Catalent is the global leader in enabling pharma, biotech, and consumer health partners to optimize development, launch, and supply of life-saving therapies and life-enhancing products for patients and consumers around the world.  With over 50 sites globally, Catalent supplies over 80 billion doses of nearly 8,000 products annually across its businesses. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, Catalent, Inc. (NYSE:CTLT), is an S&P 500® company, and generated nearly $5 billion in revenue in its 2022 fiscal year.  Catalent’s Consumer Health business has a 90-year legacy, tracing its roots back to R.P. Scherer, the inventor of the rotary die encapsulation machine responsible for the mass production of the softgel capsule.  Since then, Catalent has been partnering with leading innovators across the global consumer health marketplace, providing a broad range of delivery technologies – from softgels to gummies to unit dose topical capsules – as well as expertise in product development, manufacturing, and supply of over-the-counter medicine, nutritional supplement, and topical beauty products.  Operating with a clear set of values, and a mission to develop and supply products that help people live better and healthier lives, Catalent’s global work force keeps the patients and consumers who use the products they make at center of everything they do.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we take a closer look at the awe-inspiring journey of a woman who defied all odds to become a C-suite executive for a global S&P 500 company. Her path to success was anything but conventional, marked by setbacks, challenges, and life-altering moments that could have easily discouraged anyone. However, her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women around the world, proving that with resilience, determination, and a few guiding lights, one can rise above the most daunting circumstances.

Meet Trish Hunt.

This is a story that starts with humble beginnings, where she learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her family, she learned the importance of self-reliance and determination.  Trish recalls, “My brothers and I were brought up to understand the value of hard work.  Our mother worked multiple jobs to support us and put herself through college. Under my mother’s roof, trust was non-negotiable. As latchkey kids, we had a tremendous amount of autonomy, but it came with a clear understanding of what was expected from us. The situation dictated our level of independence, but it also fostered a keen sense of accountability.”

Trish’s resilience, honed through the lessons of her childhood, became a cornerstone as she faced one of her most challenging chapters. Unfortunately, life took a tragic turn when she became a single mother to two toddlers in her twenties due to a devastating accident, abruptly thrusting her into the complex world of parenthood and the demands of a career. The uphill battle that lay before her would test her resolve like never before.  Stoically, Trish reflects on her journey, stating, “Sometimes you never know why things happen, but in that moment, I realized how important the lessons I learned growing up would be.” As she became a single mother and sole breadwinner overnight, Trish knew she had to apply the formula of perseverance, hard work, and personal accountability that had been instilled in her from an early age.

Despite the challenges she faced, she held onto the lessons her mother taught her – simply put, to put one foot in front of the other and to remain strong in the face of adversity. Drawing strength from her circumstances, she embarked on a journey fueled by her self-determining nature, pushing through barriers that would have deterred many.

However, she didn’t walk this path alone. Along the way, she was fortunate to have the support of several mentors, both men, and women, who recognized her potential and provided guidance and encouragement. Their mentorship was invaluable, guiding her through pivotal career decisions and helping her navigate the corporate landscape.

Today, she stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the importance of mentorship. Her rise to the C-suite of a global S&P 500 company is also a testament to her resilience and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to women everywhere that with hard work, courage, and the right support system, anything is possible.

To dive deeper into Trish’s remarkable journey and the insights she gained along the way, we sat down with her for a candid conversation.  Read on as she shares her thoughts on overcoming adversity, the importance of not going it alone, and why she believes kindness is a strategic business superpower.

SP: Could you share a bit more about your journey from humble beginnings to the C-suite? What were some of the defining moments or challenges you faced along the way?

TH: I don’t tend to look at my life in a rearview mirror but what I can tell you is that I am very fortunate first and foremost to have been raised by a strong mother.  She taught me to focus on getting things done without complaining, a philosophy that has guided me throughout my life and throughout my career. I was fortunate to start my career with The Disney Company where I continued to build a strong foundation.

One month after my twenty-eighth birthday, however, I ended up leaving the “happiest place on earth” and moved across the country to start a new job in banking, an industry I knew nothing about, but the opportunity was a game changer for me and my family financially.  However, it was also during this time that my life took an unexpected and transformational turn due to a tragic accident, and overnight, I became a single mother to two toddlers and sole breadwinner for my young family.  I was shook.

But as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and my new reality dictated I begin a new path. I leaned on what I knew- that formula of grace and grit I learned from my mother, I leaned on a small circle of trusted friends and mentors, and I got on with the job that I was asked to do, without complaining.

Life was organized and prescriptive, and I became a master at compartmentalization. I stayed away from drama, I let professional jealousies go in one ear and out the other, I became an advocate for my own growth through self-awareness and self-reflection and I learned valuable lessons about staying true to myself even if that meant taking the harder path.

Years later, after transitioning into the CDMO space, a whole new industry for me, I realized that the same principles I learned in my formative years were still just as relevant. Though I couldn’t have predicted the exact path my career would take over the past thirteen years, I’ve come to appreciate that the foundations of my success are disciplined self-leadership, unwavering optimism, a steadfast commitment to teamwork and collaboration, and prioritizing servant leadership.

Embracing these core values has been instrumental in navigating unfamiliar terrain and rising to positions of influence, such as my current role as president of a division. In this capacity, I consider it my solemn duty to empower my leadership team so they can, in turn, support their teams.

This approach fosters a culture of collective achievement, one that I passionately believe is fueled by a foundation of kindness and trust. These values don’t just drive results; they fuel a deep unwavering commitment to shared success.

