In many ways, you could say that I grew up in operations. My career has been built on the factory floor. From my very first entry-level role to the one I hold today, I have been leading teams and myself through challenges, transformations, and growth. I often say I was drawn to the field of operations not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.
Over the last 27 years, I have worked nights, 12-hour shifts, gone back to school, moved seven times in a 10-year period, taken steps backward to move forward, and most importantly, learned that leadership is not linear. Operations is still a male-dominated field. It’s estimated that 41% of the global operations workforce is women, with just 15-26% holding leadership positions. While these may seem low overall, the field itself has evolved significantly since I started nearly three decades ago. The challenges young women face today are different from the ones I encountered early in my career, and in my opinion, that progress is worth celebrating.
For anyone looking to build a career in operations, these are my best pieces of advice.
1. Be vulnerable
Vulnerability can often be seen as a weakness, but it’s one of the most powerful leadership tools you have. Early in my career, I felt pressure to prove that I had what it takes to get the job done and done right. At one of my plants, I was the first female leader and carried the weight of perfectionism for fear of jeopardising a leadership position for women who came after me.
However, I quickly learned that being authentic and staying true to myself built trust far faster than perfection ever could. I’ve also learned that the “messier” parts of my story are what helped me succeed and what others found inspiring. When I share that I was 38, a single mum, finishing my degree, while working full time, I am not met with sneers but smiles. I’m building connection and that connection has propelled me forward.
2. Embrace the setbacks
There is no perfectly straight career ladder. In my own journey, I have taken steps back, and sometimes they were intentional. At one point, I moved into a role that looked like a regression on paper, but I knew it would give me broader exposure and stronger experience. That decision ultimately accelerated my growth.
In your own career, there will be setbacks in the form of difficult bosses, projects that don’t go as planned, or a promotion that never comes. That does not mean you’re off track. It means you’re building strength and resilience and adding to your capabilities. If you view your accomplishments as cumulative, you’ll find that the pressure takes a backseat.
3. Don’t be afraid to take risks
I always tell my team, “Be bold.” Some of my most defining career moments came from stepping into roles that stretched me beyond what I thought I could achieve. In some ways, I think I became addicted to the challenge. I love winning, but I hate losing more. When you take risks, you’re not being reckless, you’re being strategic. My view is that if it makes you slightly uncomfortable, it’s likely worth considering.
4. Find a mentor and be one too
Mentorship is so important to me and has been one of the most transformative forces in my career. As I mentioned earlier, when I found myself pushing for perfection, my mentor said to me, “Be authentically you, and never ever doubt your capabilities and competencies.” That changed everything for me.
To this day, I make it my priority to give back in the form of mentorship. I thrive on building genuine relationships. To me, as both a mentee and a mentor, I can help others succeed while creating a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders. Leadership is not just about personal advancement. It’s about lifting others and helping them grow, too, along the way.
5. Build allies
With operations as a male-dominated field, it’s easy to fall into silos. If we want the operations industry to continue evolving, we must build allies. Some of my strongest champions throughout my career have been men. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive, and everyone is celebrated for the unique gifts and talents they bring to an organisation. That’s what I love so much about my current role. At TE, building a strong culture that celebrates differences is critical to our overall mission and has empowered me to lead my teams with confidence.
The field of operations will stretch you, and it will take you outside your comfort zone, but it also has the power to reward you with growth and purpose. If you’re considering this path, jump in. If you’re already on it, keep going. When I reflect on my career and the accomplishments that have led me to today, I often remind myself that it’s not about the destination, but the journey. It’s not about me being a female leader; it’s about being a capable, competent leader. I do love what I do, and I love making a difference. To me, that’s the measure of success.
Author: Christy Norrod, Vice President of Integrated Operations, Automotive Americas, TE Connectivity
