Mary Anne Elizabeth Fraley-Mchaar

I attribute my success to dependability and to being someone people know they can count on, no matter the situation. I strive to be that person others can come to when they need honest guidance. It may not always be a perfect conversation. Sometimes it involves a difficult disciplinary issue, a challenging workplace situation, or someone seeking the right way forward. Regardless of the circumstance, people know they will receive the truth from me—whether it is a good truth or a difficult one. My goal is always to provide clarity, support, and a path forward.

Part of who I am today has also been shaped by overcoming challenges in my past. Those experiences taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of believing in yourself even when others may doubt your potential. That journey pushed me to pursue education, build a meaningful career, and continually strive to grow both personally and professionally. It also gave me a deep sense of empathy for the struggles others may be facing, something I carry with me in my work every day.

My father played a foundational role in shaping my work ethic and values. From him, I learned the importance of showing up, doing the work, and standing by your word. That sense of responsibility and integrity has stayed with me throughout my career and education.

Much of my success has also come from the incredible mentors who have supported and believed in me along the way. My psychology professor, Deborah Vogele Welch, has been instrumental in guiding me through my doctoral dissertation journey. In my professional life, my HR director, Michael Morris, has been a constant source of encouragement. He listens to my ideas, supports my growth, and consistently reminds me that my work and contributions matter.

I have also been fortunate to work alongside colleagues and peers who challenge me, support me, and push me to continue growing. Being surrounded by people who share a commitment to doing the right thing and supporting one another makes the work we do stronger and more meaningful.

Ultimately, my success has been built on resilience, mentorship, strong values, and the relationships formed along the way. Those influences have shaped my belief that leadership is not defined by position but by the willingness to support others, tell the truth, and help people see their potential.

Mary Anne would like to recognize an invaluable source of support and inspiration, her Psychology professor, Deborah Vogel Welch, and HR director Michael Morris, as key supporters. She emphasized dependability as a core value, expressing the commitment to being dependable. Some of the best career advice I have received is to remain dependable and to be someone others can count on. Throughout my career, I have tried to live by that principle. I believe people should know that when they come to me, they will receive honesty, clarity, and support. It may not always be the easiest conversation, but they will always receive the truth and guidance to help them move forward.

I have also been fortunate to have strong mentors and leaders who have supported my growth and challenged me to continue developing both personally and professionally. My psychology professor, Deborah Vogele Welch, has been instrumental in guiding me through my doctoral research journey and encouraging me to think critically and explore ideas more deeply. In my professional life, my HR director, Michael Morris, along with my peers and leadership team, has been a tremendous source of encouragement, perspective, and honest feedback.

One of the most important lessons they have reinforced is that strong leadership is built on relationships and authenticity. They encouraged deeper reflection, helping me recognize that growth often stems from difficult truths. They have also helped me understand that not everyone will always support you, and that those moments are opportunities to learn, grow stronger, and better understand others' perspectives.

Another lesson I carry with me is the importance of being open and coachable. Accepting feedback for what it truly is—an opportunity to improve—has been essential to my development. Feedback, even when it is difficult to hear, provides insight that helps us grow stronger, think differently, and become better leaders.

The guidance I carry forward every day is simple but powerful: build strong relationships, be authentic, admit when you make mistakes, be accountable for your actions, remain open to feedback, and always lead by example. When people know you are genuine, dependable, and willing to stand beside them through both challenges and successes, trust begins to form—and trust is the foundation of meaningful leadership. A trusted source of guidance and support.

First, build relationships. In Human Resources and in manufacturing environments, success is not built on policies alone. Policies matter, but people must trust you and understand your intentions before they will truly accept guidance or direction. When strong relationships exist, it becomes much easier to explain the “why” behind decisions, expectations, and policies. Trust allows those conversations to happen in a meaningful and productive way.

Second, be prepared for change. Every industry today is evolving rapidly, especially in such areas as technology and automation. In automotive manufacturing and HR, we are seeing the effects of digital transformation through Industry 4.0, which I am personally very passionate about and studying in my doctoral research. Technology will continue to reshape the way we work, and the best thing young professionals can do is stay curious, keep learning, and remain adaptable.

I also encourage young women not to fear emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. These tools are not replacing our skills or our ability to lead; rather, they can enhance our effectiveness and help us focus on the work that truly matters—guiding people, solving problems, and strengthening organizations. AI and other digital tools are simply instruments that follow our direction. When used thoughtfully, they can help make our work more efficient and allow us to grow even further in our careers.

Finally, remain confident in your voice and your abilities. Continue learning, stay open to new ideas, and do not be afraid to step forward and contribute your perspective. Industries are evolving quickly, and the leaders who will make the greatest difference are those who combine strong relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace innovation.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is navigating the rapid pace of digital transformation. Automotive manufacturing is rapidly evolving through automation, AI, and interconnected digital systems. Industry 4.0. While these technologies create incredible opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and growth, they also require organizations to help their workforce adapt and feel confident working alongside new tools and systems. 

Another major challenge is the skills gap in the workforce. As technology advances, organizations need employees who can operate, maintain, and improve increasingly complex systems. However, many industries are facing shortages of workers with the necessary digital and technical skills. At the same time, experienced workers are retiring, and organizations must invest in reskilling and developing the next generation of talent.

There is also a significant leadership challenge tied to trust and communication during periods of change. When new technologies are introduced, employees often have concerns about job security, training, or how their roles will evolve. Research shows that successful transformation depends not only on implementing technology but also on ensuring employees feel prepared, supported, and motivated to embrace the change.

From my perspective, this is where Human Resources and leadership have the greatest opportunity. HR professionals today have the chance to move beyond traditional administrative roles and become strategic partners in guiding organizations through change. By focusing on communication, leadership development, workforce training, and employee engagement, we can help ensure that technology enhances human potential rather than replacing it.

Our field's greatest opportunity lies in guiding organizations to balance technology and human needs. While digital transformation will continue to reshape the industry, success hinges on investing in trust, relationships, and workforce development alongside innovation.

Dependability is the most important value to me. I strive to be that one person people know they can go to, no matter the situation. I want to be someone others feel comfortable talking to—whether it is about a discipline issue, a learning opportunity, or simply trying to understand how to address a difficult situation. Dependability, to me, is honesty and guidance. People come to me for honest advice, good or bad, and help in finding solutions.

I value helping others reach their full potential. Much of my work centers on supporting and developing people—helping them see their strengths, navigate challenges, and build the confidence needed to move forward in their careers and lives. I believe that when we invest in people and encourage their development, we create stronger individuals, stronger teams, and stronger organizations.

Beyond dependability and supporting others, I deeply value creativity and education. I believe learning is one of the most beautiful things in the world, and it has played a major role in shaping both my career and my personal growth. Continuing to learn, challenge myself, and explore new ideas has always been important to me, and education has opened many doors in my life that I once thought were impossible.

Creativity is also an important part of who I am. I have been an artist since I was a little girl and continue to enjoy creative work today. I paint, work in graphic design, and run a small graphic design business. Creative outlets such as oil painting, designing, or even creating custom items allow me time to reflect, recharge, and express a different side of myself outside of my professional responsibilities.

I also value experiences and cultural understanding. I have had the opportunity to travel and live in several places, including Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, California, Texas, and South Carolina. These experiences have broadened my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for different cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking.

For me, the balance of dependability, lifelong learning, creativity, and helping others grow guides both my professional life and my personal journey. These values remind me to continue developing myself while also supporting others as they work to become the best versions of themselves.