Amanda Bryant had the foresight to not only major in mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University but entrepreneurship as well. She understood that many engineers get stereotyped as being technically savvy but often naive when it comes to pricing.
Besides the knowledge that comes with a degree in entrepreneurship comes an interest and an ability to have conversations around relevant business and non-technical topics. That area of emphasis has served Bryant well in her career, including at Danfoss where she started in engineering but has evolved into a company leader in product management. Her responsibility for leading the product lifecycle strategy has been instrumental in driving profitability, increasing market share, and promoting substantial volume growth.
Bryant's significant impact on the connectors business not only is seen through her impressive business results but also through her innovative approach to managing complex challenges in the connectors market. She has developed competitive pricing strategies while providing distributors with a notable competitive edge, empowering them to thrive in a highly competitive market. Bryant's strategic mindset and exemplary problem-solving skills are rooted in both that technical and practical background.
"You can engineer something amazing but if it's not cost competitive and is overdesigned, it won't work," Bryant said. "I think it's important to always keep your customer in mind whenever you're developing a new product and understand the applications of how that product will be used."
Bryant strives to serve the best interests of all in her role. That's her motivation—to have a true, honest purpose in mind within product management. That helps her complete projects because she defines the value up front and understands the benefits to customers as well as society as a whole.
"It's not just about profits, but people as well," Bryant said. "What I am working on in product management right now is likely going to directly affect my colleagues, our customers and other (audiences)."
She refers to the dichotomy as activity versus progress and goes back to that entrepreneurial mindset.
It should come as no surprise that Bryant's leadership style is characterized by a relentless commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of market dynamics. This has helped her to inspire and motivate her team during her professional growth and resulting promotions.
Bryant is no stranger to the idea that the ratio of men to women in the rubber industry and engineering is a bit skewed, but she is encouraged by the number of women entering the fields. Plus, she's going a step further by actively working with organizations like the Imagination Station in Toledo, Ohio, a not-for-profit science museum that educates elementary and middle school aged students about STEM principles and opportunities. The museum has programs for girls where Bryant volunteers as an instructor.
In this role Bryant has held workshops to help girls engage in such activities as a hydraulic workshop. She is constantly striving to educate not just youth but women starting their careers in the field to embrace the technical curiosity.
"The more questions you ask, the better you can get a sense of whether this (field) is for you. And if; you're already in the field, getting answers to those questions can help women better support their (teams)," Bryant said. "It's a passion of mine to work in (adjusting) this ratio of men to women in engineering and related fields."
Years with company: 8
Years in rubber industry: 8