At Skretting we are constantly learning, new tools, skills and more than anything we are always learning from each other, about their skills, backgrounds and hobbies. We have such an incredibly talented and diverse team in North America and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight that expertise.
This month, we'd like to introduce you to one of our team members Niem Le who has been an important addition to our pool of talent as we continue to grow.
What is your role in Skretting?
I am currently in the supporting role to gather and analyzing data for our Integrating Business Planning (IBP) strategies. The purpose of this effort is to quantify, align, and synchronize the synergy as well as system communication among different departments within the organization.
Describe a day in your life at Skretting Vancouver
I am still new in this role, so my typical day is all about asking questions, listening, learning, and analyzing. This is to understand what I know and don’t, then decide what must be done. I find that this process is no different than working toward our IPB’s goals, we need to evaluate our current procedures and determine what works and still have room for improvements then propose for solutions. I find that first drafts never get through, but I enjoy the process because I learned how to acknowledge and appreciate others ‘point of views. Only consensus solution is the best solution.
Having worked in Skretting for 4 years now, can you explain your career transformation and success with Skretting?
I started as an Inside Sales. After 2 years, I transitioned into Marketing & Sales Analyst position and now taking this new supporting role. It has been quite a journey. The Skretting environment and its people have shaped and changed me into the current person and employee, where I am today. I am forever grateful to those who contributed to this process because when I knocked on people's doors to seek for advice they would immediately drop their work to listen.
What has been your most interesting project working with Skretting?
When I started at Skretting, one of the big challenges that we faced was lacking a centralized system to gather and analyze forecast data against our sales performance. With the guidance and green light from our Commercial Manager, Gaston Lopez, I had dived deep into the topic and implemented a working procedure to overcome this business challenge. This project happened with the help of many people within the organization too of course, so I don’t pretend to take the credit alone for myself. Since we are on the topic, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude toward Margaret Knuff (waving, if you are reading this) for showing and guiding me to this data analysis world. Thank you for never say no to my “5 minutes call only request”, which sometimes could drag into hours.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
There have been many challenges because of the pandemic to our business; however, one of the hardest things for me is how it limits us from interacting and communicating with one another. With the current role, I wish that I could have more opportunities to interact with our staff in the plant, get to know more about them as a person, and understand more about the nature of their work.
What inspires you (both in your career and your personal life)
I tend to be curious and not afraid to admit that I don’t know something. Even you think that you know something, you ought to review and accept constructive criticism because the world is changing rapidly with current technology development and digitalization. Let say if you read a book about manufacturing 5 years ago and look at the same topic right now, they are all different in terms of solution approach. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widespread and could be incorporated in almost every single aspect of the operating procedures to maximize efficiency.
If you could have anyone as a mentor, who would it be?
Everyone has something that I can learn from, so I prefer not to have only one person as a single mentor.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Enjoying time with family and friends, reading books, doing woodwork, tending to my bonsai, and playing guitar. I love singing too but was once advised not to quit my daytime job because of it, so the message is well taken.
