Misty Dykema becomes a guest on her own show—interviewed by her 9-year-old daughter, Myah. She shares stories of her work solving challenges for industrial brands and what she’s learned about leadership as a woman working with male-dominated industries.
The Influence of Women Leaders at Heavy Industry Brands
This season is such a special one to me, let me tell you why. At Simantel we’ve been creating engaging, positive customer experiences for hardworking, industrial brands for 40+ years. As co-owner and principal of the agency, and a woman who has worked with clients in construction, agriculture, trucking/logistics, energy, marine, oil and gas, and of course parts for just under 20 years, it got me thinking — what if I devote an entire season to celebrating the women that make heavy industry brands go?
So that’s what this season is all about. I spent March, Women’s History Month no less, talking to some of the talented, fierce women out there killing it and inspiring future generations. It’s not that there aren’t inspiring male leaders out there too — because we’ve met many and worked with some of the greatest — but I think there is something so unique about a women’s point of view working (and leading!) in a male-dominated industry.
And we cover a lot of ground this season. You’ll find that the conversations range from issues impacting their industries to leadership philosophies to how succession planning is evolving to bring more diversity to leadership. And even something that many struggle with — balancing the desire for achievement with fulfillment.
One thing I learned is that while these jobs aren’t necessarily dirty, many of my guests started their career out in the field. In the dirt. They got to know the customers, the business, and experienced the connection and brand love first-hand. It got in their blood — and made them want to stay in the industry.
I hope you find this season as enlightening as I did. And if you’d like to hear even more content like this, just click the Women in Leadership tag on an episode to check out interviews from our previous seasons.
Workforce Innovation with Amy Volz
Workforce innovation is a true calling for Amy Volz of Trane Technologies. It allows her to combine her passion for marketing and brand strategy with her love for helping to unlock the potential of women and create opportunity for all.
Diversity in the Construction Industry with Leanne Skuse
Leanne Skuse, President of River City Construction, loves the energy of a job site. At the start of her career, she was one of the only females in Central Illinois in her industry. Today, she builds teams diverse in both gender and the way they think.
From Civil Engineer to VP with Lauren Parker
Lauren Parker, VP of Operations at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) learned early on how to hold her own and show her value as a woman in the male-dominated civil engineering field. Today, she brings a natural confidence to the way she leads.
Life in Engineering and Construction with Women from Kiewit
Women from Kiewit, one of North America’s largest engineering and construction organizations, talk about life in the industry and strengths they’ve developed working in a male-dominated industry.
Leading in Agriculture with Aryn Drawdy
Aryn Drawdy, Corporate Communications Director at AGCO, knows the heavy industry. She started her career in construction, embraced being a woman in a male-dominated field, and seamlessly transitioned to her leadership role in agriculture.
DEI and Renewable Energy with Keally DeWitt
Keally DeWitt, VP of Marketing and Public Policy at GAF Energy has been an environmentalist and feminist since she was a little girl. Today, she cultivates a DEI-centered organization through servant leadership and celebrating diverse perspectives.
Challenging Gender Biases with Rakshan Syed
Rakshan Syed, Director of Digital Integration Services at a fortune 100 manufacturer of heavy equipment and author of the book Embolden Women: Unapologetically Me, fearlessly challenges gender biases and leads with optimism and positivity, always.
A Passion for Engineering and Architecture with Karen Jensen
Karen Jensen, President & CEO of Farnsworth Group has spent nearly 40 years honing her engineering and business skills. She’s learned from experience that focusing on employees leads to better client satisfaction – and that’s a win-win for everyone.
Leadership on the Railroad with Valerie Duque
Valerie Duque joined BNSF Railway as an engineer right out of college. Today, she brings a diverse skillset to her role as Director of Marketing – Consumer Products at BNSF, where she strives to lead with self-awareness and positivity.