Meet Maryam Lakha

In the 'People of Stahl' series, we talk to colleagues from around the world about what they do, what makes them tick, and what our purpose - Touching lives, for a better world - means to them. Here, Maryam Lakha from Pakistan reflects on what brings her pride in the personal and professional domains. 

How long have you been with Stahl? What first attracted you to the company?

I joined Stahl in March 2023. What initially attracted me to this wonderful company was its reputation as a world leader in coatings, its emphasis on work-life balance and the positive work culture. in addition, the tagline 'If it can be imagined, it can be created' really resonated with me. 

What is your role? Can you share an interesting fact about the work you do? 

I'm responsible for overseeing HR, Administration and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE). In the SHE domain, I need to continuously expand my knowledge and understanding of safety protocols and environmental practices, which keeps me motivated and energised. 

Another interesting aspect of my role is serving as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) representative. We work in a diverse team from around the world, so I find it important to participate in initiatives and projects that promote DEI. This allows me to broaden my understanding and contribute to a more inclusive workplace. 

What is your favourite thing about working at Stahl, and what are the biggest challenges? 

Overseeing three essential departments is very fulfilling, and it's a privilege to collaborate with a team of such highly experienced, skilled and diverse individuals. Working with these professionals means I am constantly acquiring valuable knowledge, understanding and experience. Balancing the needs and responsibilities of three departments can be demanding at times, but I consider it an opportunity to grow my organisational skills! 

How does your work support Stahl’s purpose: Touching lives, for a better world? 

My work contributes to our purpose daily. It involves regularly meeting and listening to our employees, making sure they feel heard and valued. If your employees are engaged and involved, this creates a positive work environment that reflects well on the customers we serve.  

Besides this, I also regularly share our local achievements on a global level, keeping our colleagues informed about the positive impact we are making at our sites. This not only helps to nurture a sense of pride among employees, but also demonstrates our commitment to Stahl's mission of making the world a better place. 

If you were CEO of Stahl for the day, what would you do? 

I think my main objectives would be to further nurture our positive work culture through employee engagement, to collaborate with external partners to enhance our image, and to promote transparency around the safety and sustainability of our products. By doing this, I believe the company can foster a motivated and empowered workforce while also increasing its overall efficiency and growth potential. 

How do you spend your free time outside of work? 

I really cherish spending quality time with my family, such as cooking for my children. This time fills me with pride and satisfaction. Moreover, I find pleasure in reconnecting with old friends and former colleagues, reliving cherished memories and experiences. All this contributes to a well-rounded and fulfilling life outside of the professional realm. 

Thanks for sharing your story, Maryam! We are proud of our people who make a difference every day and strive for excellence together. Stay tuned for more 'People of Stahl' features!