“A Day to Inspire and Empower Women”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Sonia Smith, President of L&P Automotive, shares what this day means to her:

I wanted to share with you the significance of International Women’s Day for me, personally. As a woman, I have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles that women face in various aspects of life, including, but not limited to, gender discrimination in the workplace, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited opportunities for advancement.

With that said, I have been so fortunate that here, in the Leggett family, I was given so many opportunities to advance my career, learn new skills and have exposure to different aspects of the business. Not only does it fill me with pride to be able to do what I enjoy so much, it drives the sense of responsibility that I feel to ensure that others get such opportunities so that they may thrive as I do.

International Women’s Day is an annual global event that is observed on March 8th to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also a day to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by women.

For me, this day holds a special meaning as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, to celebrate their achievements and contributions, and to advocate for their rights and equal opportunities. It is a day to recognize the tireless efforts of women who have made significant strides towards gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

International Women’s Day is not just a symbolic event, but a powerful platform for women to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. It is a day to inspire and empower women to overcome challenges, break stereotypes, and pursue their dreams.

International Women’s Day is an important occasion for me and for women around the world to celebrate, reflect, and take action towards achieving gender equality. I hope that we can all join hands to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

Mar 08 2023
By Life@Leggett

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 8 is International Women’s Day — a day to recognize and honor the women around us.

We admire and appreciate all women who enrich Leggett & Platt through their hard work and leadership. And, for every employee who has served as a partner, ally, and advocate for gender equality, we are grateful for you.

For International Women’s Day, we invited a few of our employees to share what this day means to them. Watch the video below to see what they shared.

Mar 08 2023
By Life@Leggett

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

Today is Employee Appreciation Day! Thanks to our team members for defining what it means to be a Leggett & Platt employee.

Mar 03 2023
By Life@Leggett

Honoring Women at L&P

For many countries, March and October are dedicated to honoring women by highlighting their contributions throughout history, amplifying their voices, and shining light on issues like gender equality. Despite facing inequality and discrimination, women continue to break barriers and drive positive change in our workplaces and communities. We are truly inspired by their determination and passion.

During this month, we want to honor women at L&P by sharing some of their stories, hosting events for our employees in partnership with our Women’s ERG, and offering a few resources.

About Our Women’s ERG

We are committed to creating a better workplace for everyone and fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity. Last year, we established a Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG).

Our Women’s ERG is dedicated to raising the visibility of women, celebrating their unique contributions and perspectives, fostering personal and professional development, broadening their support network, building allyship, and influencing positive change. This month, our Women’s ERG will host a keynote speaker and a panel discussion that will be open to all L&P employees.

Resources

If you’re looking for ways to honor and support women, check out the following resources:

  • From Where I Stand — Meet incredible women from around the world and learn how they’re making an impact in their communities.
  • UN Women — Stay up to date on international women’s issues.
  • International Women’s Day 2023 — March 8 is International Women’s Day, which shines light on women’s achievements and the drive for gender equality. Learn more about International Women’s Day and how you can participate.
Mar 01 2023
By Life@Leggett

In Case You Missed It: Black History Month

Today concludes Black History Month, and it has been an honor to share the stories of some of our amazing employees during the past few weeks.

In case you missed it, we want to recap what they shared about Black History Month. To read more about each employee, including what they shared about work and what they’re most proud of, click their names below.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and understand Black stories—to learn and spotlight those who have made a difference in our culture and history. It means looking back at the impact that pioneers and leaders of the Black community have had on our community and trying to model my life after some who came before me.
– Kenny Gay

“It means lifting each other and inspiring someone to be the best they can be”

Connecting and closing the gap is what Black History Month is to me, as well as every day. It keeps me grounded, thankful for my culture, and thankful for how far we’ve come to accomplish what some believe couldn’t or wouldn’t happen.

It means that, even though we have different skin tones, we are still brothers and sisters, and we all bleed red. It means learning to let go of the past and move forward with love, forgiveness, and strength. It means lifting each other and inspiring someone to be the best they can be. You never know what a kind word can do or how a kind gesture can change someone’s life.

No matter where this life takes you, spread love and kindness instead of hate and evil. Give kindness, regardless of how people act or what they say—rise above that and move forward towards a better future of equality and peace.
– Lucy White

“To all my Black heroes, ‘Thank you!'”

To me, Black History Month can be described in one word—sacrifice. There have been so many people who have sacrificed so that me and my family can live the American dream. So, to all of my Black heroes, “Thank you!”
– Wilton Hailey

“I celebrate the past, present, and future accomplishments of all African Americans”

While this month is a time of reflection and heightened awareness of Black culture and the accomplishments of African Americans, there is still a lot of work to be done.

