We sat down with Samuel J. Jackson, the Chief Operating Officer of ACCESS Dental Laboratories. Samuel shares the intricacies of his role, emphasizing the continuous improvement of lab operations and strategic alignment with corporate goals. He discusses the importance of leadership-oriented management, community upliftment through innovative training, and ACCESS Dental Laboratories’ mission to empower underserved neighborhoods. With a deep commitment to his community, Samuel reflects on the lab’s achievements and offers valuable advice for aspiring young leaders.
Please tell us about what your role entails as the Chief Operating Officer at Access Dental Laboratories.
Samuel: In concert with the laboratory’s leadership team, As Chief Operations Officer I am responsible for the continuous review of all aspects of the lab operations and see to the successful implementation of action plans that align with corporate strategy, policies, and sales goals.
What are the key elements you focus on when building leadership-oriented management teams? How do these elements align with your broader vision for ACCESS Dental Laboratories?
Samuel: One key element to building a Leadership-oriented management team, is for all members to understand that dealing with a culturally diverse work staff will entail different approaches to how you would empower someone to follow you.
When building from the inside, the advantage is that management are all on the same accord when implementing the company strategies into their respective departments. When your leaders are aligned and have the same agenda, the company mindset opposed to the individualistic mindset will always prevail.
What are your individual and/or collective goals for both ACCESS Dental Laboratories and your broader community initiatives?
Samuel: ADL’s mission is to provide above average wages, innovative training, and opportunities for growth to communities suffering from unemployment, underemployment, and abject poverty. We are unique because we educate, encourage, and empower underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods through dentistry. Our goal is to uplift and add value to the city of Syracuse by accessing local, human capital.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, and how has it influenced your purpose moving forward?
Samuel: I think our greatest achievement thus far is the number of technicians that we have onboarded directly from our community, with no dental lab skills and trained them to be competent technicians in the laboratory. That was our goal from the beginning and to see it develop over time is absolutely fantastic.
If you could change one thing about the way communities typically approach growth and wellness, what would it be and why?
Samuel: One thing I would change about the way this approach is handled is community leaders should have a stronger voice in what happens inside of their communities. With opportunities to break down some of the barriers in place to deter residents from employement, ie transportation, childcare, continuing education, etc.
What else would you like our readers to know about you at this time?
Samuel: I would like my readers to know that I am from the community that I am serving. My focal point will always be to uplift and educate people. I understand that when a child looks out the window there are not a lot of options. My role is to show others a new perspective on what the future can hold and a fresh look at an industry that can support them and their family. You can take these skills anywhere you go and be successful.
Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to young leaders who aspire to make a significant impact in their communities and industries?
Samuel: My advice to young community leaders is to be well rounded and teach the youth how to be well rounded also. Too many times our youth are taught one side of the spectrum when there are so many facets to becoming successful. Skill set is great, but earning potential, professionalism, communication skills and grit will get you in many doors you once would not be able to get in with just skill alone.
Follow and connect on social media:
Instagram: @samueljackson859
Linkedin: Samuel Jackson
Dr. Trenice J. Brinkley is a distinguished educator, renowned publicist, and successful entrepreneur. She is celebrated for her unwavering work ethic, strong determination, and philanthropic spirit. As an award-winning celebrity publicist, Dr. Brinkley excels in helping brands create compelling narratives, develop innovative strategies, and achieve greater visibility.
