John Deere's Marcia Erickson works in supply management

At John Deere, there are many impressive women working in thriving careers.

Here we meet Marcia Erickson, a passionate collaborator who's also a great problem solver.

Starting out in supply management

To move into her current role as Manager, Global Parameter Intelligence & Asset Management, Marcia started in tactical supply management buyer roles. There she gained some great experience working at two Deere factories, Waterloo TCAO and Horicon Works.

Marcia then took a path into people leadership, by expressing her interest in and demonstrating her passion for people.

"My scope grew in the Planning Services team, and I had responsibility for four Turf and Utility Factories and the SM team members – an awesome chance to lead a larger team and improve execution, standardize processes, and create a high performing team," explains Marcia.

An opportunity then came along for Marcia to lead an organization at Horicon Works in Material Flow and Production Planning. Marcia says the opportunity was both "scary and intimidating" because the company was opening a new Factory, however she felt it was the exact challenge she needed to extend herself.

Stretching her strategic muscles

Marcia's next role enabled her to really stretch her strategic muscles – leading the Material Flow Competency for the enterprise.

Marcia then moved into her current role. "I am able to serve a global team within supply management and logistics shared services. This role enables me to drive process transformation for our team and large group of internal customers," says Marcia.

Sparking innovation within the supply chain

In explaining her current role, Marcia says that she serves the team and customers by sparking innovation, removing roadblocks, working cross functionally and within supply chain to improve processes and communication.

Marcia tends to regularly draw upon some key strengths in her role. She suggests these strengths include leading the working culture, developing talent, being a change catalyst, servant leadership, and communicating with impact.

Engaging in a useful mentor relationship

When asked about a favorite project that she has enjoyed working on for John Deere, Marcia says: "I had an excellent opportunity to engage in a year long in-person mentorship with a Toyota Sensei, while leading an operations team in Horicon and working to improve execution and process discipline.

"The influences from that mentorship continue to positively impact my approach to problem solving, people leadership, strategic planning, and change management."

Build relationships and transform lives

Marcia finds working for John Deere very rewarding. "The opportunities to grow yourself and build relationships are endless. I’m able to problem solve daily, and I'm highly motived by the opportunities to transform the lives of our teams and customers!"

Channeling strengths and passions

Marcia suggests more women can join her field.

"Find ways to channel your strengths and passions into others around you," suggests Marcia.

"Always be listening and connecting in order to understand the challenges in various roles, and how YOU could potentially use your experience to impact processes, people, and customers," she says.

Have confidence and stretch yourself

Marcia advises women looking to work with John Deere to have confidence in themselves. "Show an earnestness to learn and reflect, and always find ways to stretch yourself," advises Marcia.

Enjoying family fun

And, when Marcia is not working, some of her favorite ways to spend time include being with family, and beng active. "I have a wonderful husband and three amazing kids! We love traveling, being active, and cheering on our favorite sports teams!" says Marcia.