Meet Carolyne Watts, Plant Manager at the GM St. Catharines Propulsion plant. Carolyne is responsible for overseeing the production of engines and transmissions of entire car fleets. She is an inspiration as one of the few women who has been able to dominate in a predominantly male industry. Find out more about Carolyne in this short and sweet interview!

How did you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?

It was a decision that was made for me based on my circumstances. I had finished my pre-university in Quebec, where you have to complete a mandatory 2 years of college before university. I had taken business and I needed money to advance to university. I searched for business programs around the country and GM had a university in Flint Michigan called General Motors institute and they were providing a co-op program that appealed to me.

They were one of the few companies that provided a business co-op experience and I ended up being sponsored at a plant outside of Montreal. I quickly found I loved manufacturing, and I liked the experience of managing your own business. I started off as a group leader and I was responsible for 50 people. I had to manage a budgets, quality control, labour relations and I enjoyed how I got to apply everything I had learned..

What achievement are you most proud of?

When I started out, there were not many female plant managers in manufacturing and that was very significant for me. Another external award was being part of the top 100 women in automotive and that was great recognition from an external body.

But I believe that whatever achievement I had right in front of myself was my best one. I had so many goals, and being able to achieve them was imperative to me. I knew what I enjoyed and I was very competitive. I put myself in positions that were more difficult because that was my personality and it helped me have clarity on what I wanted in life.

"The one thing that is really important especially in the non traditional areas for women is to be yourself."

What mistakes do you see young women make?

Well I see a lot of young women, enter a profession and alter who they are to fit in. The one thing that is really important especially in the non traditional areas for women is to be yourself. You look at the men and you say this is what an ideal plant manager acts like in terms of behaviour but you need to be yourself. Because if you try to be what you think you should be, then your strengths don't have an opportunity to be as visible as opposed to when you're being yourself.

Piece of advice you would give young women?

I would advise young women to be confident, speak up and create mentorships. Make sure to create mentorships other than the traditional ones where they coach and provide you with knowledge. I is important to pick someone who can put some input on your competencies and skill set but it’s also important to have someone who can is in the right position to create opportunities for you. Pick someone that will open the doors for you in whatever you are interested in. A good mentor may be able to recommend you to others for positions they think would enhance your career.

Make sure to be bold about knocking on doors! For everyone that says no, someone will say yes. And always be prepared. Go in with a business plan, with a concept and make sure it is professional. As you progress, remember to experience what is happening at every moment and learn from it.

Role Models For Girls: Carolyne Watts, Plant Manager Extraordinaire!