IoB Meets…Allison Grealis, President at Women in Manufacturing

July 2, 2020
8 insightful answers in less than 8 minutes
Internet of Business’ IoB 8×8 Series is designed to reveal more about the people who have helped shape IoB’s live event and digital content over the years, picking the key industry brains who have dedicated time to educating peers. 
Allison Grealis, President, Women in Manufacturing shares advice on managing culture, and underlines why manufacturers’ diversity and inclusion efforts are so critical to maintaining competitiveness. 
IoB: In one line, what is the main objective of Women in Manufacturing?  A: To support, promote and inspire women who have chosen a career in manufacturing.
IoB: How are new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping manufacturing? A: New technology is undoubtedly changing the landscape of the manufacturing industry. This is, broadly, good news. Specifically, it’s good for recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce attracted to high-tech, high skill jobs. Technology makes the industry more appealing – and more accessible – to the next generation of leaders who want to push the limits of the possible. At WiM, we see a lot of enthusiasm for manufacturing among young women who are eager to apply advanced manufacturing to solve large problems.
“Technology makes the industry more appealing – and more accessible – to the next generation of leaders who want to push the limits of the possible. “
IoB: And what can the industry still improve on when it comes to preparing for the smart manufacturing workforce?  A: Transition is not new for manufacturing. Since its very beginnings, our industry has been constantly evolving and adapting. We will approach the transition to smart manufacturing as we have other times of transition – with a commitment to advancement through training. One key is to cultivate and maintain strong collaboration between the industry and education institutions. First, it is critical that the next generation workforce brings the right skills for success in today’s industry. Secondly, rapid changes mean that our workforce has to be committed to lifetime learning. At WiM, we work with women at many different points in their careers to sharpen their skills through training. That constant challenge and opportunity for personal and professional growth is something our members like best about the manufacturing sector. Our industry thrives when we foster that drive for perpetual improvement. 
“Transition is not new for manufacturing. Since its very beginnings, our industry has been constantly evolving and adapting. We will approach the transition to smart manufacturing as we have other times of transition – with a commitment to advancement through training.”
IoB: Managing culture change is never easy, especially when bringing previously disparate teams...