Amanda Wiriya's story is a testament to the power of listening, being transparent, and exploring your transferable skills.

She began her career at Wepco Plastics as an Administrative Assistant, seeking stability and flexibility. But leaders at Wepco saw her potential and her ability to use skills derived from previous (non-manufacturing) roles, leading ultimately to her rise to the role of Vice President of Operations.

Today, Amanda leads Wepco’s operational strategy, finances, and human resources, working closely with an all-male leadership team to foster an environment of transparency and growth.

Amanda opens up about the unique challenges and advantages of being "the only" woman on her team —a journey that many women in manufacturing can relate to. She shares valuable insights into how she proceeded.

We discover that Wepco has an incredible commitment to transparency, a practice of assuming “the process failed, not the person.” This supportive, process-focused approach drives innovation and morale. By consistently questioning assumptions and fostering open communication, Amanda has played a key role in shaping a culture that values each individual contributor.

Where you can find Amanda:

Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wiriya-322545141/ Company: https://wepcoplastics.com/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Sit down with Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO of CONNSTEP, a leading force in Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Beatriz shares key moments from her career journey. She opens up about an early career situation where she doubted her readiness for a leadership role, only to realize later that she had underestimated her unique strengths. She reflects on our tendency, as women, to need to feel "overqualified" before taking a leap - a mindset she urges others to overcome.

From Colombia to Connecticut, Beatriz has navigated male-dominated environments, leveraging her engineering and business skills while continuously learning. She discusses her experience leading CONNSTEP, helping Connecticut’s manufacturers thrive, and the importance of mentorship in her success.

Her message: take risks, trust in your abilities, and embrace opportunities as they come—even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or leading a team, Beatriz’s advice to "lead with courage, not fear" will inspire you to shake up your own path to success.

Where you can find Beatriz:

Beatriz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrizgutierrez/

Company: https://www.connstep.org/

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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Catherine Pratt, Program Manager at HyAxiom, shares her inspiring journey in the world of sustainability. Charting a path through chemical engineering, she now leads projects that address one of the biggest global challenges—climate change. She takes her mission personally as both a professional and a parent.

Catherine shares how her career evolved from individual contributor to leadership, and the mindset shifts that helped her get there. Along the way, we learn how Catherine’s transparent leadership style builds trust and ownership among her team, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Tune in for a conversation on aligning your career with a purpose—identifying the problems you want to solve and finding a way to contribute using your strengths.

Where you can find Catherine: Catherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pratt-0a88811b/ Company: https://hyaxiom.com/ -------

Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/