Celebrating Women’s Equality Day
This year, in honor of Women’s Equality Day, we are highlighting perspectives and accomplishments from some of Brunswick’s employees who are making an impact on the Company, and our industry. We asked for their thoughts on a range of topics, including what it means to be a woman in their field and what advice they would share with women entering the marine industry. Hear what they had to say:
CHIOMA A., PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABILITY
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
One that stands out is leading due diligence on the Fanautic, Inc. acquisition. This acquisition was especially challenging because Fanautic is based in Spain, and we were working through the middle of the Covid pandemic, a 7-hour time difference, language barriers, meeting fatigue, and complex site-visit planning. Although it was challenging, it was fun, and both teams worked hard to make it successful.
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
Your voice is powerful, use it often. This is important because research has shown women are more likely to second guess themselves or feel like their opinions are not as valued. But there is no benefit to having more women in the room if we are not helping to shape outcomes. You are where you are because people believe your voice is important, so make sure everyone hears it.
TAYLOR G., WELDER
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
Meeting my goal to become a welder. I used to be afraid to use power tools, now they are only afraid of me.
What does it mean to be a woman in your position?
It means setting an example for others to see it as an option or even a possibility for themselves. "The sky is the limit."
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
It's not impossible. When you succeed in it, you will be so proud and ready for more challenges. It's a growing opportunity?
VAIBHAVI M., QUALITY ENGINEER (BUSINESS ANALYST)
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
Promoting data-driven decision making within my workplace: Putting relevant data in front of the right people to manufacture better (and really cool) products while minimizing costs.
What does it mean to be a woman in your position?
It often means being the *only* woman in the room, since a majority of my colleagues are men. I'm lucky to be in a workplace where that's never an issue, though. I work with an awesome team that promotes each other's work and a boss who is invested in making sure I succeed in my career.
KATIE F., DIGITAL PRODUCT OWNER
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
My favorite digital brand transformation has been leading two website redesigns for Boston Whaler. Leading a strategy like this gives you an opportunity to dive deep into the consumer mindset to ensure we are giving customers the right information, in the right way, at the right time.
What female leader inspires you and why?
Lauren Beckstedt, our CMO, is one of the most empowering women I've met. Not only does she fight for her team relentlessly, but she also fights for what's right across the business. She's never afraid to share her opinions and always does so with class and respect. She believes in the business and in her peers and makes me feel like I can conquer anything with the right mindset.
ANDREA N., UX/UI DIRECTOR
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
The entire process of designing and developing the CZone mobile platform for Boston Whaler and Sea Ray. Plus working with multiple teams across Brunswick, maximizing my time, energy, and creativity at work while getting my twins through their freshman year of high school from home.
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
- Trust your experience and your instincts.
- You have a unique point of view; do not be afraid to share it.
- Listen, observe, and show empathy. Making connections with people is more important than showing you are right.
ISABEL W., INVENTORY CONTROL ATTENDANT
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
My biggest accomplishment has been becoming a master mentor and transforming myself into the person that has worked her way through the workplace and who other employees can depend on. Being able to take all the knowledge I have gathered through many years of experience and passing it down to the next generation is something that makes me feel accomplished.
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
I would tell them to not be afraid to take charge and become a leader for your peers, and to never let anyone silence your voice. Your voice is one of the most powerful weapons you were born with, and nobody can take that away from you. I would also tell them that it won’t come easy for them, but nothing that's ever really been worth it came easy.
CHELSEA T., WELDER
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
My greatest accomplishment would definitely be becoming a MIG and TIG welder.
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
If there's a job you're interested in, don't let a lack of other women hold you back. It was encouraging how helpful and supportive my coworkers have been as I've learned and grown as a welder.
What is the most valuable way Brunswick has helped our female workforce?
I believe that the onsite training and classes for upward mobility in the company is extremely valuable because it opens the door to so many skills and positions that I wouldn't have considered otherwise.
CARRIE F., DESIGN MANAGER
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
Supporting the reinvention of the Sea Ray brand. There is such a rich history with the products and the people who made them. Honoring the stories, identity, and brand they built is something I greatly value and respect. I think C.N. Ray, the founder, would approve.
What does it mean to be a woman in your position?
I aspire to lead a more inclusive and diverse mind set within our organization, and show other young women that they can be successful in a role that has typically been dominated by men. A role seems more attainable or achievable when you see someone like you in that role. It additionally expands the minds of others in the industry when they learn my position and see that women do it, too.
What is the most valuable way Brunswick has helped our female workforce?
Because Brunswick is such a force in the marine industry, the impact of our DEI initiative will extend beyond internal. Starting the conversation was a big step. Now we are creating groups such as TIDE and ERGs that can start to establish the tools, support, opportunities, and communities we all need to be successful together, while leveraging the strength of our different lived experiences.
ASH S., MANAGER, TREASURY
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
I led two different system implementations that resulted in the technological transformation of the team and the significant improvement in our efficiency.
What does it mean to be a woman in your position?
Having been one of two or so women in my past and current position, I believe that gender has no bearing on someone's ability or success on a job. While gender stereotypes are an unfortunate reality, I've come to understand the importance of having a female perspective. The most important reason I’m in my role is to provide a unique perspective–I embrace it and unapologetically share my perspective.
JOLENE D., MANAGER, ANALYTICS & WARRANTY
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
My biggest accomplishment in my career is working in a field I enjoy while utilizing my degrees and leading a team of people who care about the success of Mercury. I'm proud to be where I am in my career at my age and am excited to keep navigating through new challenges that cross my desk.
What advice would you share with other women entering your field?
Stay confident. I love being inspired by other confident women who can dominate any meeting or presentation they're in. When one woman is confident, it is contagious to the women around her. There is a difference between being confident and arrogant–don't let the fear of coming off as arrogant stop you from proving yourself.
Today and every day, Brunswick celebrates all of our incredible women and the roles they hold in our communities, families and in the workplace. Are you interested in joining our crew? Visit Brunswick.com/careers to find your fit today.