April 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by POET.

As an engineer, Becky Pitz was used to working in a male-dominated field.

In her field, “that’s what going to happen,” she said. “And when you do that, you can’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.”

At POET, Pitz has many opportunities to use her voice.

She recently was part of a panel of female leaders for a session of Rhyme & Reason, POET’s ongoing companywide educational series. These events consist of various panels of POET leaders sharing their knowledge and expertise with all POET team members across its network of bioprocessing facilities and corporate offices.

Pitz spoke to the resilience and determination required to navigate spaces where gender disparities persist.

“In my POET role, it was a leadership position, and that was a little different because now you’re over a team,” she said. “I had to try a little bit harder, I had to know a little bit more, but I’ve loved it every step of the way, and everyone’s been awesome to work with.”

POET is committed to fostering a culture of growth and empowerment both within the STEM landscape and across all career fields, recognizing the pivotal role women have played and continue to play in shaping the landscape of innovation and discovery.

The Rhyme & Reason event focused on Women in STEM, highlighting four women in STEM positions across the company:

• Becky Pitz, general manager of POET Bioprocessing – Mitchell.
• Kristin Buhman, corporate controller.
• Antje Skiff, mechanical engineering manager.
• Deb Roth, plant manager of POET Research Center.

“POET culture really supports growth within the company,” Kristin Buhman said. “That kind of entrepreneurial spirit allows for some creativity in career paths and how we build teams.”

She emphasized the importance of nurturing a conducive environment where individuals are encouraged to explore diverse career trajectories.

“When it comes to culture, you have to really believe in it and be purposeful about it,” Buhman said. “Live the culture you want to have, and make sure that you’re hiring for it, that you have the people on the team that truly fit that culture. Culture is created; it doesn’t just come to be.”

Antje Skiff emphasized the importance of adaptability in leadership.

“I don’t think I have just one single word to describe my leadership style, but I do try to do some situational leadership when it applies,” she said. “We talk a lot about what the mission is and bringing value to POET. … I think when we’re working with other disciplines, that’s really the key: The mission is at the forefront, and we can all work together to get there.”

Skiff’s approach underscores the need for leaders to be responsive to the unique dynamics of their teams, fostering collaboration and alignment toward a common goal. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared empowering advice for aspiring leaders: “You’re stronger than you think you are. And other people might see things in you that you don’t even see in yourself.”

Deb Roth has been with POET at its original bioprocessing facility, which now serves as a pilot-scale research facility, since the beginning.

“I believe I was team member three or four. I don’t quite remember!” she said.

Roth discussed POET’s innovation and growth from a small facility in Scotland, South Dakota, to the world’s largest producer of biofuels. As a POET leader for years, she advocates for early investment in leadership development. “Take classes in leadership early on. Whatever area you’re looking to go into, broaden it a little bit more, so you’re more prepared for the future.”

At the end of the panel, the audience had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions. In response to a question about balancing assertiveness with humility in leadership, Pitz emphasized the importance of authenticity.

“Be genuine, and be humble,” she said.

Buhman underscored the significance of integrity.

“Focus on doing the right thing and operating with integrity and staying strong in that,” she said.

Innovation lies at the heart of progress, and POET is proud to support and share the stories of team members in all fields who are paving the way for others. POET champions trailblazers and innovators who dare to dream and redefine what is possible.