Leah Gaughan

National Distribution Manager

The 2023 theme for International Women's Day was Embracing Equity. What does embracing equity mean to you personally and professionally?

To me, it means to include women in the room and at the table.  We’re at a point where significant leadership is male because they’ve been in those positions ahead of when women were considered so we have a LOT of catch-up to do.  Making sure that opinions, viewpoints and representation is part of any major decision, from business strategy or culture is vital to an environment of equity. 

Which woman inspires you in your life and/or career and why?   

I come from a long line of opinionated, strong women, who possess a wicked sense of humor about life so it’s not just one.  My mom has always been a support of whatever I wanted to do, even if it seemed crazy.  There weren’t limitations.  If I wanted to try out for a sport I knew nothing about- she was watching the game, wherever I wanted to go to college, she was on a plane to help me visit – whatever I wanted to be, she was supportive.  There was always a way to make it work and to make me feel valued and important. 

How can we better support women in the workforce?   

Primarily but not only for women, is a significant support for life outside of work.  My first month working for OWI my son needed minor surgery but I was scared to take a whole day off being so new.  I put in my PTO request for a half day and it was denied because “you’re not taking a half day, you’re taking a FULL day – you need to be the mom and with family and that’s more important” – That is support, and a culture that allows other facets of your life to shine through, be a part of who you are and know that you can talk about it and you don’t have to separate the two biggest parts of your life from each other. 

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?   

Leading a team – I am very proud of the groups that I’ve been able to work with.  Growing and developing talent, providing guidance professionally or personally and allowing them the chance to succeed.  As a leader, my job is to put them in a position to succeed and that’s how I judge myself – if I’m not doing that for them, then I’m not achieving what I need to be.  I’ve learned so much from them, probably more than they’ve learned from me which is super cool. 

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 

Because women’s accomplishments have been overshadowed for generations, its an important month to shine a light on so many achievements and advancements that aren’t always associated or credited to women.  Girls need to see someone like them doing what they want and to be represented.  However there is a small part of me that believes it should not be a thing because it’s 2023 and this shouldn’t HAVE to be the only way that women are showcased for their accomplishments or a focus is placed on us.  We’re not at that place in society but I hope one day we are because when its equal and equitable you don’t have to go out of your way to specifically call it out- achievements speak for themselves. 

Best advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Give yourself permission to _______” this can be: ask questions, say no, take a break – anything – but you need to be in tune with yourself and what you really need – not what you THINK you need, or what others think/say you need.  Give yourself permission to do what you need to do in that moment without the guilt or shame.