By Jill Crager, SVP of Sales Operations, Armstrong World Industries
I’m extremely proud to have spent more than 25 years in the building products industry working for Armstrong World Industries. It has allowed me to cultivate specific leadership skills to succeed in the male-dominated manufacturing industry and to recognize the deep importance of mentoring women in the workplace. The journey has been challenging, but I’ve learned that success in this environment relies on resilience, adaptability and the ability to build strong, diverse teams.
Developing a deep sense of self-confidence has been crucial. In an industry where women are underrepresented, it’s essential to speak up, make your presence known and ensure your ideas are heard. Embracing my perspective and trusting that my contributions are valuable have been key to maintaining confidence despite biases.
The mentorship and collaboration I’ve enjoyed at Armstrong have also played a significant role in my journey. Creating spaces for women to connect, share experiences and learn from one another is vital. That’s why I became the executive sponsor of AWARE (Armstrong Women Achieving Real Excellence), an Employee Resource Group focused on empowering women in the workplace. Supporting local organizations and programs that empower women and inspire the next generation of female leaders has been a rewarding aspect of my career.
Adaptability and innovation have also been essential to my success. Our industry is constantly evolving, and staying competitive requires a willingness to embrace change and drive innovation. By being adaptable and open to new ideas, I’ve helped streamline processes and create new opportunities for growth.
Ultimately, leadership in a male-dominated industry is about being true to yourself, leading with empathy and continuously pushing for progress. By embracing these skills, I’ve been able to break barriers, not just for myself, but for other women who aspire to succeed in the manufacturing field.
Empowering Women in Lancaster County!
March is Women’s History Month and the Lancaster Chamber will be celebrating all month long with a Women in Business take-over of our Digital Article Series Blog! Then we’ll be ending the month with our Annual Professional Women’s Forum!
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