Tracy Long
Vice President Communications, ABB’s North American Motion Business Area
Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
In my role, I lead a group of storytellers who promote our products and solutions to customers across many different industries and through a variety of channels. I also work with a variety of internal teams to ensure each group of employees receives appropriate information specific to their roles and circumstances. Finally, I represent the company in our community and with the media.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: For many years, I didn’t have a picture of what I would be “when I grew up.” I always enjoyed each job and the people I worked with. However, I realize now that in junior high I imagined being a teacher, someone who could show others how to accomplish tasks or teach them how to learn how to do them, and I realize I have become a teacher after all.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: I have been working for the same manufacturing company for more than 30 years, and I don’t think the challenges I faced were because I am a woman. My challenges were around my own confidence and willingness to take an educated risk. What I found over time was the more risks I took, the more my confidence grew as a person and as an employee.
One of the greatest opportunities for women in manufacturing is to be part of something essential. Everything around us has been manufactured - from the carpet to your clothing to your cell phone to the ceiling tiles in your room. I love knowing that I had a very small part in something that is critical to quality of life around the world.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My father owned his own dental practice for nearly 40 years which supported our family as well as the employees who worked for him. I watched how he gave each patient personal attention and respect, and they appreciated and respected him back. My father is a smart, funny and humble man who makes people comfortable no matter the situation.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Be a team player. As someone taught me many years ago “it takes each one of us doing our part for the whole team to succeed.” You will never benefit yourself by hurting someone else to get ahead.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Two things:
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Never turn down an opportunity to try something new. Over the years, I’ve been asked to take on new roles and learn new tools, and each time I did, my networks broadened, my skills increased, and knowledge of the business expanded.
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Be kind. Treat people as you wish to be treated, and over time, the kindness will be returned to you in ways you’ve never imagined.
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