Expanding
the Career Journey of Chutian Li: A Story of Growth, Challenge, and Triumph
Growing up in Guangzhou, a vibrant
metropolis known for its rich history and rapid modernization, Chutian Li was
always exposed to the hustle and bustle of city life. Guangzhou, with its blend
of traditional and contemporary cultures, instilled in her a deep appreciation
for diversity and the importance of adapting to change. These early influences
played a crucial role in shaping her global outlook and fueled her ambition to
explore opportunities beyond her homeland.
Her first significant step toward
this global exploration came when she decided to study abroad. The decision to
leave China and immerse herself in a completely different culture was not easy,
but it was one that would define her future career. Initially interested in
law, Chutian enrolled at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo,
where she pursued her undergraduate studies. It was here that she gained her
first taste of international exposure, which would later become a cornerstone
of her professional journey.
While at SUNY Buffalo, Chutian
completed an internship with the New York State Attorney General in the
Consumer Fraud Bureau. This experience was pivotal in her early career, as it
provided her with firsthand insights into the legal landscape of the United States
and sharpened her analytical skills. However, despite her interest in law,
Chutian soon realized that her true passion lay in a career that offered
diverse challenges and opportunities to solve complex problems.
Discovering
a Passion for Supply Chain
It was during a networking event
that Chutian's career trajectory took a significant turn. She was introduced to
the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), a professional
association focused on supply chain management. The event opened her eyes to
the intricate world of supply chain operations, sparking an interest that would
eventually become the driving force behind her career.
Recognizing the potential for growth
and the dynamic nature of the supply chain industry, Chutian decided to pivot
her career focus. She pursued undergraduate degrees in supply chain management
and international business, laying a strong foundation for her future
endeavors. But Chutian did not stop there. She further honed her expertise by
earning an MBA from the University of Tennessee, a program renowned for its
emphasis on supply chain and logistics.
The
2x2x2 Plan: Building a Diverse Skillset
Chutian’s entry into the
professional world was guided by a unique strategy she developed, which she
calls the “2x2x2 plan.” This plan involved gaining experience in two different
functions, working on two product lines, and operating in two locations at each
company she worked for. This strategic approach allowed her to build a
multifaceted skillset and gain a comprehensive understanding of the supply
chain from various angles.
Her first major role was in a
procurement rotation program within the global supply network division at
Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 100 company known for its engineering and machinery
manufacturing. At Caterpillar, Chutian gained invaluable experience in
procurement, a critical function within the supply chain that involves sourcing
and managing suppliers to ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.
After completing her rotation at
Caterpillar, Chutian joined Mars, Inc., one of the world’s largest food
manufacturers, where she held several key positions, including Senior Process
Leader, Senior Sales and Operations Planner, and Product Owner. These roles
provided her with broad exposure to various functions within the supply chain,
including sales, marketing, manufacturing, and product development. The
hands-on experience she gained at Mars was instrumental in deepening her
understanding of the complexities of supply chain operations.
In addition to her formal roles,
Chutian became a Certified Scrum Product Owner, a Citizen Development Business
Architect, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. These
qualifications further enriched her skillset, enabling her to lead
cross-functional teams and drive process improvements in her subsequent roles.
Mentorship
and Advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Throughout her career, Chutian has
been a natural mentor, always willing to share her knowledge and support others
in their professional growth. While at Mars, she took on a supplementary role
by starting a support group aimed at promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(DEI) within the organization. This initiative was particularly significant as
it helped production associates and leads educate on-site leaders about the
importance of DEI and fostered a more inclusive workplace culture.
Chutian's advocacy for DEI was not
just about creating awareness; it was about driving tangible change. She worked
tirelessly to ensure that all voices were heard and that the company’s
leadership was equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to create a more
equitable and inclusive environment. Her efforts in this area were instrumental
in creating a positive impact on the organization and its employees.
A
Multifaceted Experience: The Challenges and Rewards of a Diverse Career
Chutian’s roles prior to joining
Deloitte provided her with a broad and diverse experience that would later
become one of her greatest assets. Her exposure to various functions within the
supply chain allowed her to understand the unique challenges and opportunities
that arise when different departments interact and collaborate.
