Heather N. Bilbrey

'To be honest, when I started at Element, I was a single mom of three children. My youngest child was six months old, and I needed stability. I needed financial security, all of those things. So I think wanting to prove to myself and children, especially my daughter, that you will find a way - when you have to, right? I always work really hard to show my sons and my daughter, that you can do all things. Whether you're a parent - single or married, all things are possible. My family is really the biggest driver behind my career, and me obviously wanting to promote myself up and show I am just as capable as anyone else! I enjoy leading my team and want to learn as much as I can about my industry. But yeah, I would say family, and then I just really love the work that I do.'

Don't count yourself out because of your background. I had little sales experience when I started at Element. I actually have an accounting background and a business management degree, and so I thought I would always be in accounting and procurement. And then I kind of got pulled into this position, and I just fell in love with it. One day I mentioned to one of my mentors, I had said to her, "I don't know what I'm doing, I am not in sales, like, I don't know how to sell!" And she said, "You are selling it. Don't count yourself out because you don't have the background." And then six months later, I mean, I had just picked it up so naturally and was killing it. I was happy that I had somebody just rooting me on and giving me confidence - just never count yourself out, regardless of your background, your age, your gender, whatever it may be!

Believe in your skills and you team's capabilities. Self-confidence will help you tremendously in a male-dominated environment. Make connections with other women, both within and outside the organization. I try to mentor other women in and outside the industry, and I tell them that all things are possible. Speak up for yourself. You might need to know more than the next guy beside you, because unfortunately, you are a woman in a male-dominated industry, and that's just something that we have to deal with. Mentor all who need it, I am pretty vocal in my opinions and have always tried to stand up and show up for 'my people.' Just be personable - a regular person. Your customers connect with you because you're just a person, doing the best job you can for them. 

The opportunity, is that aerospace and defense isn't going anywhere. Element as a whole has over 200 locations globally and is a leader in the testing industry. Aero and defense is booming, so there's work everywhere, you just have to know where to look. The challenge in our industry is that projects will be rush, rush, rush, and then kind of settle down. I'm still learning, and something new will always pop up! Coordinating with my team and customer is where I excel. My laboratory is expanding, we're growing, which is great! Right now, it's just keeping up with the work and pivoting when things change! Always have a backup plan. My personal challenge is making sure I maintain work-life balance. It is easy at times, and a struggle other times, I really have to set aside time for my family, work will always be there. My children are growing up so fast, I don't want to miss it! I am lucky, I have a great guy, and family support system.

Honesty is incredibly important to me. Follow-through matters - if I say I'm going to do something, I do it. I think that's why my customers and team appreciate and respect me the way they do, because if I tell them it's going to get done, it does. Determination is also necessary, I always work really hard to show my children that you can do all things and that all things are possible with hard work and determination. Work-life balance is also crucial. You know, I'm a mom. At the end of the day, still, that is my number one job. Element is super supportive in work-life balance, and that's been a great driver for me to stay with that company.