Meet Sylvia Burwood – Senior Strategy Manager, Sales, Marketing, Service and Parts.

Hi Sylvia, great to see you. I’m keen to hear more about your new role but before we do so, let’s go back to the beginning of your career here. Can you tell me a little more about how you ended up working in the industrial engine business?

So, in my last year of University, I applied for several graduate recruitment positions with leading businesses. In the end I had a decision to make between this graduate scheme and another well-known reputable company. I chose to work for Caterpillar, and therefore on the Perkins brand too, based on the people that I met during my assessment centre, as they were approachable, professional, friendly and genuine. I felt this would be a great environment in which to start my career.
 

That’s a great reason for having chosen a company. I hope it’s lived up to expectations.

Yes, it has. I’ve got to work and learn from some incredible people over the last 20 years.
 

And what’s your career path been like during that time? I’m guessing it’s been quite varied.

I joined the Purchasing graduate scheme. During this time, I had a desire to understand where the parts I was involved in purchasing were going to, who was the customer and what machines were our engines installed in. I asked my supervisor for a placement in Marketing. I spoke to the Marketing Manager and soon started a placement, where I quickly learned about customers, applications and new product introduction. Since then, I’ve had roles in 6 Sigma, another stint in Marketing, a few years in Product Management and most recently the Strategy team.

The variety of roles means I never get bored. I am constantly learning and being exposed to different areas of the business.
 

In all of this, have you had a favourite role? And if so, what did you like most about it?

Let me think. I’ve really enjoyed and got so much out of the different roles, but if I had to pick one – aside from my current role that is – I’d probably say it’s my time as the Product Manager for the 400 Series and 1200 Series. 

Having responsibility for a P&L (profit & loss) account meant that I got to see how the business operates, as well as see the full product lifecycle from new products, new facilities, entering new segments and phasing out products, plus working with all the different functions. It was a great way to understand the levers to improve profitability and influence the bottom line.
 

What excites you most about your current role? What part are you most passionate about?

That’s an easy one. I’m passionate about growing the business. There are so many opportunities to continually do this, while providing our customers with what they want and need to also grow their businesses. It’s an exciting area to work in and see how our strategy is really making a difference.
 

What traits does it take to be a successful employee?

In my opinion, if you care about the customer, then you will do well. This aligns with our company values, which are also key to individual and collective success.

We’re a customer driven culture, so it’s important that we all want to continuously improve and innovate the way we do things.
 

Sylvia, you sound like you’re a very busy person. How do you ensure you have a balance between your work and home life?

It’s incredibly important to me. Something that has specifically helped more recently is the flexibility to take unpaid leave to support with childcare during the school holidays.
 

You must have worked with many very knowledgeable people over the years. Has there been anyone who has been influential to your career and why?

I can’t say there’s been one particular person. In a large business I’ve been lucky enough to reach out to a few people at different points in their and my career, each of whom have had different experiences and perspectives for career advice. I’ve always found that people are willing to help or be a mentor for a short or longer period, depending on your needs.
 

And finally, Sylvia, what’s the best career advice you have ever received and how has it impacted your career?

Honestly, it’s key to choose an inspirational supervisor, not the job. That supervisor will inspire and motivate you to do your best work.