Meet Sue Datthyn, Controller at UPC-Marathon, a Nitrex company—a dynamic force driving change. With a distinguished career spanning accounting and finance, Sue is leading the way for women in the heat treat industry. Her journey paves the path for others to break barriers, foster growth, and champion inclusivity. She stands as a catalyst for transformation, reshaping Nitrex, and igniting inspirational change in the heat treatment industry.

1. Question: You have a significant role as a Controller. Can you share your insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in finance and accounting roles within the industrial manufacturing milieu?

Answer: Depending on the study, in the United States, women make up 50-60% of the finance field, while only 24% of partners at CPA firms are women (source: https://financejourneys.com/women-in-accounting/). I believe that finance may be ahead of other professions in terms of its general acceptance of women, but there remains a gender gap in more senior-level positions. In the context of industrial manufacturing, the dynamics change. While most management roles are predominately held by men, finance is one area that can be the first to break down these barriers to inclusion. I have been blessed to achieve this several times in my career.

2. Question: Can you describe any unique experiences or lessons learned during your career journey that you think will be valuable in this initiative?

Answer: Participating in “The A Effect” initiative provides an opportunity to engage in discussions and idea exchanges with other women. Given that my career has spanned longer than some of my counterparts, I believe the following two lessons are valuable to share:

• It’s Okay Not to Know: It is perfectly acceptable to admit, “I don’t know.” Embracing this can be liberating. No one knows everything, and acknowledging this demonstrates your willingness to seek answers or direct inquiries to those with the knowledge. Moreover, it helps you establish and maintain your credibility.
• You’re Not Alone: During the early stages of my career, I often felt the need to handle every task by myself. Learning to ask for assistance, set boundaries, and delegate proved transformative. Embracing these practices enabled me to become more proficient in my role and fostered growth.

3. Question: What inspired your participation in “The A Effect” initiative, and how do you envision it impacting your role and responsibilities?

Answer: What inspired me? I would attribute my inspiration to my discussions with Christine Hauben. Her passionate commitment to this project ignited my interest. While I’m tremendously excited and grateful for the opportunity for my personal learning and growth, I’m equally thrilled to be part of Nitrex’s transformative initiative from the ground up. I aspire to contribute to future hirings, mentoring, and employee programs that help individuals bring out their best.

4. Question: How do you plan to mentor and guide your team of accountants and specialists as part of this initiative?

Answer: At UPC-Marathon in Milwaukee, WI, the entire Finance team is 100% female strong. This is incredible and provides an ideal environment to put into practice what I’ve been learning. I believe that women, in general, often grapple with confidence issues in the workplace. It would be a missed opportunity for UPC-Marathon if I couldn’t assist someone in finding their voice and nurturing their potential. So, passing on the knowledge I’ve gained and fostering confidence in my team is a top priority for me. Every individual possesses unique skills and ideas that they can contribute, and I am dedicated to helping guide future leaders in realizing their full potential.

5. Question: What do you hope to achieve personally and professionally through your involvement in “The A Effect”?

Answer: In one of the professional development seminars I attended earlier this year, the presenter’s message was clear: we have no weaknesses, just rely on your strengths. For example, if you tend to be quiet, it’s likely you possess excellent listening skills. While this is a positive trait, simply listening won’t allow others to benefit from your ideas.

Throughout my career, I’ve received consistent feedback that I can be quite direct in my communication. While this might initially sound negative, it also means I’m willing to convey information that others might shy away from. Looking ahead, my goal is to further refine my communication techniques, leveraging my strengths while incorporating some softer skills to enhance the quality of my delivery.

6. Question: In the diverse landscape of the USA with its various local and regional settings, do you believe that these factors influence the relevance of initiatives like “The A Effect”? How might these regional distinctions contribute to shaping the initiative’s goals and strategies?

Answer: If you’re asking whether the Midwest, North, South, and West each bring their unique styles and factors to the equation, the answer is absolutely YES. However, bearing these regional distinctions in mind, there’s one word that universally applies and remains relevant: BALANCE. While the path to achieving balance in the workplace and management team may differ between my location in Milwaukee, WI, and what is needed in California, the ultimate goal remains the same: fostering inclusivity.

“The A Effect” will contribute to achieving this balance in numerous ways. It not only makes me a better person but also transforms me into a more effective leader and mentor. The concept of balance resonates with me because I firmly believe that this initiative goes beyond gender—it’s about empowering every individual at Nitrex to thrive. When the person next to you feels confident and experiences the freedom to grow, it has a ripple effect—everyone feels it, and positive change touches everyone. This instills confidence in women and elevates the company culture as a whole.