When a country is in the driver’s seat of the global economy, there are some advantages and disadvantages. Its profitable areas are bound to see a huge rise in the number of companies participating in exploring opportunities in diverse sectors. But there is also a chance of a slump in financial outcomes as these companies can turn into a victim of mismanagement. However, all can change with a little push in the right direction.
This thrust is crucial as this is strategic in nature and could make or break a company’s reputation. That is where Gretchen Philyaw comes in. She has already proved her mettle in the sector and is using her reputation as a strong foundation for her company, USA Loves Manufacturing. The intent is to connect companies and build a substantial nexus to allow seamless operation whilst also creating more job opportunities in the States.
With her experience, she has been countering adversities for decades now and her passion is making it possible. In an Exclusive Interview with Exeleon Magazine, Gretchen shares her journey and her core beliefs as a leader.
What according to you makes for a leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
A willingness to go on point and lead the way. Be a trailblazer while bringing new ideas and new technologies to clients. Leadership is easy when you know all the answers. Sometimes you have to take risks and explore what could happen to achieve breakthrough solutions. Carefully evaluate the situation and take the best course of action.
In sales you have to be fearless to achieve your goals especially as a woman. You have to be on top of your game every day to earn respect. You have to know your products and services better than your customers and you have to understand what they do also.
With over a decade of experience, leadership is about carefully evaluating situations and not always shooting from the hip. You have to know what works. Customers must trust that you know what you are doing.
What prompted the inception of USA Loves Manufacturing? What was the deciding factor behind the name of the company?
Two key factors prompted the inception of USA Loves Manufacturing. First, I saw the need to connect businesses together through my daily activities. I saw many companies slugging it out trying to move forward. I saw that building a coalition where ideas could be shared freely would be powerful and good for America. Second, I saw an opportunity to use my platform to shine a spotlight on some great companies with the hope of driving new businesses their way and creating synergies when other partners connected to USA Loves Manufacturing. The need for both is clearly there and I thought I could make a difference.
I wanted a name that conveyed my passion around manufacturing. I believe in on-shoring jobs back to the USA and I believe that we have thousands of amazing businesses that keep America strong. I think the name says it all.
What has the journey been like for you over the years?
I would say my career has been a series of building blocks where each stage led me to a new or bigger challenge. Professionally you move forward or backwards but you also can grow horizontally. I feel lucky to have been in a couple industries that were growing quickly (Telecom & Industrial Automation & Robotics).
Technically I have learned a great deal inside two very different industries. But, I have also benefitted from working with a number of leaders (Good & Bad) that taught me about leadership. Today, I am a work in progress shaped by experiences learned on the job, which to me is the best way to learn.
Looking back, what would you have done different when starting out?
Many say that they wouldn’t change anything but I might have focused more in my late 20’s versus coasting for a few years.
What has been the biggest driving factor for you as a leader and entrepreneur?
Great Question. For me, I believe success is self-determined. To win in life you have to get up every day with a plan and a purpose to move forward. Waiting for life to happen as you wish isn’t a great strategy. Action shapes what happens to anyone. I choose to affect my destiny by what I do, not by what happens.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
The real secret is sleeping less and sleeping faster. You have to prioritize and re-prioritize many times each day. When home, you need to be home and in the moment. When on the road you have to focus and try to get as much as you can packed into every day.
How has the manufacturing sector in the States changed over the year?
COVID has changed many things. Many plants have been locked down to essential workers so the normal pace of business has changed. Innovating during lockdown is a challenge but that has not stopped the innovators from planning next moves or getting some exciting plans in order.
What role is Magenta Technologies playing in accelerating and/or tackling these changes?
My role is to serve as a facilitator or integration source for clients. I try to connect the dots for clients serving as a trusted advisor on a myriad of projects. With my experience I can shorten the typical RFP process by providing a shorter list of recommendations which aligns with some of the new rules in place due to COVID.
What has been the biggest roadblock during your journey? What has been your biggest learning?
My biggest roadblock has been acceptance. Being a trailblazer is not always easy. Many do not take you seriously. Believing in what you are doing and knowing that you are making a difference are the keys to getting you out the door every day to meet a customer and visit a plant. Knowing you can make a difference comes with showing up every day and being in the moment.
My biggest learning is winning over tough challenges makes the success of winning business or solving a customer problem even sweeter.
What are some of the pre-conceived notions or stereotypes that you have faced being a women leader/entrepreneur?
We all know the stereotypes. When a tall blond in heels walks into a plant you have to know you don’t always fit in but that shouldn’t stop you from going. You have to prove yourself every time you walk through the door but when you walk in with confidence and project that you belong there the dialogue quickly changes.
What is the future like for USA loves MFG? On a personal front, where do you see yourself standing in the coming years?
My goal is to continue to build the awareness of the organization. USA Loves Manufacturing is doing well, but my plan is to push further and expand what’s been happening.
Within the next 12 months my vision is to have a Roadshow Program where I visit organizations and do Podcasts or even a TV show about the company. The output would be a 30 minute video showcasing the organizations and products Made in the USA with the hope of driving awareness.
On a personal level, I would like to spend more time on the road telling the USA Loves Manufacturing story and growing the partnerships with my company Magenta Technologies. I also will of course spend quality time with my family. I would like to be the go to partner for any factory automation and robotic projects.
Finally, what do you think is the most important trait for a leader and why?
Consistency. Show up every day and stand for the same values. People need to know where you stand and expect you to be there every day. Doing so earns the respect of those around you.
