What drew you to the rubber industry, and what has made your career in the industry rewarding?
I was looking for an industry that allows me to grow in my career and Rep Corp. afforded me these opportunities.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is that I have grown in my knowledge base and in my career to a level that I have always strived for, and have achieved much earlier than expected being empowered to implement effective change in an organization that respects my input and trusts me to execute those changes.
What do you count as your biggest failure and what has it taught you?
My biggest failure was being in an organization early in my career that did not respect my opinion and failure to do so ultimately led to a massive downturn in their success. I learned at that point in my career to align myself within an industry, company and, ultimately, with the members of my team that are all focused on the same goals of hard work, customer service and professionalism.
Who or what inspires you?
The entire team at Rep Corp. and Rep global is who inspires me most, but also to be the best I can at all I do.
Who were your career mentors, and what role did they play?
I have had many mentors, including professors at school, co-workers and colleges around the globe. To single out any one person would diminish the group as a whole that has guided me on this path. But I have always been self-reliant and highly motivated and learn from those around me.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Graduate college in a discipline that I enjoy to launch a career that I am passionate about.
If you were CEO of a company, what would you do first?
Identify the strengths of the company and build it based upon its core competencies, recognizing talent where it exists.
What would you tell someone considering a career in the rubber industry?
Although the rubber industry is not as exotic as other industries, the technology remains advanced and leading edged, and opportunities are endless for those who choose to learn and work hard.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to encourage females to pursue STEM-related careers?
In a largely male-dominated industry, most companies welcome a female presence that has the background and education to thrive. I would recommend to any female to set your goals and work hard to achieve them, and success will come.
