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In the heart of Orica’s vibrant tapestry of talent and innovation stands Mikaela, a beacon of growth and ambition. From the assembly lines in Gyttorp to the strategic boardrooms of Lisbon, Mikaela’s story is not just about personal success, it’s about the collective spirit that propels Orica forward. Join us as we delve into the milestones of her career, the projects that shaped her, and the philosophy that drives her, offering an inspiring glimpse into the life of one of our Supply Chain Excellence team members at the heart of everything we do.
Mikaela’s journey with Orica began in the small town of Nora, adjacent to the Gyttorp Manufacturing site. “Orica was a household name, and the community’s endorsement of the company as an employer was unanimous,” Mikaela recalls. Her career took off as an Operator in the electric assembly department, marking the start of a decade-long tenure filled with growth and opportunities.
From her initial role, Mikaela transitioned through various positions, showcasing her versatility and commitment. “I’ve worn many hats at Orica, from an Operator in both electric and non-electric assembly to a Planner for Nordic bulk supply manufacturing and distribution,” she states. “My roles here haven’t just been about new jobs, they were about growth. Every day, I learned something new, and every challenge fuelled my ambition.” Her ascent continued as she became a Supply Chain Specialist, then a Supply Chain Lead overseeing supply chain operations in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Embracing change, Mikaela moved to Lisbon to lead Supply Chain Excellence for EMEA, focusing on project management and process improvement. Her most recent roles include the Regional Business Engagement Lead EMEA and Supply Chain Excellence Manager for the region.
Reflecting on her growth, Mikaela shares, “Being asked to interview for the Planner role just six months into my first role at Orica was a pivotal moment. It taught me that Orica is a place where there’s always more to learn and people ready to support your journey. Being given the opportunity to develop and grow within the organisation is one of the things I appreciate most about working here.”
Mikaela’s most memorable endeavour has been Project Catalyst, an ambitious upgrade to the SAP system. “As the Regional Business Engagement Lead EMEA, my goal was to ensure seamless business continuity during the transition. This project allowed me to be a part of the wider team as I was working with all the different global functions, and its success is a testament to teamwork and global collaboration,” she explains. “Nothing is impossible when you work as a team,” she asserts.
What resonates most with Mikaela about Orica’s culture is the unwavering support and encouragement to voice ideas and share knowledge.
“There’s a genuine sense of camaraderie and collective growth here. There is always someone there to support you, and everyone is encouraged to speak up and share learnings. I can’t imagine we’d be as successful as we are without this culture”
She attributes Orica’s success to its people and the collective drive to fulfil customer promises: “I believe our people are what has enabled Orica to last 150 years – no matter what team or country I have worked with, everyone will always go above and beyond to make sure our customer promises are met.”
Choosing a single favourite moment from a decade at Orica is challenging for Mikaela. “It’s not easy to pick just one, but if I had to, I would choose this moment right now. Getting the opportunity to relocate and connect with a lot of amazing new people while working in a role that allows me to continue my development, and at the same time use the experience I have gained throughout the years of working with Orica, all of this is a dream come true for me,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about the journey and the people you meet along the way,” she concludes, valuing the chance to leverage her experience while continuing to evolve professionally to meet new challenges.