The POSCO Women Leadership Series, which were designed to shed light on the concerns of female workers exploring new career possibilities amidst the rising female presence in the work place, has enjoyed unforeseen interest from female workers looking for an inspiration. To encourage further enthusiasm, we prepared yet another episode featuring POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park. Shall we listen to her candid remarks about leadership and planning a successful career?

Deputy Director Park manages IT and information-based strategy planning at POSCO ICT

Could you please tell us what made you knock POSCO’s door, and about the work you’ve done at POSCO ever since?

When I was at high school, we went on a field trip to POSCO’s iron mill. I was inspired by its grandeur and valiant aura, and that inspiration stayed with me ever since. When I was a college senior I was pleasantly surprised to find a POSCO pamphlet in the university office, and I started preparing my job application right away.

My first post when I joined the company in 1989 was in the information systems division. That same year, POSCO Data, which is now known as POSCO ICT, was founded and I became the youngest member of the founding team. My main responsibilities were managing POSCO IT system and developing IT solutions. I was then reappointed to the management and planning division in 2005, where I gathered experience in business strategy, investment management, and new business development.

Could you tell us about your efforts to improve competence in the field of IT and Information-based Strategy Planning?

I’m currently in charge of IT strategy planning/standardization and IT outsourcing which are part of POSCO’s information management project. I attend various external seminars on current trends because having a good idea about what hottest trends are is crucial in IT and information-based strategy planning. I also monitor periodical reports published by professional IT organizations, as well as expanding my insights through networking and communicating with various professionals in the field.

When was the most rewarding moment during your time at POSCO?

I find those moments when I make things work through sound decision making and careful execution despite widespread concern to be the most rewarding. It’s also very gratifying when I feel my colleagues and I are one united team during times of hardship.

Let me give you a personal example. I used to be the leader of the strategic investment team in POSCO ICT management and planning division, and it was my responsibility to lead an investigation on M&A and new business investment. I remember plowing through countless sleepless nights with my teammates to lead the company to the right direction during the M&A process. The fierce intensity of the situation at the time was something I will not forget anytime soon.

POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park shares tips on how to survive in the IT industry!

What are some of the traits or mindsets that a woman should have in the IT industry?

Let me tell you first and foremost that, in the IT industry, there barely exists any kind of sexual discrimination. In fact, I think there are plenty of opportunities for the female to take the advantage; there would be no real obstacles if she can bring feminine subtlety and gracefulness to the work place.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is to develop insight. This can be done by keeping yourself well-versed in the field of humanities – especially history – and develop perception and decision-making skills. As for myself, I read Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Records of the Grand Historian – both are masterpieces written by the ancient Chinese – multiple times to develop my insight.

When were difficult moments as a female worker, and how did you find the strength to march on?

The hardest task as a female worker was to find the balance between family and work. Through trial and error, I finally came to realize that being a “Superwoman” who excels in both the home and the workplace is a very difficult challenge indeed.

After I realized that I am not, in fact, a Superwoman, I tried a different take: I communicated with my family on what I could do and what I couldn’t, and straightforwardly asked for help when I needed it. My husband and children believed in me and supported me, which was tremendously helpful. I am especially thankful to my husband who, sometimes as a supportive friend and sometimes as a watchful colleague, understood and believed in me wholeheartedly.

Could you share with us some of the know-how you accumulated through your long career in IT?

Two things: an objective perspective and sound inter-personal relationships.

It’s absolutely crucial to be able to keep an objective perspective on the current situation in order to make an accurate decision. It’s easy to judge others; it’s much difficult to fully recognize the shortcomings of one’s own situation. This is why I make a continuous effort to maintain an objective perspective of my own self.

Maintaining solid relationships with other people is equally important. We are living in an age where it is impossible to perform an important task solo. I think it’s very important to have an accurate evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each person, and to solve a given problem together as a unified team.

POSCO ICT Deputy Director Park’s efforts to become a Generous and Understanding Leader

Tell us about your personal efforts to become a truly respectable leader.

After I gave birth to my children, I was able to view my colleagues and other situations in a motherly way. I’m trying to foster synergy among colleagues by examining their traits and helping them exert their unique capabilities. Also, I try to keep a positive attitude and attempt to put the company before my division when making decisions.

What are your five- and ten-year plans?

I wish to be an admirable and respected leader even five or ten years later. It would also be nice to be remembered as a leader who contributed to building trust and satisfaction in IT management for POSCO and the POSCO Family!

