Engineering is more than a profession – it’s a platform for solving complex problems and shaping the future. Yet, for women, it can also be a challenging field, where stereotypes and biases persist. Faye Litherland is a shining example of someone who’s breaking through these barriers. With a career spanning diverse industries, from explosives to pharmaceuticals, Faye’s journey highlights the importance of resilience, creativity and effective communication.
Her story isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s about redefining leadership by bridging gaps, inspiring others, and challenging the status quo. In a field that’s gradually opening its doors to diversity, Faye’s voice stands out as a powerful advocate for equity and empowerment.
From Fighter Pilot Dreams to Chemical Engineering Excellence
Faye’s initial career ambitions would’ve taken her in a very different direction. She initially aspired to be a fighter pilot in the RAF, but circumstances nudged her toward chemical engineering, a path she has vigorously embraced. “It was not the plan,” she admits, but her decision to pursue chemical engineering at university became a serendipitous choice.
This decision launched Faye into a dynamic and varied career, beginning in large-scale industrial settings like API manufacturing, where she was captivated by the intricacies of production. Her transition from food manufacturing to pharmaceuticals exemplifies her adaptability and problem-solving mindset; traits that have allowed her to thrive in ever-changing environments.
Lessons in Leadership: Communication, Creativity and Context
A cornerstone of Faye’s leadership philosophy is communication. Whether negotiating with international clients or mentoring young engineers, she emphasises the critical role of tailored, context-sensitive communication. Through her extensive career, Faye has mastered the art of mirroring, adapting her approach to match her audience’s energy and style, whether it’s the reserved efficiency of Nordic colleagues or the passionate expression of Southern European clients.
Her experience underscores that effective communication isn’t just about technical expertise but also emotional intelligence. As Faye remarks, “It’s about respect. It’s about common ground.”
She also acknowledges the role that gender dynamics can play in the workplace. Often, women must strike a delicate balance between being assertive and being perceived as overly aggressive, a challenge Faye has faced head-on. Her solution? Deliberate speech patterns and a lowered tone of voice, inspired by leaders like Margaret Thatcher, who famously adjusted her own vocal style to command attention and authority.
The Importance of Equity in Leadership
Faye is a vocal advocate for equity over equality in the workplace. Equality, she explains, means treating everyone the same, while equity ensures that everyone has the tools they need to succeed. This distinction is especially crucial in engineering, where systemic biases and societal conditioning often present unique challenges for women.
One of the most profound moments in her reflections is tied to a poem by Becky Hemsley, “Breathe”. The poem, which explores the tension between assertiveness and societal expectations, resonates deeply with Faye’s experiences. Women, the poem suggests, are often encouraged to: “Be loud, but not too loud. Be ambitious, but not too ambitious.” For Faye, these contradictions are a reminder of the need to empower women to embrace their full potential without apology.
Building Future Leaders
Faye’s passion for mentoring young engineers is evident in her efforts to improve their “softer skills.” She believes that while technical knowledge can be taught, communication and empathy are often overlooked. “People can spot inauthenticity a mile off,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections.
To bridge this gap, Faye has established courses through FPC Life Sciences that teach presentation skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. These initiatives aim to equip future engineers not just with technical expertise but also with the confidence and interpersonal skills needed to lead diverse teams.
Addressing Unconscious Bias
Throughout her career, Faye has encountered and navigated unconscious bias. From being overlooked in meetings to dealing with cultural differences in how women leaders are perceived, her experiences highlight the persistence of gender-based stereotypes. Yet, Faye approaches these challenges with grace, focusing on solutions rather than obstacles.
For example, when faced with resistance in a room of predominantly male colleagues, she employs techniques like stepping back, writing her concerns formally, or shifting her tone to command attention. These strategies, while effective, underscore the additional labour women often undertake to be heard; a reality Faye hopes will change as workplaces become more inclusive.
The Power of Resilience
Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of Faye’s journey is her resilience. Despite moments of frustration, where she has felt dismissed or underestimated, she has found ways to channel her passion constructively. Although sometimes, she admits, “I just walk out of my house and scream!”
Her ability to bounce back, coupled with her unshakable belief in the value of her work, has allowed her to thrive in a challenging industry. By sharing these vulnerabilities, Faye offers a relatable and empowering message to young engineers: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, as long as you keep moving forward.
Conclusion
Currently serving as the Director of Process Technology at FPC Life Sciences, a division of the global FPC Group, which supports clients in the Life Science sector through capital investment programmes, consultancy, and training services, Faye Litherland’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity and empathy in engineering. By championing equity, fostering communication, and addressing unconscious bias, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future for the industry.
Her reflections, paired with the poignant words of Becky Hemsley’s poem, serve as a rallying cry for women in engineering: to embrace their authenticity, challenge societal norms, and lead with confidence. As Faye herself demonstrates, when women are empowered to lead, the possibilities are endless.
Get in touch
Are you a professional in the Life Science industry and ready to take the next step? Contact Yasmin Hutchings, Engineering & Capital Projects specialist, today to discuss the exclusive opportunities available through Blackfield Associates.
