Meet & Greet: Suzette Henry, Manager of Chem/IA Customer Technical Support at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics

In this week's Meet & Greet interview, myGwork member Suzette Henry provides an insight into her role as Manager of Chem/IA Customer Technical Support at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, and shares why she believes the importance of work/life balance, authenticity, and building trust are key aspects of being an effective leader.

myGwork: Hi Suzette, can you tell us a bit about your career journey to date? 

Suzette: I have a degree in Medical Technology.  I originally started working for Olympus in Jan 1995 in the Technical troubleshooting department. Olympus was acquired by Beckman Coulter Diagnostics in Aug 2009.  So I recently celebrated 29 years, and now the Manager of Chem/IA Customer Technical Support.  

What's the most challenging aspect of managing people right now?  

Suzette: The people are wonderful, it is finding that work/life balance and keeping engagement that is the day-to-day struggle. Our job is so important to our customers and we need to be as efficient as possible so keeping the balance is critical. 

What attributes do you look for in new recruits and why?

Suzette: For us, what will make or break an interview are the communication skills.  A person can have a solid resume’, but if they cannot talk to a Customer or deliver instructions they will not be successful, so we have multiple interviewers rate their communication skills.  

How important is LGBTQ+  inclusion in the workplace for you personally? 

Suzette: I identify as a Lesbian so being able to be myself at work is important as a people leader.  Being myself, connecting with people, building trust is the most important part of what I do as a leader.  I also hope it opens doors for other people to be themselves around me.    

What's your favourite inclusion campaign to date and why?

Suzette: It is hard to pick one, but I was part of the first DEI champion team.  It built my knowledge regarding biases, taught me to handle uncomfortable situtations, helped me to become a better leader, and pushed me to be an advocate for all people.  That program helped build my current state and I am grateful for that opportunity. 

How do you encourage staff to have a worklife balance, especially with the increase in remote/hybrid working?

Suzette: I encourage a regular cadence for taking time off.  I want people to consider taking their birthday off as that is a day for them.  More importantly I listen to them.  I try to get a sense of their worries, frustration, and attempt to gauge their stress level.  It is that phrase, “ you need to read the room.” If I have a feel for the level of disengagement and stress then I talk to people more and come up with a strategy to ease tensions.    

What's the biggest highlight of your career to date and why?

Suzette: When I got promoted to Manager of my current team.  In a business aspect, it told me that I am trusted, that my leaders had faith I could lead a larger team and be successful. It also told me that I worked for a company that values diversity and encourages unique perspectives. 

What podcast series are you listening to right now for your career development? 

Suzette: I have enjoyed “Inclusion Catalyst” podcast.  

Are there any DE&I-related podcast series you would recommend?

Suzette: I would recommend the one above. Inclusion Catalyst. 

What was the last book you read (fiction/non-fiction)? 

Suzette: Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. 

Any interesting take-aways and would you recommend it to fellow leaders? Why?

Suzette: The book uses humor on how to navigate change; as well as, to stop and think about best use of time and improve productivity.  I would recommend because there is not many business related books that use simple humor or descriptions to instigate a breakthrough or logical thought.  Ultimately, just like everything else it is how you interpret it.   

What was your last holiday destination and where do you plan to visit next?

Suzette: My wife and I went on a cruise in Sydney, Australia.  Next visit, outside of visiting grandkids, will be Costa Rica.  

What do you do to relax at the end of a hard working day?

Suzette: I spend time with my wife and pets.  We have 4 cats, 2 dogs, 6 chickens, and soon we will have ducks.  We have yearly passes to see off-broadway musicals, we enjoy the outdoors, watching British crime shows, and sports.