In the world of heavy machinery and manufacturing, it’s not often you come across a powerhouse like Éloïse Harvey. For more than 23 years, she has been an integral part of EPIQ Machinery, demonstrating resilience, expertise and a unique leadership style that has propelled the company to new heights.
EPIQ Machinery, a world-class Canadian equipment designer, has made a multi-million dollar investment in Askar, making Bahrain the hub of its Middle East expansion plans.
Éloïse’s career journey began with a clear focus on establishing expertise. With her first job in the aluminium primary industry, she quickly immersed herself in understanding the nuances of the sector. “My job was to cover all those clients and understand their operations and pains,” she recalled. This dedication to mastering her craft earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and clients alike, despite being in a predominantly male environment.
Confidence has been another cornerstone of her career. Raised by parents who instilled a sense of self-assurance in her, she never shied away from asserting herself. “One can say that assertiveness can help counteract perceptions of weakness or incompetence based on gender stereotypes,” she explained.
Ms Harvey firmly believes that authenticity, coupled with confidence, is key to overcoming biases in the workplace.
At EPIQ Machinery, she champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, recognising the transformative impact they have on the company’s success. “Women bring a breath of fresh air, shaking things up with unique perspectives, new ideas, and different approaches,” she emphasised.
Ms Harvey has witnessed firsthand how women contribute to creating closely-knitted teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and emotional intelligence within the organisation.
Moreover, she highlights the role of women in risk management and decision-making. “They take more time to weigh options and make informed decisions in my opinion,” she suggested. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the quality of decision-making but also ensures a balanced perspective in strategic discussions.
Her leadership style revolves around empowerment and open communication. “Leading by example is key,” she affirmed. By entrusting her team members with autonomy and responsibility, she fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment within the organisation. Transparent communication, she believes, is the bedrock of effective leadership, enabling trust and alignment towards common goals.
Remaining at the forefront of technological advancements is paramount for EPIQ Machinery. Ms Harvey emphasises the importance of listening to clients and understanding their evolving needs. “We try to find ways to design and test our equipment in real-life situations while minimising the impact on the client,” she explained. This customer-centric approach, coupled with a commitment to innovation, ensures that EPIQ Machinery continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clientele.
Looking towards the future, Ms Harvey envisions further growth and expansion for EPIQ Machinery. “Our objective is to continue our growth through acquisitions and position ourselves as the largest Canadian equipment manufacturer,” she shared. Diversification into new industries and global expansion are key pillars of this growth strategy, underscoring EPIQ Machinery’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
As a mother-of-four, Ms Harvey knows firsthand the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments. “I almost never missed a hockey game or a horseback riding competition,” she recalled. She credits her supportive husband and a strong support system for enabling her to pursue her career aspirations while prioritising family matters.
For women aspiring to leadership roles in male-dominated industries, Ms Harvey offers sage advice. “Confidence in your abilities is paramount,” she emphasised. Ms Harvey encourages women to build comprehensive knowledge, forge connections and seize opportunities with conviction. “Let your ambitions be known to your colleagues and superiors,” she urged. With determination and resilience, she believes that women can break barriers and thrive in any industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms Harvey is a woman of diverse interests and passions. With a double bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and management, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to her role. Outside of work, she finds joy in her family, her love for horses, and her passion for travel and meaningful conversations.
In this CEO, observers will find a leader who embodies resilience, compassion and unwavering determination. As she continues to steer EPIQ Machinery towards greater heights, in a world where gender biases still persist, she showcases the power of authenticity, confidence and inclusivity in shaping a brighter future for all.
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