Her Story
About Shayla
Shayla Magnuson serves as Quality Manager in the chemical manufacturing and testing industry. She began her career in early 2012 after graduating with a chemistry degree, having shifted from an initial interest in engineering. Her passion for analytical chemistry developed while working at a third-party testing lab, and she has remained in that realm throughout her career. In her current role at a small company, she manages laboratory testing, oversees quality, and handles product certifications. Shayla is a voting member of ASTM and holds an internal auditor certification. She stepped into her quality position with minimal notice and successfully led her company through a critical audit with no findings. She attributes her professional success to her work ethic, always taking on challenges and researching solutions until resolved. Shayla values leading with a kind heart and empathy in both her work and personal life, and she advises young women entering the industry to keep pushing forward and seek supportive mentors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success mostly to my work ethic. I'm the type of person who takes whatever challenge is in front of me and figures it out, whether by asking people questions or researching books and the internet until I solve it. I keep going until I figure it out.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to know your worth. Remember what you've done, where you've come from, how you've grown, and what you've given to positions, because you can never let somebody else dictate your value.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to keep pushing forward and not let people get you down, because this industry will do that to you. It's a tough industry to be a woman in. Look for people who can help you along the way, and you can always come to any of us ladies because we've all been through it.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are leading with a kind heart and empathy. If someone doesn't have the capability to be empathetic towards other people and what they might be going through, it doesn't sit well with me. I urge people to leave with kindness, whether at work, home, or in public, because you never know what others are struggling through.
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