From Data Analytics to NDT Leadership
Gretchen Marsden’s journey into Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a remarkable story of passion, resilience, and dedication. As the Manager of Business Process & Quality Control at Tulsa Inspection Resources, Gretchen has carved out a successful career in the NDT industry, driven by her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
A Chance Encounter
Gretchen’s entry into NDT was inspired by a friend who wished he had chosen the field. Fresh out of high school, she decided to explore NDT and discovered a love for the job and the industry. Graduating from Spartan College with an NDT Diploma and a BS in Data Analytics, she began her career at TEAM, Inc., working as a technician across the US.
Building a Reputation
Seeking stability for herself and her son, Gretchen joined T.D. Williamson as an NDE Data Analyst in 2018. Her hard work and dedication quickly earned her a promotion to Senior Analyst, solidifying her reputation in the pipeline sector. Recommended for a quality management position by a former coworker turned client, she now oversees NDT quality processes and inspections.
Overcoming Challenges
Women in NDT often face challenges such as being perceived as “diversity hires” and held to higher standards. Gretchen has successfully navigated these challenges by always being prepared, thinking ahead, and consistently outperforming herself and others. Her commitment to self-accountability and excellence has been key to her success.
Leadership and Mentorship
Gretchen believes a successful leader in the NDT industry should protect their reputation, be open to learning, and prioritize their team's success. She credits several mentors for shaping her career, including Daniel Maurer, Sarah Melzer, Josh Yunik, and Jeremy Clark, each teaching her valuable lessons in performance, integrity, striving for excellence, and guiding others.
Making an Impact
Gretchen hopes to make a significant impact on the industry. She has already helped NDT vendors achieve top performance and significantly increase revenues. Her dedication to training and developing NDT technicians has had a meaningful impact, showcasing her commitment to the growth and success of those around her.
Advocating for Women in NDT
Gretchen highlights additional challenges for women in NDT, such as lack of mentorship, non-inclusive benefits, and field harassment. She emphasizes the importance of women mentoring women to overcome these challenges and calls for higher standards across the industry to support young women.
Inspiration and Advice
Gretchen’s greatest inspiration is seeing the growth of people around her. She encourages others to “give them hell,” make trustworthy friends, stay grounded, and always seek new learning opportunities. Her advice is to trade knowledge whenever possible and be proactive rather than reactive.
Gretchen Marsden’s story is a powerful reminder that dedication, resilience, and a willingness to learn can lead to remarkable success in the NDT industry. Her journey inspires others to overcome challenges, advocate for change, and contribute to the industry's future.
This is Gretchen's Story, what's yours? Share your story at support@onestopndt.com. Thank you for tuning in.
