When Erin Faulls joined Franklin Electric more than five years ago, she was already making a name for herself in logistics and operations—a field where women are often under-represented, especially in executive-level roles. Today, as Franklin Electric’s International Trade & Logistics Director, Faulls has helped pave the way for more women to follow her lead.

As the company’s co-chair of the Franklin Women’s Network, she is helping to equip Franklin women with relevant development tools and resources and guide them to identify and achieve career milestones. While the group was established to target women—who are often underrepresented in the industries Franklin Electric serves—they have made sure to invite all Franklin Electric employees to participate in networking and career-building opportunities.

Here’s how Faulls’ career journey evolved and what inspired her to mentor others.

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the industry (industrial manufacturing & water)?

I began my career in the industrial manufacturing and water industry by taking advantage of an opportunity in the Manufacturing Accounting department at Franklin Electric. This role resembled one I held at another manufacturing organization headquartered in Philadelphia.

After spending my first two years at Franklin Electric in finance and accounting, I transitioned to the operations side of the business. My advanced education and professional involvement, including an MBA and participation in various networks such as Franklin Women’s Network (FWN), Women & Hi Tech, WOWnet Fort Wayne, Greater Fort Wayne Women’s Network, and the Manufacturers Alliance (MAPI) Logistics Council & Women’s Network, have been instrumental in my career development.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over the past few years?

I’ve seen significant changes in the speed of information sharing and the importance of timely market insights. It’s no longer feasible to rely on physical copies of publications like The Wall Street Journal that are a week old. Instead, hourly updates and daily market changes are almost demanded by senior leadership due to the significant impact of regulatory changes.

Additionally, there has been a focus on professional development, diverse work groups within global and national water organizations, and an emphasis on product innovation.

When you get into a position to be in the room, make sure you’re also inviting others to that room. Be sure to include diverse perspectives.

What opportunities are out there for the industry as we move forward? For women?

The trade and manufacturing industry has numerous opportunities, including a renewed focus on sustainability in the water industry. Encouraging young women to seek opportunities in STEM and industrial curriculums will position them to take advantage of what’s ahead.

The industry also is constantly looking for innovative ways to address new threats to water quality. This creates opportunities for professionals to engage in cutting-edge research.

Lastly, global supply chain management and strategic procurement are important skills needed to navigate supply chain challenges. This creates opportunities for professionals to contribute to the stability and resilience of the industry.

What type of trends are you seeing today?

We are seeing a focus on the global marketplace and how global politics impact local decisions. There also is a trend toward global workforces and Centers of Excellence (COEs) bringing more value than traditional hierarchy structures. Companies that adopt flexible work arrangements are positively balancing tradition with the needs of a modern workforce.

This flexibility attracts top talent by combining the benefits of remote work with in-office collaboration, fostering a culture of innovation and productivity. Embracing this model enhances job satisfaction and drives improved efficiency, positioning organizations for success.

Furthermore, there is a focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance (ESG), as well as addressing cybersecurity risks and leveraging artificial intelligience (AI) to automate and make processes more efficient.

What advice can you share?

I advise getting a mentor in your industry, company, community or someone completely removed for an objective perspective. Be open, honest and transparent with them. Ask for professional development, training, advanced education or anything to help you grow and make yourself more valuable to the organization and industry.

Find an ally or advocate, and be bold—ask for what you want, as no one will volunteer it for you. Get involved in networking opportunities and support the supporters—whether community organizations or your local employee resource group. Learn all you can about the industry, the people who are hands-on in the operations and those impacted by the work done.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received was to take the risk. Have your pros and cons list well-vetted and have a support system, but go for the bold decision. Ask the questions no one else is willing to ask. Ask to have a seat at the table. Ask to be put on that project that no one might have considered you for. Don’t wait for someone else to say your name.

What’s the single best thing every woman can do to make sure they continue to get a seat at the table?

When you get into a position to be in the room, make sure you’re also inviting others to that room. Be sure to include diverse perspectives. Show up, be your best self and prepare. It isn’t by accident, and it’s not always easy, so make sure you’re putting in the work to keep yourself there once you finally get your foot in the door.

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

I want to develop my team to take over for me someday. I want to recognize their contributions and give them opportunities to shine. It’s easy for leaders to take all the credit.

Still, in a global collaborative environment like mine, the heavy-lifting folks must get the recognition they deserve. I aim to give them exposure to projects, cross-functional training and networking inside the company, industry and the community.