Nessan Cleary · Journalist · INKISH Honoree 26
In this thoughtful and candid conversation, Nessan Cleary reflects on recognition, journalistic integrity, independence, and the evolving media landscape in the printing industry.
When asked about being selected as an honoree at the NON-EVENT, Cleary admits he was genuinely surprised. Known for his humility and relative privacy, he did not expect the recognition. While he appreciates being noticed, he remains pragmatic about awards, viewing them as a pleasant acknowledgment rather than a defining milestone. For him, professional validation has always been secondary to doing the work properly.
Trained in newspaper journalism with a postgraduate qualification, Cleary explains that his unbiased, methodical approach is not something he developed over time but simply the craft he was taught. He draws a clear line between journalism and marketing, emphasizing that he deliberately chose to fund his work independently rather than accept sponsorship or funding from the companies he covers. That decision, while financially challenging, gives him complete editorial freedom — something he considers far more valuable than commercial security.
The conversation explores how journalism has changed, particularly in terms of speed, global publishing cycles, and audience expectations. While publishing is faster today, Cleary believes depth still matters more than immediacy. He does not rely heavily on analytics; instead, he judges impact by direct reader feedback. Some stories that require significant effort generate little response, while others unexpectedly resonate widely — a reminder that audience engagement is often unpredictable.
He also reflects on major investigative work, including coverage of controversial business dealings in the industry. Those stories highlighted both the limitations of working independently and the importance of due diligence, following the money, and maintaining journalistic standards even when navigating legally sensitive territory. Collaboration with other journalists during those investigations proved both unusual and valuable in an industry where competition is often the norm.
Beyond journalism, Cleary shares insights into his personal life — his love of cooking, his diverse musical tastes ranging from classical and jazz to punk and rock, and how he uses rhythmic elements in music to shape his writing process. A former music journalist before moving into print technology, he approaches both fields with curiosity and technical interest. Printing, he notes, uniquely combines mechanical engineering with advanced digital systems — a blend that continues to fascinate him.
Despite decades in the industry, he remains driven by the core principle that people need reliable, in-depth information. Technologies evolve, publishing platforms change, and reading habits shift from print to desktop to mobile, but the need for accurate, independent reporting remains. In his view, version “2.0” of journalism is not about reinvention — it is about maintaining integrity while adapting to new formats.
The discussion concludes with reflections on industry events, collaboration, and the value of creating spaces where people can exchange ideas openly. For Cleary, the most important thing remains clear: follow the money, maintain independence, and provide readers with information they can trust.
Laurel Brunner · Managing Director · Digital Dots · INKISH Honoree 2026
In this engaging and wide-ranging conversation, Laurel Brunner reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, movement, music, technology, and an enduring passion for the printing and publishing industry.
From her love of dancing—fueled by a lifelong connection to music and an energetic personality—to her international upbringing between London, Germany, New York, and California, she shares how cultural mobility shaped her worldview. After leaving a conventional life in the UK at just 21, she moved back to the United States, studied linguistics and English literature at University of California, Los Angeles, and supported herself through college by working with Jonathan Seybold.
What began as a temporary typing assignment evolved into a formative role within the Seybold organization, helping build what would become one of the most influential platforms in desktop publishing and digital prepress. She reflects on the early days of desktop publishing, the revolutionary shift from traditional prepress workflows, and how those foundational years directly connect to today’s digital data-driven publishing ecosystem. The work done then, she explains, laid the groundwork for a world where digital content creation and distribution are accessible to anyone—from novelists to global brands.
Now at 69, Brunner remains deeply engaged in the industry, even as she balances technical writing with her desire to focus more on fiction. As a convenor within an international standards technical committee focused on graphics technology and sustainability, she leads a global working group developing standards for sustainable print. Sustainability, she explains, has always been personal—driven by an intolerance for waste and a belief that efficiency and environmental responsibility can coexist with commercial success.
The conversation explores generational change, industry reinvention, and the tension between what leaders say and what they are willing to give up. She reflects on how innovation often comes from necessity, recalling how the prepress revolution forced companies to become more efficient to survive. The same logic, she argues, applies to sustainability today: real progress often follows commercial incentives.
She also discusses the challenge of being heard in a fast-moving information landscape, the importance of writing in ways that resonate, and how global collaboration—sometimes from the most unexpected places—helps shape meaningful industry standards.
Receiving recognition for her work came as a surprise, especially since she considers herself more of a behind-the-scenes contributor than a visible industry personality. Yet her influence spans decades of transformation in publishing, digital workflows, and sustainability advocacy.
The conversation concludes with reflections on the power of publishing itself. Whether through newspapers, books, labels, or digital substrates, she describes printing as the vehicle through which society shapes and shares knowledge. Events that bring people together person-to-person—without corporate filters—remind her of the early Seybold seminars, where innovation was born in conversation as much as in conference sessions.
