A compelling journey of a Detroit native who transformed from struggling with reading to becoming a successful Production Controls Manager, while raising her son and pursuing higher education, demonstrating the power of determination and resilience.
Her Story
About Sharon
Sharon M. is a dynamic and results-driven Production Controls Manager with over a decade of experience in manufacturing and operations management. Currently serving as Sr. Controls Manager at a private North American manufacturing company, Sharon is known for her ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex production schedules, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Her professional journey includes key roles at Newell Brands and Detroit Manufacturing Systems, where she honed her expertise in injection molding, lean manufacturing, and performance monitoring. Sharon's leadership style is rooted in collaboration, employee empowerment, and operational excellence, consistently aligning production goals with organizational profitability.
Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Leadership and Development from the University of Phoenix, Sharon combines strong academic credentials with real-world problem-solving skills. She's a proud member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and brings a tech-savvy approach to process optimization, frequently leveraging tools like Power BI and Excel for data-driven decisions. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit also led her to serve as CEO of The Right Way 2 Dine, reflecting her diverse skill set and passion for innovation both inside and outside the manufacturing floor.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my mother and son, along with 13 years of dedication in the automotive industry—including a leadership role at Rubbermaid—and a commitment to growth, whether it's managing five warehouses, starting my day in strategic meetings, or pursuing my master’s degree to further elevate my impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never let your team fail—because true leadership means standing with your team, guiding them through challenges, and ensuring collective success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to work hard, stay focused, and believe in yourself—because you can achieve anything you set your mind to in life.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, integrity, and love—especially the love I have for my son, who's in college and inspires me every day with his passion for bikes and his drive to succeed.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Sharon
“Lit by the Tunnel’s End: A Story of Family and Fortitude”
From Reading Struggles to Corporate Success: A Single Mother's Journey of Perseverance and Growth
Sharon Murphy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unstoppable growth. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she grew up in a lively home with her mom, dad, and six siblings. As the middle daughter, she quickly learned the importance of strength, adaptability, and finding her own voice. She attended Central High School, where she graduated despite facing challenges with reading beyond a ninth-grade level. While many might have let that setback define them, Sharon refused to let it determine her future.
At just 20 years old, Sharon welcomed her son, Mc’Kullan Hunt, into the world. Becoming a young mother gave her a powerful reason to push forward. With him as her motivation, she began teaching herself how to read and comprehend at a higher level, slowly but surely building the knowledge she once struggled with. Her determination paid off—after years of learning, growing, and refusing to give up, Sharon returned to college. She earned her Associate’s degree in Healthcare, and later, her Bachelor’s in Business Management with a focus on Leadership and Development. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Business, with graduation expected in May 2026.
Professionally, Sharon has built an impressive career in manufacturing. With over a decade of experience working for some of the leading corporations in the world, she now serves as a Production Controls Manager for a Fortune 500 company. Along the way, she has been guided and inspired by incredible coaches and mentors, who fueled her passion for leadership and personal success.
But at the heart of her story are her mom and her son—her greatest sources of light. As a single mother raising a young African American man, Sharon takes immense pride in Mc’Kullan’s growth. Today, he is excelling in life, balancing work, school, and a healthy lifestyle. His accomplishments are a reflection of her perseverance, love, and guidance.
Sharon’s journey proves that challenges don’t define destiny—determination does. From struggling with reading to leading in business, she has transformed obstacles into stepping stones. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief, lifelong learning, and the unwavering drive to create a better future for herself and her son.
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