I am elated to share that The Toro Company will be represented at the NSBE Professionals | National Society of Black Engineers in Atlanta by Kevin Carpenter, VP Global Operations & Integrated Supply Chain. To hear from Kevin we encourage you to attend the Navigating Your Career As a Black Professional panel on March 21 at 2:30 pm. You can also find Kevin throughout the event - He enjoys human connection 😊. In fact, to learn more about him, keep reading...
Q: Tell me about your journey to become a senior executive in the integrated supply chain field?
A: My career journey can be divided into four main phases: engineering and operations leadership, design engineering and management, product and program leadership, and executive operations and engineering. Each role provided me with a solid foundation across various functional areas within the supply chain, preparing me to manage its complexities effectively. Progression felt natural due to this foundation and training.
Q: Share with me about the biggest obstacle you have faced in your professional career and how you conquered it.
A: One significant obstacle I faced occurred when I joined a company in a leadership role and much of my team has moved on shortly after. Despite this challenging situation, I persevered by immersing myself in the work, assembling a new team, and introducing more efficient work practices. Through hard work and resilience, I overcame the obstacle, gaining valuable insights into commitment and problem-solving along the way.
Q: What are your dreams and hopes for young professionals?
A: My hope is for young professionals to realize their destinies by identifying their purpose early on. It's crucial to focus on vision, embrace hard work, anticipate mental challenges, and maintain patient impatience. Fulfillment comes from aligning with one's destiny, and I wish that for them.
Q: What makes you laugh?
A: I find laughter in engaging with people and experiencing the human connection. It's rewarding and magical, contributing positively to my soul. Both at work and in personal interactions, laughter enriches my life.
Q: If I got a hold of your phone, whose number would I want to copy and why?
A: You'd want to copy the numbers of my children, Kevin Jr. and Layah, as they are my greatest inspiration. Their presence motivates me every day, and I believe everyone should experience such profound inspiration. Being a father is my greatest accomplishment, and they embody the best of what I aspire to be.
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President/CEO | Private Equity | Sales Leadership and Training | Marketing | Manufacturing | International Sales | Life Science | Business Development | Accelerating Growth of Founder-Owned Businesses
1moNo matter where I am in my career, I will always remember my roots are in Corning and with Corning Incorporated. I remember working with Wendell Weeks in the Telecom Products Group in the early 90's before he ascended to the role of CEO. I knew him to be a genuine and humble fellow, It is so nice that he and Corning continue to hold these events and recognize their most valuable asset - the people.