ECO Mag-A-Zine: Edition #5, June 2024 by 3MECO

Video: First 30 days of Chris LeBlanc in ECO

CODA Data Engineering

3M Leading AI A.I Image Generation with FireFly

Contents Achievements

• Service 3.0 Release 1

• Marek’s visit to GSC Philippines

• Implemented Projects 2023

• MTO Journey Video

• 3M Leading AI

• MTO Visits

• First 30 days of Chris

• CODA Data Engineering

• GCS Poland Visit

• ECO Accelerators

• GCA Go Green

Learning & Development

• Tech tip of the month: Adobe Firefly

• Value Stream Mapping

• A.I Image Generation

• AI to Foundation Agents

Wellness

• 15 Minutes Yoga

• How to get better at Making decisions

• How Much Sleep Is Too Much Sleep?

• Walking vs Running

• A Mindfulness Practice for Nonjudgmental Awareness

• Meaning and fulfillment Podcast

• Let´s celebrate Pride Month

Message from Chris LeBlanc

Hello to our Global Organization from Minnesota!

First and foremost, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for your collective participation and exceptional creativity in the re-naming/ re-branding of the ECO. This marks yet another step forward in our transformation journey. Together, we are shaping our future with our very own hands. With more than 240 suggestions for our new name, your effort has been truly outstanding! Thank you for contributing to our progress.

Additionally, I would like to take a moment to update you on our recent interactions with our new CEO, Bill Brown. We had the privilege of presenting a comprehensive overview of our ECO and the ongoing transformation. The Leadership Team did an exemplary job representing our various areas, including Customer Facing, Customer Enabling, MTDE, and our Global Channel Services.

Bill was thoroughly impressed with the team’s in-depth knowledge of our overall operations and acknowledged our critical role in supporting not only our customers but also our businesses. A heartfelt thank you to the Leadership Team and their teams for all the hard work behind the scenes that ensured a robust presentation. Kudos to everyone involved!

Lastly, there are many accomplishments to highlight in this month’s Mag-A-Zine, which I continue to find both enjoyable and educational. I encourage you to take the time to absorb the information shared from each area, as we collectively enhance our understanding of the full scope of ECO’s daily activities.

It’s been enlightening to receive updates from Service Automation 3.0, learn more about our CODA Data Engineering Chapter, and watch an informative video explaining the MTO journey. And of course, there are many more updates and resources available for your benefit.

I remain dedicated to elevating the ECO to new heights and eagerly anticipate connecting with more of you in the weeks ahead.

Warmest regards, Chris

MTDE VP :

Get to Know Holly Coleman

Where are you based/live?

I live in Woodbury, MN with my family.

How long have you worked for 3M?

I’m approaching 13 years at 3M. Fun fact: I broke a small bone in my foot a few days before my first day at 3M, so had use a walking boot for my first six weeks. I quickly earned the nickname “boot” from my cohort, who still call me that today!

Tell us about your family, who you live with

I live with my husband Brian (fellow 3Mer!), two sons Sam (8.5) and Josh (7), and 10 month old

Golden Retriever puppy “Tate the Great.” Tate is by far my most challenging creature with boundless energy and a desire to chew anything in sight!

Second up is Paris – I studied French for years and love the food, fashion and art/museums. And third, it always feels best returning home to my family.

Would you Rather – winter or summer for the rest of your life and why?

What have you felt most proud of accomplishing?

Professionally, I am most proud of the relationships I have had the privilege of building at 3M. My fellow 3Mers have supported me, challenged me, helped me grow, made me laugh, and taught me what it looks like to collaborate deeply. I hope I have been able to do the same in return.

What is your hidden talent?

Few know this, but I am very good at Tetris (video game originally brought to market by Nintendo). I’m the reigning champ in my family.

What things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

First up is always time with family – you’ll find us exploring local parks or restaurants, playing board games, catching a movie, or just relaxing at home. I adore reading non-fiction (shout out for a recently read book Range by David Epstein), trying new dessert recipes (ask me about long lost family recipes!), trying new restaurants and strength training.

What is your favorite place to visit and why?

I’m taking the liberty of choosing three places: first up is Vermont (in the US on the East Coast) where I grew up. The rolling mountains, fresh air, fall foliage and character are calming and energizing all at once.

Summer all day, any day for sun, outdoor walks, excuses for ice cream anytime, and no winter coats (for me or the kiddos) required!

If money was no issue at all, what would you buy?

I would invest more to research and support mental health needs – so many people need more and better care than they can access. For fun, I’d buy a new pair of shoes every week!

Please share with us your favorite joke.

This is hard! I’m terrible at remembering jokes, but I recently heard one that made me chuckle “I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon [online]. I’ll let you know.”

Meet our People

Abdul Kader

Regional Leader

I am with 3M for the past 11.5 yrs. I’ve covered different regions/Geographies and currently I am the Regional CSO Lead for Middle East & Africa. I am based in UAE – Dubai. I’m Lebanese by origin. I am married, and I have 3 children. Before joining 3M, I worked for couple large multinationals such as Sony, Adidas and Procter & Gamble.

Things I love

• Swimming, Desert Safari

• Photography, Reading

A fun fact

I rode the Longest Urban Zipline in the world although I’m Acrophobic.

A Quote that represents you:

“If you don’t fight for what you want, don’t cry for what you lost.”

Tim Nelson

Talent & Training Manager

I have been with 3M for 12 years, starting as a Customer Service Representative within AAD, where I was really able to learn about 3M, our Customers and products from the ground up.

Outside of work I enjoy time with my wife and son, I also love eating great food, fishing and woodworking.

Things I love

• Finding great food to eat

• Fishing

A fun fact

I used to work at a radio station.

A Quote that represents you:

“Find answers, create solutions and build bridges”

Karin Ritzmann GCS Operational Manager

I started working at 3M (East) AG 35 years ago in Customer Service. I live in Switzerland close to the Lake of Lucerne, but I grew up in the Mountains. In my free time I like to visit the markets and cook for friends and enjoy wine tastings. During Winter I spend my weekends skiing and in summer I enjoy my apartment on the Italian side of Switzerland at Lago Maggiore on a stand-up paddleboard.

Breana Girgen

Senior Marketing Comms Specialist

Before my time at 3M, my career was primarily in event planning and consumer category/portfolio management. I love the Minnesota weather from crisp falls to warm summers on the lake or by the pool to snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. I am married with four kids. We just built on the family farm and love spending time together outside.

Things I love

• Zumba

• Baking my own Sourdough Bread

A fun fact

I have close to 200 Cooking books.

A Quote that represents you: “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life”

Things I love

• Baking & Cooking

• Traveling & Trying New Foods

A fun fact

Our family loves making & processing meat together on the farm. The jerky process is the best!

A Quote that represents you: “ You can pick up a mistake and carry it with you as a burden, or you can set it down and use it as a stepping stone to greatness ”

Withitkul Suksawang

Customer Facing Training Lead

I joined 3M in 2002, Starting with Sales Engineer for Tapes & Adhesive products. I’ve been in the Marketing role for over 10 years. Always known for as “Salesforce Guy” for 3Mers in TH. Married, with 2 kids.

Things I love

• Learning

• Cooking

A fun fact

I used to play Saxophone in a school band while I’m in high school.

A Quote that represents you: “Always be Practical, Realistic & Direct.”

Hanna Bilewicz

AP Framework and PI Lead

Based in Wrocław, Poland; 9 years in 3M, always in Accounts Payable and STP Team, previously leading AP EMEA Team, now in global role supporting process standarization across 3 GSCs.

I have two sons, Leon and Tymon. I love spending time with my family doing outdors activities and travelling.

