Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

Conquering Your Career with Christalena Peña

2025 is your year to conquer your career, and L&P’s very own Christalena Peña, Learning & Development Specialist, is sharing her free resource to help you!

Check Out Conquer Your Career

Christalena is the author of Conquer Your Career – a free weekly LinkedIn newsletter that you can use as a go-to guide for taking control of your professional journey.

This newsletter is my way of making career growth accessible, actionable, and inspiring, so you can tackle your goals with confidence,” says Christalena. “Empowering others to succeed isn’t just a passion—it’s my purpose, and I’m excited to share this journey with you!

Through personal stories, actionable tips, and practical strategies, Conquer Your Career helps you discover how to step up, stand out, and achieve your goals. No fluff—just real, tactical advice to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. Join a community of driven professionals, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with friends ready to conquer their careers too!

Newsletter link: Conquer Your Career

5 articles to get you started:

Christalena Shares Why She Started Conquer Your Career

Christalena Peña

Christalena was once told that she transcends barriers in everything that she does. Since then, she’s worked to leverage every experience to build on the next, shift paradigms, and promote accessibility. Her work experience spans revenue, operations, employee resource groups, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), learning & development, instructional design, social media, individual contributors, emerging leaders, people leaders, and more.

I started Conquer Your Career because I believe in the power of sharing knowledge to uplift others. My creative energy comes alive when I can take what I’ve learned—through challenges, wins, and everything in between—and turn it into something that helps others break barriers and unlock their potential,” says Christalena.

Overall, it’s been such a fun and insightful experience for both the subscribers and me. With each article, I am further refining my voice as a writer and thought leader. We have started to form such an uplifting and curious community on LinkedIn, which I appreciate.

We’re proud of Christalena’s leadership, and we’re grateful she’s helping make career growth accessible to everyone!

Celebrating Pongal at L&P Automotive in India

Our Automotive team in India recently celebrated Pongal – a Hindu harvest festival that marks the beginning of the month called Thai and is celebrated by people with ties to Tamil Nadu, India.

Lasting for four days, Pongal involves new beginnings, giving thanks, and strengthening communal ties. People often gather together for festive meals, which includes boiling pots of pongal – a traditional mix of rice and milk.

To celebrate, our colleagues played a traditional pot-breaking game called Uriyadi. In this game, participants are blindfolded and spun around several times before trying to break a suspended clay pot with a stick while observers cheer and music plays. Mr. Gnanaprakasam, Manufacturing Coach, and Ms. Abinaya, Production Associate, successfully broke the pot!

Uriyadi

The team also made pongal and created rangoli – beautiful floor patterns created from rice flour.

pongal
rangoli

A couple of our colleagues shared their thoughts on the celebration:

Susi
Monika

Susi: “As an employee, I appreciate this time to recharge and reconnect with loved ones, strengthening the sense of community. It is a time to celebrate progress while cherishing the roots of our culture. I look forward to positively contributing to the year ahead.”

Monika: “We often juggle multiple roles, both at work and at home. During Pongal, we honor our role in contributing to both the economy and our families. The festival reminds me of the resilience of women who continue to balance their careers, responsibilities, and traditions.”

New Year, New Perspectives: Ginna Gonzalez

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Ginna Gonzalez, College Programs! Ginna joined L&P in September of 2024.

Ginna

What brought you to L&P?

For me, it’s the opportunity to serve as a brand ambassador to one of the largest global manufacturers, while helping others begin a career that can provide vast opportunities with a worldwide platform.  

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I’m enjoying meeting people at L&P and learning all the intricacies of our businesses and the impact we make worldwide.

What’s something unique about you?

I’m naturally high-energy and can function on what most people would call just a nap from day to day! The funny part – regular coffee puts me to sleep!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Absolutely, and I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to achieve them by the end of 2025!

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Do the Right Thing?

To me, doing the right thing means living by a moral code rooted in service to others. It means acting, responding, and leading in a way that is fair, honest, and genuinely good. It’s about having the courage to stand for what is ethical – even when it’s not the easiest or most popular choice – and doing so with integrity whether or not anyone is watching.

New Year, New Perspectives: Wesley Yao

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Wesley Yao!

Wesley is the General Manager of Leggett & Platt Hydraulics, Pacoma Fenghua, China.

What brought you to L&P?

