“Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others” – Amelia Earhart
Cranesy: In Crane Business have you ever had any specific career goals? Your biggest achievement this New 2014 Year?
Vicky Pugin: My company had major changes in senior management in 2013.
My goal for 2014 is to evolve with this new team and continue to be a valued partner leading business improvement initiatives through efficient use of IT technology.
C.: I’m always curious about how so many smart and beautiful ladies, who can have any career that they want, come interested of Crane Sector. What you can say about you?
V.: For me, following my Dad as he tinkered on cars and repaired household appliances, sparked my curiosity and love of figuring things out. I majored in Mechanical Engineering which allowed me to combine my creativity with this curiosity.
These are the main two abilities that have served me throughout my career, whether the challenge was a technical issue or a business process.
Working in the Crane Sector was an easy fit for me as my education and experiences provided me with the understanding and interest needed to advance in responsibility.
I now have more than 20 years of experience in this sector, and the company I work for is a world leader in material handling and lifting.
Starting my career in the Engineering Design office as a System Engineer, I evolved through Information Technology and Information Systems.
Today, I lead our CRM and Marketing Automation initiatives, partnering with the business on challenges we face with our multiple customer base and multiple channels to market.
C.: Role of Women in Construction Sector. Your point of view?
V.: I think that the role of a woman in this sector is anything she wants it to be.
Women have made major advances in many other industries and have shown that their skills can be a valuable asset to the business.
The challenge for women in this sector is to not lose their uniqueness, but to successfully promote their capacity and value for this industry.
C.: According your opinion, why it’s rare that women across CEO positions in Crane Sector?
V.: In general, I believe women are underrepresented in this Sector, especially in roles that lead to CEO positions in this industry.
Women need to gain experience in leading and look to work in a company where her strengths and experiences are in line with the leadership team.
C.: A key to success in personal and work life?
V.: Know what makes you happy! Finding the right balance in personal and work life requires sacrifice and these sacrifices should be for what brings greater happiness to you.
C.: What’s the toughest decision you ever had to make in your entire career?
V.: While trying to maintain a balance for personal and work life, I had to sacrifice my personal life for a couple of years to get where I wanted to be professionally.
Once again, knowing what makes you happy, allows for tough decisions to maintain Your Balance.
C.: Your Strenghts?
V.: Along with being creative and curious, I’m well organized and analytic. I’ve also developed into a good listener, increasing my servant leadership abilities.
C.: What qualities are needed to run a company? Do you use daily motivation with your staff?
V.: Running a company, especially in today’s economy, not only requires leaders who can clearly set a direction, but also requires someone who listens to his team members and customers.
Today running a company needs leaders who can adapt and revise plans, while communicating to stakeholders on the challenges.
Also, today’s company leader needs to prioritize initiatives and ensure that his team members have the means to execute on the company mission.
C.: Your favourite motto / quote?
V.: I have a couple of favorite quotes, but for women in Cranes Sector, I offer the quote from Amelia Earhart,
“I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”
Christmas short questions:
C.: Where will you spend Festivities?
V.: In France
C.: Your Christmas gift tips?
V.: Have your gift convey your Christmas wishes for the receiver
C.: Wishes for New 2014 Year?
V.: As the quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt,
“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”
