Just to name a few, Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia repealed a law that exonerates rapists and allows them to avoid punishment if they marry their rape victims. In Saudi Arabia, women finally gained the right to hold driver’s licenses. In the U.S. and around the world, more than 5 million people took part in the Women’s March in January 2017, to advocate fairness and equality. Then, Iceland set an example for all when it became the first country in history to make it illegal for companies with 25 or more employees to pay men more than women for the same job.

This year, steelmaker POSCO added a big win for women’s empowerment.

POSCO Follows the (Women’s) Lead

POSCO recently welcomed their first female executive, Lee Yu-Kyung, as POSCO’s Chief of Plant, Equipment and Materials Procurement. In a male-dominated industry, Lee’s achievement is a rare sighting, but after taking a deeper look at Lee’s work history and overall attitude, it’s no surprise Lee is a woman who deserves to be at the top.

Lee Yu-Kyung, POSCO’s first female executive employee.

For Lee, POSCO is her second job. She was at her first job in 1990 at an IT company when she saw, spread across the front page of the daily paper, POSCO’s ad calling for female employees.

“When I saw the question on the ad that read, ‘WIll you join POSCO to work towards a promising future today?’ I just thought this is it. It sounds tacky today, but at the time, it was the opportunity I had been waiting for.”

And so began Lee’s 27 years (and still counting!) with POSCO. The first task she encountered was handling exports of cold-rolled steel to Southeast Asia, and she was off on her first business trip to Singapore just months into her job.

“It was a rare opportunity for a fresh rookie 1st year recruit to be able to go overseas. Looking back, I think it was opportunities like these, and the expectations that came with them that built me up professionally.”

Keeping Work Interesting

After her experience in the Export Department, she moved from department to department about once every 3 years, including Machinery Purchasing, Raw Materials Purchasing, Marketing at POSCO M-Tech and even completed a year-long MBA program at Ewha Womans University.

“POSCO has a work-rotation program for its employees, which just goes to show how invested the company is in the growth of individual employees. It’s a lot more cost-effective for POSCO to hire employees to specialize in one position, but instead, we rotate every 3 to 4 years to learn new tasks, gain insight and experience new working environments. This is probably the biggest reason I believe I made the right choice in working at POSCO.”

Vice President Lee was the brains behind POSCO’s Global Information Hub. (Source: 727406 Vimeo)

Lee’s continued learning within the company lead to some impressive results. She set up what is now known as the Global Information Hub (GIH), a process for gathering market information by utilizing the network of global trading companies. Lee was also the first person to apply the concept of total cost of ownership (TCO) to machinery purchasing so the company could make well-informed and comprehensive decisions.

Lee explained, “Whereas before, the price of machinery determined purchase decisions, TCO provides a more accurate cost based on the machinery’s performance and efficiency over its lifecycle.” As such, POSCO is still reaping the benefits of Lee’s hard work.

Lee’s professional achievements are impressive, but it’s not the only thing young professionals can learn from her.

A True Multi-tasker

“To be honest, I don’t recall too many moments where I encountered hardship at work. I just try to do all that I can in the given situation, and I know that’s enough. However, one of my greatest challenges came when I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child. Going through 3 pregnancies was tough enough, and I didn’t know if I could come back from a fourth. The thing I worried about most was what my coworkers would think if I took another maternity leave.”

“I’ll never forget what my boss at the time told me. He said, ‘I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for the company so far, and I know you will do well going forward. I know it’s hard right now, but this time is going to pass.’ Thanks to my boss I found the courage to come back after an 8-month maternity leave and get to where I am today.”

Advice for All Working Women

Just as her chief played a critical role in her career, Lee hopes to coach and foster other women employees at POSCO.

“I’m not going to say that being a working mom is easy. My third youngest once held onto a lamp post on the side of the street and cried all morning on our way to kindergarten. It breaks your heart, but those moments do pass, and then you’ll be glad you held on and fought through.”

Lee Yu-Kyung had plenty of advice for other working professional women.

Besides working through hard times, Lee shared other advice for working professionals.

