Embracing Change: Navigating Career Shifts with Purpose and Clarity
Session Summary: The modern career landscape is constantly evolving, and many women in entry to middle management are looking to make purposeful, strategic changes in their careers to align with their values, passions, and long-term goals. Whether you’re transitioning to a new role, shifting industries, or redefining your leadership style, intentional career shifts require thoughtful planning, confidence, and a clear vision.
In this interactive session, attendees will learn how to navigate career transitions with intention—taking control of their professional trajectory to ensure that the next step is not only successful but also fulfilling. With a focus on clarity, strategy, and confidence-building, this session will empower women to make informed decisions, embrace new opportunities, and take action toward the career they truly desire. Participants will explore key strategies for assessing where they are, where they want to go, and how to create a roadmap for an intentional career shift that aligns with both personal and professional aspirations.
This Session is Sponsored By:
Brenntag
Christine Bryant
Christine Bryant is the Global President of the Material Science business unit and the President of Brenntag Specialties NA, effective September 1, 2024. In these roles, Christine is responsible for the strategy and performance of the global Material Science business, as well as the strategic initiatives for the Specialties business in North America. Brenntag is the world's leading chemical distributor, with sales exceeding $18 billion.
Before joining Brenntag, Christine served as the global head of the Tailored Urethanes business unit at Covestro, with annual sales of over $1 billion. She was responsible for advancing the business segment's strategy, driving operational excellence, and delivering profitable growth.
Christine's career with Covestro spanned more than 30 years, during which she held multiple executive positions with both regional and global responsibilities, including strategy, operations, sales, marketing, and technical roles.
Christine has been a strong industry advocate through her work with the American Chemistry Council, the leading trade association for the chemical industry in the United States. She has held leadership positions within the Plastics Operating Committee and the Sustainability Strategy Committee, ensuring a strong industry focus on sustainability and advocating for a more circular economy enabled by plastics and sustainable innovation.
Christine is deeply committed to the community, with longstanding leadership roles across business, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Her community engagement reflects her passion for giving back to organizations committed to strengthening DEI, STEM education, sustainability, and innovation.
Christine has held leadership roles with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (UWSPA), serving as co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) from 2016-2019. She has been the co-chair of the UW Impact Cabinet since 2019 and serves on the UW Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
She also serves on the Board of Directors for UPMC Health Plan and is Vice Chair of the Senator John Heinz History Center. Previously, she was a trustee for Robert Morris University and served on its Board of Visitors for the School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science.
Christine is an executive sponsor for the Carnegie Mellon University TALI Advanced Leadership program, designed to prepare Black leaders for executive advancement and strengthen corporate diversity. She has been involved with TALI since its inception in 2019, serving as a mentor to TALI cohorts.
Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from Duquesne University. She also earned her master’s in chemical engineering with an emphasis on colloids, polymers, and surfaces from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.