Terri MacLachlan
Manager of the Skincare Team in Research & Development
Amway
With a background in Chemical Engineering, Terri has had a remarkable journey within the company, spanning 32 years. Terri's fascination with science began at a young age, where she enjoyed experimenting and creating in various aspects of her life. Ultimately, her love for math and chemistry led her to pursue a degree in chemical engineering after realizing it was her true passion. Throughout her career at Amway, Terri attributes her success to having excellent mentors who recognized her potential, even when she didn't see it herself. She has worked on high-profile projects, earned a patent, and had the opportunity to work overseas in India and Belgium during her tenure. Recently, she made the transition into management, a challenge that she embraced and navigated by strengthening the relationship with her team and with the support of her mentors.
Terri's approach to opportunities has been to choose those that challenge her and provide opportunities for growth. Trusting her advocates and maintaining open communication about her goals with her mentors have been essential elements of her success. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Terri acknowledges the significant changes that have taken place, including more women in executive leadership positions. She hopes for more female mentorship in the industry and believes that women bring unique skill sets such as a passion to succeed and a better understanding of emotions that can be advantageous. Regarding the future of women in the chemical industry, Terri emphasizes the need for equal opportunities, projects, and chances for promotion into leadership roles. She advocates for maternity leave, empowerment opportunities, and work-life balance flexibility to support families and caregivers.
Terri offered valuable advice to the WIC community during her interview, encouraging them to embrace opportunities outside of their comfort zones and to take on challenging projects to foster personal growth. She also recommends the book "Outward Mindset" by Arbinger Institute for developing empathy and understanding the needs of others. Terri's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring women in the chemical industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, seizing opportunities, and advocating for equal opportunities and work-life balance. Her passion for science and her dedication to helping others in their career paths make her a valuable role model within the industry.
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