Simon Dowling

EMEA MTO Leader

I’ve been with 3M for 15 years, initially started in Manufacturing (PSD) and moved to the GSC in 2016.

I am originally from England, but now living in Wroclaw, Poland.

I recently became a proud father of a beautiful little girl – Julia.

I enjoy running, cycling and hiking.

Brian Stephens

Things I love

• Yoga

• Reading books

A fun fact

During my studies, I was tourist animator in Canary Islands. During the day I was organizing sport activities for kids and adults, and at night mini disco and dance shows.

Things I love

• Playing guitar

• Motorcycling and outdoor sports

A fun fact

I used to conduct pit orchestras for local theatrical productions.

A Quote that represents you:

“I have played guitar in bands since I was a teenager and have released a number of albums.”

Strategic Initiatives Manager

I’ve been with 3M for over 24 years, working in various roles in both Canada and the United States. My journey has taken me through Information Technology, the Consumer Business, and Corporate Marketing. Originally from London, Ontario, Canada, I’m proud to call myself Canadian. My wife, Tara Menzies, is also a fellow 3Mer. Together, we have two children Bailey, who’s 21, and Cooper, who’s 16.

Things

I love

• Golf

• Hockey

A fun fact

I began my career at 3M before I attended college.

A Quote that represents you:

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” — Phil Jackson

Achievements

First 30 days of Chris LeBlanc in ECO

In case you missed it or you just want to see it again, here’s a friendly reminder to check out the video where Chris tells us the highlights of his first 30 days in ECO.

See the Video here!

Marek’s visit to GSC Philippines

During first half of May, Marek Gawłowicz, Global AP Director, together with Hanna Bilewicz, Global AP Framework and Process Improvement Lead had a chance to visit GSC Philippines and for the first time meet AP Team in person.

We were amazed with team’s hospitality, warm welcome and energy in GSC Philippines! Spending together one week, meeting Team members during AP Townhall, workshops and also GSC Townhall was a great experience and showed us real team spirit! The team is really dedicated to make GSC fun and Great Place To Work.

One of the most important and significant meeting was cross functional session between AP and STP which ended with some Team building event activity.

Learn more and check all the pictures here

CODA Data Engineering

Data Engineering, a CODA Chapter that provides building of data infrastructure for global solutions that serve stakeholders’ needs.

Goal: Our core is creating and optimizing data pipelines, storage, and infrastructure to enable an efficient and effective data ecosystem supporting business needs.

Our primary focus revolves around delivering worldwide solutions and offering support for backend infrastructure components.

Click here to read the full article

IIssue Resolution

Implemented Projects 2023

n 2023, the Issue Resolution team focused on aligning with global processes, improve customer response time, and increase productivity. Our projects helped us work smarter, respond faster, and focus on what matters most. As a result, we reduced cycle time by 14% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024.

Projects:

1. Implementation of the Small Value Complaint.

2. Alignment of amounts and approvers with the Global Framework.

3. Issue Resolution Power BI.

Americas GCS

GClick here to read the full article!

Global Channel Services Team – Poland GSC

lobal Channel Services continues to collaborate, strategize, and stabilize operations across our Costa Rica, Poland, Switzerland and US teams along with BG Export Leaders and other internal parties.

Reporting on customer first metrics, leveraging automation, and prioritizing projects to directly impact our prioritized initiatives. Saomara Larreal GCS Director, Karin Ritzmann GCS EMEA Op’s Manager, and Rachel Belisle GCS Customer Service Manager visited the EMEA teams on-site in May to continue cascading initiatives, providing progress updates, and determining next steps.

If you aren’t a member of Market to Order in 3M Enterprise Customer Operations, you may be curious –what is MTO responsible for at 3M?

In this video, we’ll take you on a high-level journey of what our teams do, so you have a better understanding of where MTO fits within 3M and where YOU may interact with the teams in MTO!

MTO Journey Video

See the video here!

Hello everyone! Our ECO Accelerators program is in full swing.

