At Koch Fertilizer, we believe unleashing the true potential of every employee is key to their success, the success of our organization and society at large. In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting a few of the women who are molding their careers in the manufacturing industry.
Q: What got you interested in your career field?
“As a child, I was very curious about nature and how things worked. I was constantly asking questions and imagining ways to improve my toys or creating new ones. I am grateful for my parents and teachers who fostered my love for science and engineering. Throughout my engineering calling, I have found fulfillment in solving problems, and helping customers and seeing them succeed.”
-Sonya Werner, electrical & instrumentation leader, KAES Operations Excellence
“I love numbers and I love science, so chemistry seemed to be the route for me. What took me a while to figure out was that I really like being active and working with my hands. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone into a trade. However, working in the lab at Koch gives me the direct contact with the process I enjoy.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
“I have always enjoyed math and science through school. I took some pre-engineering classes in college that I really enjoyed, which is how I chose an engineering major.”
-Shelby Weber, rotating reliability engineer, Koch Fertilizer Enid
Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?
“As an employee at Koch, I get to create my role. While I hold a specific title, that title does not keep me in a predetermined lane. For example, I’m a PI software subject matter expert for the site, I’m learning new data interfaces like Alteryx and Tableau, and I’m taking on a completely different role for turnaround as a schedule analyst. I can’t help but be excited about the freedom I have to learn and grow.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
“Troubleshooting and finding a solution the difficult problems.”
-Helen Sheepwash, instrumentation specialist, Koch Fertilizer Canada
“The most exciting part of my role is being able to design a piece of equipment or execute a project in order to produce a reliable mechanical system.”
-Shelby Weber, rotating reliability engineer, Koch Fertilizer Enid
Q: What do you find most challenging in your role?
“Instrumentation and technology are constantly changing, so you need to be constantly learning.”
-Helen Sheepwash, instrumentation specialist, Koch Fertilizer Canada
“Things are changing rapidly and in order to achieve the vision we have set, we need to be able to confront the facts of our current reality and rapidly evolve our strategies depending on the situation. With information overload, it is vital to decipher distractions that are masquerading as opportunities and intentionally feed my focus towards the areas that matter the most.”
-Sonya Werner, electrical & instrumentation leader, KAES Operations Excellence
“Making sure I’m always transforming. It’s easy to get lulled into complacency and doing the same thing every day. But it’s necessary to be looking at the next ‘thing’ to ensure we stay ahead as a company and stay engaged as employees.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
Q: What has been most rewarding in your career?
“One of the most rewarding things for me is to help other individuals. Whether that is helping troubleshoot equipment — then we learn something new together — or an opportunity to teach someone something that took me a long time to learn. I enjoy sharing knowledge to help our team to become the best we can be.”
-Shelby Weber, rotating reliability engineer, Koch Fertilizer Enid
“Throughout my career, I have been blessed with mentors who are successful leaders with the heart of a servant. Their beliefs about people demonstrated through their actions has transformed me in multiple ways. It makes me excited about not only my own future, but also the future of others whom they have invested in.”
-Sonya Werner, electrical & instrumentation leader, KAES Operations Excellence
“It’s something I call being a bridge builder; connecting a person to someone or something that will help them answer their question or fix their problem. This is so rewarding for me and is definitely a recently discovered micro-motive.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
Q: What steps are you taking to self-actualize in this role?
“I am doing something that makes me want to get up in the morning and drive 50 miles to do it. If I’m not self-actualizing, that 50-mile drive and total time away from my family isn’t worth it. I continue to self-actualize by collecting as much knowledge as I can. Whether I’m reading books or stretching myself into other roles, more knowledge is key to my self-actualization.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
“As I pursue self-actualization, I am actively listening to understand our customers' needs and learning from different sources to continuously develop my core strengths. I am leveraging the knowledge network available at Koch and becoming better at anticipating opportunities that can serve and create new, long-term value for our customers.”
-Sonya Werner, electrical & instrumentation leader, KAES Operations Excellence
“There are so many different pieces of equipment and new technologies available — the learning opportunities are endless. I am currently getting more involved with various projects at our facility as well as working on my category III vibration analyst certification, with goals of becoming CAT IV certified as well.”
-Shelby Weber, rotating reliability engineer, Koch Fertilizer Enid
Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give women thinking of starting a career like yours?
“Most people will want to see you succeed. Though there are a few bad apples out there, don’t let it spoil your attitude towards everyone. Confidence comes with experience, so ask questions and volunteer to assist where you can.”
-Helen Sheepwash, instrumentation specialist, Koch Fertilizer Canada
“Own your development. Understand your innate abilities, be teachable and willing to accept opportunities where you will be stretched and uncomfortable.”
-Sonya Werner, electrical & instrumentation leader, KAES Operations Excellence
“Find out what’s out there. If that means holding off on college for a few years or taking longer to graduate than the ‘norm’ or going into a trade, take time to see what’s out there and what makes your heart sing. I would highly recommend reading Dark Horse to figure out your micro-motives. I wish I would have read it long ago.”
-Rebecca Fox, lab manager, Koch Fertilizer Fort Dodge
“If you think you want to do it, you should. Anything can be accomplished with the right attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn. Deciding on an engineering career has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The opportunities created are nearly endless. There are so many disciplines and it allows you to do many different things in your career.”
-Shelby Weber, rotating reliability engineer, Koch Fertilizer Enid