Please show your support to all the female workers out there!

I advise you to focus on what you do best. For female workers, it will be difficult to divide household chores when you’re a junior at work, as was my case.

Fortunately, though, more and more women are achieving success in various fields, which makes dividing household chores more socially understandable. That said, I urge all female workers out there to stand up straight and take ownership of their jobs. Go get’em, tigress!

We hope POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park’s story on leadership left you truly inspired. Don’t let fears of prejudice or social discrimination discourage you; in the end, it’s all about keeping your chin up, respecting others and making the right decisions. Hello POSCO will always support people who dream and aspire, whether it be male or female.

Following the previous interview with female executive Young Choi of Daewoo International, today we met with POSCO Research Institute (POSRI) deputy director Lee Yoon Hee. In the male-dominated steel industry, Lee is holding her own, leading her team with her trademark “soft charisma.” Shall we head on and have a listen to her story?

POSRI Deputy Director Lee Yoon Hee Talks POSCO

Could you please tell us what made you knock POSCO’s door, and about the work you’ve done at POSCO ever since?

While I was preparing for my post-grad school entry, a friend tipped me about a job opening at POSCO, which were exclusive for female students only. At the time I actually preferred to continue my studies rather than work for a company, but my professor and parents talked me into going for some good work and real-life experience. I was sold and applied for the job.

My first post when I joined the company in October 1990 was the secretary’s department located at Seoul. There, I worked for a year as then-president Park Tae-jun’s secretary. Next Fall I relocated to the management examination department located at Pohang. The new department was devoted to examining the local economy, market demands, and industry trends.

Afterwards I started afresh as a researcher when the Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST) and the examination division of the Planning and Coordination department merged to form the new POSRI. Since 2001, I have worked on building marketing strategies and analyzing the steel industry and our competitors.

When was the most rewarding moment during your time at POSCO?

I’ve worked 3 years and 10 months at POSCO and 20 years as a researcher at POSRI. At POSCO, the year I worked as a secretary was the most memorable and rewarding. The Management Instructions Administration System had been newly introduced when I was assigned to the secretary’s department. I was in charge of recording the president’s and the vice-president’s instructions into the system, and relaying them to related departments.

The departments would correspond by submitting task results or countermeasures, and in turn the management would develop new strategies based on those reports. While experiencing the entire process, I was enthralled to have fulfilled my duties as a secretary by contributing to the work of my superiors.

On the other hand, the most personally rewarding work I’ve done as a researcher was the publication of steel industry research. Doing various unique research on steel commerce including the Korea-US steel tariff issue, competition rounds, and case studies on multiple commercial conflicts on several local industries, I could feel a genuine sense of duty in my work. I took pride in the idea that the research we were doing set us apart from other research centers, and that I was contributing to my country’s economic and social development through the steel industry.

A stalwart career amidst a male-dominated steel industry

When were difficult moments as a female worker, and how did you find the strength to march on?

Initially, it was difficult to withstand all the attention I received as someone who entered a predominantly male culture through a female-only recruitment. I was anxious to prove that gender doesn’t matter in the workplace, which drove me to pay more attention to detail and not make mistakes.

However, things changed when I moved into the research center: I began to receive credit for my work rather than how I behaved within the organization. Also, the fact that I was doing research in uncharted grounds proved to be a challenge in and of itself, which pushed me to work even harder.

Tell us about your personal efforts to become a truly admirable (female) leader.

First, I think the female advantage is her “Multiplayer DNA.”

Korean females are making a constant effort to fulfill their responsibilities not only in their careers but also in their homes. Because they are exposed to an environment which requires them to carry out various tasks in limited time, they develop the ability to tackle multiple tasks simultaneously while looking at the bigger picture.

This DNA contributes enormously to workplace performance. Taking myself as an example, I ask for the help of related departments without hesitation when needed. I also do not forget to make the necessary preparations for planned objectives, all while making bold decisions when need presses.

Furthermore, I have developed the ability to assume the role of the leader and allocate appropriate tasks to my teammates even when faced with complex objectives. Also, as a researcher, I had the responsibility to provide professionalism. I think perfection in professionalism is difficult, if not impossible, to attain solo.

There is a Korean proverb that says “Goodwill is born in the shed.” It means that a full shed comes before the sharing of its contents. To me, this saying underlines the importance of the continuous effort to fill the shed. That said, I try to meet with my researcher colleagues and share ideas in order to fill the shed. Such efforts contribute enormously in shaping my ideas in the right direction.

