favourite size is A5. For personal planning I’m currently using an A5 Meadow organiser with reminder app. For work I use a combination of Outlook and my daily diary planner is a Letts of London Rhino. Plus my A5 removable page notebook. An erasable pen and lots of highlighters. I love a highlighter.
