As the President & COO of Mansfield Power & Gas (MPG), Tammy Norman stands at the forefront of the energy industry, leading with innovation, resilience, and a passion for excellence. With a career spanning over four decades, Tammy has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also set a shining example for aspiring leaders. Her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to driving positive change have positioned Mansfield Power & Gas as a leader in the ever-evolving energy landscape.
Unveiling a Trailblazer’s Past: The Journey to Mansfield Power & Gas
In the intricate tapestry of Tammy’s life before Mansfield Power & Gas, the threads of her entrepreneurial lineage are deeply woven. “My father was a fearless innovator,” she reminisces, “always ready to embark on new ventures.” It was not until she wrote his eulogy that she truly grasped the extent of his entrepreneurial spirit. He owned and managed 14 businesses across nine different industries, instilling in Tammy and her sisters the value of hard work. His mantras, “If it is a job worth doing, it is a job worth doing well,” and “Find a way to add value, that’s the key to success,” have been guiding lights in her journey.
Throughout her career in the energy sector, Tammy has been tasked with launching new businesses and product lines or revitalizing struggling companies. She describes these challenges as invigorating and fulfilling. “I thrive on dynamic challenges,” she says, “finding them stimulating and personally rewarding.” Over the years, she has had the privilege of working with over 10 different companies, ranging from large publicly traded to privately held ones. This diverse experience has influenced her perspective and approach, shaping her into the leader she is today.
Working across various organizations has provided Tammy with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has learned to appreciate different viewpoints, strategic nuances, and operational refinements. “Each company I’ve been part of has had its own unique personality,” she notes, “requiring me to quickly adapt and understand the inner workings and key players to progress effectively.” Her early realization of the value of building one’s network has been instrumental in her success. She has forged many lifelong friendships, which she finds deeply gratifying. Echoing her mother’s wisdom, Tammy shares, “Pretty is as pretty does,” a reminder of the importance of actions over appearances.
Tammy derives immense satisfaction from diving into complex problems. Whether it’s finding innovative ways to better serve clients, refining strategic approaches, setting clear and achievable goals, implementing operational enhancements, nurturing talent, cultivating a strong team culture, or simply embracing continuous learning and growth, she is always up for the challenge. This passion for tackling challenges and driving positive change fuels her professional journey, keeping her engaged and excited about the ever-evolving energy landscape.
Success Redefined: A Journey of Growth, Impact, and Fulfillment
Success, for Tammy, is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond personal achievements. She believes it includes making a positive impact on others. While traditional metrics like wealth, power, and recognition are often linked with success, Tammy’s definition transcends these superficial standards.
“For me, success is about continual growth and learning, both personally and professionally,” she explains. It involves setting ambitious goals, working hard towards them, and seeing challenges as opportunities for development. Tammy also emphasizes the importance of embodying values such as integrity, empathy, and humility, while treating others with respect.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” True success, in Tammy’s view, is fueled by passion and alignment of values. It is about having a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and it emphasizes the journey rather than the destination. Tammy’s definition of success reflects a deep understanding of the holistic nature of achievement, highlighting the importance of personal growth and positive impact.
Revolutionizing Energy: The MPG Difference
Mansfield Power & Gas (MPG), a division of Mansfield Energy Corp, stands out as a premier energy provider in America. With a client base exceeding 1,500 commercial and industrial entities and partnerships with over 180 oil and gas producers, MPG’s reach is extensive. What truly sets MPG apart is its “Always On It” approach. This proactive mindset ensures that clients receive unwavering support, whether it’s through reliable delivery, flexible contract terms and billing, or market insights.
At MPG, the client always comes first, a principle embodied in their motto: “Find a way, tell it straight, and do it right.” MPG is just one part of Mansfield Energy Corp, a family-owned organization with a diverse portfolio of products and services. This includes fuels, biodiesels, lubricants, natural gas, diesel exhaust fluid, data management, power advisory services, and price risk management tools.
