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Rising to Vice President, from Brazil to the USA
Patricia Ajeje is taking on a new leadership role within Freudenberg. It’s a career milestone she says speaks to more than just her dedication. Ajeje is proud to see a shift in what society views as leaders in business.
Promotions are a time where we typically celebrate the person who is moving to a new role, but Patricia Ajeje says her recent promotion to Vice President and General Manager of Chem-Trend, a brand of Freudenberg, speaks to more than just her professional development.
“I really hope Chem-Trend employees can see this promotion as not only my success but success for our society,” said Ajeje. “It is a testament to societal change and breaking barriers.”
It is a testament to societal change and breaking barriers.
Patricia Ajeje
Ajeje with her son, who is now 11-years-old
Ajeje is preparing to take on this new leadership role as she also plans to move with her 11-year-old son to Michigan.
“I interpret this move to the U.S. as a big sign that no matter where you are, you are seen and recognized for your capability and professionalism,” said Ajeje. “Personally, I always believed that I do live in Brazil, but I need to be open to the globe and other possibilities. I always try to open my mind and my kid’s mind.”
Ajeje is thankful her career path is serving as an example for her son to show him women can lead a global organization and do this while raising a child.
“We need to have this mindset that we are capable. In our society, we have been told we have this kind of ceiling, and we have to break this ceiling. I tell myself there is no ceiling. Trust yourselves and go for it,” said Ajeje.
From sales director to vice president, Ajeje has risen through Chem-Trend taking on new leadership roles and says what drives her daily is her desire to keep improving.
“I always approach things with the mindset that I can do better every day. I think it’s important to have this perspective. I am sure that I don’t know everything and can’t know everything,” said Ajeje. “We need to embrace the aspect of lifelong learning. It’s kind of a mantra of my life.”
At the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Ajeje felt stressed and overwhelmed but instead of taking something off her plate she decided to enroll in a college leadership course. While this may have sounded counterproductive to some at the time, for Ajeje learning those new skills is what helped her better navigate the pandemic.
“For me, to deal all those big challenges I thought I had to open my mind to deal with that situation,” said Ajeje.
Ajeje’s mantra of lifelong learning is something she carries through to her team.
“We only succeed if we work as a team,” said Ajeje. “I am always thinking of what we can do in terms of the team because I know if we develop the team we grow.”
Ajeje celebrating her new promotion with her team in Brazil
We only succeed if we work as a team. I am always thinking of what we can do in terms of the team because I know if we develop the team we grow.
Patricia Ajeje
As she takes on the role of Vice President and General Manager at Chem-Trend, Ajeje remains focused on her long-term objectives.
“To really have an impact for Chem Trend, for the company and the people,” said Ajeje.
In the role of mother, Ajeje says she is excited to introduce her son to new things. First on his list, experience the winters and learn how to ski.