In an industry where men have historically dominated leadership roles, Lena has emerged as a formidable leader whose journey is defined by resilience, faith, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Lena’s motivation to take on a leadership role stemmed from witnessing the humanitarian support and commitment demonstrated by fellow leaders and mentors. For her, their dedication to fostering the success of others was an achievement that transcended personal accolades. This approach to leadership, centered on helping others achieve their potential, ignited her passion to step into a leadership role herself.
Throughout her career, Lena has faced moments of doubt. However, the unwavering dedication of her colleagues, who share her passion and give their best every day, provides her with the strength to embrace her responsibilities. Their commitment serves as a constant reminder of the significance of her work and its impact on numerous lives and careers.
One piece of advice from another woman in leadership has always stayed with Lena: “No matter where you are or what you do, be proud of what you have accomplished.” Recognizing her success as a testament to her resilience and dedication has empowered Lena to continue pushing forward. Navigating a male-dominated industry presents unique challenges. Lena acknowledges that intimidation can arise when one focuses on being among the few women in the room. However, staying true to her principles and values keeps her grounded. She passionately believes that experience, qualifications, and faith are tools that can propel her forward, regardless of external perceptions.
Lena readily admits to making mistakes early in her career. Yet, she views those errors as vital learning experiences that contributed to her growth. By analyzing her reactions to tricky situations and developing strategies to prevent recurrences, she has continued to evolve as a leader. When faced with challenging conversations, whether in negotiations, conflict resolution, or decision-making, she relies on her moral compass and refuses to take work-related difficulties personally. Her guiding principles are to remain focused on her goals and pray for guidance when needed. Though no single woman has been her guiding star, Lena finds inspiration in the successes of women across industries. Each story of achievement, whether big or small, encourages her to remain positive, appreciate her journey, and continue dreaming big.
Juggling personal and professional responsibilities remains a struggle for Lena. However, the support of her family, friends, and colleagues helps her remain humble and motivated. Their encouragement keeps her grounded and committed to pursuing her ambitions. For Lena, prayer is the daily ritual that keeps her grounded, focused, and resilient. It serves as her anchor, allowing her to face challenges with determination and grace.
Reflecting on her journey, Lena would tell her younger self: “Learning, experiences, and education are gifts that no one can take away from you.” This wisdom has guided her to appreciate her knowledge and skills as invaluable assets. She acknowledges that self-doubt occasionally creeps in. During these moments, she relies on reflection and prayer to regain her confidence. Her faith serves as a constant source of motivation and strength.
The hardest lesson she has learned is the importance of experiencing low points to genuinely appreciate success. Despite setbacks, she remains proud of her contributions to the growth and success of those she has mentored. Watching them flourish continue to drive her forward. As a woman leader in the manufacturing industry, Lena has broken through numerous stereotypes. She recognizes that her presence in this male-dominated field is a testament to the progress made, though there is still lots of work to do.
Lena believes that success is a collaborative effort, enriched by diversity. “Every gender provides a balance in any field of any industry,” she explains. “Skills, experiences, wisdom, and heart are the essential recipe for success.” Lena’s leadership journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith. As she continues to navigate her industry, she remains committed to lifting others, breaking through stereotypes, and pursuing excellence.
-By Nikki Harper
