We recently had the chance to interview Juwanna Anderson, senior director of global quality for Rheem, about her long-term career goals, the joys and challenges of her job, her advice for young professionals and more.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is inspiring others to see the value and impact of the “quality” discipline. Quality isn’t just a checkpoint at the end of a process—it’s a mindset that adds value at every stage of the organization, from product design to field operations. I love showing people how quality touches everything we do and helping them take pride in being part of that journey.
I’m especially passionate about talent development. Nothing brings me more joy than watching individuals grow into roles they never imagined for themselves. It’s incredibly fulfilling when someone I once coached or mentored surpasses even their own expectations—and sometimes, mine too.
For example, teaching fundamentals like reading engineering drawings, calibration, statistical process control (SPC) and using measurement tools. One young woman took to that training and transitioned from an operator to a quality technician, and today—eight years later—she’s a quality manager. That kind of transformation keeps me motivated every day.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is also one of the most exciting. About a year ago, I joined Rheem’s Operations Leadership Team to build and lead our new Global Quality organization.
We’re not just refining processes—we’re transforming how we think about quality across the company, investing in both talent and technology to elevate our global operational capabilities. Our belief is simple: To win in the marketplace, we have to be the best in every aspect of our business.
The challenge lies in integrating quality into every layer of the business—designing it from the start, embedding it into our culture and making it a defining part of how we show up in the market. But that’s also what makes this work so fulfilling.
What are your long-term career goals?
I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career, starting with a strong educational foundation and gaining well-rounded experiences working with startups and some of the best companies in the U.S. Working at Rheem has enriched me in multiple ways, and my goal is to continue helping Rheem succeed in the marketplace. That means consistently putting my best foot forward and adapting to an ever-evolving global landscape to lead quality on the international stage across all business units.
What is some advice you’d give to a young professional in the field?
As you grow in your career and as a person, you develop a unique fingerprint that influences what you believe, how you lead and how you present yourself in the workplace. You have strengths and a story that makes you unique, so own your story. It’s a power that AI cannot replicate and inevitably becomes your value to your organization.
How has the industry changed since you first started?
The industry continues to move toward sustainability, creating products with reduced environmental impact. We’re now facing more frequent and stringent regulations aimed at lowering the global warming potential (GWP) of our products and accelerating the move toward electrification. These changes have led to the development of smaller, more energy-efficient systems—but they can also drive added costs into the product.
At the same time, inflation has made consumers more selective. They prioritize long-term value and opt for higher-quality products that minimize the need for costly repairs or replacements. Quality has become a key differentiator.
Another major change is the role of the internet and social media in shaping brand perception. A single customer issue doesn’t just result in a service call—it can quickly become a public post on social media. That kind of visibility has raised the stakes for product quality across the board.
