Women of Xylem Series
For our industry to thrive and evolve, we need strong, diverse teams leading it. We need to represent the diverse communities we serve and encourage great people from all backgrounds to get excited about joining us. This series features women across Xylem in various stages of their careers. Through it, we hope to pull the curtain back on who does what at our organization and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
In our second post of the series, we are proud to spotlight two employees as they discuss advancing diversity in the workplace, balance and more.
- Alexandra “Alex” Wells, PE, Client Services Manager
- LaShondra Edwards, Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence Leader
Check out this video to hear from Alexandra and LaShondra as they share leadership advice!
Alexandra “Alex” Wells, PE, Client Services Manager
Q: How long have you worked at Xylem and what is your current role?
A: I’ve worked at Xylem four years. In my current role, I work with key accounts in the Northeast United States and serve as a trusted advisor helping our clients utilize our products and solutions to their best advantage. I bring the right people together from both the client and Xylem so that we can have meaningful, productive discussions.
Q: What is your ‘why’ that makes you want to come to work each day?
A: I love knowing that the work we do helps to make the world a better place. My coworkers are also a very important part of my overall job satisfaction! Our collaborative environment really allows us to bring our clients the very best in customer service and allows us to be innovative in the very best sense of the word.
Q: If you could give your younger working self any advice, what would you say?
A: Love what you do and never leave the water sector (It’s the best!)! Don’t be afraid to try new things – it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Always remember to have fun and learn as much as you can from everyone around you.
Q: How are you advancing diversity in the workplace?
A: I try to support all of my coworkers to the best of my ability. I’ve adopted an open-door policy and have always tried to be a safe zone for productive and candid conversations. Mentoring younger colleagues have always been a priority of mine – we need to ensure that we have a healthy pipeline to new leadership!
Q: How can male colleagues be better allies to women in the workplace?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have some very strong male allies in my career. The best thing they ever did was to share their knowledge and teach me the “ins and outs” of the business. Introducing me to industry contacts and including me in any networking opportunities that arose allowed me to become a known fixture within my geographic area.
Q: What recommendations do you have for people who struggle to balance home and work life?
A: There is no perfect balance and no one person is perfect. I recommend we always give it our best and try to time manage and stick to a schedule whenever possible. It is important to take time for oneself – self-health is extremely important.
LaShondra Edwards, Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence Leader
Q: How long have you worked at Xylem and what is your current role?
A: I’ve been with the company three and a half years. I lead a team of manufacturing, test and project management engineers tasked with making Sensus manufacturing efficient and consistent. I use leadership abilities to continuously improve my organization, its people and processes. I also support the senior managers in my group to coach their teams in technical and behavioral competencies in order to deliver high-impact business results.
Q: What is your ‘why’ that makes you want to come to work each day?
A: My ‘why’ is the ability to empower others – be it encouraging a coworker to adapt to change or removing impediments for the team. I enjoy being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Q: If you could give your younger working self any advice, what would you say?
A: Some people will tell you your goals are out of reach; don’t believe them. Don’t let anyone ever tell you your dreams are unattainable. Whether you say “I can’t” or “I can,” your brain is eavesdropping on your self-talk and will react accordingly.
Q: How are you advancing diversity in the workplace?
A: Fostering an environment for others to feel safe, connected and heard. I also make every effort to share my experiences with those who are open to learning.
Q: How can male colleagues be better allies to women in the workplace?
A: Scrutinize your automatic – often false – assumptions about women, including what they might want (or not want) to pursue in their personal lives and careers.
Q: What recommendations do you have for people who struggle to balance home and work life?
A: Create boundaries between your home and work life. Then commit to not cross them.
The RTP Chapter of the Xylem Women’s Network fosters an environment of belonging, education, and support by building a culture of growth and opportunity for women in the organization and beyond, through diversity of thought and experience that will create continued opportunities in leadership and enhance Xylem’s competitive advantage.
Learn more about the Xylem Women’s Network and our commitment to creating an open dialogue to raise awareness and identify ways to advance diversity and inclusion here.
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