I came to Leggett & Platt for a new opportunity. I also came because Pacoma has good products with great quality and reputation.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

Many quick changes and improvements are happening that I am excited about.

What’s something unique about you?

I am a very persistent person.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My main goal is to make Pacoma China even more successful in the coming years.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Do Great Work Together?

We have to work as a team to do great work. We have a great goal ahead for Pacoma China, but it’s the existing aspect of doing the work to achieve our goals.

New Year, New Perspectives: Lauren Dowling

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Lauren Dowling, Staff Tax Accountant!

Lauren (Photo taken by Arteaga Imagery)

Lauren joined L&P as an intern before becoming fulltime in September of 2024.

You got a full-time position after participating in our Doors program. How did that experience prepare for your current role?

In my experience, the Doors program provides exactly what it claims. I was given challenges to overcome, along with activities and meetings to make connections outside of my department. The program allowed me to work on projects that tested my skills and knowledge, and it also gave me a glimpse into what a career in this field would look like.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

There are many aspects of my role that I could list. It’s exciting that I get to interact with employees from our international branches. Also, I enjoy learning new functions that expand my skillset and feeling like a valuable member to my amazing team.

What’s something unique about you?

My two younger sisters are twins and were born on my second birthday. We were often mistaken for triplets as kids, and having the same birthday was always fun to explain. Our birthdays are also right after Christmas. Sorry, Mom!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

I am currently enrolled at Missouri State University to obtain a Master of Accountancy. During my master’s program, I will also work on passing CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exams.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right ThingDo Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Take Ownership and Raise the Bar?

It means taking accountability for your mistakes and learning how to avoid them in the future.

Entering a new position or company can be intimidating and the pressure can make you feel like you must know everything immediately. I learned that admitting mistakes and asking for help makes you a valuable employee. It shows that you’re open to feedback and willing to learn. It can be hard to take ownership, but it creates trust. That’s how you raise the bar – by working to better yourself and improve your methods.

New Year, New Perspectives: Star Kendall

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Star Kendall! Star joined L&P in July as a Territory Manager for Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Keller, Texas.

What brought you to L&P?

Although I was born and raised in Texas, my lineage directed me to work for L&P. I am the third generation to work for Leggett & Platt. My grandfather, Grady Barnett, was the Plant Superintendent in Houston, MS, in the 1960s. My mother, Wanda, worked in the Sample Department when she was in high school. L&P is a leader in the floor-covering industry with innovative products, solutions, and logistics and has a great culture. 

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

L&P has strong leadership and direction. Our team works collaboratively, and we have fun!

What’s something unique about you?

I’ve been running 5 miles, 5 days a week, for nearly 30 years.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

It is easy to get distracted. One of my goals is to be mentally present and mindful of those around me. 

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Take Ownership and Raise the Bar?

Issues will inevitably arise. Be grateful for the feedback! It is not personal. The sooner I accept responsibility for a situation, the faster I can address the problem, set a goal, and work toward a solution.

New Year, New Perspectives: Bethel Ofori-Kwafo

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Bethel Ofori-Kwafo! Bethel joined L&P in May 2024 as a Sustainability Intern, excited to contribute to the company’s efforts to integrate sustainable solutions into its operations and projects.

What brought you to L&P?

I was drawn to L&P because of its authentic commitment to sustainability – not just in isolated projects but as a guiding principle across all operations. Whether it’s reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering energy-efficient practices, or embedding sustainability into its decision-making processes, L&P sets a standard for actionable environmental stewardship. Joining L&P felt like the ideal next step in my career, allowing me to align my engineering skills with meaningful change.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

What I enjoy most is how my role allows me to see the interconnected nature of sustainability in business operations. Each project not only builds my technical expertise but also reinforces how small, deliberate change contributes to a larger environmental impact. It’s so rewarding to know the work that I do here contributes to solutions that are innovative and scalable.

What’s something unique about you?

I’ve played the piano for more than 12 years!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Professionally, I aim to deepen my understanding of sustainability frameworks and contribute to L&P’s efforts in driving energy optimizations and emissions reductions. Personally, I’m focused on learning from my team – Tamara, Melanie, Justine, Barry, and Alex – who each bring unique insights into advancing sustainability. My goal is to take these lessons forward and refine my approach to solving environmental challenges.

Our four company values are Put People FirstDo the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Do Great Work Together?