“You gotta take care of yourself – during weekends, you have to get meaningful rest. You have to fit in time with your friends and enjoy the moments along the way.” Plus, for the past 10 years, Lee has fit in an hour of exercise every morning before work and can’t remember the last time she took a sick day. “Your body is just like the machinery in our factories. You have to take care of it, make sure nothing’s broken and maintain it over a long time.”

“Professionally, it’s important to try and see the bigger picture and work to your competitive advantage. Always watch what the seniors are doing, and be open and willing to learn.”

Going Forward as POSCO’s First Female Executive

When asked what her future plans were in her new role, she replied, “I believe purchasing goes beyond obtaining certain products. It’s about developing the supplier’s technology, business strategy and vision for mutual growth. That’s why we’ve always put an emphasis on fairness, transparency and cost-saving, but in the future, I would like to also work towards finding new technologies with suppliers to lead the market and gain further competitiveness. In order to achieve this, we plan to cut costs internally and continue to cooperate and co-create with our suppliers.”

During her 27 years at POSCO, Lee was able to turn every challenge into an opportunity to become the professional she is today as well as a role model for other women working in male-dominated industries. There is no doubt she will continue to progress and rise to meet new challenges at POSCO.

Cover photo courtesy of The Daily Beast

Over the years, Game of Thrones has become more than just a show, but also a cultural movement, as fans have fallen in love with everything Game of Thrones related. As a result, HBO has partnered with numerous breweries to create special-edition beers, and the show’s jewelry designers even opened up their own online store. Another surprising consequence of the show’s popularity is the increasing number of people taking up an interest in blacksmithing to make replicas of their favorite swords and weapons from the show.

The Blacksmiths of Today

Although blacksmiths are rare to come by today, in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were a vital pillar of society. Blacksmiths hand-produced everything made of iron and steel, from pots and farming tools to swords and shields. They forged life’s necessities out of the hot metals, right up to the industrial revolution.

Traditionally, only young men were eligible to become blacksmiths once they completed a 7-year paid apprenticeship. Apprentices worked for established blacksmiths who would in turn house, feed and train them. Today, women can also become blacksmiths and there are various training and education programs available for aspiring blacksmiths.

Today, women are also eligible to become blacksmiths. (Source: Vietbao)

Modern blacksmiths do not hammer away to produce tools and weapons out of necessity, as machines are far more capable and efficient. Instead, they turn out beautiful pieces of art such as sculptures and unique knobs and bolts. And, the growing popularity of Game of Thrones has more young people pursuing the art as a hobby and a profession.

The Artist Blacksmiths Association of South Australia has reported a growing number of young adults who want to take up the art as a result of the show’s growing popularity. Most of the props in movies for war scenes and superheroes are crafted by hand, and fans want to replicate their favorite characters’ swords, shield and armor.

Blacksmithing for Dummies

So, for all you Game of Thrones lovers, or just plain ol’ steel junkies, here are the basics to get started in the craft. Get a piece of iron or steel, heat it, pound it into shape and cool it down. It sounds simple, but it takes a whole lot of sweat, patience and know-how to do it right.

Heating

Having a good source of heat is vital for blacksmiths, and most opt for a coke or propane forge (or oven). Steel is heated repeatedly to make a single object, so blacksmiths have a forge that is always hot and ready. Blacksmiths also commonly use an acetylene torch to apply heat to isolated areas to achieve specific designs.

A traditional coke forge. (Source: The Rookies)

Holding

An anvil looks like a big block of steel, and its the bedrock on which blacksmiths create their masterpieces. The quality of the anvil will affect not only the quality of the final product, but also the amount of physical labor required by the blacksmith. Tool steel is one of the best kinds of anvils available as it is extremely hard. Instead of absorbing energy from the blow of a hammer, it forces the energy back up the piece of metal being worked.

An anvil serves many different functions. (Source: The Consumer Dabbler)

Besides providing a flat surface, or face, for blacksmiths to pound away on, an anvil has many different features and functions. Blacksmiths also use the anvil to cut, shape and hold the piece of steel being worked along with tongs and clamps.

