Employee Spotlight: Emily Johnson

In the bustling world of corporate dynamics, Emily Johnson, a seasoned professional with 13 years at Cummins, provides a unique insight into the company's corporate responsibility initiatives. Through a candid conversation, she shares her journey, values, and the essence of her work, painting a vivid picture of Cummins' commitment to community and innovation.

How a Coffee Meeting Shaped Cummins' Steward of Corporate Responsibility.

"Regardless of the role, I wanted to work for that woman," Emily reminisces, reflecting on a pivotal coffee meeting with the head of Cummins Foundation back in 2010. This encounter served as the turning point that propelled her into the heart of Cummins' corporate responsibility team. Emily's decision was largely influenced by the resonance of the company's values, particularly its unwavering commitment to civil rights and diversity.

"What attracted me to the company is that it takes a very long-term view on community investment, like a 100-year view, not just a one-year view," Emily reflects, encapsulating Cummins' forward-thinking approach. As the steward of corporate responsibility in Europe, she oversees initiatives that extend beyond profit margins, emphasizing environmental stewardship, equal opportunity, and education.

Emily's Insights on a Healthy Professional work environment.

"Safety, inclusivity, teamwork, and integrity are the pillars of a healthy work environment," Emily asserts, highlighting Cummins' dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs, feel valued. "When I come into the office, I feel that I'm included, that people care about me."

Responsible for employee volunteerism and grant-making in Europe, Emily unveils the layers of Cummins' community engagement. Cummins’ Community Involvement Teams, acting as liaisons to Cummins local communities across Europe, engage employees to support various community projects. The "Every Employee, Every Community" program epitomizes Cummins' commitment, providing each employee at least four hours of paid time for community service.

Emily's Approach to Building successful teams.

Reflecting on her previous role as the general manager of Cummins' Singapore distributor, Emily emphasises humility and diversity in building successful teams. "I don't like to be a leader that's out in front. I like to help my team be really successful," she shares. Communication, openness, and injecting fun into the work environment are integral to creating successful teams.

"Having a successful team is also about being human and real and having fun," Emily adds. Performance evaluations at Cummins focus on honest and direct feedback, emphasising transparency and care.

Emily's Emotional Connection to Community Transformation.

"The most rewarding aspect of my job is when people share stories about community projects changing their lives," Emily reveals. These stories, a testament to Cummins' impact on individual lives, form the core of her motivation. "It's such a gift that it often brings tears to my eyes, but in a good way," she shares, expressing the tangible difference made through Cummins' initiatives.

Emily's Vision for the Future.

Looking towards the future, Emily envisions growth at Cummins without losing touch with the grassroots. "Students are my teachers, and that's why today has been so much fun - because it helps me think differently," she acknowledges the reciprocal nature of interactions with students. Through this exchange of ideas, Emily Johnson embodies Cummins' commitment to a future where values, community, and innovation seamlessly converge.

In this illuminating dialogue, Emily Johnson's narrative unveils not just the corporate responsibility initiatives at Cummins but also the heartbeat of a company dedicated to empowering change on both a corporate and community level. Her story, punctuated with reflections on teamwork, inclusivity, and the profound impact on individual lives, encapsulates the essence of Cummins' journey towards a future where success is synonymous with positive societal contributions.