A recruitment agency called me about a new role that Owens-Illinois (O-I) was creating to help generate a better connection with clients' marketing teams. The intent was to engage the branding and marketing side of clients and get past the procurement and supply chain gatekeepers to try and generate new business. I met with the hiring manager and a Business Manager. The interview was very honest and they preferred direct and clear answers. There is no room for setup and story telling here - just the facts! Oddly (but helpfully) after I answered each question, they explained why they were asking those questions and how this related to the requirements of this newly created role. What became clear was that the right candidate had to have the hustle to squeeze into opportunities, to find time with members of client marketing teams that are complete strangers, and to just create openings for O-I. It was an important element of the role to understand brand positioning to be able to communicate on a level basis with client marketers however it was unclear what research or knowledge was available internally to help support the role. That said, the company is one trying to adapt its mass manufacturing mindset to a market that is moving quickly. Having a near monopoly in Australia has led to a mindset that needs to adapt in an environment of increasing competition.