Laura Minakata
Order Execution Regional Manager, Mexico
Quick Facts
Mexican
Joined Dalmine-Siderca-Tamsa in 1999
Interview published: December 2011
Laura Minakata’s career in Tenaris began shortly a year after her graduation. With her newly-earned degree in international relations, she joined the sales administration team with the hope of building a successful career. As part of the career plan developed for her professional life in Tenaris, she worked in different areas of the company while climbing her way up to her current position.
Why did you choose to join Tenaris?
The job I first occupied was not so closely related to my previous studies since the position was focused on the local instead of the foreign market. However, I saw the opportunity of joining an important company that would allow me to grow professionally and have an international career. After several years I can say that my expectations were met. Tenaris is a great school and has an excellent group of people. I had the chance to learn and the experience of facing many challenges in different moments of my life. This company demands a lot but also offers a lot. Tenaris gives employees who are willing to grow professionally the opportunity to do so.
Your career plan for Tenaris took you from the commercial area to supply chain. How is the experience of working in two different areas of the company?
I have been working in supply chain for around a year. Being in two areas helped me get a deeper understanding of the company, the processes that take place and how each area is intertwined with the other. When I was in the commercial area I didn’t comprehend the many difficulties you must deal with to deliver the products and services on time. Now, in my new position, I can tell how much hard work is required to fully satisfy the needs of our customers. I have learned a lot of the impact that some commercial decisions can have in the plant and this is very important. On the other hand, I have made my contribution to the area since I have plenty of experience in customer service. Sometimes, people who work in the plant are very careful about processes and materials but forget the importance that this company places in fully satisfying the needs of the customers. This focus is essential today since it allows our customers to know that Tenaris will always be there to back them up in any complicated situation, like urgent requirements.
What is it like to be in positions traditionally occupied by men?
It is interesting as well as challenging. I was the first woman to be in charge of a regional office in a culture and with customers that are not used to this. Tenaris supported me every step of the way. The company trusted me to handle huge responsibilities without considering my gender or my background. My supervisors gave me the training I required and always backed me up whenever I needed some help or extra coaching. It is very important to remember that gender equality doesn’t mean that you can have extra benefits or preferences because you are a woman. That is not what we are asking for. If we have the same skills and abilities as our male colleagues and we are actually good in what we do, we expect the company to give us the same chance to move forward in our careers. The positions I occupied over the years proved that Tenaris gave me this opportunity.
What makes you want to stay in Tenaris?
First of all, I love my job. Besides, I enjoy the challenges I have to face and I always want to learn more. Tenaris is a company where you can never get bored or feel that your working life is a routine. On the contrary, every day is different and brings on new challenges, something that makes my job very interesting and fulfilling. I know that I can give all that I want and my effort will always be recognized. I can grow in different areas and learn more and more as time goes by. For the future, I hope I will continue to make a contribution to the organization and have the possibility of growing and facing increasingly difficult challenges with success. I know I have the chance to do so in Tenaris.