A thoughtful and energetic dialogue about global perspective, sustainability, generational responsibility, and the enduring belief that publishing—at its core—shapes how we understand the world.
Ferdinand Rüesch · Brand Ambassador · Gallus & Heidelberg · INKISH Honoree 2026
In this in-depth and personal conversation, Ferdinand Rüesch reflects on legacy, responsibility, and what it truly means to step into his father’s shoes at Gallus. As a third-generation leader, he took over the family company in 1990 during a time of industry crisis and personal uncertainty. He shares the emotional and professional impact of being called home before finishing his MBA, the powerful moment when his father handed him the keys to an empty office, and the realization that the future of Gallus was now his to shape.
Rüesch speaks candidly about losing his father—not only as the founder of the modern company, but as a mentor and trusted advisor—and the challenge of finding his own leadership style rather than copying the previous generation. From starting as a mechanic apprentice in 1974 to leading the business through decades of transformation in the printing industry, he describes how the company was never just work, but life itself.
The conversation explores leadership, chemistry, and long-term relationships in business. Known for building close connections with customers around the world, he reflects on the importance of personality, standing firm in one’s opinions, and knowing when to step forward—or step back. He shares insights into balancing authority with humility and explains why reading people is an essential leadership skill.
Away from the factory, he opens up about family life, cooking, barbecuing, maintaining a wine cellar, photography, and his love of classic music from The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Dire Straits. He also reflects on travel—once dominated by early business flights, now increasingly enjoyed at a different pace—and how the foundation built by his grandfather and father created not only a company, but a platform for a meaningful family life.
As he gradually steps back from daily operations, Rüesch explains how his role has evolved. He no longer walks the factory floor giving instructions; instead, he is called upon when needed—trusted for experience, perspective, and instinct. It is a transition built on mutual respect.
The dialogue concludes with reflections on recognition, influence, and the importance of creating spaces where people in the industry can speak openly and connect person-to-person rather than just business-to-business. For Ferdinand Rüesch, appreciation is not about titles or medals, but about sharing experiences, bringing people together, and remembering that industry, at its core, is about people.
Legacy Book Printer Adding Digital Production · Enrique & Armando Espinosa · Grupo Espinosa
Grupo Espinosa is a family-owned printing company in Mexico City. In this episode, we are invited to see the latest branch - the digital book production site. Enrique & Armando Espinosa are leading the digital transformation and have the family's go-ahead to invest in one of the smartest and most modern printing companies around. The legacy of Grupo Espinosa, where production of high-quality books is in focus, the digital branch continues to invest in HP Advantage T-2200, Indigo 120K, and Harrison Bruno coatings, and this is why we have been invited to Espinosa: a nearline book setup consisting of Hunkeler and Müller Martini equipment. However, one thing is the technology at the site; what impresses us is the mindset. In a market where mass-production is still the most common way of producing, the investment in a digital setup, as described above, is clear evidence of how Grupo Espinosa invests in a future that in Mexico also is a given. The future is digital!
Noel Franco · Production Manager · Huella Litográfica
This was our first filming in Mexico, so you are always wondering what to expect, and one of the things you realize in Mexico City is the lack of large corporate signs. You also encounter many closed gates, and it's only when they open that you get your first insight into the printing company you are about to visit. When you enter the gate at Huella Litográfica, the first thing that meets you after registration is a massive paper warehouse - so after passing through this, you quickly realize that Huella Litográfica is a Labels and Packaging company. They have flexo presses for their lables a couple of Koenig & Bauer presses, and a die cutter for folding carton, and then a lot of technology that is tailored to the products Huella Litográfica produces. As Production Manager Noel Franco explains, they are busy. Great company, things VERY much under control, and always great to see well functioning companies with a strong belief in the future - so much, that the company is planning further investments in Koenig & Bauer products :-)
Massive Heidelberg Investment · Diamantis & Giannis Arvanitidis · Pressious Arvanitidis
Commercial print is still alive and kicking, and the best proof of this is when companies like Pressious Arvanitidis not only invest in new Heidelberg technology but also plan for the future with a new, young, and very optimistic 3rd generation taking over the leadership. About an hour's drive from Athens, we find Pressious Arvanitidis - not difficult to find, as it's practically the only building in the area. The weather is fantastic, and the hospitality is great as well. We are visiting Pressious Arvanitidis as they have invested in an XL-106 8-color 21K. Together with new plate setters and folding machines, the new technology will increase productivity, speed, and profitability, taking over the job from two older roll-fed Speedmasters. Pressious Arvanitidis also became FSC-certified to serve customers, increasing the sustainability needs. By all means, a fantastic day with our new friends from Greece - thank you guys!
