Sharon Mulvaney
Sales Manager, North America
Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America
On November 17, 2023, Women in Chemicals had the privilege of sitting down with Sharon Mulvaney, a dynamic professional with a background in chemical engineering, currently excelling in a leadership role in sales management at Ajinomoto. As we delved into her journey, Sharon shared her experiences, from her educational roots to her pivotal transitions and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
Educational and Professional Roots: Sharon kick-started her career journey with a degree in chemical engineering in 2007. Uncertain about her path, she found her footing through an internship at Stepan Company. Her tenure at Stepan, working from the labs to customer-facing roles in R&D, fueled her passion for customer engagement. This realization steered her towards a career in sales in 2010, and then a move into sales management in 2020 amid the challenges of the pandemic.
Influences from Upbringing: Sharon's childhood interest in science, initially leaning towards forensics, pivoted to engineering due to its versatile nature. Engineering, she discovered, could lead to diverse opportunities, setting the stage for her dynamic career path.
Networking and Advocacy: Sharon highlighted the importance of networking and advocating for oneself in transitioning to business roles. By engaging with commercial teams and showcasing her customer-centric approach, she positioned herself as an ideal fit for sales.
Embracing Change: Sharon's relocation from Illinois to New Jersey, despite never having visited before, proved transformative. Her open-mindedness and proactive approach to meeting people, exemplified by an encounter that led to meeting her husband, underscored the importance of forging connections in navigating new territories.
Balancing Act in Sales: As a sales professional, Sharon emphasized the delicate balance between company interests, sales representatives, and customer satisfaction. Prioritizing company values while understanding the customer's needs, Sharon stressed the importance of professionalism and transparency, even in challenging situations.
From Rep to Manager: Sharon's journey from a sales representative to a sales manager underscored her commitment to team building and effective leadership. Her emphasis on internal networking, virtual team-building activities, and the need to let go of micromanagement as a leader were notable takeaways.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: A self-proclaimed continuous learner, Sharon shared her approach to staying updated through networking, industry events, and formal mentorship. Her experience, coupled with a Harvard business management course, exemplified her dedication to personal and professional development.
Global Exposure and Working in Japan: Having worked in global roles, including as a Global Account Manager at Stepan, Sharon's experience with a Japanese-based company added a new dimension. She praised the high ethics and attention to detail in Japanese corporate culture.
Advice for Women in Chemical Community: In her parting words, Sharon encouraged women in the chemical community to keep an open mind. She emphasized the need for proactive conversations, self-advocacy, and a willingness to explore new ideas and opportunities.
Sharon Mulvaney's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of forging meaningful connections. As we celebrate one year of Women of the World interviews, Sharon's insights add another layer to the diverse experiences and wisdom shared by remarkable women in various fields.
This episode was sponsored by:
