Courtney Pickett, 27, entered the workforce at a particularly tumultuous time. “Like many people early in their careers, my path wasn’t something I mapped out perfectly. I started at ABB during COVID, when opportunities were limited.” Pickett spent the beginning of her career learning about ABB’s motor line and soon after learned that she wanted to play a part in providing customer solutions. “That led me to transition into product management—a move that offered a new challenge and allowed me to connect the technical side with customer needs and strategy.”
On what keeps her motivated, Pickett pointed out that the products she supports are making a real-world difference. “From fountains to water treatment plants, motors are everywhere once you start noticing them. I’ve even caught myself appreciating everyday moments differently—like realizing there’s a motor quietly working behind the scenes every time I take a shower.”
Having previously worked in an engineering role, Pickett explained that her biggest challenge has been changing her mentality. “The biggest challenge has been shifting from an engineering mindset to a broader business mindset. In my previous engineering roles, progress was easier to see—there were clear outputs or deliverables that gave a sense of accomplishment along the way. In product management, the timelines are longer and much of the work involves research, analysis and collaboration before any visible results take shape.” Pickett explained it has been important for her to learn to take her time and give herself grace.
As for advice she’d give to young professionals entering the pump world, she pointed to the importance of simply asking questions. “Most managers would much rather you come to them after an hour with a few focused questions than days later with no progress. If you’re unsure how to do something, try to outline your thought process and what you’ve already tried, then ask if you’re on the right track. It shows initiative and helps you learn faster.”
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
One accomplishment I’m proud of is earning my Six Sigma Green Belt certification. That achievement alone was rewarding, but what made it especially meaningful was the project behind it. My focus was on improving a business transaction process rather than a plant operation, which made it less tangible and more challenging to measure. It pushed me to think differently about how to identify inefficiencies and deliver results when the outcomes aren’t immediately visible—a skill that’s proven invaluable in my current role.
Have you had a mentor(s) who influenced your career development?
Yes, one of my former managers, Clint McBride, had a huge impact on my career. He wasn’t just a boss—he was someone I could count on for honest advice and encouragement. Clint always made it clear that he was in my corner and genuinely wanted to see me succeed. He encouraged me to pursue my MBA to open more opportunities in the business world and later approached me about transitioning into product management. He recognized both my interest in understanding the business side and my desire to make a broader impact beyond technical work.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
One thing people are usually surprised to learn about me is that I’m technically a movie star—well, sort of. I had the chance to be an extra in the final performance scene of Pitch Perfect 2. It was such a fun experience and gave me a whole new appreciation for the entertainment industry and how much work goes into creating the movies and shows we all enjoy.
Read about more 10 to Watch finalists here.
