Pat McGrew
President
McGrewGroup Inc.
Managing Director
Girls Who Print
1) What does “making your move” mean to you at this stage of your career?
Making my move is less about climbing a ladder and more about creating pathways for others. Earlier in my career, making a move meant accepting new responsibilities, learning new technologies, or stepping into leadership roles that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Today, it means using experience and influence to open doors. In the printing industry, we need more voices, greater diversity of thought leadership, and more people willing to share knowledge. My move now is to invest time in creating educational resources that help the next generation thrive in print and packaging. Making your move isn’t always about changing jobs. Sometimes it’s about bringing impact.
2) Can you share a moment when you took action that moved your career forward?
One of the most important moves I made was stepping out of purely operational roles and into industry analysis and advisory work. That transition required me to trust that decades of experience in production printing, workflow, and technology could translate into a broader role helping companies understand where the industry was going. It wasn’t a single moment, but rather a decision to share knowledge by writing, speaking at industry events, and advising companies. That shift allowed me to influence the industry on a much larger scale.
3) What helped you recognize the right time to make that move?
Timing becomes clear when you realize that your curiosity is bigger than your current role.
For me, it happened when I began asking questions that extended beyond the boundaries of the companies I worked for. I wanted to understand industry trends, the role of software and workflow, and how different print providers were adapting to change. When you notice that you’re thinking beyond your job description, seeing patterns and opportunities others might not yet recognize, it’s time to make your move. It’s not always comfortable, but you won’t grow in your comfort zone.
4) What advice would you give women in print who are considering their next move?
The printing industry needs your voice. Print has always been an industry built on problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration, and those qualities thrive when diverse perspectives are included. Invest in learning. Technology in print is evolving quickly, spanning workflow automation, digital printing, packaging, and AI. Understanding the technology makes you more confident and gives you a stronger voice in decision-making. Build your network. Organizations like Girls Who Print exist because community matters. When women support each other, share knowledge, and amplify each other’s successes, the entire industry becomes stronger. Don’t wait for permission to take your next step. Sometimes, making your move simply means raising your hand, asking the question, or volunteering for the project that stretches you. The printing industry is full of opportunities. The key is to step forward and claim it.
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