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Nancy Reisig is Vice President, Human Resources at Ford (Chennai) India. She took this position in March 2005. Nancy reports directly to the President and Managing Director, Ford India.
As Vice President Human Resources, Nancy is responsible for the human resources practice across Ford organizations in India, including the manufacturing plant, Ford Business Service Centre [FBSC] - a business process center for Ford's global operations and Ford Information Technology Services [FITS] - the hub for the company's IT and engineering initiatives in India and the Asia Pacific region. Nancy also serves as Chairperson of the American Chamber of Commerce-Chennai HR forum and has been recently elected as the Co-chair of the Conference Board HR Council for India (2007).
Prior to joining Ford India, Nancy was the Director of International Service Operations at Ford Motor Company’s global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. She was responsible for all aspects of administering the Company's nearly 2000 employees on Foreign Service assignments around the world.
Nancy served for 11 years in Ford's joint venture with Mazda, Auto Alliance International, first as Manager of Public Relations and then as Manager, Human Resources. She moved to Ford in 1998, serving in manufacturing human resources, followed by assignments in compensation and HR information systems.
Earlier in her career, she was the first woman to manage a U.S state trade office in Japan. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in English and History from Michigan State University, a master's degree in Japanese Studies from Yale University, and an M.B.A. from Wayne State University.
ExpatWomen's Interview with Nancy
ExpatWomen: Nancy, congratulations on such a successful corporate career – both at home and abroad. Can you please share with us your key highlights/successes in your role in India?
Nancy: A highlight has been seeing Ford India honored for its safety practices as it has achieved the highest rung of Ford safety index; good work culture reflected in ranking in the top 25 in 2007’s Hewitt "Best Employers of India" study. A success story has been developing local employees to take over roles previously held by expats.
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ExpatWomen: What have been the most enjoyable aspects/benefits of your role? |
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Nancy: It’s been a wonderful experience involving active participating in the organization growth and helping to develop the local team. Being part of the dynamic India HR scenario, being involved with all aspects of the business, has been fulfilling. In fact, I really enjoyed the opportunity to "mentor" one of our dealers. |
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ExpatWomen: What have been the greatest challenges of your expat work environment? |
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Nancy: Some of the challenges include dealing with the dynamic employment conditions here as India is a buyer's market for employees, achieving the right marriage of the Ford global practices with local realities and conditions.
From the standpoint of being a woman, it has not been that difficult here primarily due to being a foreign woman as well as having a title of VP.
On a personal front, the main challenge is that my husband could not work here so from a family perspective it has been difficult. However, until recently I also had my elderly father with me here and the treatment and respect he received was really heartwarming. |
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ExpatWomen: What have been your greatest non-work challenges? |
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Nancy: Service expectations/economy are very different. Service employees may not understand or keep commitments, you have to follow up many times. If I am with my husband, they tend to look only to him and ignore me! There have also been physical challenges such as heat and monsoons. And finally, clubs and service groups do not readily accept outsiders and application process may be lengthy and bureaucratic. Despite this, India offers a rich cultural experience and I've taken the opportunity to travel in the country as well as sample some of the age old practices such as Ayurveda and meditation/yoga (though not as much as I would like due to time). |
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ExpatWomen: What advice do you have for new expats? |
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Nancy:
- Be flexible.
- Expect to feel like that are a stranger in a strange land – you are!
- Expat to be frustrated differently than you are today.
- Expect to feel a loss of self-confidence – you are using new brain material. Relax – you’re just growing!
- Children will adapt more quickly than you do and will become your teachers and guides.
- There are more highs and lows than you feel today.
- Be yourself.
- Many things may be different, but remember that people everywhere are motivated by respect and dignity.
- Absorb yourself in the culture around you – take every opportunity to learn and engage.
- Keep a record of your experiences for your family and friends.
- Coming home will feel strange to you and you may even feel out of place, and
- Have fun!
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ExpatWomen: What tips would you give to companies relocating their employees to an expat location? |
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Nancy: Ensure robust repatriation and career planning. Make sure that there is an opportunity to communicate frequently from home. While maintaining cost effectiveness, ensure flexibility in the expat policy to meet varied family circumstances. And finally, set clear goals/objectives for the assignment. |
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ExpatWomen: Thank you very much Nancy. We wish you ongoing success in all of your future endeavors! |
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September 2007 |
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