Sarah Marshall, Interim Senior Vice President of Polyethylene Sales and Marketing, NOVA Chemicals. Image courtesy of NOVA Chemicals
Five Keys to a Successful Career in Packaging
NOVA Chemicals is one of the largest petrochemical companies in North America, and the resins we produce are used in many different types of packaging solutions. When I joined in 1997 as a technical service specialist, I never imagined the winding and rewarding path my career would take. Over the years, I have held various roles in product development and R&D, and I was the first woman to join our technology leadership team. I have helped our customers solve production and performance problems for packaging solutions that meet the requirements of brand owners and their consumers.
As Vice President of Sustainability, I developed our sustainability strategy and laid the groundwork for our journey toward building a plastics circular economy. After leading our polyethylene marketing efforts, I have recently accepted the role of Interim Senior Vice President of Polyethylene Sales and Marketing, focusing on being our customers’ first and best choice.
Each role has given me a different perspective, but I am always inspired by the things we are able to achieve. When packaging doesn’t work, everyone notices—although most people don’t think about the science and engineering that goes into creating successful products. Packaging is a very technical field that puts material science into action in products that people use every day. Seeing the projects our team has worked on come to life on store shelves and in the hands of our friends and family is very satisfying.
Throughout my career, I have found that great people are the heart of any organization. I’ve learned that building relationships and focusing on good communication skills is essential for building a successful career. Here is my advice for women who are pursuing a career in packaging, whether they are just starting out or preparing to make the move into leadership.
1. Connect with other women in the industry.
Change is happening throughout the manufacturing sector, and I have noticed the evolution of converters and brand owners within the packaging industry. When I started out, I was often the only woman in the room. There are still more men in packaging than women, but the demographics are shifting. There are new opportunities to connect with other women through employee resource groups, conference panels, and industry organizations. Seek out those connections and cultivate your network.
2. Build relationships with mentors and sponsors.
Mentors can help you think through ideas, navigate challenges, and provide support. Sponsors, on the other hand, were pivotal in advancing my career. They advocated for me to take on leadership roles across different departments. You can’t choose your sponsors, but you can shape your reputation so you stand out for your competence and vision.
3. Learn to connect solutions with strategy.
I built my career by delivering on projects that were important to the company, and also exciting to me. I took part in a global executive leadership program as I was moving up in my career, and I would recommend taking advantage of educational opportunities offered by your company. That kind of training can help you integrate technical insight with strategic impact.
Leaders notice when you can connect your ideas to broader business goals and value creation. This is particularly important in sustainable packaging development, where we’re challenging current paradigms to move toward a circular economy. The goal is to deliver the environmental attributes consumers want while creating value for the company. The real challenge is proving you can advance a new production model and still grow margins.
4. Develop your communication skills.
Effective communication is essential in the packaging industry. When I worked in sustainability, I spoke at industry events, joined panels, and engaged with audiences beyond my company. Those external opportunities helped me build credibility, expand my network, and influence the dialogue on important topics. Practice speaking to different audiences, whether they’re your colleagues, conference attendees, or customers.
5. Live the lifestyle that’s important to you.
Balancing work and life is a deeply personal decision. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from a retiring VP who said, “Do what you need to do for your family first.” At this point in my career, I know that you can still have the energy, ambition, and opportunity to take on new challenges within any role. You don’t have to delay making life choices out of concern that your career will never recover. There are ways to align your goals with the lifestyle that matters most to you, at every stage.
The packaging industry is evolving, with more opportunities than ever for women to lead, innovate, and shape its future. A career in packaging offers endless possibilities to learn new things and make a visible impact on the world around you. There are many different paths into the field. Whether you start working in product development, sales and marketing, brand management, or in a completely different area, packaging connects you to products that consumers use every single day. For women entering or advancing in this field, success comes from building strong relationships and seeking out opportunities that align with both your passions and the company’s goals. There’s never been a better time for women to take their place at the table.
