380 The WOW Effect: Women Leading Transformation in the Water Industry

Meet the Women Behind the WOW Committee
This episode features insights from six trailblazing women who are not only leaders in their respective fields but also passionate advocates for the WOW mission:

• Stephanie Choury, Enterprise Account Manager at Buckman Digital Water
• Tammy Faber Sales Director of HOH Water Technology and Co-Chair of WOW (Women of Water)
• Paule Genest, Director of Sales and ESG, Water and Energy at TGWT Clean Technologies, Host of the Paule-Cast and Co-Chair of WOW (Women of Water)
• Michelle Lunn, Marketing Director of GLA Water Consultants & Director on the AWT Board
• Janice Shawl, President of AMSA, Inc. a specialty chemical manufacturing company
• Pam Simmons, National OEM Sales Manager, Watson Marlow

What is Women of Water?
WOW exists to welcome, highlight, and celebrate the contributions of women in AWT. Paule Genest articulates the mission clearly: “To encourage all the women working and thriving within the industry of water technologies to come forward and contribute their time and talents to the greater good.” WOW focuses on creating a thriving community where women can belong, elevate, and positively impact AWT.

Mission of the WOW Committee
The mission of the WOW Committee is clear: to promote the professional development and advancement of women in the water treatment industry. By providing education, networking opportunities, and a strong support system, the committee aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment where all members can succeed. This mission not only benefits women but also strengthens the industry as a whole by encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.

Facing Challenges Head-On
In every industry, women encounter unique challenges, and the water treatment sector is no exception. Pam Simmons, a dedicated member of the Women of Water (WOW) committee, sheds light on the obstacles women face and how the committee is striving to address them.

Pam begins by acknowledging a reality that many women are all too familiar with the gender pay gap. According to the International Labor Organization, women globally earn about 20% less than men. This disparity is not just a number; it’s a barrier that women must navigate throughout their careers. But the pay gap is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.

There is also the issue of unequal opportunities, particularly in leadership. A 2022 report from Deloitte on women in the boardroom highlights that only 19% of boardroom positions are held by women. This underrepresentation speaks volumes about the challenges women face in advancing to leadership roles. For many women, the journey to the top is not just about breaking the glass ceiling; it’s about finding the ladder to reach it in the first place.

Career gaps present another significant hurdle. Whether its time taken off to have a baby or care for a family member, these interruptions can create substantial obstacles when women return to the workforce. Pam points out that these gaps can make it difficult for women to regain their footing and continue progressing in their careers. The struggle doesn’t stop there. Navigating work-life balance is another challenge that resonates with everyone, regardless of gender, but it affects women in distinct ways. Pam reflects on how this delicate balance—or lack thereof—can leave a lasting impact on both personal and professional lives. 

The WOW committee is not just identifying these challenges—they are actively working to address them. Pam shares that WOW is committed to introducing resources and strategies to help women cope with these challenges. Through support, education, and community, WOW aims to empower women in the water treatment industry to not just survive but thrive.

How is WOW Helping Women in the Water Industry?
The WOW Committee is already making a significant impact. There are now three women on AWT’s Board of Directors, the most ever in the organization’s history. Stephanie Choury has seen firsthand how the inclusion of women has led to greater collaboration and innovation within the industry. She notes that the women on the Board feel they have a “seat at the table” and are making meaningful contributions alongside their male colleagues. WOW is also instrumental in providing mentorship and creating spaces for women to grow their knowledge, skills, and leadership roles.

The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship is central to the Women of Water (WOW) committee’s mission, acting as a crucial tool for professional growth and community building. As the industry evolves, mentorship plays a key role in creating pathways for women in water treatment.

Tammy Faber emphasizes the importance of mentorship, referencing Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.  Sandberg highlights that a mentor or sponsor can significantly boost career progression, yet women often lack such support. WOW addresses this gap by connecting seasoned professionals with newcomers. Tammy explains, “It’s not just about an older professional helping a younger one; it’s about leaning in and helping one another grow.”

WOW has prioritized mentorship this year, especially with young professionals. Both mentors and mentees experience mutual growth, as Tammy shares: “The mentor-mentee relationship is so important because I can walk in a room and already know five people that maybe I only saw at technical training in March, but yet we've connected through text and email along the way. It feels like family and a safe place.”