Hitting

The actual “work” entails a lot of hitting, but in a very calculated and practiced way. Blacksmiths use different types of hammers to pound the metal into various shapes. The 3 most basic techniques are drawing out, upsetting and peining. Drawing out a piece of hot steel means to make it longer by hammering the sides. Upsetting refers to adding force to one end of a hot piece of metal to add volume. Piening means to hammer the piece of steel to move it in a particular direction or to spread it out thin. Blacksmiths use tongs or other specialized tools to hold down the hot steel on the anvil while hammering and working the steel into shape.

Blacksmith hammers come in all different shapes, sizes and weights. (Source: Etsy Studio)

Quenching

After countless cycles of heating and hitting, the blacksmith will end up with the desired shape. The final step is to dip the work into a bucket of cold water to cool and harden the steel.   

Dipping the hot steel in cold water to cool and harden the steel is the final step. (Source: Horse Journals)

With the above basics, and all the accompanying safety gear, anyone can pick up the craft as a hobby to create unique pieces of steel art, or replicas of the greatest swords of Westeros.

Cover photo courtesy of Time Magazine.

With the winter season in full swing in northern India, POSCO India and India Delhi Processing Center (IDPC) employees, under the charismatic leadership of President Mr. Gee Woong Sung, planned to distribute warm smiles to needy children living in the slums. As an extension to the food donation drive, POSCO employees planned a visit in collaboration with the Delhi-NCR Food Bank on December 9, to one of the slum schools run by Sakshi, a non-governmental organization (NGO), at Badshahpur in Gurugram, Haryana.

The Sakshi Center at Badshahpur has around 200 impoverished kids who get a free education and meals. The ages of these children range between 3 to 10 years old. They receive a basic education at a small school which has 5 classrooms, 1 library cum computer room and 7 teachers in total. The children come in batches of 100, in 2 different shifts.

About Sakshi

Sakshi is the only full-spectrum grassroots NGO in India providing services spanning the development trifecta of education, health and community development to its community. The organization is thus able to provide a comprehensive path from poverty to prosperity for the destitute, and fully empower them to tread on it successfully.

Over the last eighteen years, Sakshi has grown to 120 centers and managed to carve paths to a beautiful life for thousands of marginalized young children, women and communities.

What was POSCO India’s role in this donation drive?

During this donation drive, POSCO India & IDPC voluntarily planned to spend time to help and support the children. They served food, cleaned & sanitized the school premises and provided logistic and stationary aid for the children to be able to continue their day to day education. The company donated shoe stands, notebooks, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, sketch pens, crayons and writing and reading books for the library. All the kids were extremely excited and overjoyed to meet POSCO volunteers at their school, and it was clearly evident that the feeling was mutual among POSCO employees as well. At the end of the visit, snacks were given to each child: a pack of apple juice and a banana, which ended up being the icing on the cake for the day.

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Gone are the days of oversized, flashy pieces of bling, and returning are classic timepieces suitable for both genders. Rather than showy status symbols, fashion fans are looking at a more reserved set of long-lasting styles that exude elegance and sophistication.

Stainless steel has been a stalwart metal in traditional watchmaking for many years now, but designers and manufacturers have pushed different materials to accommodate trends in the past. Now, it seems they are returning to the steady original.

The Beginning of Stainless Steel

In 1913, metallurgist Harry Brearley developed the first piece of genuine stainless steel at his laboratory in Sheffield, England. The alloy was made with iron, chromium and nickel, and could withstand a wide range of chemical reactions.

Through Brearley’s invention, stainless steel has become the modern metal for everything beginning from cutlery to skyscrapers, and of course wristwatches.

The material is known for its high resistance to corrosion, heat resistance, weldability and durability, which makes it perfectly suitable for enduring straps and encasing the sensitive machinery found inside timepieces.

A Fashionable Military Companion

While wristwatches have been around since World War I, when they were considered both a strategic military tool and as well as a necessary fashion accessory, stainless steel watches were only introduced in the early 1930s in Geneva. Jewelers and watch manufacturers were looking for a cheaper material to use to make watches, since the Great Depression of the 1920s had left the precious metals market in the dust.

In fact, they were not always the men’s collector’s items they are now. Wristwatches were only worn by women before the 20^th century, the first made for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary by Swiss watch manufacturer Patek Philippe in 1868.