I also try to set some of my time aside for giving advice and sharing concerns with anyone who comes to me for help. Even when I’m pressed for time, I try my best to share my resources and provide solutions!

A Step towards the Future: The Story of Lee and POSCO

What are your five- and ten-year plans?

The question I’m asking myself these days is “what kind of leader shall I be?” With the specialty of the organization named research center, there is a certain limit to live as a position holder. I will try to become a ‘playing coach’ to secure the place as a position holder who does not lose the professionalism of a researcher.

First, I’m trying to finish my doctoral thesis by the following year. A diploma is mandatory not only internally but also externally for professional integrity. Next, I’d like to write a book on a topic of my field of expertise. I’m planning on a comprehensive summary on the steel industry-related dispute cases that were a part of my earlier publication, “The Commercial Disputes in Korean Industries.’

Furthermore, I’d like to write a series of reports on the history of the development of the global steel industry and the changing management strategies for the next generation of researchers to consult during their studies.

Could you give us any insight on the strengths of POSCO in the steel industry and the path it should take in the future?

POSCO assumes a leading role not only domestically but also in the global steel industry. It’s true that POSCO’s growth and profitability has slowed down somewhat recently, but its cost competitiveness and profit making ability remain superior to other steel manufacturers nonetheless. This indicates that POSCO’s market premium is to reckon with.

Another strength of POSCO is that it has many, many talented individuals working for the company. POSCO remains atop the “most coveted workplace” list. I expect the company’s new strategies to bear fruit over time as the promising talents of today become the leaders of tomorrow!

As a leader of the steel industry, POSCO must contribute to solving the industry’s two main issues spawned by structural problems: surplus supply and margin squeeze.

More than anything, it’s important to identify the ineffective policies and weaknesses that exist in the domestic steel industry. Joint efforts that will promote the mutual growth and development of the steel industry should be made, as well as strategies that will fortify the foundation for the growth of manufacture and demand.

Lastly, please give some advice for the females entering the workforce!

Firstly, try to maintain a bigger perspective. Look further and further. I recently read a book titled “A woman who lives 10 years into the past, a women who lives 10 years into the future.” The book compared women who stop growing at age thirty to women who start growing at age thirty, which prompted me to make specific plans for my life.

Also, try growing an interest in sports. There’s nothing like sports that leads to communication with males in a predominantly male organization. Sports is an activity that has a clear distinction between the winner and the loser, but it also gives us lessons on fairness and the need for sound strategy. Also, it will be helpful in carrying out tasks because it requires prompt decision-making from time to time.

Hope that Lee’s story will encourage you and many other business people to take a brave step in shaping their futures! Please look forward to reading our next post for the POSCO Women Leadership Series!

Executive responsible for CR at Daewoo International

Please share with us your experience in applying to POSCO as well as your time here since then.

Pictured here: Young Choi at Daewoo International

In February of 1990, I graduated from university and started working at a bank but soon realized that this was not the path I wanted to take. One day I came across an advertisement on the first page of the daily newspaper.

It read, “Pohang Steelworks (the company name at the time) is seeking talented people. Do you think you are forward thinking and ambitious? Do you still think your career is a temporary state before marriage? How about joining Pohang Steelworks to build a better today for tomorrow?” I was immediately hooked.

Looking back, the ad was very cheesy but for women looking for career opportunities, the copy was right to the point. The fact that a steel manufacturing company wanted to help women with career advancement was very forward-thinking at the time. The ad successfully attracted over 2,000 applicants to take an entrance exam for 50 spots.

As I inherently had interest in advertising copy, after joining POSCO I became involved in business culture, PR, corporate image, advertisement planning, media relations and internal communications. I also gradually got involved in corporate social contribution activities as well.

I have focused much of my work on figuring out how to best deliver POSCO’s values in a way that resonates well with the general public. I have been responsible for advertising that captures the corporate brand visually. As difficult as figuring out the direction of ads is, I feel most satisfaction when I see that many people like the POSCO advertisements.

