MEL #029 | From Co-op Student to Technical Manager through Relentless Curiosity with Chris Ritter

In this episode, I speak with Chris Ritter, Technical Manager for Century Aluminum's Mt. Holly Smelter. Chris's early fascination with how things work, along with a strong interest in math and science during high school, sparked his decision to pursue chemical engineering. His engineering path began with a co-op experience while at Clemson University, leading to a long-standing career at Mt. Holly. He started in process control and steadily grew into a leadership role, ultimately becoming the plant’s technical manager.In our leadership segment, Chris discusses how he navigates a complex role that involves managing direct and indirect reports across various departments, including lab operations and IT, mentoring a new generation of engineers, and bridging communication gaps between corporate and local functions. One key challenge he described was leading through uncertainty and renewal while preserving institutional knowledge and culture.In our advice segment, Chris emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it, and leading with empathy and clarity. He encourages aspiring leaders to understand the "why" behind actions, communicate expectations clearly, and keep the main thing the main thing.Takeaways, transcripts, and more in the show notes: https://drangeliqueadams.com/podcast/