Profiles of the inaugural class members of Rubber & Plastics News' Women in Tire & Rubber will appear daily through Aug. 21. Edited profiles of the entire class were published in the July 27 issue of RPN.
Manuela Lega
Plant Secretary
Cabot Corp.
Location: Ravenna, Italy
Career highlights: 25 years of experience in my role.
What drew you to the rubber industry, and what has made your career in the industry rewarding?
The company I was working before had closed and I sent my curriculum to the plant that had been a client. My profile was in line with them needing a secretary with similar working experience. My reward is that after 24 years I still work here, and I have improved as an employee and as a person in general.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Good quality life. I am happy with my job, my friends and my colleagues. I love the place where I live that is by the seaside.
What do you count as your biggest failure and what has it taught you?
I would have married with the only one I ever loved, but we were of different character and had different lifestyles. We lived away from each other and I was wary. This experience has taught to me that I should have been more confident in me, him and people in general.
Who or what inspires you?
People who are sensitive, educated, skilled in facing problems, both in the workplace and in life. Solid, realistic and have respect for all human beings.
Who were your career mentors, and what role did they play?
A colleague plant secretary that now has retired. She taught me many tips to be a good secretary. Moreover every activity had an origin and background in the plant that she explained to me, so I could better understand the functioning and develop proper solutions. Also, our facility general manager that was here when I joined Cabot. He is good to keep us all involved as a family.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always to be a kind person.
If you were CEO of a company, what would you do first?
Always adopt direct communication with personnel. Explain all problems so to involve all employees in finding solutions and cooperate as a big family. Cabot already does this.
What would you tell someone considering a career in the rubber industry?
Rubber is a prime-need product. Therefore the rubber industry, if competitive, is a solid place to work in.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to encourage females to pursue STEM-related careers?
Now more than ever females all are directed to technical or engineering careers rather than humanistic culture. Just tell them that is a good choice for work, for life in general, and that it is rewarding economically.
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