HomeWork features AHAM members’ insights on careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Julie Wood, Senior Director, Public Relations, for GE Appliances, a Haier company.
What personal and professional goals are you currently pursuing?
The last three years have been the most exciting of my 25-year career at GE Appliances, a Haier company. I’m currently focused on developing our comprehensive business communications strategy to support our growth goals. A lot of my focus is working on change communications and storytelling as we transform the company, grow our product portfolio, invest in expanding manufacturing capacity and implement new technology in our nine U.S. plants and distribution network. On a personal level, I’m focused on my health and exercising more.
Love what you do and surround yourself with the best people.
What are your secrets to having a productive day?
A good start to the day means coffee, reading the news online, and saying good morning to the team. I need that connection with people before I can begin!
Predict an appliance or other innovation that will revolutionize the next generation.
I’d like to see a smart storage locker and refrigerator combo unit built into the side of my house that could accept approved deliveries from grocery stores and shipping companies. The innovative appliance that is my personal favorite is the GE Profile Advantium™ five-in-one oven. It’s the appliance I can’t live without, and as a working mom, it has made our chaotic evenings much better. My kids are always starving by the time I arrive home, so who doesn’t want to make great food in a fraction of the time?
How did you come to work in the appliance industry?
I started with GE Appliances as an intern in college at the recommendation of two professors who admired the company. I have never left. I love this business and industry.
What do you gain from your involvement in AHAM?
I appreciate the comprehensive information AHAM provides to educate members on regulatory and industry issues. I also value the support for media inquiries that are best addressed at the industry level and AHAM’s consumer education efforts to address challenges we face as appliance manufacturers. The Filter it Out campaign to educate consumers on counterfeit water filters is a good example.
Outside of the appliance industry, what would be your dream job?
One day when I retire, I imagine myself working for a non-profit that helps young women reach their fullest potential.
