Women in leadership positions in engineering and tech environments face unique challenges. In this informative in-depth interview conducted by SWE Global Ambassador and Strategic Sourcing Manager-Americas at Sika, Dr. Hamideh Ahmadloo, with Sharon Powell, Global Sustainable Development Manager at Solvay, questions included:
- What are the characteristics of effective leadership in engineering and tech environments in Europe?
- Does this change according to the leader’s gender?
- How do different genders respond to different leadership styles? Is there any gender difference or is it more personal?
- What are the best practices for leading diverse and inclusive teams in engineering and tech in Europe?
Sharon Powell shared her valuable perspective on her identity as a woman in STEM and highlighted her own experiences with leadership roles as she advanced her career.
Meet the Speakers
Sharon Powell, Global Sustainable Development Manager, Solvay
Dr. Hamideh Ahmadloo, Strategic Sourcing Manager-Americas, Sika
Hamideh Ahmadloo is the Strategic Sourcing Manager-Americas at Sika. In her current position, Hamideh places a strong emphasis on navigating the dynamic landscape of global procurement opportunities. This allows her to strategically connect Sika's procurement team to empowered producers and shape sustainable and profitable outcomes via this active partnership.
Hamideh holds a PH.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from EPFL University in Switzerland. She possesses extensive professional experience spanning various technical and commercial roles in the chemical industry, including serving as an R&D innovation leader, technical sales manager, and global sourcing manager. Hamideh excels in providing leadership within cross-functional teams to attain strategic business objectives, such as the successful launch of new products, the establishment of robust business partnerships, and the pursuit of sustainable growth. She holds six sigma green belts certificate in management. She is also the author and inventor behind nine patents, with four having received granted status, one book chapter, and more than ten paper publications.
Hamideh continuously drives towards empowering women in business via internal company networks or external community supports for women in STEM. She is a strong inclusion and diversity champion and holds the title of Global Ambassador for the Society of Women Engineers since 2020.
Hamideh is a Swiss citizen, happily married, and the proud mother of two children.
