Sheilagh Wilson 

 

   Sheilagh Wilson

 

 

 

 Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on. What led you to where you are today?

My entire career of over 25 years has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing Textile related products in apparel, footwear and the wearables.

Early in my career, while young and in school I learned how to sew and loved choosing fabrics to make my own one of a kind garments. I loved fashion and followed color & trends as I created.

I worked in retail as many of us do as first jobs and that is where I caught the “bug.” I saw that I could enjoy making a career out of buying. I love to shop and the idea of spending someone else’s money was even better!

I went from buying, to designing product, to sourcing & manufacturing. In my latest role I crossed over to a tech company that develops textile wearables. My success has been to keep reinventing myself, change with trends, and think outside of the box.


How would you define your professional mission?
I work to live and have fun in life. Trust your instincts. Be passionate about work, build relationships, network. Never stop learning, read and stay current with your industry. Be open to change; it leads to growth & success. Mentor when asked and share your knowledge.


What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
Be open to change and learning new things. If you are a manager hire people who know what you don’t, so you build a stronger team. No one person knows it all.

What advice would you give to people wishing to break into your industry?
READ, stay fresh, keep changing.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Building teams and seeing team members excel.


What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments?
I was honored with receiving an employee of the year award at a large branded manufacturing company. I championed a project involving a software implementation that helped us stream line and connect global supply chain teams and suppliers so that the business had workflow and best practices in place to succeed. The nomination was especially important to me as it was a vote from my peers and fellow team members of a job well done. It was the best!!

What I did with that award though was recognize the rest of the team involved. Without the great team work and effort, the award would not have happened. Don’t forget in your career- it’s not just about you. Give credit where and when due.

Tell us about your favorite AAPNetwork memory or success story. Why are you a member?
AAPN is great for networking and staying connected with the industry partners in the Americas region. Recent memory was being a part of an AAPN panel at MAGIC 2019. We shared during the seminar the news about this new group being developed as part of AAPN. It will benefit all members joining as a place to mentor and build new network contacts for success in their careers.


What is one piece of advice you’d offer working parents?
Family is always first no matter what someone tries to tell you at work. You must find the balance for you to be happy at home and work to succeed. Take your vacation/time off as needed. Don’t be a martyr.


What is the best career advice you every received?
Be patient and be a good listener. Everyone is important and has something to say.


What would you say your personal superpower is?
My health and life balance.