Krista Toutant, R.D. Abbott Co. Inc. | Women Breaking the Mold 2023

Krista Toutant is head of the product management and procurement functions at R.D. Abbott Co. Inc. Her team's responsibility is to make sure the company has the right products, at the right place and at the right time.

She has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. Toutant began her career in the rubber industry by happenstance—she found a listing in the local newspaper and applied.

"When I entered the rubber industry in 2001, I was preparing for a major life change," Krista said. "I was getting married and moving to a new town. I pulled out the newspaper and looked at the 'Help Wanted' section and decided to send a resume to a company that was part of the rubber industry."  

Toutant started working in the industry as an executive assistant to the vice president of sales and also the vice president of manufacturing. She said the position gave her good visibility to leaders in the company.

"It was also an opportunity to grow into other roles in the organization. Within a couple of years, I had climbed up the ladder and eventually moved into a management position," Toutant said.

As she started to move up, two of the lessons emerged: "Listen more than you speak. Don't burn bridges."  

Motivation is important to success, and Toutant defines her own success through self-motivation.

"Success is a subjective word," she said. "Its meaning varies from person to person. The best source of motivation for me is myself. I decide what success looks like for me and I go to great lengths to achieve it.

"Mentors have been important to me. I've worked at great companies and met incredible people in my career. Some have taken me under their wings, while others I had to watch from a distance. Some I've watched experience glory while others stumbled along their journey. Either way, I feel like I learned through their experiences and became better prepared to handle my own victories and defeats."

One of her many notable accomplishments that holds special meaning for her was being elected as the secretary to the Rubber Division by her industry peers. 

"I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve the industry in that capacity," Toutant said.

Toutant is looking to the future and knows she has so much in her career to be proud of, but notes that she "is not done breaking the mold."

"I am focused on finding new trailblazers that can keep the rubber industry thriving and evolving. Recruiting and mentoring are areas I am enjoying now," she said.

Years with company: 8
Years in the rubber industry: 22

In the supply chain world, we are constantly challenged to predict what will happen in the future. While we hope for the best, we plan for the worst. Work challenges me to always be prepared. Be ready to respond to whatever the world is going to throw at us.

Leadership is dynamic. It includes helping others break performance boundaries and feel good about their work. It is the ability to transition chaos into logical and purposeful actions that produce desirable outcomes. Leadership is helping others navigate through a journey but not mandating the path. While on the journey, explore different routes but be prepared for the consequences of poor choices. Most importantly, celebrate when the destination is more spectacular than expected.   

I have stayed working in the industry because it has been good to me. I work at a great company with many talented colleagues. As a matter of fact, my daughter has just entered the rubber industry as well. If I didn't love this industry, I would not have suggested that she start her career here. I believe she has the potential to do very well.  

It is important to learn the skill of negotiating. Have data to back your request or idea. Most importantly, build your empire of allies. You'll want buy-in from others to help support (vote for) your project or promotion.