It has been an honor for Empowering Pumps & Equipment over the years to shine a light on the professionals behind the industries that are vital to life and share their stories with our #PumpTalk Community. We are proud to have HJ Dewes as our January #Pumptalk Celebrity and our Industry Person Of The Year. HJ is a Business Development Manager at ABB. We hope you enjoy his story!
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
HJ: I started as an Assembler Associate at ABB Drives almost immediately after a four year commitment in the US Navy. From there I’ve had roles in Operations Management, Sales Management, Business Development, Marketing and Channel Management. I earned degrees in Organizational Leadership and Communications as a working adult, and am a bit of an anomaly as I am not an engineer in an industry where people with engineering backgrounds are commonplace.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
HJ: I continue to meet great people in our industry and am amazed about how many people within our industry are willing to collaborate to help make the world a better place. While I’ve achieved many goals and have been fairly successful, at this point in my career, I think I am most proud about the positive effect I am able to have on others at various stages in their careers.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
HJ: Engage. Explore. Don’t be shy. Find your passion. Look for people you trust to help you build your network and who can help provide insight into various career paths within the industry you might consider. As a person who has had many widely varying roles and responsibilities, I can testify that a person coming into this industry will have a broad field of opportunity to grow in many directions if they so choose. Take ownership of your career and focus on getting new experiences. And, I guess, if you don’t find something in this industry that you are passionate about maybe you should look for something else.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
HJ: At ABB, there is never a shortage of projects to engage in. One that I am involved with now is that we are working to create and promote a forum where people who are committed to using energy more efficiently throughout industry can collaborate to help solve global sustainability challenges. This is called the Energy Efficiency Movement. ‘Movers’ have access to ideas, people, best practices- all with others who have common interests and related goals. Maybe the most exciting thing is that the Movement is open to any organization willing to make a commitment to working toward a better future- and with more and more participant organizations, the Movement is gaining momentum. And, it’s on a volunteer basis- it’s not a dictate or due to regulation- instead it’s about desire and commitment. The Movement is unique, and it’s real. And, I am proud to be a part of it.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
HJ: Our industry, and the part we play in the world is changing fast- maybe as fast as ever. To really be successful, and to really have fun doing it, be ready and willing to embrace change. All of us can make a difference- whether in our companies, our communities, our industry, and even how our industry works toward a positive and sustainable future. To quote Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and have a great time along the way!
See concept of The Pale Blue Dot- I plan to use this concept in presentations/podcasts soon. https://www.planetary.org/worlds/pale-blue-dot
Connect with HJ on LinkedIn.
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