Why You Need a Strategy, Not Just a Plan with Joanna Cooper

Career Strategy

Jan 11

Listen to the episode on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts

Listen to the episode on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts

Joanna Cooper began playing the cello in fourth grade, started reading at the age of two, perhaps her journey was destined for greatness, as she curiously embraced different forms of intelligence.

Today, Joanna leads over 1,700 staff as Daimler Truck North America's General Manager in Mount Holly, producing Freightliner M2 and SD Plus medium-duty trucks.

A transformative leader, Joanna serves as board member of the Women in Manufacturing Association, contributing to the evolution of executive leadership and business culture in her field and beyond. Her impact extends to being a featured speaker at Reuters Automotive Retail 2023 and a keynote and panel moderator at FABx at Fabtech 2023.

Recognized by publications such as Forbes, Chief, Authority Magazine and SHRM, Joanna shares workforce development and digital transformation, offering valuable insights for sustainable business solutions.

Earning an MBA and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, Joanna is a manufacturing industry and a possibility model for those seeking to make their mark.

This episode is for you if:

You’re exploring new industries to build a thriving career – why not manufacturing?
You want to unlock the value of making your vision plain (clear)
You want to go beyond just creating a plan, you want a clear strategy for your career.

Looking for something specific?

[2:35] Growing up in Detroit – received a phenomenal education; it was the place to be.
[3:48] Started playing the cello in 4th grade and continued throughout high school, travelling overseas to play in the orchestra.
[4:52] Emphasized the value of education and not settling within predefined boundaries - Joanna was reading at two and three years old.
[5:30] Enjoyed a limitless childhood, looking up to African American leaders, including teachers, throughout her upbringing in Detroit. She always had examples of greatness in Detroit.
[6:56] What was the deal with all Joanna’s finance knowledge and how her financial acumen fueled her career advancement.
[9:30] Finance meets strategy.
[11:49] How a call from a recruiter in ’08 kick-started Joanna’s 15 year career at Daimler.
[14:00] Making yourself known by decision-makers within your company.
[15:23] How you can align yourself and benefit from purposeful time with mentors.
[16:30] Introduced the Career Mapping exercise, focusing on long-tern goals and strategic self-investment.
[18:16] Success is not just about working hard and having a plan, but about having a strategy that moves the needle.
[24:06] God’s plan for your life and saying yes to opportunities that you never even imagined.
[27:45] Ask: Are your shoes getting tight?
[34:59] Leadership is inspiring and influencing people to move in a positive, forward-looking direction.
[35:06] Equity in manufacturing and being a capability model for Black women in the industry.
[38:42] Experience navigating a the high-stress manufacturing industry.
[42:00] Stacey Abrams and Work-Life Jenga.
[43:20] Self-care and self-maintenance.
[45:36] Joanna’s time abroad in Germany, how it can impact your orientation to work, building business acumen, and learning a new language.
[49:30] What are your core set of values?