Catalyst How to automate without leaving people behind: With Jamie Sermon
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Dec 9, 2025 Jamie Sermon, Vice President of Engineering, Robotics and Automation at UPS, brings nearly 15 years of expertise in logistics and people-first innovation. He shares how growing up in the Bahamas and studying physical therapy in Cuba shaped his leadership approach. Jamie emphasizes the importance of involving employees in the automation process to alleviate fears and create new job opportunities. He advocates for a culture of experimentation and reskilling, highlighting the exciting potential of AI and technology in transforming work.
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From Intention To Long-Term Career
- Jamie Sermon joined UPS intending only to gain experience but stayed because the company invested in him and offered repeated "dream job" moments.
- He progressed from project supervisor to VP by leveraging mentors, exposure, and internal growth opportunities.
Cuba Study Shaped Resilience
- Jamie studied physical therapy in Cuba through a unique scholarship program that broadened his cultural perspective.
- That experience taught him resilience and shifted his view on what problems truly matter.
Protect Teams To Encourage Risk
- Build trust by protecting teams when experiments fail and avoid public blame for mistakes.
- Expect mistakes from risk-taking and focus on learning, not punishment, to sustain innovation.