When Proposing a Change at Work, Support From Leadership Is Key

Albemarle Corporation tells Fairygodboss that, simply put, it is people that make the company successful. That’s because the global specialty chemicals company embraces a diversity of experience, talent and thought. Albemarle prides themself on a company culture that’s inclusive — one that makes every effort to support their employees’ career goals and create opportunities for them to realize their full potential.

As part of this culture, Albemarle empowers people to openly communicate, create and innovate. This honest communication extends to being open to ideas about improving the company, too.  A key player in the innovation is Andrée Lee, the global quality assurance director for Albemarle’s Lithium Division.

Lee leads a network of regional quality assurance teams to develop and drive a world-class quality vision and culture across the company’s operating assets. 

“When I joined Albemarle four years ago, our quality-management systems were challenged to expand and mature to be better aligned with our end-markets,” Lee tells us. And, when she pitched a proposal for quality improvements, it was well-received and supported by Albemarle. 

“Quality is a continuous improvement journey that involves everyone at Albemarle. Having the support of our leadership team was critical to starting this journey and will continue to be a key factor in our success and ability to sustain our improvements,” she says.

We caught up with Lee to learn more about how she got involved in her career — as well as how she got the ball rolling when it came to quality assurance at Albemarle Corporation. Here’s how it all happened.

How did you get to where you are now in your career?

Throughout my career, I have worked with many wonderful leaders who encouraged me to do my best work at every opportunity. By investing in my own personal and professional growth, committing to perform with integrity and persevering with a strong work ethic, I have been fortunate to have a successful career of more than 20 years in multiple industries.

Who did you work with to get the ball rolling on your improvement proposal?

Quality is a function owned by every employee in Albemarle, as such, the improvement of our management systems was, and still is, a cross-functional effort involving many different people and departments.

What kind of feedback have you heard from your peers/colleagues about this change?

Many employees at Albemarle have experienced World Class Quality in previous companies and are willing to help contribute to Albemarle’s journey toward the same.

It’s amazing that you were able to help instigate such a significant change at Albemarle Corporation. Can you tell us a bit about how the fact that this was possible is reflective of the overall culture? 

Albemarle strives to have a culture where diverse thoughts and ideas are encouraged and explored.  

What’s the No. 1 thing you think women should know about working at Albemarle Corporation?

Albemarle has a diversity, equity and inclusion team that is focused on building a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, to ensure that all employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to do their best work.