Have you nominated a colleague yet?

If not, there is time! You have until June 28th to submit Q2 nominations.

Nominate your colleagues to recognize their great work by clicking on this link Accelerators Nomination.

Dont miss the opportunity to express your recognition to peers or supervisors!

3M takes the center circle at a leading AI conference MTDE

Since the beginning of 2023, 3M’s MTDE team has been actively driving the adoption of Generative AI to accelerate our marketing processes, reduce our costs of execution and engage our employees in this exciting new technology.

As a result, 3M was invited to kick off proceedings at the world’s leading Generative AI Summit at the Tottenham Hotspur Football Stadium in London, UK, alongside other industry leaders from Microsoft, Google, Mastercard, the EU Parliament and more.

Taking the prestigious opening slot in the “People” stream of the event, Paul Cardno, Global Automation & Innovation Senior Manager, delivered a talk on how 3M has implemented GenAI focused projects by establishing the right engagement for disruptive change and building small teams to deliver high-impact solutions in a short space of time.

“It was a privilege to be asked to speak and share our story”, said Paul. “It led to a lot of great discussions with representatives from other companies and we have a number of follow-up meetings arranged so we can learn more from how they’re driving value from Generative AI.” The conference afforded an opportunity to hear from many other companies and governmental organizations, covering topics such as regulation, technology strategies and approaches to change management. Topics such as ethics and the opportunities that AI offers to enhance the diversity of our workforce were main stage discussions.

“It was great to be able to compare our progress on GenAI initiatives with external companies and see that we are either in line or often ahead of their progress”, said Christina Underwood, EMEA Digital Operations Director. “It solidified my view that we have the right approach at 3M.” “It was such an inspiring event hearing from some incredible leaders in the field!” said Lucy Egan, EMEA Paid Media Leader. “It’s always great to take time away from our desks and ensure that we are focused on the right places in digital marketing.”

During June, you’ll be able to learn more about AI at 3M with a Bright Ideas talk from Paul, and if you’re yet to try out 3M’s in-house Generative AI solution, make today the day that you do.

3M Navigator is available at https://go.3m.com/navigator.

GCA Complaint & Dispute Cycle Time “GO GREEN” after Spring Festival APAC

GCA Complaint and Dispute Cycle timered for 2 consecutive weeks, this impact is due to the Spring Festival Long Holiday.

To cope with the “Post Holiday Syndrome”, CIR team quickly responded by studying the root cause, preparing a prevention plan and collaborating with the Quality Team to ensure cyckle time recovers to “GREEN”.

Key Actions:

• Daily monitor open cases, especially for long aging >30 days, understand root cause, triage to responsible resolution owner to take timely action

• As 80% of the CHK complaints are Product Quality, we arrange communication meetings with Quality Leaders and streamline the collaboration with Quality Team

• Enhance Holiday Data Analysis, Projection Model and Process Management, build up Power BI report to monitor weekly performance and prepare solid prevention plan to minimize next time.

TLeadership Team Visit the GSC CR

he recent visits by 4 members of the Americas MTO leadership team to the 3M Global Service Center in Costa Rica have underscored the profound impact of leadership engagement on team motivation and cohesion.

The visits by Joana, Claudia, Pamela, and Mitch have collectively demonstrated the invaluable role that leadership presence plays in driving team motivation and engagement.

By meeting their teams in person, sharing experiences, and actively participating in both professional and social activities, the leaders of the Americas MTO team have not only boosted morale but also instilled a sense of unity and purpose. These visits underscore the significant impact that occurs when leaders meets in person their teams, the results are a more engaged, motivated, and cohesive workforce.

Check out the pictures here

& Development Learning & Development

Development Development

Tech Tip of the Month

Learn the Art of AI Image Generators

AI art generators are sophisticated software tools that use artificial intelligence to create visual art pieces from text descriptions or by learning from existing artwork. These generators can produce unique and intricate images that range from realistic to abstract and that mimic human creativity, often in a matter of seconds.

