At Bakelite, we’re proud of the diverse experiences, talents and backgrounds of our global associates. We each have our own Bakelite story, and in this series – My Bakelite Story – we highlight associates in different locations, departments and career stages, each putting their fingerprints on the organization in their own unique ways. These stories shine a light on our various roles and how they contribute to our vision and mission at Bakelite.
Below we highlight Regional Commercial Services Manager Roberta Palumbo. Learn more about Roberta’s role and her career insights below.
Q: What is your role at Bakelite and when did you join the organization?
A: I am a Regional Commercial Services Manager, working within a large, diverse team customer service individuals who come from all over the world. We work with every European plant and also with sites in the U.S.
I joined our legacy organization in 2011, and my role has changed over the years. I handled many of our UK customers at first, and then there was an opportunity to move into a manager role. I was eager for a challenge and to grow. I got the position and have been doing that for the past eight years.
Q: What’s the best part about your job at Bakelite? What makes this company different from others?
A: My favorite part about working at Bakelite is the international environment. Getting to know and work with so many people with different backgrounds and cultures, learning new things, and having the opportunity to travel and create unique connections. I’ve formed many good relationships at Bakelite.
Q: What’s your advice to someone who is interested in working at Bakelite?
A: If you have the right attitude and really want to grow, there are many opportunities for you here. If you look around, there are ways to learn a lot and expand in your career.
Q: How does Bakelite support its associates?
A: What makes this organization different is the respect among colleagues. Even through challenges, growth and change, people feel like they can be straightforward and open.
Q: Do you have a favorite Bakelite memory?
A: A few years ago, our organization experienced a system hack. We couldn’t use our computers and had to do many of our tasks manually. There was so much incredible teamwork. We even worked over a weekend to put in orders, and we strangely all really enjoyed it – it ended up being one of the best team-building activities we’ve ever done! We were all in the same boat, and we were enthusiastic about our achievements. Working to overcome the challenge together was amazing.
Q: How do you mentor colleagues who are newer to Bakelite?
A: We just had a new team member join recently. I think it’s important to make them feel at home, which is exactly how I feel here at Bakelite. I am empathetic and understand what it’s like to be in a new role. I take the time to show new associates around and introduce them to people. I include them when groups of us go out to get coffee or lunch. I show them that they’re part of the team from day one. This really helps them feel comfortable asking questions about their role or processes, too.
Q: How does your work contribute to Bakelite’s mission and vision? How would you say you are putting your fingerprints on the organization?
A: Sustainability is a big focus for Bakelite, and our team is committed to helping achieve the organization’s sustainability goals. For instance, we reach out to our customers to see if they’d like us to arrange for the collection of their used intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and we then ensure they’re recycled properly.
Learn more about the great people and experiences that help make Bakelite the next generation synthetics company!
