The successful women on the “Women at Work” panel (Sunday, September 27, at the CSCMP Conference) talked about how networks have helped their careers. One leader said her best mentor was someone she didn’t like at first. Another leader meets regularly with a former colleague to test ideas and problem-solve. Another admitted some members of her professional network have become friends and they’re working together to improve their golf game.
These candid and sometimes surprising insights came as session moderator Pete Steinberg encouraged participants to think more broadly about networks that can help them thrive, both professionally and personally. He led a group exercise designed to help each individual think about the gaps that might exist in her network – focusing on roles such as mentors, recruiters, elite practitioners, sounding boards, problem solvers, and challengers.
Members of the panel, powered by AWESOME, included (sitting in photo) Michelle Halkerston, President & CEO, Hassett Express, LLC and Natalie Putnam, VP, Integrated Marketing Strategy & Planning, Ryder System, Inc.; (standing) Molly VandenHeuvel, former Senior Director Product Supply Chain & Operations, Kraft Foods Group, and Kristen Lacy, Director, Logistics Management, Altria Group Distribution Company. Pete Steinberg is Adjunct Faculty, Penn State Executive Programs, which sponsored the “Women at Work” session.