Five stories, five WOWs

What I mean is, there are certain ways to manage. I enjoy being a role model, being that high performance car. I think it is important to have these guiding people in one’s life and at one’s work. I’ve had many role models in my 10 years at Freudenberg and now I am one. In fact, I still remember the words of one of early mentors: “Whatever occupation one takes up, do it and love it.” I have never gone wrong with that philosophy. 

It is part of my role as Operational Director at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies in China to recognize talent, coach talent and, above all, trust talent. Truly, I am only in this position because someone has been there to trust me during my career and driven me forward by giving me skills and knowledge. There is an abundance of talent training programs, like lean system training, lean business training and general leadership training. And all the training programs are learn-by-doing style, which greatly speeds up both professional and personal development.

Our customer demand is growing fast, and we have managed to meet that demand by optimizing resources. Strategic planning is a part of my role that I take very seriously. Planning for the next strategic period is a huge responsibility. And I cannot achieve anything without the talent around me; that is all the various functions. Like when we all pulled together recently on a new product launch – a vacuum cleaner filter. It had several issues that needed addressing in terms of performance requirements and the functioning process. By using different lean tools, all functions proactively made improvements. The outcome? Very satisfied customers. 

With the excellent team spirit in my team, nothing seems impossible. 

I started as an apprentice. During this time, as well as learning the actual skills required for my job, I was also the Chairman of the Youth and Apprenticeship Representation (JAV). In a way, right from the beginning, I was being prepared to lead like my current role as supervisor requires; also helped by my participation on the Leadership Discovery Program. Along the way, I have also received advanced training as a Mechanical Engineering Technician. Furthermore, I have been given assignments at gas compressor stations across Europe, during which I was always aware that I was an ambassador for the company.

I am involved in technical projects, such as Project Zero Emission in France. For this, I conducted sealing tests at the test stands in Eurasburg using a sealing system with a flat seal adapter, as well as for the corresponding nitrogen supply container. I then installed this seal at the customer’s site in Carcassonne (France) and performed leak tests on the compressor itself. Due to increased bearing temperatures, I had to modify the seal to a different version. Additionally, I conducted downtime tests with this seal type to demonstrate that it remains functional in the event of a nitrogen supply failure or nitrogen container malfunction. That is what I mean by technical projects.

If I think back, there are a few key moments where I thought: “It’s great to be here.” The first was when I received a lovely welcome from the executives on my first day of work. The second was when I was given a trip to the Freudenberg factory in Weinheim as reward for completing my apprenticeship. The final time was for the 175th anniversary celebration of the Freudenberg Group in Münsing. I felt like I really belong here

It has been quite a smooth journey, like I am in a luxury car just heading to my next destination with my direction clearly signposted by the company. I believe there are going to many more great moments in my career.

Although I only consider myself more as reliable and stable, it is quite amazing just how much has happened to me here at Freudenberg. I started my career in my mid 20’s in Freudenberg Medical in Costa Rica in 2012 as a Quality Engineer. Within two years I was promoted to manager. Now, years later, I am a Director of Operations working in the USA, a long way from my home country. But I wouldn’t swap it for anything – I am proud of the fact that I have held my own as a younger female in a leadership role, amongst a peer group and customer set that was mostly more senior men.

Freudenberg is a company where the more you give, the more you will get back! So, I have experienced constant acceleration professionally because at Freudenberg Talent Management is not just a buzzword. In my case, every new career advance has been offered to me as part of succession planning and our Talent Management program. Also, there is a real entrepreneurial spirit, which gives me the drive to succeed, and it’s backed up by the financial power of a group.

We all support one another so we can educate, guide and facilitate on each other’s behalf. That is probably why many people have been here for 20, 30 or even more years – our classic cars. If you want to be one of those, like I do, then for sure you should be open to new challenges and be willing to take on projects that give you perspectives beyond your specific job scope. 

Anything more? Yes, it’s fun to learn and experience the variety here too. I loved it when I was involved in implementing SAP at all sites in the Americas from 2014 to 2017. It gave me the opportunity to spend time at all our locations in the US, where I got to see the different operations and meet people at every plant. You make interesting connections in other ventures too, which happened to me on the Business Leadership Program. I left it feeling really inspired, and that is still with me now. 

I enjoy my work. Working in production at EagleBurgmann has given me hands-on experience with diverse technical challenges. I also have a good grasp of the English language, plus knowledge of time and process management. You learn things and you use those things at this company. 

I work in production. Currently based in Istanbul, I have been in production since I started. I enjoy being the engine of the process. In our area of work, we use machines, and in order to use them properly and maximize their benefit, you have to have a good understanding of how they function. One of the most satisfying times for me here was when we had some machines that were proving unsuitable for preparing the products we want because of an incompatible shaft size. We were able to improvise and produce a shaft that was a good fit for the machines and proved very useful. This was a very difficult moment for me but with a good outcome.

My role has allowed me to participate in specific projects that contributed a lot to my development: SAP, manufacturing and cost reduction. I received mentoring support from experienced managers within the team and within the company as a whole. In addition, in production we have overcome many difficulties together during the company building renovation process. This brings us closer and has built friendships.

If I was a vehicle, I would be a self-driving car with Freudenberg as my fellow passenger. We are traveling together. We are in constant communication. I receive instruction during the journey in the form of constant training on both a professional and personal basis. An example is when I visited the German production line and received training there that inspired me to further my career.

Freudenberg has been an enjoyable learning journey for me so far. The knowledge I learn I will use to grow what we have here in Turkey. I expect us to get a bigger factory at some stage and I will be part of it, enjoying my job.

I hadn’t actually heard of Freudenberg, which seems strange now because it is such a global player, so taking the job here was a decision based on a gut feeling. Right from the start I appreciated the reality I was working in and perceived a sense of strength and stability.  Those first impressions have been confirmed over time. Today, after 5 years, I can say that it was definitely the right decision to join this company.

Every career milestone has represented a welcomed challenge. Clearly, due to the complexity of departmental organization, my current role, Nonwoven Production Manager, is the biggest challenge I have had to face, but also the most motivating one. I am lucky to have a team consisting of people with experience who have been working here for years, that have a strong sense of belonging to the company and feel part of a familial environment. I can trust them, and when I have to make a decision, I always take their opinions and ideas into consideration.

In today’s business world we still encounter much unconscious bias against women at work. Men are usually considered the most valuable option to hold specific roles. But at Freudenberg, there are many examples of women that hold these positions. And having the chance to be one of them makes me feel proud.

Freudenberg also shows forward thinking in other areas. There is a focus on employees’ health through many initiatives and events that encourage the exchange of ideas and opinions on topics not necessarily related to work life. You feel cared for inside and outside of work – your well-being is not taken for granted here.

So, what next, where is my career road leading? Let’s just say I’m an Italian motorbike cruising down the freeway, totally in control, the wind in my hair, taking in the scenery and enjoying knowing that where ever I am going, I will have the opportunity to learn and improve professionally.