As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Ashton McGehee, Industrial and Graphics Designer

This year taught me the power of perseverance. After losing a close family member, I learned how to face grief with resilience and stay grounded when life feels overwhelming. Through this experience, I have gained a newfound confidence in handling stress and being someone others can count on. This skill has helped me continue to put my heart into my work and be a steady support for my family.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of transparency in building strong professional relationships. Asking for help has always been challenging for me, but being honest and reaching out for support has improved my communication and strengthened team dynamics. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the kindness and encouragement of my colleagues. Their support has motivated me and reminded me that openness is a strength that builds trust and drives innovation. Moving forward, I plan to continue embracing transparency as a core part of collaborating with others.

Personal and Professional Growth

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Social Media team, which has expanded my network and deepened my understanding of Leggett by introducing me to branches I hadn’t engaged with during my previous seven years at the company.

I’ve greatly enjoyed collaborating with new faces while continuing my work with the Management Information Systems (MIS) team on the development and launch of the Home Furniture Data Management Tool – an application two years in the making – designed to streamline data processes and efficiency across the organization.

Through being a part of such impactful projects, I have gained a deeper sense of gratitude for the work I do. Having a role I truly enjoy has provided both purpose and a reprieve during difficult times. I’m thankful for the opportunity to contribute in ways that matter and for the relationships that made 2025 a year of growth. These experiences inspire me to carry that momentum into the year ahead.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Jagan Viswanathan, Supply Chain Specialist

One key lesson I learned this year is that trust and leadership empowerment drive ownership and innovation. When leaders provide clarity and autonomy, it encourages accountability and creative problem-solving, ultimately leading to better results.

Professional Growth

I have had the opportunity to play a dual role in Operations and Supply Chain. This experience has broadened my perspective, allowing me to diversify my thinking and better align supply chain strategies with process excellence. It has strengthened my ability to integrate operational insights into strategic planning, ensuring efficiency and resilience across the value chain.

Leadership & Collaboration: This year, I’ve taken on more cross-functional projects, which has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different countries and cultures. I’ve learned to adapt to diverse behaviors and communication styles, which has improved my interpersonal skills. Additionally, I’ve gained the confidence to manage tasks successfully from anywhere, ensuring productivity regardless of location.

Project Management Skills: I have significantly improved my project management skills this year. I’ve learned to handle projects end-to-end, including drafting detailed plans, executing them effectively, monitoring progress, mitigating risks, and preparing for potential headwinds. This structured approach has strengthened my ability to deliver results under challenging conditions.

Exposure to Top Management: I have gained valuable exposure to top management this year, which has helped me understand strategic priorities and decision-making at a higher level. This experience has improved my ability to align operational tasks with organizational goals and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Decision-Making Ability: I have strengthened my decision-making skills by handling complex situations, evaluating multiple options, and choosing the most effective solutions under pressure. This has helped me make informed choices that align with organizational goals and minimize risks.

Personal Growth

One of the key aspects I value this year is the trust and clarity the organization provides. We are given clear objectives and the freedom to work towards them, which empowers us to take ownership and deliver results. This supportive environment has also enabled me to maintain mental peace and achieve a healthy work-life balance, allowing me to stay productive and focused.

Adaptability: I have learned to adapt quickly to changing priorities and stay calm under pressure, becoming a more self-driven and resilient person.

Communication: I have worked on improving my communication skills, especially during calls. I’ve learned to speak slowly and clearly, ask questions to ensure understanding, and prepare thoroughly for meetings.

Learning: I have undergone Foundational Leadership training, which has helped me refresh on topics such as giving feedback, the importance of meeting with team members one-on-one, and conflict management.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Clint Blissard, HR/Safety Manager

I have learned the value of honesty and teamwork and see how beneficial these traits are to a team in a production environment. Sometimes it takes persistence and can be uncomfortable, but working together benefits our team and our company.

Personal and Professional Growth

I learn something new every day. In a fast-paced environment, it is easy to get bogged down by everything coming at you at once. This applies to any role. I have learned that an open and honest work culture makes everyone’s work life more enjoyable and increases productivity.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Naomi Lopez, Bilingual Employment Coordinator

Personal and Professional Growth

Over the past year, I’ve grown significantly in my role as a Bilingual Employment Coordinator.

Personally, I’ve become more flexible and patient. Recruitment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, and this year taught me how to stay organized under pressure while maintaining a positive candidate experience. I’ve also gained confidence in my communication and decision-making skills. Overall, I’ve become a more well-rounded, people-focused recruiter, and I’m excited to keep building on that growth.