For women, these watches were less worn for practicality, and more for aesthetic purposes. In 1912, The New York Times reported that it was “the most useful piece of jewelry that has been invented for many decades,” worn by “women who have to work as well as those who play.”

The first prototypes for men may have been created by watchmaker Girard-Perregaux for the German Imperial Navy in 1880, after an officer complained about the difficulty of timing an attack correctly using a pocket watch.

And hardwearing materials were not just used as a fashion statement or quotidian utility. European soldiers began to incorporate unbreakable glass to survive the trenches and radium to illuminate the display at night during battles, with civilian styles swiftly following suit.

An Everyday Item

Nowadays, watches are used by almost everyone, everywhere, but stainless steel has become one of the core metal in a developed men’s market. At Baselworld, an annual trade show held for the global watch and jewelry industry, this year’s trends seemed to highlight simplicity.

There was a particular spotlight on steel, with mention given to the fact that it is a perfect watch material in terms of being both the fashion and the reliability stakes. Many luxury watch manufacturers displayed stainless steel devices, which offered a modern yet everlasting appeal.

But that is just the surface. Because wristwatches are often exposed to sweat and moisture, they can easily corrode and malfunction if not made properly.

That is why stainless steel is so important for time-telling. Not only does it keep the case waterproof, it prevents rust and is long-lasting – all necessary factors when it comes to keeping your watch clean and functional.

Making the Grade

It is also worth mentioning that not all stainless steel is alike. Most watch cases are made of 201 or 304L stainless steel, while luxury watch makers tend to use 316L, 904L or surgical grade varieties.

A majority of luxury watch manufacturers use 316L grade stainless steel. This contains molybdenum, which contributes to its extra-low carbon content and high resistance to corrosion. It is also magnet-resistant, unlike general-use 201 or 304L stainless steel grades.

The “superalloy” 904L has an even higher resistance to corrosion due to increased levels of chromium, molybdenum and nickel. It is a more expensive material overall, so only select high-end manufacturers use it in their designs.

Meanwhile, 316L is considered tougher, a “marine grade” steel, but it lacks the luster and protection against acids offered by the 904L, which is even used in the tech, aerospace and chemical industries. Stainless steel is also being used in cases for smart watches, furnishing these hi-tech items with a premium look.

Choosing Steel for Fall

The wristwatch has traveled a long way from its European origins, from gracing royalty to equipping hardnosed generals – and stainless steel has had a part in shaping its current rendition.

So whether it is dainty or utilitarian, cost-friendly or luxurious – you can bet that a piece of this resilient metal on your wrist will be what you are looking for to satisfy both seasonal and perennial trends.

A watch is something you will hopefully want to keep forever. And one crafted from stainless steel could be your best investment to keep up with fall 2016’s latest watch trends.

Stainless Steel Speaks Fashion

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Reshaping Women’s Fashion

Perhaps no other clothing item has played a more influential role in fashion than the corset. It first made an appearance in fashion 500 years ago, when it was used to mold the upper torso into a rigid cone-like shape. During this time, baleen (whalebone) was used as boning to support the desired shape and prevent wrinkling of the fabric. (Images: http://bit.ly/1SPecWV and http://bit.ly/1BFWH75 )

As baleen became more expensive, and the ideal body shape of the woman began to change in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, steel became the dominant boning material and was used to make the corset accentuate a woman’s natural curves. This led to a widespread public outcry: from medical doctors regarding health risks, from religious leaders upset about the garment’s revealing nature and from feminists, who claimed the corset was symbolic of the imprisonment of women at the time. (Though, it should be noted that even men and young children wore corsets, too!)

In the early 1900s, fashion placed greater emphasis on comfort and rigid steel boning was replaced by more flexible steel boning. Today, corsets are mostly limited to historical dramas and lingerie shops, but the item will forever be a symbol of “sexy” steel and femininity.

The Crinoline Craze

In the mid-19^th century, the crinoline, a structured petticoat, became a hot trend and was sported by just about every woman in the Western world.

