Leading with Courage: Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies on Building Strong Networks : Women in Tech Texas

Host: Espree Devora
Guest: Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode of the Women in Tech Podcast, Espree Devora sits down with Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies. Laurie Oswald shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to leading major commercial strategy in the technology and battery industry. She discusses breaking into tech as a technical writer, the power of building credible expertise, and the importance of leveraging networks. Listeners will gain insights into Laurie Oswald’s leadership philosophy, her approach to customer-centric strategy, and the essential role of taking risks in career growth.

Key Topics Discussed

Introduction & Career Journey

  • Laurie Oswald’s role at C&D Technologies and Trojan Battery
  • Differences between C&D Technologies and Trojan, and the unique markets they serve
  • Laurie Oswald’s transition from psychology major to tech industry leader

Breaking into Tech & Building Credibility

  • How she landed her first job as a technical writer and built expertise from scratch
  • The importance of technical competence and staying updated with industry trends

Networking & Mentorship

  • Leveraging professional groups and industry networks for growth
  • Stories of personal mentors and the value of supportive advisors

Leadership & Team Building

  • Laurie Oswald’s results-driven, “fail forward” leadership style
  • Building a diverse and high-performing team and empowering others

Customer-Centric Strategy

  • Serving data centers, telecom, utilities, and the motive power market (like golf carts and industrial applications)
  • The importance of listening to customer needs and offering the right technical solution, rather than focusing on “convincing”

Personal Stories & Advice

  • Overcoming setbacks: a personal story of failing to secure a major deal and the leadership lesson it provided
  • Advice Laurie Oswald would give her younger self: build relationships early, don’t keep your head down, and leverage the power of mentorship

Book & Tool Recommendations

  • Book: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg for women in leadership
  • Must-follow: Simon Sinek (“Start with Why”)
  • Favorite tech tool: Microsoft Copilot for productivity and safe AI-powered work

Women Supporting Women

  • Laurie Oswald discusses her daughter’s journey in biomedical engineering and the importance of putting your goals or needs out into the community
  • The power of speaking up—“If you’re invited to the meeting, you belong there”

Memorable Quotes

  • “Credibility isn’t given, it’s earned. The fastest way to earn credibility is through technical excellence.” – Laurie Oswald
  • “Relationships amplify your impact.” – Laurie Oswald
  • “Don’t be afraid to take chances. When you do, it shows leadership and adaptability.” – LaurieOswald
  • “If you’re invited to attend the meeting, you belong there. Don’t hesitate to take your seat at the table.” – Laurie Oswald

Connect with the Guest

Additional Resources

  • C&D Technologies: Powering critical infrastructure with industrial batteries
  • Trojan Battery Company: Leading deep-cycle batteries for industrial and utility vehicles

Closing

Thank you for tuning in to the Women in Tech Podcast with Espree Devora and Laurie Oswald! Make sure to connect with Laurie on LinkedIn and join the Women in Tech community for more empowering stories and career insights.

Remember: If she can do it, so can you!

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