This focus on mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and a supportive network. Tammy notes, “We’re a group that wants one another to succeed, and that’s the power of mentor and mentee relationships.” These connections offer members a trusted group for advice and support, reinforcing that within WOW, no one stands alone.

Empowering Connections: Key Takeaways from WOW’s Leadership
As we wrap up this insightful episode with the Women of Water (WOW) committee, our guests share powerful messages about empowerment, mentorship, and community.

Michelle Lunn’s closing thoughts are a beacon of encouragement: whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, reaching out and connecting is crucial. Her message is clear—every woman in the industry belongs and has the potential to achieve great things. So, at the next convention or industry event, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and make connections. You have the power to excel and belong.

Pam Simmons adds a call for self-awareness and openness to addressing subconscious biases in our interactions. She encourages all professionals to be mindful of how these biases might influence relationships and conversations. This self-reflection is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Tammy Faber challenges seasoned professionals to reach out to those who may seem hesitant or reserved. By engaging with someone who might be standing on the sidelines, you can make a significant impact. Invite them for a coffee, introduce yourself, and help them feel welcome. This simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone new in the room.

Janice Shawl reminds us that women are a vibrant and integral part of the water treatment industry. Her message celebrates the contributions of women and underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing their presence in the field.

Stephanie Choury underscores the immense value of mentorship. Whether at an industry event or in everyday interactions, extending a helping hand to others can be incredibly rewarding. She emphasizes that mentorship is a two-way street and encourages everyone to be both mentors and mentees. By fostering these relationships, we can all contribute to a supportive and thriving professional community.

Paule Genest reinforces the core message of WOW: we belong, we elevate, and we are WOW. She urges everyone to help others recognize their worth and potential, creating a positive impact both within and beyond the industry.

As we look at the current statistics—only 10% of surveyed AWT members are women, and a similar percentage represents women in industrial water treatment nationally—there is a clear need for continued effort. In 2024, 40% of our Scaling UP! H2O podcast guests have been women, reflecting progress and the importance of representation. Our challenge to you, Scaling UP! Nation is to connect with the remarkable women you heard from in this episode. 

Together, we can empower women in the best industry in the world to make a lasting impact on the water treatment industry and build a thriving, inclusive community.

Timestamps
02:00 - Trace Blackmore hope to see you at AWT next week
04:25 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
19:20 - Interview with AWT’s Women of Water (WOW): Stephanie Choury, Tammy Faber, Paule Genest, Michelle Lunn, Janice Shawl and Pam Simmons
01:06:45 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald

Links Mentioned
AWT’s Women of Water - Webpage
AWT’s Women of Water (WOW) - Facebook
AWT’s Women of Water (WOW) - Group in Linked In
The Rising Tide Mastermind
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Read or Download Press Release HERE

Episodes Mentioned
Ep 096 The One That Helps Introverts
Ep 202 The One Where We Learn the Best Ways to Network in a Virtual World
Ep 117 The One with Temperament Expert, Kathleen Edelman
Ep 179 Another One that Teaches Us to Communicate Better with Others
Ep 281 The One About the Power of Kindness
Ep 060 The One About Public Speaking
Ep 363 Pricing Boost: Get Paid Well for Your Excellence
Ep 192 The One with the Best Marketing Expert in the Water Treatment Industry
Ep 191 The One Where We Learn About Tannin
Ep 100 The 100th One
Ep 252 The One About the Operations Manager Turned Sales Manager

Connect with Executive Producer Corrine Drury
For any Media Inquiries or Show Ideas please reach out
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ScalingUpH2o.com and www.RisingTideMastermind.team
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/corrinedrury and linkedin.com/in/traceblackmore

Books Mentioned
I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
How to Work with (Almost) Anyone by Michael Bungay Stanier
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Drop By Drop with James
In today’s episode, I have a challenge for you.  The challenge is…clean and organize your OWN test kit and test equipment.  Previously, I’ve challenged you to clean your customers testing area, but today we’re turning the tables.  Clean your own.  Your test kit should not look like Moses used it to test the waters just before he parted the Red Sea.  While it does not have to look pristine and new either, it should instill confidence in those that see it that the results obtained are trustworthy and reliable.  Old reagent bottles with the labels worn off, broken equipment, and a jumbled mess of bottles does not instill confidence.  Your test kit and equipment are extensions of you and are critical to doing your job.  They reflect upon you and your quality of output and recommendations.  Show them a little tender loving care.  In the end, it will make your job easier and leave a better impression upon those around you.