Listen to this Episode on Evolving Culture with Bonnie Tully of Evonik:
From transforming control room roles to managing “startup hangovers,” Bonnie Tully‘s journey in the chemical industry is a masterclass in navigating complexity and fostering innovation. As COO of Evonik, Bonnie shares her insights with host Victoria Meyer on the evolution of industry roles, the critical importance of middle management, and future trends involving AI and project-centric environments.
Bonnie’s recount of her experience in setting up a plant in Singapore, managing a diverse team, and implementing a multicultural work environment highlights the intricacies of global operations. Victoria and Bonnie explore the shift towards self-managing employees, the essential role of middle management in maintaining company cohesion, and strategies for attracting top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:
- Bonnie Tully’s career origin, evolution, and the 3 biggest changes she’s seen in the chemical industry in the span of her career
- Transformation of chemical industry roles
- Trends in the chemical industry and looking to the future: what’s next?
- Setting up culture from scratch and the “startup hangover”
- Tackling the talent attraction perspective, creating a unified culture, and social media’s role
Killer Quote: “Creating a company culture isn’t just a top-down directive; it’s a journey you take with your team. It’s about respect, collaboration, and openness, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. That’s how we move from ‘us versus them’ to ‘we’re in this together.'” – Bonnie Tulley
Other links:
10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Ep 165 Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik
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Watch this Episode on Youtube Here:
Evolving Culture for Industry Success with Bonnie Tully of Evonik
Introduction
In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer sits down with Bonnie Tully, Chief Operating Officer at Evonik, exploring the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry. From the evolving roles in control rooms to trends shaping the future, Bonnie Tully’s insights offer a profound look into the challenges and opportunities ahead. This blog post unpacks key discussion points, ranging from the critical role of middle management to the significance of fostering a positive company culture.
Evolution of Industry Roles: From Order-Takers to Self-Driven Operators
As the industry advances, the roles within it have transformed dramatically. Bonnie Tully highlights a notable shift from traditional order-taker positions to the need for self-driven operators. Comparing the complexity of modern control room operations to that of an airline pilot, Bonnie emphasizes the importance of self-managing individuals who can navigate the intricate systems independently. This evolution signifies a broader trend towards empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring that the workforce is equipped to handle sophisticated technological environments.
The Future of Project-Centric Work Environments
The conversation with Victoria Meyer explores future industry trends, particularly the potential shift towards more project-centric work environments. With advancements in AI, like the integration of smart assistants reminiscent of Star Trek’s Data, there is a budding vision for highly efficient and adaptable teams. However, Bonnie notes that while the concept is intriguing, the industry is not yet fully prepared for such radical changes. The current structured environment may pose challenges, but the ongoing discourse signals an important recognition of the need for adaptability and innovation.
The Vital Role of Middle Management
One of the critical concerns raised by Bonnie is the elimination of middle management roles, referencing Google’s rumored cuts. Middle managers play a pivotal role in maintaining employee connections and fostering development. Bonnie stresses that removing these positions could undermine company cohesion and stifle career growth. The episode underscores the necessity of middle management in bridging the gap between upper management and employees, ensuring effective communication and support within the organization.
Managing Change with Respect and Honesty
Navigating change is a nuanced process, and Bonnie Tully offers valuable advice for managers. She advocates for treating employees with respect during tough conversations, promoting honesty, and providing support as individuals navigate career changes. Whether finding new opportunities within the company or transitioning elsewhere, the approach of compassionate management can significantly impact employee morale and retention. Bonnie’s insights highlight the importance of authentic leadership in maintaining a positive work environment during periods of transition.
Creating a Multicultural Workplace: The Singapore Experience
Bonnie shares her enriching experience setting up a plant in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of embracing cultural diversity. Leading a team from seven different countries, she established English as the primary workplace language while allowing native languages during breaks. This approach fostered a multicultural and collaborative environment, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect. Through presentations and discussions, Bonnie involved managers in defining values and working methods, effectively building a company culture from the ground up.
Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Competitive Market
In light of post-COVID changes and a distributed workforce, attracting talent to the chemical industry poses significant challenges. Bonnie notes an alarming 10% resignation rate in North America, with increasing competition from industries like battery manufacturing and companies like SpaceX and Amazon. To combat this, companies must offer a compelling value proposition, engage in conversations about innovation and industry impact, and maintain an effective social media presence. Controlling the company’s narrative online is crucial, as potential hires thoroughly research companies before interviews.
Leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Inclusive Culture
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Evonik began around 2019 and expanded during COVID-19, focusing on support and policy change without being politicized. These groups, ranging from women and black professionals to veterans, are employee-driven and ensure a safe, authentic workplace. Bonnie emphasizes that a successful company culture must be initiated from the top and actively nurtured, citing her experience in Singapore as an example. ERGs play a vital role in creating an inclusive culture, promoting respect, and breaking down barriers within the company.
Conclusion
The discussion between Victoria Meyer and Bonnie Tully provides a comprehensive look into the chemical industry’s current landscape and future directions. From the evolving roles of employees to the indispensable role of middle management and the rich value of multiculturalism, Tully’s insights offer a valuable perspective. As the industry continues to navigate changes and challenges, the importance of fostering a respectful, inclusive, and innovative culture remains paramount. This episode of The Chemical Show underscores the need for thoughtful leadership and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous future for the chemical industry.
About Bonnie Tully:
Bonnie Tully began her career in 1993 with Rohm & Haas as a project engineer before becoming materials manager and technical manager at Evonik’s Oil Additives (Rohmax) in Houston, Texas. In 2006, she transferred to Singapore and served as plant manager Asia-Pacific until her relocation to Mobile, AL in 2011 to become head of the Mobile Site. Prior to her role as President in 2020, she served as the CFO for the North American region. Bonnie Tully holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.