Under Tammy’s leadership, MPG has undergone a significant transformation. In just five years, the company has doubled its age and achieved a remarkable volume growth of 300 percent. This success is attributed to comprehensive strategies implemented across various areas, including revamped marketing and sales strategies, enhanced policies and procedures, and a strong focus on accountability and continuous improvement. Tammy has also spearheaded efforts to track operational success and profitability, while strategically restructuring risk components to align with corporate objectives.
Charting a Course for the Future of Mansfield Power & Gas
Mansfield Power & Gas is on a transformative journey towards greater vertical integration, a move that has significantly bolstered its capacity for growth and success. According to Tammy, the company is just scratching the surface of its potential. In the dynamic landscape of the natural gas industry, Mansfield Power & Gas is witnessing a period of profound change, often accompanied by misconceptions and public scrutiny.
However, Tammy firmly believes that as people gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s true impact on the energy sector and the importance of energy reliability, the company will continue to thrive and contribute positively to the ever-evolving energy landscape.
Reflecting on her 40-year career, Tammy confidently states that she has never experienced boredom. Instead, she has consistently been presented with challenges that have kept her engaged and motivated. This continuous cycle of learning and growth has been immensely fulfilling personally.
Navigating the Twin Obstacles of Gender Bias and Pay Disparity
Throughout her professional journey, Tammy has faced numerous challenges that have profoundly shaped her understanding and approach. These challenges range from gender discrimination and implicit bias to the pervasive pay gap and enduring double standards. She has also navigated a lack of support networks and, at times, balanced work-life responsibilities.
One instance that stands out to Tammy is when prior to Mansfield, she applied for a position within a company she worked and was told, “I didn’t really think you were interested even though you applied and are the most qualified.” When she inquired about the reason she was not chosen, she was told, “Because you are a mother.” This experience highlighted the challenges faced by working mothers in the professional sphere.
Another challenge Tammy encountered was discovering a significant pay disparity with a peer whose performance did not match hers. When she raised this issue with her boss, she was disheartened to hear that the rationale for the pay gap was based on familial circumstances, reinforcing unfair biases.
Tammy has also received biased feedback, with someone telling her, “You are young, female, and blonde, so we don’t expect much.” These experiences ignited a fire within her to strive harder and demonstrate her capabilities, despite unfair judgments based on her gender, age, or appearance.
Overcoming these roadblocks has required a concerted effort and has significantly influenced Tammy’s professional philosophy. She advocates for fair hiring and promotion practices, champions equal pay for equal work, provides mentorship opportunities and fosters an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
However, Tammy believes that the most impactful action is actively listening and observing. This involves amplifying the voices of quieter individuals, empowering those who are ready, and cultivating a culture rooted in respect and recognition for each other’s contributions. These experiences have not only shaped Tammy’s approach to overcoming challenges but have also reinforced her commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive workplace environment.
Leading with Empowerment and Achieving Remarkable Growth
As a leader, Tammy’s greatest achievement lies in fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment within her teams, alongside raising a strong, independent daughter. She believes that leadership is about “inspiring and supporting others to reach their full potential.” Through prioritizing open communication, trust, and mutual respect, Tammy has created a culture where team members are “engaged, valued, and motivated to excel.” She quotes Maya Angelou, “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with Tammy’s approach.
A specific accomplishment that Tammy is proud of is growing the Mansfield Power & Gas business by 300 percent over the past five years. Through clear goal-setting and continuous feedback, she has made significant improvements in MPG’s efficiency and customer satisfaction, which has been “extremely rewarding.” In the male-dominated oil and gas industry, Tammy acknowledges the challenges she has faced but has not let them deter her. She views these obstacles as fuel for her desire to succeed, requiring moments of “reflection and resilience.”
Becoming a parent to a daughter has significantly shifted Tammy’s perspective and approach. It has inspired her to become a more vocal advocate for equitable treatment for everyone, regardless of gender or background. This personal experience has deeply influenced her commitment to “fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment” within the industry.
