Her Story
About Carolyn
Carolyn Harrigan is a quality and operations professional with extensive experience in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain operations. She currently serves as a Quality Specialist at Tennant Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she leads investigations into shipment and product discrepancies using the Five Whys (5Y) root cause analysis methodology and develops corrective and preventive actions to improve quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Throughout her career, Carolyn has built a reputation for driving process improvements, strengthening operational performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
A graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Carolyn began her career as a part-time package handler at FedEx Ground while attending college. She steadily advanced into leadership positions, serving as a Service Manager at FedEx, Shipping and Receiving Supervisor at Kohl's Distribution Center, Value Stream Supervisor at Federal-Mogul (now Tenneco), Warehouse Supervisor at 2J Supply Company, Inventory Supervisor at Tennant Solutions, and ultimately transitioning into quality management. Her diverse experience across manufacturing, distribution, inventory control, warehouse operations, and quality assurance has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of operational excellence and organizational leadership.
Carolyn attributes her success to the unwavering work ethic and values instilled by her parents and grandparents, whose example of perseverance, integrity, and dedication continues to shape her leadership philosophy. She is deeply committed to developing people, building high-performing teams, and creating positive workplace cultures where employees are empowered to succeed. Beyond her professional career, Carolyn is the incoming President of her local Toastmasters International club, where she is passionate about helping others strengthen their communication and leadership skills. She also volunteers with All Abilities Sports of Northern Kentucky, an organization that provides inclusive athletic opportunities for children with disabilities and was honored with the organization's Impact Award in recognition of her service and commitment to the community. Outside of work, Carolyn treasures spending time with her family and enjoys antiquing, reading, and discovering unique pieces that reflect history and craftsmanship, embracing the same curiosity and appreciation for lifelong learning that guide both her personal and professional life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carolyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong example set by my parents and grandparents. Both of my grandfather's built successful businesses through hard work, determination, and perseverance, and my father continued that legacy by leading my grandfather's business. Watching my parents dedicate themselves tirelessly to providing for our family of six instilled in me a deep appreciation for discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. Their unwavering commitment and work ethic have shaped my own approach to leadership, success, and serving others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never be afraid to ask the uncomfortable questions and to have the courage to close one chapter in order to embrace the next. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, seeking clarity, and being willing to move forward when it's time for a new opportunity. Every stage of my career has taught me valuable lessons, and each chapter has contributed to my personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to have the courage to be different and not feel obligated to follow the status quo. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it is the best way. Stay curious, think creatively, and continuously look for opportunities to learn and grow. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and push beyond what feels familiar. Avoid becoming complacent and always remain focused on pursuing the next opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is attracting, retaining, and engaging talented people while fostering a culture where employees feel valued and connected to the organization's mission. Earning buy-in and continually reinforcing that every role has purpose and impact is essential to long-term success. As robotics and artificial intelligence continue to transform the workplace, the greatest opportunity lies in balancing innovation with a people-first approach. Technology can enhance operations, but it can never replace the importance of treating people with respect, investing in their growth, and maintaining meaningful engagement.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are honesty, ownership, and gratitude. I believe in taking responsibility for both successes and setbacks, learning from every experience, and continuing to move forward with resilience and integrity. I also strive to remain thankful for the many blessings in my life, especially the people I have the privilege to work alongside. Gratitude fosters perspective, strengthens relationships, and reminds me that meaningful success is achieved together as a team.
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