Debora Costa
Vice President, EHS
Bakelite
Debora Costa’s career journey is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Now serving as Vice President, EHS at Bakelite, she has built her career by embracing hands-on problem-solving, prioritizing safety, and leading with authenticity. From her early days in research and development (R&D) to her role as a global leader in operations and manufacturing, Debora’s story highlights the value of practical experience, mentorship, and balance.
Discovering Passion in Engineering: Debora’s career began with a dream of global recognition in science. After turning down an MBA to pursue a role in R&D, she quickly realized her true passion lay in hands-on work. This discovery led her to production as a process engineer, where she thrived in solving real-world problems, commissioning plants, and working with international teams. Her pragmatic approach to engineering became the foundation of her career trajectory.
Leadership Development: Debora believes leadership is built on trust, authenticity, and competence. By demonstrating technical expertise and showing up as her authentic self, she earned increased responsibility and the opportunity to lead diverse teams. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and structured development plans, giving people the freedom to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and grow into future leaders. For Debora, leadership is rooted in service—empowering others to succeed.
Safety as Culture: One of Debora’s strongest convictions is that safety is not just a policy—it is the culture. She advocates for leaders to take accountability for safety, setting the tone for their teams to follow. This extends beyond physical well-being to include psychological safety and open communication. Debora also sees technology as a critical enabler of safer, more efficient operations, with automation and virtual reality training opening new doors for improving safety practices across manufacturing.
Balancing Career and Family: Debora’s career has not been without challenges. She became a site leader while raising a one-year-old, an experience that required discipline, organization, and support from both family and colleagues. She stresses the importance of asking for help, maintaining personal well-being, and finding strength in vulnerability. For Debora, balance is about embracing challenges while recognizing the value of support systems.
Developing People and Building Global Perspective: Throughout her career, Debora has championed the development of young engineers and technical experts. She encourages employees to take ownership of their growth through feedback, mentorship, and exposure to global perspectives. By engaging with different cultures and leadership styles, she believes organizations can foster innovation and create long-term value.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Debora encourages women in the chemical industry to embrace challenges with confidence and curiosity. She believes growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, asking for help when you need it, and leaning on your support system. For her, strength is not about doing everything alone—it’s about recognizing opportunities for collaboration and support.
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