Embracing Diversity as a Driven Leader
Tammy’s workdays are characterized by their lack of routine. She explains, “Each day brings new and diverse tasks, often dictated by whether I’m engaging with customers or participating in various activities/tasks at one of our offices.” Despite this variability, there is a sense of consistency maintained through weekly activities that foster transparency and team cohesion.
Mornings at Mansfield Power & Gas start with a brief 5 to 10-minute meeting focused on operations, ensuring that all customers received top-notch service the previous day. Tammy elaborates, “Additionally, we hold weekly operations meetings where each department shares their ongoing projects, addresses any past issues, and seeks assistance if needed.”
Transparency is paramount to their approach and they conduct weekly profit and loss meetings to showcase their impact for the week. Furthermore, there are monthly P&L and operational review meetings to delve deeper into performance and strategic direction. When asked to define herself in one word, Tammy chose “driven,” reflecting her determined and motivated nature in both her personal and professional pursuits.
Balancing Act: Nurturing Well-being and Drive
Tammy’s ability to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life is a testament to her strategic approach. She acknowledges the support of her spouse and daughter, who serve as great cheerleaders and fuel her drive. “Maintaining balance is a priority for me,” she emphasizes, noting its contribution to overall well-being and productivity.
Effective time management and prioritization are key strategies Tammy employs. She also strives to set boundaries between work and personal life, though she admits it’s a continual work in progress. Another crucial aspect of achieving balance is delegation and teamwork. Tammy has learned the importance of trusting and empowering her team members, enabling her to focus on high-priority tasks while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
To stay motivated and deliver the best services, Tammy stays abreast of industry trends, attends conferences and training sessions, and seeks feedback from clients and colleagues to identify areas of improvement. Setting goals and milestones helps her stay focused, as she admits, “I really do not like to lose.” Celebrating the wins along the way is also critical, serving as a reminder of the progress made and fueling her drive to continue delivering excellence.
Setting Sail for Success: Ambitions and Aspirations
Tammy’s professional goals are as ambitious as they are varied. She shares, “At MPG, we’ve set an ambitious goal to double our volume within the next five years. While it’s undoubtedly a challenging target, I am confident in our ability to meet and exceed expectations.” To achieve this goal, she emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on growth but also on retaining talent and developing a robust bench. As a result, a substantial portion of her time is dedicated to strategizing on how to keep the team “engaged, motivated, and committed to our collective success.”
On a professional level, Tammy recently completed the NACD Directorship Certification to enhance her readiness for board responsibilities. Her current aspiration is to join a board that aligns with her skills and expertise, where she can “make meaningful contributions and add significant value.”
Turning to a more personal note, Tammy has set a goal of visiting her daughter once every quarter. Despite staying in touch through frequent communication, she deeply misses her daughter every day. Understanding the challenges of being away from loved ones, Tammy believes it’s crucial to prioritize staying connected and offering support in any way possible.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Message to Women in the Energy Industry
“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option”.
Tammy’s message to aspiring women in the energy industry is one of empowerment and encouragement. She believes that women are the architects of tomorrow’s energy landscape, and their passion, talent, and determination will shape the future of this vital sector. She emphasizes, “Know that your voice, ideas, and contributions are invaluable.”
Tammy encourages women to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to never underestimate their potential to make a difference. She urges them to be fearless and not afraid to step into leadership roles, suggesting they seek out mentors and allies, and build their networks.
Staying true to one’s values is essential, according to Tammy. She advocates for inclusivity and diversity, encouraging women to empower others along the way. She emphasizes the importance of unity, stating, “We are all in this together, and together we can create a more sustainable, innovative, and equitable energy industry for generations to come.” Tammy’s final words of encouragement are simple yet profound: “Let your light shine brightly.”
Conclusion
Tammy Norman’s leadership at Mansfield Power & Gas is a testament to her unwavering dedication to excellence and her visionary approach to business. Her journey is a source of inspiration for all, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance, determination, and a bold vision for the future. As she continues to lead by example, Tammy Norman paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in the energy industry and beyond.
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