In this Technical Leadership interview, we sit down with seasoned engineer Elisabeth Krüger, who has spent over two decades at ArcelorMittal, rising from project manager to a global technical leadership role. She shares her thoughts on the importance of international experience and how trusting yourself and speaking up can unlock new opportunities. Read on as we explore her inspiring journey of balancing professional and personal development.

Tell us briefly about your career journey.

I started my career in 1999 at the Eisenhüttenstadt cluster in Germany after my PhD in electrical engineering. I grew from project manager for electric and automation to head of engineering department at ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt in 2020. In September 2024, I took on an assignment at the headquarters in Luxembourg as manager for engineering and projects, China supply chain.

What has contributed most to your growth in the company?

For me, the most important approach throughout my career has been to listen and learn. At every stage, I was fortunate to have great colleagues who shared their experience with me. I’ve always been curious and eager to improve, and I found that when others see you applying their advice and making progress, they’re even more willing to guide you.

Over time, I realised it was my turn to pass on that experience. My approach is to give new engineers tasks that are challenging but achievable while providing support when needed. I believe giving people responsibility is key to keeping them motivated and helping them grow.

What has been your most memorable experience in growing with ArcelorMittal?

I don’t have one single standout experience but getting the job at ArcelorMittal was a pivotal moment. I was proud because there were few opportunities in Eisenhüttenstadt, and securing this role allowed me to stay close to my family. That sense of accomplishment has driven me ever since, as I’ve been given more challenging tasks and responsibilities. The journey itself has been the most rewarding part—learning and growing over time.

On a personal and professional level, I’ve had a parallel development. Balancing my work with managing my personal life taught me important skills like prioritising and motivating others. I realised early on that I couldn’t do everything alone. It was tough for me because I like to handle things myself, but I had to learn the value of trusting others, sharing responsibilities, and empowering my team. As a leader, this has been one of the most important lessons—while you’re accountable for your work, you also need to trust your colleagues and give them the freedom to contribute.

What advice would you give to young engineers who may feel hesitant to take on new opportunities?

The most important advice is to trust yourself. If you feel that you are getting more confident in your current role, you know you are ready to take on a new opportunity when it arises. Even if you feel you don’t meet every single requirement, you’ll grow into the new role. As an example, think about how we learn as parents—we don’t wait until we know everything before we become parents. We grow with the experience, just like we grow with the job. Trust in your ability to evolve and learn along the way.

Balancing personal and professional life is demanding and sometimes even tiring, but don’t be afraid. I chose to be an engineer because I was fascinated by logic, mathematics, and problem-solving. To do what you genuinely want to do is most satisfying and a strength not to be underestimated.

Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently in terms of advocating for your growth?

Looking back, I think I could have been more confident in speaking up for myself. Early on, I was content with my work and happy with my role, but I only communicated my willingness to evolve within engineering. I should have been more assertive and open to exploring other areas. I eventually took the initiative to tell my manager that I wanted to do more. It’s a lesson I’ve learned: trust in yourself and speak up when opportunities arise.

Have you taken on any international roles during your 25 years with the company?

My current role is my first international experience, and it’s possible now because my children are grown up. I believe international experience is crucial for further growth. It's essential to have a global perspective to advance and take on broader responsibilities. International experience should be a career booster. It’s essential to be proactive and ask, 'What will I gain in terms of career development from this assignment?' You’re allowed to ask for that. Also remember that career growth never happens in isolation; you need supportive colleagues along the way. It’s all about teamwork.

What do you think makes ArcelorMittal a great place to work?

For me, it’s the combination of a fascinating industry and a strong sense of teamwork. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the steelmaking process—there’s something awe-inspiring about seeing liquid steel in a ladle for the first time. It's a technical marvel, and the opportunity to work in such a dynamic field is something I never anticipated, especially since I grew up in an area without a steel industry.

What really stands out about ArcelorMittal is the culture of collaboration. We work together as equals to achieve something extraordinary. There’s a constant sense of pride in what we do and that feeling has never faded.

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