SP: You mentioned the importance of mentorship in your journey. Could you share more about the role mentors played in your career and how you respond to those who want to be mentored by you?

TH: To me, mentorship is vital to the growth and evolution of each of us, and it manifests in various forms, provided we are open to learning and listening; it requires us to keep our eyes and ears wide open.  Additionally, over the years, I have been deliberate about amassing what I call my personal Board of Directors- people I lean on and learn from for distinct reasons, both formally and informally.

Thirty years ago, an important figure in my life told me she was my advocate. When I asked her what that meant she said, “I’m going to tell you what I think you’re doing right because I want you to protect those strengths, and I am also going to tell you what you’re doing wrong because I want you to improve.”  That stuck with me, and I have since shared that same sentiment with mentees of my own. As another example, a few years ago, I was tapped by my CEO for a significant promotion. When I initially questioned if it was the right fit role for me, his next words gave me the confidence to accept the position. He said, “Do not become a textbook version of some executive – be yourself because that is why you’re getting this job.”  That message struck a powerful chord with me, I took the job and I never looked back.

SP: What advice do you have for women who aspire to reach leadership positions in their careers, especially those facing similar challenges or obstacles?

TH: I would say, we are each on our own unique path, facing our own set of challenges and obstacles, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.  I tend to subscribe to a one-size-fits-one approach, meaning, we each need to navigate our own journeys, drawing on our own unique strengths, experiences, and support systems. It’s important to stay true to yourself, embrace your individuality, and trust in your abilities and the vision you have for your life.

For anyone aspiring to reach higher positions, especially while facing circumstantial challenges, it is important to remember that progress doesn’t always happen overnight. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it is just one small step at a time. Each step leads to big changes overtime. It is also crucial not to get caught up in the timing or perceived competition. Someone else’s success is not your failure. Celebrate the achievements of others and focus on your own journey. Stay committed, persistent, and keep working towards your goals. Ultimately, your hard work and dedication will pay off.

SP: As a successful author of the recently published book, “From Stuck to Unstoppable: The Power of Intentional Decision-Making in Life and Leadership,” can you share what inspired you to write this book and how you managed to balance the demands of parenthood and a career while working on it? Your journey will undoubtedly inspire others striving for both personal and professional growth.

TH: My inspiration stemmed from my own experiences and struggles, and a desire to share insights and strategies with others looking to achieve their full potential. There is a real agony and ecstasy to this process. The book was writing itself over the last three decades, and the timing to put pen to paper came when I became an empty nester with newfound time and capacity.

As a working mom, I’ve experienced firsthand the sacrifices and challenges of balancing parenthood and a career. However, I’ve also discovered that when your children share your vision and contribute, it makes the journey much easier.  My children have been instrumental in inspiring and supporting my career, and their involvement has been invaluable. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of nurturing relationships at home and at work.

Perhaps a bit controversial, but I don’t believe in achieving a perfect work-life balance.  Instead, I strive for integration, acknowledging that some days require more focus on something personal, while other days demand more attention to my job.  I’m a professional and that means I’m going to get done what needs getting done. It’s not a nine to five mindset.  It’s integrating the priorities of the day.  When my children were young, I would start my day by dropping them off at daycare or school. In the evenings I would pick them up, prepare dinner, help them with their homework, give them a bath, read them a book, and tuck them into bed before booting up my laptop and delving back into work.  Life evolves so for me it’s been about adapting to life circumstances and being flexible to meet the needs of both my personal and professional priorities.

SP: How do you see the role of kindness and empathy in leadership?

TH: Unfortunately, we still live in a world where kindness is often mistaken as a sign of weakness. To me, being kind and empathetic doesn’t mean you can’t be firm or direct when needed. In fact, it’s important to find a balance between compassion and assertiveness. A great leader knows when to offer support and understanding and when to set clear expectations and hold people accountable. I believe you can have tough conversations without damaging relationships.

For me, being kind and empathetic means showing genuine concern for the well-being of others, actively listening to their needs, and providing the necessary resources and support to help them succeed. It’s about building strong relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication. And this is not just in the workplace, this is in all relationships, regardless of the capacity of those relationships. It’s about making tough decisions, setting high standards, and holding people accountable for their actions. This may involve giving timely and specific feedback, setting clear goals with deadlines, and providing guidance and direction when necessary.

Kindness in leadership is a powerful attribute that requires courage and integrity. It’s about being able to navigate tough situations with compassion and understanding while also being firm and decisive.

SP: Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to your younger self or pass on to next generation leaders?

TH: Reflecting on my journey, I would start by giving my younger self a heartfelt hug. I’d want her to know that she was stronger than she ever realized, and that her unwavering courage and conviction have shaped her into the person she is today.  I would emphasize the importance of self-compassion, encouraging her to be her own best friend, reminding her that being kind and forgiving to herself is just as crucial as extending the same empathy to others.

And then, I would remind her to use those vacation hours, to not quit piano, to pay attention in accounting class, to go on that girl’s trip, to live in New York City for at least one year, to take the black diamond run and not play it safe on the blues, to play one more game of Candyland with the kids, and to say yes sooner and more often.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we celebrate Trish and women like her – women who defy the odds, break barriers, and inspire change. Their stories remind us that the pursuit of gender equality is not just a cause, but a collective responsibility. It’s a journey that requires the support and empowerment of every individual, regardless of gender, to create a better, more equitable, and kinder world for all.

Website: catalent.com