2005	2009	2012
“This ad integrates the symbol for steel ‘Fe’ into the word Festival to highlight the many cultural activities that POSCO is a part of. The site for the ad was at the Light Festival in Pohang so it makes the ad that much more meaningful.”	“The ‘$5 dollar bike’ features a stranger comforting a brother who wants to buy his younger brother a bicycle. So many people liked this ad that parodies of this were shown on a popular Korean comedy show.”	“Illustrated ad to revamp the overall corporate image to be more lively and sophisticated. The TV ad included the popular shuffle dance which was very well received!”

When did you feel the most satisfaction while working at POSCO?

Pictured here: Young Choi during a volunteer event

For those of you who have been at one workplace for a long period of time, the workplace becomes a large of your life. Since I joined the company, I have gotten married and also made a family. This has been possible thanks to the strong support system I have at the company.

At POSCO, I have made efforts to ensure that POSCO gives back to the community. When I see people relate and respond to POSCO’s CSR efforts, I feel much fulfilled. From TV ads to organizing a variety of POSCO concerts over the past 14 years, to creating schools in Zimbabwe, POSCO has been dedicated to communicating and giving back to the community. It is seeing the positive influence that POSCO is having on the community that makes me feel like my work is meaningful.

What are your main responsibilities in the CR sector at Daewoo International?

I am responsible for media relations, internal communication, advertising, CSR and external affairs. The work boundaries seem to be expanding as Daewoo International is the number 1 domestic trading company, so it must do a lot of global marketing and there are many issues to handle.

From entry level to executive, more on Young Choi’s career path

As a woman leader, we would like to listen to your views on strength of women leaders.

I believe that many women employees have strong responsibility skills. They are very good at seeing their responsibilities from start to finish. In addition, women have the ability to juggle and multi-task which is a great skill to have at the office. This skill of juggling allows women to not only care for work relationships in the office, but also to manage other relationships and respond to changing emotions.

What are some difficulties that women employees face and what is your advice to handle these tough situations?

Women employees need to think about work, marriage, birth, childcare so sometimes it can feel like a 3000 m huddle race. During this period, one needs to mature in the workplace and also adapt to family life. Huddle racers plan their races in advance and analyze the obstacles ahead. Likewise, it is important for women to plan 3 to 5 years ahead. I was not very good at this so I had moments of difficulty. I sometimes wish I had known to plan ahead. If one can paint the big picture, one can face the challenges and overcome them more easily.

What is your secret to finding work-life balance?

I think that time management is very important. Depending on how you use your time, the results will be very different. Using your smartphone calendar and notebook, create a to-do list and prioritize your tasks in order to manage your time wisely.

Please share your role as a female leader at Daewoo International

Daewoo was established in 1967, and placed South Korea on the world map through its management philosophies. Enduring the difficulties of the work out in 2000, Daewoo was incorporated into POSCO in 2010 and is pioneering the path for overseas resource development and reviving the business fighting spirit. It has been building synergy with other POSCO holding companies as well.

If POSCO can lead the steel industry with its strong organizational structure and management capabilities, Daewoo can be a trading expert company that makes connections to pursue new opportunities and be profitable.

Combining the strengths of these two companies, I want to create new business opportunities and more value. I’d like start with building transparency and improving communication so that Daewoo’s domestic and foreign businesses meet global standards. I would like you to say that at Daewoo, “Resources are finite and original ideas are infinite”.

What advice can you give for women employees?

My mentors told me that work life was a long-drawn-out battle so I should not suffer a big loss in going after a small game and instead go step-by-step…I want to give the same advice. In particular, teamwork in an organization is like a live creature that wriggles and moves depending on different circumstances. Within an organization, it is important to have an open heart to avoid becoming an isolated island by developing prejudices and not communicating properly.  One should always keep in mind that the part makes up the whole, the colleague or boss in front of me is my company, and everyone deserves to be treated sincerely. 

Do you feel more empowered after reading this post? Hope you enjoyed our second women leadership series featuring Young Choi. Please look forward to our next post!

The first person we would like to highlight is Yukyung Lee of POSCO M-TECH.

Executive responsible for marketing at POSCO M-TECH

Please share with us your experience in applying to POSCO as well as your time here since then.

After graduating from college, I was working at a foreign IT company when I saw a position opening for a female at POSCO. I recall there was an advertisement on the first page of the daily newspaper. At the time, the 1^st female recruitment announcement was a big issue as it was very rare for Korean conglomerates to recruit female employees and there were no past cases of women, regardless job function, being able to freely apply for jobs

Pictured here: A newspaper ad for  the 1^st recruitment of female employees at Pohang Steelworks

After joining the Department for Exports, I worked on exports for southeast Asia and I also moved to the Plant & Equipment Procurement Department and then to the Raw Materials Procurement Department.