To me, doing great work together means building a collective vision for sustainability. At L&P, collaboration allows us to combine our knowledge to tackle complex problems. By leaning on each other’s strengths, we not only achieve shared goals but create long-lasting solutions. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and together we can drive meaningful progress.

The Women’s ERG Welcomes New Core Leadership Team

After two years of dedicated service founding the Women’s ERG, the Core Leadership Team – Suzanne Hall, Samantha Howell, and Julie Kampling – transitioned from their leadership roles earlier this month.

We are excited to welcome our new Core Leaders – Amber Jewett, Lauren McMahan, Jacque Sappington, and Cari Southern – who will lead the ERG through 2027.

Amber is the Senior Global Governance Manager for Leggett & Platt Automotive (LPA), responsible for governing master data, business processes, systems, and controls standardization across all LPA branches. Outside of Leggett, Amber participates in Greater Joplin Toastmasters, is an advocate for the National Eczema Association, and volunteers with her local church’s youth programs.

Lauren started her career at Leggett & Platt 12 years ago, supporting our Textile segment, Hanes Companies, in Sales and Operations. In 2017, Lauren joined Human Resources and now serves as the Director of Human Resources for Hanes Companies. When Lauren isn’t working, she is busy with her children’s activities, gardening, traveling to the Florida Gulf Beaches, and watching college football (Roll Tide!).

Jacque is a Senior Tax Manager in our Corporate Tax function responsible for sales and use tax for our North American Branches and Companies. Outside of Leggett, she enjoys watching the University of Arkansas football, doing diamond art, and volunteering with the Carthage Club of Soroptimists. 

Cari started at Leggett & Platt 26 years ago, and after various roles is now the Vice President of S&OP and Governance of Automotive. Her busiest and most important role is being a mom – if she isn’t working, you can find her transporting her two boys, Chapman and Colton, to their sporting events and cheering them from the sidelines.

The Women’s ERG will continue to be advised by Executive Champion, Sam Smith, Executive Vice President and President of Furniture Flooring and Textile Products. Sam will help provide overall strategic direction for the ERG based on Leggett & Platt’s ID&E objectives.

Congratulations to Amber, Lauren, Jacque, and Cari!

New Year, New Perspectives: Megan Frank

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Megan Frank! Megan joined L&P in January 2024 as an HR/Office Manager at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

What brought you to L&P?

I was looking for a change from my role as a consultant. As soon as I started meeting the people through the recruitment process, I knew I wanted to be part of the company.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

The people and the support! Everyone I have met through L&P has been friendly and helpful!

What’s something unique about you?

I enjoy the mountains and being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, or riding our side-by-side UTV.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My professional goals are to continue to grow in my position at L&P and serve on a non-profit board locally.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Put People First?

To me, Put People First means keeping the people of L&P at the forefront of everything we do. This includes considering their personalities, values, backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses. The people of L&P make the company exceptional – they are our greatest asset. So, it means keeping that asset at the forefront of all decisions.

New Year, New Perspectives: Atoosa Maleki

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Atoosa Maleki! Atoosa joined L&P in October as a Batch Chemist at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Tracy, California.

What brought you to L&P?

I worked in a startup for several years. While I enjoyed the project and the challenges, the financial instabilities of startups led me to seek opportunities in a well-established and stable company like L&P. Its commitment to making life more comfortable for people with impactful products and the chance to work on a new project made it an ideal place for me to grow both personally and professionally.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I am on the project team at the Tracy branch. I thoroughly enjoy the collaborative environment and the opportunity to take on a project that challenges me to apply my expertise in new ways. The team has been incredibly supportive, and it’s exciting to be part of a manufacturing process that is coming to life.

What’s something unique about you?

I have a background in art and love painting in my free time. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to approach problems from a different perspective – helping me think outside the box in my personal and professional life.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Professionally, I am focused on successfully building and launching a project for the company. My goal is to ensure the project runs smoothly, efficiently, and with high quality so it becomes a success for both the team and the company.

Personally, I aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance and explore more of California’s beautiful nature. Being in nature is a great source of inspiration for both my personal and professional growth.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Put People First?

Putting people first means fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. It’s about valuing each team member’s contributions, recognizing their unique strengths, and ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed. At the same time, it means delivering products that improve the lives of our customers by meeting their needs and enhancing their comfort. By prioritizing people within the company and beyond, we build a stronger team, encourage innovation, and create an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve success together.