Celebrating our people: Interview with Karla Hopa
As a celebration of International Women’s day, we want to highlight the professional career and aspirations of the women at Integrated Packaging. In this feature, Karla Hopa, Operations Manager at the Kewdale site in Perth, talks about the challenges of being a female leader, the value of being versatile, and the importance of staying honest to yourself.
Q: What is your role at Integrated Packaging?
I started at integrated packaging in 2013 as the QA/Lab technician shortly after immigrating from the South Island of New Zealand. I have been with the business for approximately eight years and in my current role as Operations Manager since 2020.
Q: How did you become interested in being an operations manager?
It’s funny you ask that as I didn’t know much about Operations before 2016! Quality Assurance was my area of expertise having been in this field as a Food Inspector in NZ. However, when I was offered the chance to explore the Operational side of the business, I was immediately addicted. I found my motivations had changed and I relished the challenges before me. I enjoyed running the machines and discovering what they can do… and the hiccups that arise daily. Operations is four seasons in one day, and every day is different but it’s something I enjoy immensely – you get to think outside the box.
Most of all, I enjoy bringing a team spirit and working together towards a common goal.
Q: What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?
Biggest lesson I have learnt is that just because it looks like a machine won’t run, there are 10 different ways to work out a way to make it work, if you are determined and resourceful enough to find the answers. My toughest test was being accepted on the floor and standing my ground when I was challenged. All of this has made me who I am and make me stronger every day.
Q: What are some of the traits that you admire the most amongst the leaders you’ve worked with?
I admire leaders who inspire you to be better. Those who encourage and support you to make decisions whether they agree with them or not. Leaders who have integrity will always be better leaders who can motivate others, be decisive, innovative, and most of all be accountable.
Q: What’s the greatest risks and challenges you’ve taken?
The challenges were working fulltime and bringing up my children who are grown up now. Fortunately, I had very strong support from my family, friends, and co-workers. My greatest risk was taking on the Operations Manager role, in a male dominated field. It is true that you will never grow unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, so I’m glad I was able to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. I’m still not completely comfortable not having all the answers when machines break down – but I face them head on and find the solutions that keep the line going.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Best piece of advice I have ever received was to be 100% honest and always admit and learn from my failures. To have confidence and trust in myself and to keep growing myself and the team.