‘There Is Nothing You Cannot Accomplish’: Tips for Women in Manufacturing From My 24 Years at Toyota

“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” — Maya Angelou

This quote is a key piece of advice for women in the male-dominated manufacturing field. As Melissa Mathies, Production Control Supply Chain Senior Manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, says, “it can be terrifying when you walk into a meeting room and start to feel yourself sinking into a world of self-doubt. But, no matter the environment, you must meet these situations head on with confidence. As I tell my daughters, ‘there is nothing you cannot accomplish with focus and determination. See yourself in the position or career you want, and build a plan to get there.’”

Thanks to following this advice, Mathies has successfully grown her career in manufacturing. “I walk into rooms now knowing that I belong because I have worked hard and earned my seat at the table,” she notes. “I am proud to be in that meeting room and to be a role model for other women who will come into these positions after me.” Mathies knows how important it is to support other women in manufacturing as they rise to positions where they can help elevate others, too!  “You do not have to do this alone,” emphasizes Mathies.

Melissa Mathies. Photo courtesy of Toyota North America.

It’s no wonder then, that Mathies’ believes her most helpful skill for succeeding in manufacturing is the ability to network and build relationships. “Having a large, broad network of people internal and external to the organization provides me with the resources to build a team that can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal,” she tells us. “I do not consider myself an expert in the field, but I know people who are in each pillar of our business. Being able to pool those resources is the secret to my success as a leader.”

Here, Mathies tells us more about her manufacturing journey, her current role, and how Toyota supports her every day!

An inside look at my career journey and Production Control Supply Chain Senior Manager role.

To begin, why did you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?

I do not feel like I chose manufacturing. I feel like manufacturing chose me. When I first came to Toyota, from a very small Eastern Kentucky town, I wanted to work here for a little while, save up some money, finish my degree in agriculture, and go back home to work. That was not how things happened or I would not be talking to you today. 

Instead, today, I am proud to be celebrating my 24^th anniversary with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

That’s amazing! Can you tell us more about your career journey with Toyota?

My journey began as a team member in an assembly shop installing shifters and radios. From the very first day of my production line training, I started to see that there were a lot of opportunities at Toyota that were unimaginable in my hometown. From that moment, I knew I would build a career and retire from Toyota.

After deciding to continue a career in manufacturing, I started to visualize myself in future roles, and I challenged myself daily thanks to some great mentors and lots of encouragement. Ultimately, I realized my passion to lead and develop others. 

Fast forward to the completion of my Bachelor of Administration degree and the next milestone in my journey to the Production Control department. I had fallen in love with supply chain management because of all the action. Today, I’ve been in Production Control for half of my career. Time flies when you are having fun!

As the Production Control Supply Chain Senior Manager, my teams are responsible for ensuring part inventory levels are managed to support day-to-day production and act as a liaison between manufacturing and suppliers. My role is challenging, yet rewarding as I work to ensure that my team has the resources and support they need to break down barriers and overcome obstacles.

Do you have any recent projects or accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?

Over the past few months, I have been focusing on developing my new team members through the use of Toyota Production System (TPS) tools and Toyota Business Practices (TBP) problem solving to make our environment more productive and efficient. This is a long-term investment that pays dividends to the team member and the company!

What do you find are the most rewarding and challenging aspects about being in manufacturing?

I feel like the most rewarding part of being in manufacturing is the pride I feel when driving down the road, seeing our product everywhere, and saying to myself, “I built that!”. I may not physically install the parts to the vehicle any longer in my current role, but it takes the entire Toyota team to be the successful company that we are today. 

The most challenging aspect of being in manufacturing for me has always been the internal pressure I apply to myself. Even after all these years, I must constantly tell myself that I am qualified, I am capable, I am strong, I am powerful, and I am a good role model to my daughters and other women in my life. That positive, daily affirmation is what makes me lean into every day with confidence and determination.

Melissa Mathies. Photo courtesy of Toyota North America.

Why women should consider pursuing a manufacturing career at Toyota.

What’s your favorite aspect of Toyota’s culture, and how does your company help you succeed?

At Toyota, we have a culture of continuous improvement and respect for people that all members are expected to utilize in day-to-day business. My favorite part of our respect for people is the teamwork that is fostered within our organization. Through teamwork, we can leverage the strengths of each member and maximize overall results while using the experience to grow personally and professionally.

What’s the No.1 reason women should pursue a career in manufacturing at Toyota?

I feel that Toyota embraces diversity and inclusion while providing a secure, stable career full of challenging and rewarding opportunities.