Originally structured with horsehair, steel was widely used in the 1850s to make the hoop skirts spread out more fully. This new style was so popular that in 1859, the New York factory of Thomson & Co., one of the most significant manufacturers of the item, used 300,000 yards of steel wire every week to produce between three and four thousand crinolines per day. Likewise, the company’s rival, Douglas & Sherwood, used a ton of steel each week in manufacturing hoop skirts at its factory in Manhattan. (Images: http://bit.ly/1LtOLrU )

The crinoline eventually fell out of fashion, but was revived in the 1940s and 50s, and again in the 80s, when Vivienne Westwood created the mini-crini. This item was designed to embody two conflicting ideals of the era – the crinoline, representing a “mythology of restriction and encumbrance in woman’s dress,” and the miniskirt, symbolizing an “equally dubious mythology of liberation.” 

Steel-Inspired Subcultures

Other steel trends that cropped up during the 1970s-90s were inspired by the punk, heavy metal and rivethead subcultures that flourished during the three decades. The cultures’ associated dress styles incorporated military aesthetics, such as steel toe boots, with hints of Punk, like spikes and studs. Often, these styles were complemented by tattoos, piercings and scarification. (Image: http://bit.ly/1eTOaDE )

Steel toe boots, such as Dr. Martens, Gripfasts and Grinders, which had originally been used as a safety measure for industrial workers, became a popular choice of footwear for their rough and tough reputation. So tough, in fact, that they’ve been known to be the catalyst of injured concert-goers as a result of crowd surfing gone wrong.

Metallics in the New Millennium

When the 2000s began, fashion trends were highly influenced by technology. “Y2K fashion” featured a monochromatic futuristic approach with metallic hues, and a heavy use of the color gray, straps and buckles. Apparel was made to be reflective, technological and sexy, and even electronics became an accessory to complete the Y2K look. (Images: http://bit.ly/1JhFiBR ; http://bit.ly/1edGVFR )

This year, metallics, which capture the vibrancy of steel, have made a comeback on the catwalk. Designers have once again rolled out sophisticated styles with reflective touches, which fashionistas pair with toned-down staples like buttoned-up blouses and printed shirts to keep things shiny but not overly blinding.

Time will only tell what the future of fashion holds. But, if the past offers any hint of what’s to come, and it often does in fashion, then we are likely to see steel on the catwalk again sooner than later.

2013 POSCO Family Ethiopia Volunteer Corps
Since 2012, POSCO has been annually sending a selected volunteer group to Handode, Debeso and Adulala village, the Saemaeul Movement model communities. To differentiate with common aids, the POSCO Family Ethiopia Volunteer Corps is leading programs that reflect local needs and encourage residents’ participation.

The 2013 Volunteer Corps operated small business projects such as basket-making, needlecraft training and poultry distribution while also running a model farm to educate farming skills for onion, corn and tomato. Moreover, the volunteers improved the townspeople’s living environment by constructing a town entrance and a reservoir. The corps consistently provided a safe playground and a kindergarten to provide education for children before their entrance to elementary school. In addition, the corps implemented regular medical education about waterborne disease prevention and birth control. Through cooperation with KOICA’s joint medical team, the corps also operated a mobile hospital for the community.

Interview with a POSCO Family Volunteer
To learn more about the volunteer works, let’s listen to the firsthand stories of Ms. Youn, Ji-hye who has recently returned from community project in Adulala village, Ethiopia. She is a daughter of Youn, Hyun-sun, the Manager of Gwangyang Steelworks Iron-making Dept.

Please describe your business project in Adulala village

Among a number of business projects, we put the most efforts on ‘handicrafts business for local women’. The project is about gathering local women who are unemployed but possess skills to create handicrafts such as baskets and picture frames. In order to produce distinctive handicrafts, we varied the products in different sizes and studied craft designs with the women in the village. With such endeavor to develop the business, the local women received about 3,000 birr per month and 15,000 birr on the last month of the term. After making the largest profit, all of us had delicious lunch at a recreation forest in the neighborhood. I still have a vivid memory of them singing and dancing happily even when we came back to the village.

