Women Woven Into Manufacturing: Leadership Through Purpose and Resilience

Executive Spotlight: Michelle LeMere, SVP of Global Sales at FyterTech

Manufacturing has long been the backbone of communities across the country; powering local economies, creating opportunity, and shaping careers across generations. For Michelle LeMere, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at FyterTech, that connection began early.

Growing up in a region where paper mills defined the landscape and supported entire towns, Michelle witnessed firsthand how complex industrial operations fueled livelihoods and community growth. That environment sparked a fascination with how manufacturing works, and what motivated the people who make it work.

While Michelle didn’t initially set out to build a career in the industrial sector, her path eventually led her there in a meaningful way.

“I studied marketing and human resource management because I was drawn to the people side of business,” Michelle explains. “Over time, I realized the industrial space allowed me to combine that passion for people with work that truly has an impact.”

Today, Michelle leads FyterTech’s sales organization with a focus on collaboration, operational alignment, and long-term growth, helping bridge the gap between customer needs and manufacturing capabilities.

Navigating a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry

Like many women who have built careers in industrial manufacturing, Michelle encountered challenges early in her journey.

Working in a male-dominated field meant occasionally facing assumptions about what leadership “should” look like. At one point in her career, she was passed over for an opportunity due to assumptions about balancing professional responsibilities with motherhood.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define her negatively, Michelle used them to shape the kind of leader she wanted to become.

“Those moments were difficult,” she says. “But they also helped define my leadership approach and my commitment to creating environments where people feel valued and respected.”

Her experiences reinforced an important lesson: leadership has a profound impact on how people grow and succeed within organizations.

Building Credibility Through Knowledge and Preparation

Early in her career, Michelle realized she had fewer opportunities to participate in networking activities compared to her peers, particularly while balancing the responsibilities of raising a young family.

Instead of viewing that as a limitation, she focused on developing deep expertise in the business.

“I knew I needed to be exceptionally prepared and polished,” she says. “So I made a point of strengthening my understanding of manufacturing, learning the operations side of the business, and building credibility through knowledge.”

That dedication paid off. Over time, Michelle built teams known for their strong culture and high performance - so much so that people began actively asking to join them.

A Defining Career Moment

One of Michelle’s most significant professional growth moments came when she stepped into a Vice President role after recognizing that career advancement sometimes requires advocating for yourself.

“I had worked hard, delivered strong results, and built teams others wanted to be part of,” she explains. “But recognition doesn’t always come automatically.”

Making a strategic move to a new organization connected her with a mentor and leader who recognized the value of her experience and leadership style, accelerating her growth and opening the door to greater impact.

The experience reinforced an important message she often shares with others:

Your work matters, but your voice matters too.

Owning your value and communicating your impact are essential parts of leadership.

Leadership That Connects Sales and Operations

As SVP of Global Sales at FyterTech, Michelle’s role extends far beyond driving revenue.

She believes sales organizations are most effective when they operate as strategic partners within the broader business.

“Sales has to be deeply aligned with operations, quality, and other functional areas,” she explains. “Understanding how the business truly runs allows us to better support customers—whether that means filling assets, optimizing product categories, or aligning demand with operational capabilities.”

This cross-functional mindset ensures that customer needs, operational realities, and long-term growth strategies remain aligned.

It also reinforces a culture where collaboration drives results.

Mentorship and Representation in Manufacturing

Michelle remains actively engaged in industry networking and events, helping maintain visibility and connection within the manufacturing community.

Within FyterTech, she is intentional about mentoring and supporting women on her team, helping them identify career goals and navigate opportunities that align with their strengths.

For Michelle, the idea behind Women Woven Into Manufacturing carries deep personal meaning.

“To me, it means women deserve a seat at the table—where decisions are made—and to be visible contributors throughout the industry,” she says. “Our perspectives and leadership should be fully woven into the fabric of manufacturing.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Michelle’s advice to women considering a career in industrial sales or manufacturing is simple but powerful:

Don’t be intimidated by the industry.

Take the time to learn the business, build credibility, and trust your instincts.

Manufacturing is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology, automation, and data shaping the future of the industry. Leaders who combine strong business acumen with an openness to innovation will be well positioned to drive meaningful impact.

For Michelle, the most important message she can share with the next generation of leaders is this:

“Own your capabilities and don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Seek out mentors, continue learning, and trust that your leadership style belongs in this industry. Progress is happening, and your voice matters.”

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