Click on this Image to learn more about the AI Image Generator tool, Adobe Firefly! :

Do you want to learn even more about Adobe Firefly and AI Artwork? Try out these 3M Learn courses from Udemy!

Option 1: Adobe Firefly: A Guide to AI Art, Generative AI, Photoshop (1 hour)

Option 2: Adobe Firefly Ultimate Guide: Become an Adobe Firefly Expert (3 hours)

What will you learn?

• Adobe Firefly: Learn how to use Adobe’s AI-based Firefly tools.

• Text to Image: Create stunning images using the Adobe Firefly web app.

• Generative Fill: Add to, remove from, and extend images with the Adobe Firefly web app.

• Text Effects: Turn text into artwork with the Adobe Firefly web app.

• Generative Color: Quickly change the color palette of your vector graphics.

• Prompt-Engineering: Learn how to properly write prompts to get the results you want.

L&D How to make Lean Value Stream Mapping work for you

In the bustling world of modern industry, businesses are constantly seeking methods to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Enter Value Stream Mapping (VSM), a lean-management tool that has revolutionized the way companies visualize and understand their processes, ultimately leading to more efficient production systems.

What is Lean?

Lean is both a philosophy and a methodology.

What is Value Stream Mapping?

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a fundamental tool in Lean used to visualize and analyze the steps involved in delivering a product or service to a customer.

In essence, a value stream map captures all the activities from beginning to end , both value-adding and non-value-adding, typically includes information such as process steps, cycle times, inventory levels, information flows, and material flows.

Do you want to learn more?! Click HERE to view the LVSM training provided by 3M.

The Future of AI to Foundation Agents

In this TedTalk by Jim Fan, Senior Research Scientist at NVIDIA and Lead of AI Agents Initiative, he explains how the AI is evolving from AlphaGo to foundation agents.

In 2016, AlphaGo, an AI developed by DeepMind, defeated Go champion Lee Sedol in a landmark match, showcasing AI’s strategic prowess and signaling its emergence into mainstream applications. However, AlphaGo’s triumph also underscored a critical limitation: it was a specialist, excelling only in Go and incapable of adapting to other tasks or environments, unlike the versatile AI portrayed in science fiction.

Looking ahead, AI must also operate across multiple realities. Nvidia’s IsaacSim accelerates physics simulations, allowing AI to train in diverse, photorealistic environments much faster than in real time. This capability drives us toward the creation of a “Foundation Agent”—an AI that seamlessly integrates skills, embodiments, and realities, adapting to any task and environment. This future vision represents the next grand challenge in AI development, fostering adaptable, versatile, and resilient AI systems to thrive alongside us.

Watch the full video The next grand challenge for

Wellness

The following resourses have been found useful by some of our colleagues. Therefore, we are sharing to everyone incase you find something that helps you in your daily life.

This 15-Minute Yoga Flow Will Leave You Energized and Refreshed Video

Looking to add some healthy habits into your busy day? This 15-minute yoga flow can be done anywhere, and at any fitness level. Plus, studies have shown that yoga can improve your mental health, help with stress management, and promote healthier eating habits.

Read the full article here!

A Mindfulness Practice for Nonjudgmental Awareness Podcast

Explore this 15-minute guided meditation to open up some space for yourself to sit with what is, rather than what if.

Listen the 15 minutes podcast here!

How to Get Better at Making Decisions Article

Decisions require mental and emotional work, while indecision robs our time, peace, and well-being, says Pauline Peck, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist who practices in Santa Barbara, California. “Being more decisive frees resources for us to use elsewhere, like actually living.”

Read the full article here!

In search of deeper meaning and fulfillment Podcast

Happiness expert

Dr Andrew Parnham shares his thoughts on how we can find lasting happiness - by developing healthy relationships and cultivating a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of adversity.

Listen the 40 minutes podcast!