Staying Curious and Solving Problems: Career Lessons from the Scientists and Leaders at Henkel

Attendees at Henkel enjoyed an executive leadership panel as well as an immersive tour of the company’s Research and Development lab, learning about science, engineering, clinical testing, marketing, and more.

What does it take to bring an everyday product from an idea to the shelf? For many people, the answer is a mystery.

Girls With Impact participants discovered just how much science, innovation, collaboration, and creativity go into the products we use every day during the latest stop on the Summer of Success Tour at Henkel North America.

Throughout the day, participants explored Henkel's state-of-the-art Experience Center, toured the Research & Development laboratory, met the scientists and engineers responsible for developing and testing some of the company's best-known consumer brands, and heard directly from senior leaders about building meaningful careers through curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

The experience offered an inside look at careers many participants had never considered, and reinforced an important message: you don't have to know exactly where you're headed to build a successful career.

Innovation Happens Long Before a Product Reaches Store Shelves

The experience began with a warm welcome in Henkel's Experience Center before participants stepped inside the company's Research & Development laboratory.

There, they met Principal Scientist Rana Zaki, one of the scientists responsible for formulating Dial® soaps, who shared both her career journey and the importance of gaining hands-on experience while exploring different career paths and a glimpse into what goes on behind the science of soap formulation.

Her advice was simple but powerful, the best way to discover what you enjoy is by trying it.

Participants also met members of Henkel's Packaging Engineering team, who demonstrated how thoughtful packaging design protects products, enhances the customer experience, and supports sustainability goals.

The tour concluded with a look inside Henkel's Clinical Testing operations, where participants learned how consumer products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe, effective, and ready for market.

Together, these experiences revealed that behind every product is an entire team of professionals working across science, engineering, design, marketing, and business.

Success Looks Different for Everyone

During the leadership panel and Q&A, one message that resonated throughout the discussion was that success isn't defined by a single title, salary, or promotion.

Linda Lin, Head of Consumer Hair for Henkel North America, encouraged participants to think about success more personally.

"My definition of success is very different than it used to be."

She explained that while career milestones may feel important early on, priorities naturally evolve.

"What I consider to be success right now is: Do I like what I'm doing? Do I like the people I'm working with? Do I believe in the company I work for? Different things will matter to you over time, and your answers will change."

She also challenged participants to advocate for themselves.

"Don't leave anything on the table. Advocate for yourself and remember, you miss all of the shots you don't take, so you might as well take them!"

Curiosity Creates Career Opportunities

Another one of the strongest themes of the afternoon was the importance of remaining curious and staying open to new experiences.

Senior Recruitment Manager Kyra Woods reminded participants that very few people have their careers completely mapped out in high school, college, or even after graduation.

"Opportunities are going to come up. Be open to ones you may not be comfortable with, this will support your growth. It's okay not to know what you want to be at 18."

Instead of chasing the perfect plan, she encouraged participants to keep learning.

"Being curious is a huge attribute. Working on different projects and collaborating is important. Skill sets in every role are transferable, the projects just change."

She also reminded attendees not to let rejection discourage them.

"Use your network. If you get a rejection, see if you can get feedback on why. Don't give up. Stay patient and persistent, and an opportunity will be there for you."

Growth Begins Outside Your Comfort Zone

For Prayarna Kaloo, Vice President and Head of Digital for the Americas and IMEA, the most meaningful career growth came from embracing change.

She shared how her own career evolved from an interest in medicine to software, finance, and digital leadership; crossing both industries and countries along the way.

"Getting challenged is a good thing. It might seem hard at the time, but it gives us opportunities to try new things."

Throughout every transition, one mindset remained constant: "Know what drives you, and try new things."

Looking back, she believes one habit made the biggest difference.

"Getting out of your comfort zone is extremely beneficial. That's what has contributed the most to my growth."

Her story reminded participants that careers rarely follow a straight line, and that some of the best opportunities begin with saying yes to something unfamiliar.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the afternoon, participants asked thoughtful questions, connected with Henkel professionals, and gained firsthand exposure to careers spanning research, engineering, recruitment, manufacturing, digital strategy, and business leadership.

For many, it was the first time seeing how classroom subjects like chemistry, engineering, business, and communications come together inside a global consumer products company.

Participant Jocelyn Vega reflected on how meaningful the experience was.

"It was a very unique experience. It was a great way to get out of my comfort zone and a great first step to start networking and get started in your career."

College student Vanessa Corrales Vallejo agreed.

"I learned that being very open to all kinds of opportunities and trying new things is really important. Don't be scared. Stay curious. And everyone explained how important networking is."

Before leaving, participants received Henkel goodie bags filled with many of the products they had spent the day learning about, a fun reminder of just how much innovation, collaboration, and expertise go into the everyday brands consumers know and trust.

Continue Building the Skills Employers Are Looking For

The Henkel experience demonstrated that innovation isn't limited to laboratories or boardrooms. It happens when curious people ask questions, collaborate across disciplines, embrace new challenges, and never stop learning.

While the Summer of Success Tour has come to a close, the learning doesn't stop here. Through Girls With Impact's live, online programs, young women ages 14–24 continue to build the business, leadership, and career readiness skills that employers value most, from communication and problem-solving to networking, entrepreneurship, and confidence.

Whether participants are preparing for college, exploring career options, or taking their first steps into the workforce, Girls With Impact equips them with the skills, experience, and professional network to stand out in today's rapidly changing job market.

Learn more about Girls With Impact's Innovation Academy, Career Accelerator, and other online programs at www.girlswithimpact.org/our-programs.