What kind of company is POSCO M-Tech and what is your role there?

I am responsible for marketing at POSCO M-Tech.

POSCO M-TECH started as a steel packaging specialized company in 1973. Currently POSCO M-TECH produces the alumnium deoxider and molybdenum used for the steelmaking process as well as steel packing for Pohang and Gwangyang Works. In addition, it has been creating new growth momentum by operating plants for steel raw material such as magnesium plants and ferro silicon factories.

The marketing department has been responsible for raw material procurement and product sales. As such, you can consider this department to be responsible for the profitability of the company.

When did you feel the most satisfaction while working at POSCO?

I felt most satisfaction with my job when I received recognition for my hard work. While working in the Department for Exports, I had to consider how to receive real-time market information and utilize the network of trading companies in order to receive information on each of the different markets. As the system developed, today it has become what we call GIH (Global Information Hub) which is an internal information sharing system for POSCO. In addition, at the time of plant and equipment purchase, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) was introduced so that purchases were not only based on price but also quality by creating a process that evaluated suppliers based on considerations of maintenance costs and other costs that arise while operating facilities

I felt the most satisfaction after receiving recognition for my efforts which led to increased profitability.

Superwoman who takes care of work and family! What is her secret?

What is your secret to finding work-life balance?

I got married and had a baby soon after joining POSCO so I had to get help from my mother-in-law and a housekeeper. I started to live together with my mother-in-law since the birth of my second child and gave full responsibility on the house chores to the housekeeper even though it was costly. As nurturing and housework were taken care by others, I naturally could concentrate on working and spent time with children during my spare time. For women pursuing their careers, I advise you to ask for help from those around you so that you can focus on making most of your talents and excelling at work.

At first, my children wanted their mother to be home, but as they grew older, they say they are proud to have a mother who has a profession. Especially, my elder child wants to become a person who is passionate about their work like me.

A few words for those who dream of becoming a woman leader! 

As a woman leader, we would like to listen to your views on strength of women leaders and what efforts you have done to be where you are today.

Generally, the woman in the family listens, is considerate, takes initiatives, and solves problems that arise between family members. These are the roles and qualities also required for leaders at work. If you see a family as a small organization, the mother’s leadership which involves listening, being considerate, taking initiatives, and solving problems, could be said to be the strength for women leaders in the workplace as well.

I also try to listen and consider various opinions of employees before saying my thoughts. When receiving reports I always ask for the opinions of the person in charge since there is no one more knowledgeable about the matters at hand than the person in charge. I think when leaders listen to employees, the employees are motivated to work harder, think more and propose better ideas.

In addition,  I think the initiatives of a leader influences the atmosphere of the organization, so I try hard to be efficient with my time by exercising in the morning and constantly working on self-development even after work. I hope I can be recognized by employees as a hardworking leader that is smart and realistic but also warm-hearted.

Please tell us about your plans for the next 5, 10 years.
I am currently working as the marketing executive for POSCO M-TECH and I would like to help grow the company to be a specialized, global materials company. My current work is focused on sales of Ferro Alloy like deoxidizer, molybdenum, etc.

Going forward, I would like to take on responsibilities beyond operation of POSCO’s ferrosilicon factories and magnesium factories to contribute to management as well. I also want to be able to inspire juniors by setting an example as a successful female leader in the steel industry.

Finally, please give a few words to women who are entering the work force!

First of all, I want to say “take a long-term view of your life.” When you first enter a company, you may be disappointed when you realize that not everything can be done with only passion. Because each organization is made up of a diversity of people, there are many unexpected issues that can arise and problems between internal and external bodies. Also it is possible to have to do work that is not necessarily always that meaningful.

Nevertheless, I don’t think you need to be too disappointed. It is through these experiences and conflicts, you are able to build your career and your unique strengths.

Grow your dreams and boldly take on those challenges. If you were tired of simultaneously taking care of children and doing work, ask for help from your family, friends or neighbors. And enjoy the work and responsibilities with passion.

I advise to work while keeping in mind what others around me and customers need. Most of all, work stamina is very important. You should always make time to take care of your health. That way, you can have an enjoyable work life.

Hope that Yukyung Lee is a source of inspiration for you. Please look forward to reading our next post for the POSCO Women Leadership Series!