Tammi Carter

CEO
E4D Technologies

How far can tenacity take you? How about from a part-time job to CEO of an industry leading technologies manufacturing company? The challenges Tammi faced throughout her career has framed a valuable advice that she would like to share with other women with high aspirations: find a coach or mentor who will help you navigate the learning process.

Please briefly summarize your career

I have 20+ years of experience in manufacturing, including Flex, (a Fortune 500 multinational manufacturer that is the third-largest global electronics manufacturer), E4D Technologies (a startup 3D medical device manufacturer), and Electronic Source Company (manufacturer of small volume, high-value, critical products for space and military applications).

I have extensive experience in global supply chain, government contracts, all aspects of operations, and factory consolidations/moves which allows me to draw from a wide range of best practices to make business decisions that are holistic and future-facing.

One of the great experiences of working for a large international company is you have opportunities to work in several different roles which helped prepare me for becoming the CEO.

How did you get into manufacturing?

One of my first part-time jobs after becoming a mom, was to help my sister at a small manufacturing company. While we are very different in our personalities, we have always been best friends and had already learned how to leverage each other’s strengths for optimal results. We worked together for almost 3 years.

How did you get into your current role?

I was originally recruited by E4D Technologies to fill the role as VP of Operations. Honestly, I wasn’t initially interested in moving from a large global company to a small, single location operation. After interviewing and seeing the opportunities both, help them take their operations to the next level and to be a part of bringing life changing products to the world,I was delighted to receive the offer. From that VP role, I moved into the CEO role 5 years ago.

What are/were some of your struggles or challenges, working in manufacturing?

Early in my career, it was challenging to be the only woman on the team or in leadership, especially in a strong male dominated culture and industry. There were no mentors for women and if you didn’t have thick skin and a strong deep level of tenacity; you didn’t make it. Many times in my career I had to navigate things that were a violation of policies about workplace harassment and violence but I knew if were reported would end my career. I’m proud of finding ways to move my career forward while being in an environment that wasn’t inclusive of women.

Who were some of the people that influenced you professionally?

My father had an amazing work ethic and taught me the value of working hard. Without that tenacity, I wouldn’t have persevered in the manufacturing industry.

Some of the early influences in manufacturing were what not to do as it pertains to creating a culture that is inclusive for all and allowed all people to thrive and succeed. It wasn’t until many years into my career where I had two bosses who were great leaders and provided valuable coaching and support which allowed me to advance faster than without their support.

How has the workplace changed for women since you first started?

There are more women in STEM and C-Suite roles then early in my career. Still nothing proportional to our general population. At the CEO level, women still only make up about 5% of all CEO positions. We still need more men and women mentors for young leaders to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to catch the next rung on the ladder.

Pay is still disparate but making some progress. If you look at the controlled pay gap, it’s only changed by $0.02 in 9 years. If you take the uncontrolled (just comparing all jobs for men and women), it’s changed $0.10 in the same period.

In many ways, it’s unfortunate that not enough has changed in 20 years. However, groups like WMN would never have existed then.

What kind of impression would you like to leave on other women in manufacturing?

Manufacturing needs you and it’s so rewarding. You get to see new ideas come from a sketch to a physical product. It’s always changing. So many opportunities to learn new things, see new ideas and contribute to the betterment of individuals and communities.

Manufacturing needs women to help bring diversity and other perspectives to the products and processes. I believe there are so many different roles in this field that anyone can find a good fit for their skills.

What career advice do you have for other women?

Get a great coach or mentor – someone who has been down the road ahead of you
Always be a learner
Be willing to coach or mentor someone who is coming along
Have thick skin and warm heart – this has been traditionally a man’s world – be patient as it grows to be more inclusive to all

What are some ways you have given back to the community of women, or some ways you have made a positive influence and impact on women in manufacturing?

Leadership mentoring and coaching
Setting targets for hiring women
Create a culture where all people regardless of gender, race, politics, age, etc. are encouraged and allowed to thrive

What are your career goals from here, and how do you plan to reach them?

I’m blessed in that I’m at the place in my career where I have had so many great opportunities (and some not so great). I would like to continue to scale E4D and grow our capabilities and customer base.

Additionally, I have formalized something I’ve been doing for years. I’ve started an executive coaching business with a focus on women who are either stuck in the career or recently taken on a new opportunity or role.