Can you share a personal struggle that impacted your life?

My biggest personal setback was the loss of my mom to cancer in 2009. She was a caring and selfless mother who loved her family unconditionally. She was the rock that kept things together and everyone in our extended family loved her. She was a nurturer, never said anything bad about others, always there to lend an ear to those in distress. Her passing took a personal toll on my psyche, and I was in a dark place. I immersed myself in my work to block things out but that didn’t work. It wasn’t until I sought help that I came to accept her passing. Opening up the communication channel with my father was a form of therapy for both of us and strengthened our relationship. My sister and I shared deeper conversations about our mom and our childhood, and this helped. I remember my mom telling me about her mother's passing. We were a young military family stationed overseas at the time. She explained in her soft way that loss is a part of life, she had to stay strong and make her peace, so she could move on for our family. Her words helped me move forward and become a more resilient person. My advice to anyone suffering a loss is to seek help and don’t go it alone.    

   

Can you share the biggest career challenge you faced?

Five years into my career I was working for a major corporation supplying equipment and production plants globally. I was promoted to manage a high-profile research center providing technical trials for customers across the globe. Many of the trials were in support of projects and as director I was responsible. In addition, I was responsible for internal R&D, budget and personnel for the facility. I had just got married, moved from Canada to Ohio and bought a new home. As a newcomer moving into a leadership role, I had to earn the trust of my team. This added a layer of stress. This took its toll; I was losing sleep and on a path to burnout. Building strong relationships with my team turned things around. It was an eye-opening experience. I learned we can accomplish many things with discipline and team building, but it takes work. Failure is pretty imminent if you don't have a strong team behind you. 

 

​What are your top career accomplishments and why?

First off, I attribute professional success to my team. Becoming a leader is my top accomplishment. My team was like a family. We operated as a collective unit for over two decades, conducting hundreds of technical trials for clients. Client contract volume at our plant increased year after year during my tenure. My second proudest accomplishment was a technology development that came about in 1995. It was my first patented invention, and it was successfully commercialized by my company. You never forget your first. Without a strong team and supportive company none of this was possible. ​By far the most personally rewarding part of my career are the lifelong friends I made along the way, in many countries! In 2011, I was awarded a high honor in my profession, Arne Asplund gold medal, awarded by my peers for high achievement in my field. 

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What are your biggest takeaways from your experience as a manager? 

My biggest take away is if you cannot build trust, you will not succeed. As a manager you bring a unique personality and skill set, and there is an expectation to bring positive change. Trust also extends to delegating responsibilities. Team members had to step up when others were absent. It was an evolving process, fallouts happened, but ultimately trust perseveres. Our team shared a sincere empathy for one another, especially during difficult times. Fortunately, I worked for a company with a strong team culture. Everybody shared in the success. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life! 

 

As a manager, I recommend any employee, no matter where they are in the organization, take advantage of every opportunity their company provides, including on and off-site training or coaching. Seek mentoring whenever possible. Effective managers are happy to help new employees and interns blossom in their career. No better feeling!   

     

What consulting expertise do you provide outside of coaching?

I consult for companies in sustainable industries, including renewable chemicals, paper and packaging, which are sourced from sustainable forest lands that absorb greenhouse gases. Recyclable and environmentally degradable products produced by sustainable means is the future!  ​

 

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