From Engineering to Finance: One Leader’s Journey Across Functions and Continents

Over the course of a 28-year career spanning Engineering, IT, Operations, Lean, PMO, and Finance, Michelle Penman has built a reputation for helping organizations turn strategy into action. Today, as Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Jabil, a global manufacturing solutions provider, she focuses on connecting people, processes, and priorities to drive meaningful business results.

But Penman is quick to point out that her career wasn't built through a carefully mapped plan. Instead, it evolved through a willingness to embrace unfamiliar opportunities and step outside her comfort zone.

“My career has been anything but linear,” she tells Fairygodboss. “Many of the most important career moves weren't planned—they came from being willing to take on unfamiliar challenges and learn new skills. Each experience broadened my perspective and ultimately prepared me for leadership roles that require connecting strategy, people, and execution across the enterprise.”

That mindset continues to shape how she approaches leadership and mentorship today. Penman believes one of the most important responsibilities of leaders is helping others recognize their own potential and creating opportunities for them to grow.

“If there's one lesson I've learned throughout my career, it's that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone,” she adds. “Some of my most rewarding opportunities came from saying yes to challenges before I felt fully ready. I would encourage women at every stage of their careers to stay curious, continue learning, build meaningful relationships, and trust that each experience is helping prepare them for the next opportunity.”

We spoke with Penman about her career journey, the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and how women can support one another throughout their professional lives.

Could you tell us about your current role and what your day-to-day looks like?

I often describe my role as helping Jabil's Finance department turn strategy into results. My team focuses on organizational effectiveness, transformation, governance, and strategic execution.

On any given day, I might be working with senior leaders on long-term priorities, supporting a major transformation initiative, coaching team members, or helping remove barriers to execution. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to connect people, processes, and strategy to create meaningful business impact.

What career decision or move are you most proud of so far?

The decision I'm most proud of wasn't a single promotion; it was repeatedly choosing growth over comfort. Several times in my career, I stepped into roles in which I wasn't the expert and had to learn quickly. Those experiences expanded my perspective, built resilience, and helped me develop the enterprise mindset that serves me today.

What role has mentorship or sponsorship played in your career so far?

Both have been invaluable. Mentors helped me think differently, navigate challenges, and build confidence.

Sponsors played a different role. They advocated for me, opened doors, and helped create opportunities I may not have pursued on my own. I've learned that career growth requires both guidance and advocacy, where I proactively provide both for my team and for others whenever possible.

How have employee networks or workplace communities contributed to your professional growth or sense of belonging?

Some of my greatest learning has come from the relationships I've built through formal and informal networks. These communities have created opportunities to share experiences, learn from different perspectives, and build connections across functions and geographies. They have also provided a platform to expand understanding and knowledge of other areas of the business.

As you grow in your career, how do you make a point of lifting other women up along the way?

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is creating opportunities for others. I actively look for ways to connect women with meaningful projects, increase their visibility with senior leaders, and encourage them to pursue opportunities they may not initially see themselves ready for. I've found that the greatest impact comes from simply helping others recognize their own potential.

What are 2–5 practical ways women can help support and advance the careers of those around them?

1. Share opportunities and make introductions.
2. Advocate for women when they are not in the room.
3. Provide candid developmental feedback.
4. Create stretch opportunities that build confidence.
5. Celebrate accomplishments and give credit publicly.

Are there any books, podcasts, or resources that have influenced how you support or mentor others?

Several books and resources have influenced how I lead, mentor, and support others throughout my career.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg reinforced the importance of helping women build confidence, pursue opportunities, and advocate for themselves and others. It also highlighted the responsibility leaders have to create opportunities and visibility for emerging talent.

PROSCI Change Management resources have significantly shaped my approach to leadership by emphasizing that successful transformation is ultimately about people. They have helped me better understand how to guide individuals and teams through change with empathy, communication, and support.

The Culture Map by Erin Meyer broadened my perspective on leading across different cultures and geographies. Having worked with teams across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, I have found the book's insights invaluable in building trust, improving communication, and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey has been a foundational influence throughout my career. Principles such as being proactive, seeking first to understand, and focusing on what you can influence continue to guide how I approach leadership, relationships, and personal development.

Collectively, these resources have reinforced my belief that great leadership is about helping others grow, creating environments where people can succeed, and enabling individuals to navigate change with confidence.

How does your company foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women?

One of the things I value most about Jabil is the opportunity to build a broad and dynamic career. Over the past 28 years, I've had the opportunity to work across multiple functions, including Engineering, IT, Operations, Lean, PMO, and Finance, while collaborating with teams around the world. Jabil's culture encourages continuous learning, cross-functional experiences, and career mobility, allowing employees to grow beyond traditional career paths.

I've also benefited from strong leaders, mentors, and colleagues who invested in my development and encouraged me to take on new challenges. For women in particular, these opportunities to gain diverse experiences, build global networks, and develop leadership capabilities can be incredibly empowering and career-shaping.