During this month and each day, I celebrate the past, present, and future accomplishments of all African Americans and their contributions to society for the greater good. I am proud to be employed by a forward-thinking company that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and caring about people.
– Paula Lewis

“I am Black history, 365 days a year”

Black History Month is a time of reflection and recognition, focusing not just on the struggle and pain but also the history, culture, and accomplishments that lead the way for our modern lives. It’s about realizing that Black history is world history, and it is a part of us all. I am Black history, 365 days a year.
– Cardinal Ferguson

Black History Month gives me a greater appreciation for all those who have helped bring equality into the world. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to help make a difference at a company like Leggett & Platt.
– Mark Phillips

“It’s been instilled in me to always be proud of who you are”

Black History Month means the world to me. As an African American woman, it’s been instilled in me to always be proud of who you are and to never let anyone take that away from you.
– Sandrica Hardy

“I personally take this time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire change for the future”

Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black people throughout history. It’s a time to acknowledge the impact that Black individuals have had on society, culture, politics, and various fields, even in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves on the history of the Black community, celebrate the accomplishments of Black individuals, and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

For me, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the work that is needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. I personally take this time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire change for the future.
– Dwayne Phills

Feb 28 2023
By Life@Leggett

Employee Spotlight: Dwayne Phills

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like to introduce you to Dwayne Phills! Dwayne is a Senior Manager of Global Network for our Corporate Information Technology (IT) Department.

Tell us about work.

I manage a dynamic team of voice and network engineers. The two major projects we are working on are Global Network Transformation (GNT) and Global Voice Transformation (GVT). GNT is focused on re-engineering the network across all business units, and GVT is focused on bringing a unified voice platform across our business units. 

A typical workday can include several interactions with engineers and managers for many projects and initiatives across the globe. There may be long hours due to our global presence and the need to operate in several time zones. One day, we could be designing an entire branch network or troubleshooting suspicious activity. The next day, we could be routing voice or data traffic across the globe.

We are the backbone of IT—we connect the dots and ensure information arrives safely as it traverses the world. The network is often referred to as a living and breathing organism that constantly changes, which can make for an interesting day. 

I enjoy the responsibility of making the impossible happen, and this wouldn’t be possible if it were not for a fantastic group of voice and network engineers. They’re my work family, and I wouldn’t be able to get through the day without them. They are what I enjoy the most about my job.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my children (son, daughter, nieces, and nephews). I pour a lot into them and am very proud of who they have become.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black people throughout history. It’s a time to acknowledge the impact that Black individuals have had on society, culture, politics, and various fields, even in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves on the history of the Black community, celebrate the accomplishments of Black individuals, and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

For me, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the work that is needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. I personally take this time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire change for the future.

Feb 27 2023
By Life@Leggett

Employee Spotlight: Sandrica Hardy

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like to introduce you to Sandrica Hardy! Sandrica is a Customer Service Representative for our Hanes location in Houston, Texas.

Tell us about work.

I like to start each day by reviewing my schedule to ensure I prioritize any calls or orders and complete any prep work for them. Then, I usually answer emails while I’m still fresh.

For me, work is like a home away from home. My colleagues and I get along like family, and we work together every day to exceed our customers’ expectations, which is very important to me.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my family and friends. Even though they’re far away from me, they never stop showing me the love and support I need to get through the day.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means the world to me. As an African American woman, it’s been instilled in me to always be proud of who you are and to never let anyone take that away from you.

Feb 24 2023
By Life@Leggett

African American Innovators: David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr.

In the manufacturing industry, we know the value of innovation. During Black History Month, we are spotlighting some inspiring innovators whose intelligence, curiosity, and passion propelled society forward and enriched our lives.

Sources

Rupert, A. (2009, February 22). David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr. (1898-1976). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/crosthwait-david-nelson-jr-1898-1976/

Hudes, Karen. “A Rock Center Innovator.” The Center Magazine, 22 Feb. 2017, https://www.rockefellercenter.com/magazine/arts-culture/david-nelson-crosthwait-jr-innovator/.

Feb 23 2023
By Life@Leggett

Employee Spotlight: Mark Phillips

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like you to meet Mark Phillips! Mark is a Quality Technician Supervisor for our Flex-O-Lators location in Carthage, Missouri.

Tell us about work.

My typical day is very busy because I supervise approximately 50 people and work to ensure we are meeting our shipping demands.

I enjoy my job because I get to make a difference at L&P and help make improvements to our processes.

What are you most proud of?

What makes me proud is having a heart to serve others. I believe that getting outside of the self and helping another person without wanting to receive something in return is truly a gift.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month gives me a greater appreciation for all those who have helped bring equality into the world. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to help make a difference at a company like Leggett & Platt.

Feb 22 2023
By Life@Leggett

Employee Spotlight: Cardinal Ferguson

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like you to meet to Cardinal Ferguson! Cardinal is an Operations Manager for our Hanes location in Houston, Texas.

Tell us about work.

A typical day starts with a walk around the facility, which gives me an idea of what’s going on around the branch and a chance to greet team members and customers. After that, I head to my desk to address the needs and concerns of internal and external customers.

In operations, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. It is my job to ensure that we function in rhythm to deliver the best results.

No two days are ever the same at our Houston branch. There is always a customer that needs exceptional service, and I love to rise to the challenge. I am enthusiastic and an outside-the-box thinker, so this position is a thrill for me.

What are you most proud of?

There have been several challenges growing up as a Black man in the United States. I have been overlooked, underappreciated, and judged because of the color of my skin. However, thanks to the upbringing of my parents, I have been able to push past those adversities to enjoy life. Despite the oppression, I am proud of my heritage, and I am proud of my ancestors and policy changers who made it possible for me to be the man that I am today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time of reflection and recognition, focusing not just on the struggle and pain but also the history, culture, and accomplishments that lead the way for our modern lives. It’s about realizing that Black history is world history, and it is a part of us all. I am Black history, 365 days a year.

Feb 21 2023
By Life@Leggett
← Older posts
Newer posts →