Gena C. Lovett

“When I pursued what interested me, the earlier confusion in trying to figure out what I was going to be when I grew up disappeared. My mom encouraged me to take my first manufacturing job with Ford in Avon Lake, where I supervised 55 hourly employees on the engine truck assembly line. I was the only female supervisor in my organization and of course there was pressure to perform. Sometimes it was downright uncomfortable.”

“Funny you should ask. I yelled as a driver cut me off this morning on I-64E in St. Louis, and it felt good.I am a passionate person and I am human, so yes, I have yelled over the course of my lifetime. In business, in my leadership role, I do not. This doesn't mean I've not been angry or that I've not had candid, open and honest dialogue that has led to some tough conversations over the course of my career. Sometimes people and situations can take you there.”

“I am introverted by nature, so I suppose some people might perceive me as reserved. But the social interactions, speaking engagements and other requirements of my work forced me to overcome my natural tendencies.Mutual respect is at the heart of my management style. I have found that fundamentally, we all want the same things. I build teams that I can trust, and work at being fair, transparent and a receptive leader. I deliver on my promises to employees, and I make it a point to give my very best to my team each day. I expect the same in return.”

“I had a great childhood. I grew up in Cleveland with my dad, mom and two sisters. My dad made dentures for a living and my mom worked for 31 years at Ford Motor Co.'s engine plant in Brook Park. Both had a tremendous work ethic and instilled in us the importance of striving for excellence through performance."Anything worth doing is worth doing well" was one of mom's constant reminders.”

“I brag a great deal about Cleveland! It is my hometown and will always have my heart. People have teased me, saying Cleveland is not a top destination. I quote publications like Fodor's, Travel and Leisure and the New York Times, who famously stated that Cleveland is "a comeback fueled by art, culture and King James." I also add the quality of our people to the dialog.”

“I'd likely be a tenured professor somewhere teaching either creative writing or history. I would also like to become fluent again in French. In my spare time, I'd make beautiful stained glass pieces. I have toyed with pursuing this after I retire. For now, I am very content to have returned to my "sweet spot," which most definitely is manufacturing. I have found my dream job at Boeing.”

“Family means everything. After years of moving around, being able to come home and tap into the tremendous support system was great. My friends have allowed me to connect in a way that has been life changing. They have provided a safe haven from everyday pressures.”