AN INTERVIEW WITH
Jennie Kroge
Chief of Staff & Executive Director, Supply Chain Ops, joined NCR in 2021
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Jennie Kroge
Chief of Staff & Executive Director, Supply Chain Ops, joined NCR in 2021
Throughout your career, you have worked for a number of large, international companies. Outside of the job description, what other important questions did you seek to have answered prior to making your decision to join us at NCR?
I’m motivated by working for companies where I can have a global impact and the ability to drive positive change. Prior to joining NCR, I worked for a decade at General Electric, where I developed expertise in process improvement, supply chain management, and product management. At Equifax, I further honed my skills in process improvement and risk management and discovered a strong passion for everything related to business transformation. These professional experiences also taught me the importance of surrounding myself with inspiring colleagues and the value of strengthening leadership skills.
Before making any new career move, I make a point to ask as many questions as possible about the team's culture. For me, feeling inspired and empowered by colleagues is essential to work satisfaction.
When I interviewed at NCR, I spoke to as many people as I could to inform my decision if NCR was the right place for me. With each conversation, I asked leaders and potential peers to share their perspective of NCR and how the team works, learns and grows together in a global environment. I also asked how this role would interface across the organization to help assess whether it could be an ideal stepping stone to grow my career. The high caliber of leadership and a genuine collaborative, team-centered culture came through in every discussion.
Since joining NCR, I have been fortunate to work alongside a true team that collaborates to tackle unprecedented challenges in our global supply chain. Regardless of the obstacle, the team rallies together to support one another and find solutions that enable us to deliver for our customers, support the business, and take care of our employees.
As you progress in your professional life, you'll realize that your job is just one aspect of your career experience. The people you work with, especially your team members and leaders, play a significant role in shaping your overall work experience. That's why it's crucial to consider team dynamics when assessing a potential job opportunity.
During the interview process, take the opportunity to get to know the people you'll be working with as best as you can. Observe how they interact with each other, their work ethics, and their personalities. This way, you can assess whether their work style, values, and goals align with yours. By prioritizing team fit, you can ensure that you wake up each day feeling energized and excited to tackle the day's challenges.
“For me, feeling inspired and empowered by colleagues is essential to work satisfaction.”
What opportunities have you had at NCR that empowered you to grow or learn something new?
In addition to the supportive team culture, I was interested in working at NCR because of its brand and reputation — the reputation of being innovative, transformational and supporting its employees.
As chief of staff, I support our team in forming our strategy and driving execution. It’s the best of both worlds for me. There are many external and internal factors to consider when it comes to supply chain, manufacturing, services, and procurement, so I get to be a communicator, problem solver, innovator and process driver, all in one day. In this role, I've developed a better understanding of how business decisions are made, organizations are run and employees are cared for. I get to learn from my teammates, who are experts in their domains, and partner with other NCR functions to deliver initiatives that will help our customers. Each day at NCR is an opportunity to learn something new, and in my role, I know the work I do adds value to the business and organization, which is extremely rewarding.
“Each day at NCR is an opportunity to learn something new, and in my role, I know the work I do adds value to the business and organization, which is extremely rewarding.”
What made you want to join Women in NCR (WIN), NCR’s women’s networking business resource group? / How does this organization make you feel empowered to show up to work as your most authentic self?
At previous employers, I had positive experiences with the women’s resource groups and networks. So, I actively sought out Women in NCR (WIN) to get involved.
Through WIN, my goal is to help empower and elevate our women at NCR. WIN offers a strong platform to cultivate leadership skills, strengthen networks, and progress careers. The WIN global network is extensive, with nearly 20 different local chapters all over the world. As soon as feasible, I reached out to the Chair of the WIN Global Board to get involved. After a thorough interview process, I was thrilled to join the WIN Global Board.
In my role as community engagement director, I partner closely with our WIN leadership, members and allies to shape and influence how we are embracing equality within our company culture. Last year, my focus on the Board was encouraging women across our local WIN chapters to expand their reach outside of work and into the community. There is a different perspective that you can gain and leadership skills you can develop by helping people in need and volunteering with the non-profit organizations that support them.
The strength of our WIN network and results were truly inspiring. Nearly 60% of our local WIN chapters led community engagement projects last year and 80% have additional service activities planned in 2023. It’s outcomes like those that inspire me to show up as my most authentic self every day.
“Through WIN, my goal is to help empower and elevate our women at NCR. WIN offers a strong platform to cultivate leadership skills, strengthen networks, and progress careers.”
How are you involved in the community outside of NCR?
My involvement in the community outside of NCR revolves around my passion for developing the next generation of leaders. One of the ways I do this is by mentoring women in business, both formally and informally. I believe that mentorships are a valuable tool for professional development, and I have been purposeful in seeking out mentors throughout my career. These mentors have served as my own personal board of directors. I have consulted them on many occasions to glean advice that has helped me to progress in my career. In turn, I make it a point to mentor aspiring women in business whenever I can, so they can benefit from the same kind of support that has helped me.
Another way I invest my time outside of NCR is by supporting early childhood development through Girl Scouts. I had a transformative experience as a Girl Scout, and it has helped shape the leader I am today. As a troop leader, I want to provide young girls with the same opportunity to develop foundational leadership skills in a supportive environment. Girl Scouts instills courage, confidence, and character in young girls and teaches invaluable life skills. I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps build the next generation of leaders.
In summary, my involvement in the community outside of NCR is centered around mentoring women in business and supporting early childhood development through the Girl Scouts. These are two areas where I feel I can make a meaningful impact by helping others learn, grow, and discover their path.
What advice would you give to support women and advance them in their careers?
Great question! I’ll keep it short and sweet, sharing advice based on how I try to support others and how I have seen leaders and mentors support me:
- Take charge of your own career. No one else will design it for you.
- Surround yourself with leaders and colleagues who inspire and support you.
- Build your own personal board of directors to seek advice.
- Give back by mentoring and helping others.
- Get involved in the women’s resource group within your company or in the community.