Changing Ways: Who's With Us?

No two people will look at a situation the exact same way. They’ll view it through the lens of their own experience, values and culture. When faced with day-to-day deadlines and other challenges, it is easy to lose that sense of perspective. But it is possible to regain – or adjust – it. 

“We’re all going a thousand miles an hour,” said Leah Farrelly, who leads a group in the Business Acquisition Center of Excellence in Military Engines and serves as president of the Pratt & Whitney Women’s Council. “But we have to start focusing on the people, where we all come from and how we overcome things to be successful together.” 

The point about perspective became especially clear for Dave Stagney when he attended a training session called Men Advocating for Real Change. Stagney, who leads the GATORWORKS team in Military Engines, is an executive champion for the Women’s Council in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

“We assume that when we see someone and we run into them in a meeting – and we just want to get down to business – that everyone is starting from the same place,” he said. “And we’re not. That can be a burden for some people. But it can also be an opportunity.” 

This is a clear case where change – and leadership – starts with each one of us. 

“Leading by example is something that we can all do. You don’t have to be a leader and have people reporting to you to be a leader,” Farrelly said. “You can lead from anywhere. It starts with the people acting and treating people the way you want to be treated.” 

This conversation is the first in a series featuring leaders from our Employee Resource Groups and their allies discussing behaviors that contribute to an inclusive workforce and reinforce our culture of respect at Pratt & Whitney. 

Learn more on this episode of Pratt Chat.