Suzie Douglas
Regional Manufacturing Manager
Chemtrade
Suzie Douglas, Regional Manufacturing Manager at Chemtrade, is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and bold career moves. From starting her career at BMW in the UK to taking on international challenges in China, and finally making the leap to Canada, Suzie’s story is one of courage and continuous growth. In this blog, she shares how pushing her own boundaries has shaped her into the leader she is today and offers valuable insights for women in the chemical industry.
Embracing Challenges to Grow: Suzie’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone was pivotal in her career. While working at BMW in the UK, she accepted a one-year assignment in China which was an unfamiliar role in a new country. Despite her initial nerves, she seized the opportunity, which helped her hone her leadership skills, adapt to cultural differences, and build confidence in managing diverse teams. Her time in China taught her the value of inclusive collaboration. She realized that simply listening to a few voices in the room wasn’t enough. Instead, she created safe spaces for all team members to contribute, fostering innovation and driving results.
Bold Career Moves: From the UK to Canada: Inspired by her success in China, Suzie made another bold move by emigrating from the UK to Canada. Without a job or guaranteed security, she took a leap of faith, driven by the belief that she could thrive anywhere if she stayed committed. Her gamble paid off. After securing a maintenance manager role at a power plant, she eventually found her place at Chemtrade, where she has thrived for eight years. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace the unknown fueled her career growth and success.
Resilience in a Male-Dominated Industry: Throughout her career, Suzie has broken barriers in a male-dominated field. Starting at BMW straight out of high school, she quickly worked her way up, becoming a supervisor by age 23. She led by example, earning respect through authenticity, hard work, and equal treatment of her peers. Her philosophy? Consistency, empathy, and respect as she believes that leadership is about building relationships and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. This mindset helped her thrive, even when faced with the challenges of being one of the few women in the room.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Keep Pushing Your Boundaries: Suzie’s key piece of advice for women in the chemical industry is simple but powerful: “Never stop pushing yourself.” She encourages women to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and embrace growth—even when it feels intimidating. Her story is a reminder that success comes from perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks.
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