Kathleen Tansley
Kathleen Tansley focuses on product excellence, market expansion, sustainability and customer satisfaction while optimizing mercaptan delivery and fostering gender equality in the industry.

Describe your current role at your company.

As the president of an odorant company, I am dedicated to leading the organization toward growth and success by focusing on product excellence, market expansion, sustainability and customer satisfaction. I oversee the logistics of delivering mercaptan, including procurement, storage and distribution. I identify new business opportunities and markets for growth and develop strategies to expand our customer base.

What do you plan to accomplish as the new president for Tansley Associates?

Optimize delivery processes to ensure timely and accurate delivery of mercaptan to our clients. Implement advanced logistics solutions and technology to streamline operations and reduce costs. Maintain the highest safety standards in all aspects of our operations. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards to protect our employees, clients and the environment. Expand our market presence by exploring new regions and sectors where our services are needed.

What do you want your legacy to include, both in general terms and specifically as a woman president in this industry?

To be remembered as a trailblazer who broke gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. My success should inspire other women to pursue leadership roles in similar fields. Create opportunities for women within the company and the industry. Implement policies and practices that support gender equality, mentorship and career advancement for women. Lead with integrity, compassion and a strong ethical compass. My leadership style should be remembered for being fair, empathetic and driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of employees, customers and the community.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you believe it contributes to the success of your team and organization?

I prioritize being authentic and trustworthy in my interactions. Building genuine connections based on mutual respect and honesty is essential. I strive to be transparent and reliable, which helps in earning the trust of my colleagues and business partners. My leadership style contributes to the success of my team and organization by creating an environment where team members are motivated, collaborative and continuously growing, leading to high performance, innovation and sustained competitive advantage.

Who has been the strongest influences in your career to date?

My father has been the strongest influence in my career. He always believed in my abilities, which inspired me to strive for excellence and innovation in everything I do.

How do you approach building professional relationships, and how have those enriched your career?

My approach to building professional relationships — rooted in authenticity, empathy, collaboration and consistent engagement — has significantly enriched my career by providing opportunities, mentorship, knowledge, collaboration, support and an enhanced professional reputation.

How do you handle feedback, and how do you incorporate it to enhance your professional growth?

I create an open environment to foster a culture where feedback is encouraged and valued. I make it clear to my team that constructive feedback is welcome. I pay attention to the feedback without interrupting, showing that I am genuinely interested in understanding the perspective of the person providing the feedback. Continuous learning is important for me, investing in professional development through courses, workshops and seminars related to leadership, management and industry-specific knowledge. I make it a habit to regularly seek feedback from my team, customers and other stakeholders. This helps with staying aligned with their needs and expectations.

What do you do for self-care?

For self-care, I focus on a balanced approach that nurtures my physical, mental and emotional well-being. Spending quality time with family and friends is essential for emotional support and happiness. I make sure to set aside time for social activities and meaningful connections. I try to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life so that I have time to relax and recharge.

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