Her Story
About Carin
I grew up on a farm and studied agriculture and agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia because I wanted to work for an agricultural magazine. In my senior year I switched to sales but realized after six months it wasn't for me. I then joined a small software company which kickstarted my IT career starting from the service desk. I progressed through product management, business analysis, and earned certifications in Agile, Scrum Master, and Six Sigma Black Belt while pursuing business architecture. Today as operations digital lead in crop science I focus on integrating operational technologies with fast-changing IT solutions and managing the compatibility and transformation challenges that come with it. I also write children's books on the side based on true animals from an animal's point of view with titles like Surprise the Storm Pony and Zebra in the Woods.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I am a very hard driven person. If I want to do something I will think about it and look into the steps. Being driven and being bold are about the only ways that I've been able to progress. I went after my Six Sigma certification starting with no belt and got my black belt in nine months. I also boldly asked for mentorship after not getting a business architect role.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Leave your ego and your title out the door and bring your humanity in the room. It applies to any meeting or scenario when solving problems together.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be curious, be courageous, and be a champion of yourself. Ask questions and repeat back what you understand to solidify the conversation and identify gaps. You don't have to do the rah-rah I am woman hear me roar, just bring your own presence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. Operational technology systems that connect to IT can be older and vulnerable making them targets for attacks that could shut down manufacturing lines and cause safety issues. With AI advancing hackers are getting smarter and we have to stay ahead of that.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships and flexibility are the biggest things right now for me. I am part of the sandwich generation with parents whose health is not great and a daughter starting college while at the peak of my career so I leverage relationships to have the flexibility I need.
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