In what ways did you help them gain self-reliance?
Previously, the women at the village used to spend their days delivering water or looking after their children. After participating in the handicraft business, however, they now have incomes. We created savings accounts for them to save the income and prevent immediate spending. Rather than rewarding for each sale, we gave out money in envelopes once a month. Moreover, to inform the significance of common fund, we always saved 10% of sales profit in the common fund account. As a result, many women learned the joy of saving and even desired to visit banks on their payday to save their salaries. I personally felt delightful because I believe we have delivered hopes that rewards follow after hard works.

What have you learned from the volunteering activities in Ethiopia

Many overseas volunteers often say that they ‘went to offer help but rather received it’. After 14 months of volunteering, I am having the same idea. Although I was the general manager of the business, many women who were older than my age called me, ‘my mother’ as they cheered and supported my work at the local community. I truly appreciated their genuine support. Every upsetting incidents at the village, I thought about my father who is currently working at POSCO in Korea. He must had a number of aggravating moments at work but he never complained at home. As I think of my father, I stood up again from occasional difficulties. I believe that arduous environments let you realize the importance of family. It seems that my activities in Ethiopia were the most valuable experience I had in life. In the future, I will always try to move forward by recalling the valuable memories from Ethiopia.

]]> https://newsroom.posco.com/en/posco-women-leadership-series-4-interview-mihwa-park-posco-ict/ Wed, 02 Jul 2014 17:50:54 +0000 Today, Hello POSCO brings to you the latest episode of the featured POSCO Women Leadership Series! Our goal is to provide up-close and personal interviews with various successful female leaders in POSCO and offer a meaningful narrative as well as a strong motivation for everyone aspiring to build a wonderful career!

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!

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!

Pictured here: POSCO’s CEO, Kwon Ohjoon, visiting Hyundai Heavy Industries on April 4, 2014. Hyundai Heavy Industries’ CEO, Jaesung Lee (left) having a discussion with POSCO’s CEO Kwon Ohjoon (right).

Pictured here: CEO Ohjoon Kwon visiting employees at steel mills after his inauguration on March 14, 2014

Efforts to Create the Best Workplace for Women

the first open conversation session with the CEO invites female executives

In order to achieve ‘POSCO the Great’, CEO Kwon firmly believes in the need for open communication. On this basis, the first open conservation meeting was organized on April 24 to create a space where CEO Kwon could listen to the voices of female executives and hear the company needs while having a casual lunch.

At this particular meeting, seven of POSCO’s female executives gathered to discuss topics pertaining to career advancement for women, work-life balance, how to communicate with colleagues and opinions about childcare benefits.

Pictured here: POSCO female executives gathered together with CEO Ohjoon Kwon

Policies and Direction for Female Employees

Female mentoring, corporate culture changes for better employee benefits, securing female talent

It is very normal for each and every one to worry about something different. During the session, the importance of offering women employees with mentoring opportunities that are appropriate for whatever level they may be at so that their work life feels less stressful was discussed.

In addition, POSCO employees who have children are provided with daycares and women are offered a leave of absence for up to 2 years on top of the given 90 days of maternity leave, before and after giving birth. At the meeting, there was a consensus for this well-designed benefit to be used freely. This is based on the long-term relationship that POSCO hopes for with its employees and how the company sees ‘children of employees as the children of our company’.

CEO Kwon carefully listened to the opinions of the women executives. He said for an efficient and effective system, ‘we need a corporate culture that embraces the maternity, childcare and other needs shared by colleagues and women staff’. He also stressed the need for continuous efforts from leaders to instill a warm corporate culture within the organization.

CEO Kwon ended the meeting on a positive note by expressing his expectation for great things to come from POSCO’s women workforce. He told the attending executives that he hopes they will use their executive positions to be a positive influence and provide guidance for future leaders within the company.

Listen to the Voices of Employees that make ‘POSCO the Great’ 

The open conversation session with CEO Kwon and POSCO’s female executives is only the first of many more sessions to come. In the future there will be more sessions to create opportunities for other employees including human resources, on-site staff, researchers and more to meet with CEO Kwon to have an open, honest communication. Through these proactive initiatives to gain greater insight into the opinions of POSCO employees, POSCO can come one step closer to making “POSCO the Great” a reality.