January/February 2020’s “Rising Star Spotlight” featured Stephanie S. Sinderson, 33-year-old vice president of Woodland Plastics Corporation of Addison Illinois.
Woodland Plastics provides custom-molded thermoset solutions for high performance applications. They serve the automotive, appliance, electrical,
lighting, industrial and energy industries.
TMA Young Leaders asked Stephanie:
Q: What is your role at Woodland Plastics?
A: I’ve worked here on and off through high school and college, starting fulltime in 2008. I’m the primary engineering contact to coordinate new and revised program/product launches. I develop and implement optimal, cost effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards.
Q: What are you most proud of thus far in your career?
A: 1. I led the transition from ISO 9001 to ISO/TS-16949 and eventually IATF-16949, a much more inclusive quality standard required by the automotive industry. IATF focuses on risk-based thinking, customer specific requirements, product safety, warranty management as well as performance metrics that help keep an eye on all processes within the organization. 2. I also added to Woodland’s capabilities by leading successful implementation of a vision inspection system for Woodland’s largest automotive customer, a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) as well as a 3D Printer.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: 1. Triathlon training. I completed the Naperville and Chicago Triathlons this summer. Next up, a Disney half-marathon! 2. Jeeping and off-road adventures. I love to build and modify my Jeep to take me places no other vehicle can go.
Q: What book inspired you most?
A: “Peak Performance” by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness. This book focuses on the equation “stress + rest = growth” and how important it is to alternate between complete focus and rest for optimal gains in output and performance. This equation works well for me both in business and in the sport of triathlon.
Q: Any advice on becoming a leader?
A: 1. Be present in whatever you are doing. 2. Listen more than you talk. 3. Ask for help after you have tried and struggled. The largest opportunity for growth comes from struggle. 4. Gain as many different views and perspectives as possible. 5. Treat everyone with kindness, understanding and respect.
View the whole January/February 2020 TMA News Bulletin online HERE.
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