This is a series of posts in which I share snippets of what it's like to be a food scientist. As a product developer-turned Quality Systems Manager for dry powder shakes, there are some lessons I never learned in school and some challenges I never saw coming.
At the annual meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT15), a panel of three women with powerful roles in the food industry shared their insight and advice. The full article is available through the link below, but I've quoted some of the advice that really hits home for me.
Women Panelist Reflect on Leadership, and More | IFT15 News
The panelists:
IFT member and NASA food scientist Michele Perchonok moderated the
discussion, which featured panelists Catherine Woteki, undersecretary
for research, education and economics, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; Sara
Mortimore, vice-president, product safety, quality assurance and
regulatory affairs, Land O’Lakes; and Liz Myslik, CEO, Fresca Brands and
executive vice-president, Fresca Foods.
On Being Bold:
“Trust that you can do some of the things that you dream about,”
Mortimore agreed. She observed that women tend to be apologetic about
advancing their ideas, presenting ideas using language like “what if we
tried this?” versus a more straightforward expression such as “I think
this is a really good idea.”
It’s also important to recognize that the path forward may include
some missteps. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” Myslik counseled. “I’ve failed
so many times, and I’ve bounced back from them [the failures].”
On Strengths and Weaknesses:
The panelists also shared some practical tips for managing
effectively. For one thing, they said, leverage your strengths. “Lean
into your strengths,” and accept that everyone has some weaknesses,
Myslik advised.
As for overcoming weaknesses, Mortimore suggested seeking out candid
feedback and acting on it. “I think feedback is such a gift,” she
reflected.
On that every-elusive Work/Life Balance:
Asked about maintaining work/life balance, the women acknowledged
that it’s an ongoing challenge for men and women. Woteki said she and
her husband have successfully balanced the challenges of a commuter
marriage at points in her career, sometimes by agreeing to focus
wholeheartedly on work during the week but to allow time for themselves
on the weekend. Mortimore noted that becoming a mother at age 40 helped
her become effective about setting priorities and delegating
responsibilities.
“I haven’t ever met anyone who has figured it [work/life balance]
out,” said Myslik. “I try each day to accept wherever I am that day.
Some days my work gets 98% of me, and some days my son gets 98% of me.”
These women are an inspiration, and I love how women are gaining a presence in fields they've not commonly been a part of (like space travel to Pluto or coaching in pro-sports). As someone who has not yet started a family, I sometimes wonder how I'll manage a family and a Quality department at the same time.
...then again, I'm currently managing my full-time Quality Systems Manager role, two blogs, a YouTube channel, publicity commitments for my book on energy drinks, and a guest blogger role for FitGurus (and loving it all!) so I'm sure I'll be just fine.
Recommended & Related:
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead -- by Brene Brown