One of the most memorable
experiences in her early career was observing the tension between manufacturing
and marketing. Chutian recalls how seemingly simple changes, such as altering
the graphics on a product package based on market research, could lead to
significant disruptions in the production line. This experience highlighted the
importance of cross-functional collaboration and the need for effective
communication between departments to ensure that business objectives are
aligned.
Reflecting on this experience,
Chutian described it as “fascinating” and “mind-blowing,” as it provided her
with a deep understanding of the real-world complexities that businesses face.
The lessons she learned during this time were invaluable in preparing her for
the next chapter in her career: consulting.
Transitioning
to Deloitte: Navigating the Challenges of Consulting
The transition from industry to
consulting was not without its challenges. Moving from a corporate environment,
where she had spent years building her expertise, to the fast-paced and dynamic
world of consulting required a significant adjustment. Chutian had to adapt to
new ways of working, including the hybrid co-location arrangement that is
common in consulting firms like Deloitte.
To navigate this transition, Chutian
devised a systematic approach to grow her network within Deloitte. She made it
a point to initiate coffee chats with at least one professional at each level
of the organization every month. This proactive networking strategy allowed her
to build relationships, gain insights into the consulting business, and
establish herself within the firm.
Her turning point at Deloitte came
when she landed a project with a life sciences client that aligned with her
interest in digital manufacturing. The project team was supportive, and the
work was both challenging and rewarding. Chutian credits her mentors at
Deloitte for helping her grow and gain confidence in her new role. With their
guidance, she was able to take on challenging projects that not only expanded
her skillset but also solidified her reputation as a reliable and capable
consultant.
Since then, Chutian has worked on
several high-profile projects within the life sciences and automotive sectors.
The contrast between the academic nature of healthcare and the result-oriented
approach of the automotive industry has been an exciting experience for her,
offering varying types of collaboration and problem-solving opportunities.
Consulting
vs. Industry: A Different Ballgame
Transitioning from industry to
consulting required Chutian to adjust her mindset and approach to work. In
consulting, priorities and stakeholders can shift rapidly, and the way one
spends their time directly contributes to defining their personal brand.
Chutian quickly realized that success in consulting required a delicate balance
of managing multiple priorities while ensuring that her contributions added
value to both the client and Deloitte.
One of the key differences she noted
was the professional services culture at Deloitte, which emphasizes consistent
value creation and high performance. To thrive in this environment, Chutian had
to step out of her comfort zone and take on roles that pushed her beyond the
typical responsibilities of an individual contributor. She became a leader who
could drive her teams toward achieving results, balancing a diverse workload
while managing cross-functional teams.
Her ability to adapt to the demands
of consulting and deliver exceptional results has made her a sought-after
consultant within Deloitte. Leaders and colleagues alike recognize her for her
ability to create client value, manage complex projects, and maintain a high
level of performance even under pressure.
Overcoming
Challenges as a Woman in Supply Chain
As a woman in supply chain,
particularly of Asian descent, Chutian has faced her share of challenges. Early
in her career, she encountered instances of bias and discrimination, including
comments that made her feel like she didn’t belong. Remarks like “go back to
where you came from” and implications that her contributions were less valuable
due to her entry-level position were disheartening.
However, instead of letting these
experiences diminish her confidence, Chutian used them as motivation to prove
her worth. She found strength in her mentors at Deloitte, who reassured her
that she had earned her seat at the table and that her diverse experiences were
an asset, not a hindrance. With their support, Chutian learned to bring her
authentic self to work, embrace her unique perspective, and foster an inclusive
culture within every team she led.
Chutian’s journey is a powerful
reminder of the importance of perseverance and the impact that a supportive
network can have on one’s career. She has not only overcome the challenges she
faced but has also become an advocate for others who may be experiencing
similar obstacles. Her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
continues to inspire those around her, and she remains dedicated to creating a
more inclusive workplace for all.
Words
of Wisdom: Be Authentic, Build Relationships, and Support Others
Chutian Li’s career
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