MAKE IT HAPPEN
JO’ S ' CAN-DO ' JOURNEY TO BECOMING A FUTURE LEADER
What does it take to win a Future Leader award? For Jo Douglas-Harris, the answer is simple: a positive attitude and a belief that anything is possible.
Jo started her career at Venator, a chemical company headquartered in Wynyard, after studying chemistry at university and completing a PhD in chemical engineering.
That might sound intense, but Jo proves that if you’ re passionate and determined, the sky’ s the limit.
In just six years, Jo has gone from scientist to global manager, leading a team of 10 people and working on projects worth more than £ 100m. Recently, she’ s moved into marketing, where she’ s using her technical knowledge to shape how Venator connects with customers around the world.
But Jo isn’ t just focused on science. She’ s passionate about making STEM( science, technology, engineering and maths) more welcoming and inclusive.
She’ s worked with the Women’ s Engineering Society and even restarted a local group to bring young engineers together. She’ s also played a big role in encouraging Venator to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
When Jo found out she’ d won the Future Leader award at the prestigious Tees Business Awards 2025, she couldn’ t believe it.
“ I was up against some amazing people,” she said.“ It’ s a real honour to be recognised.”
So, what’ s her secret? Jo says it’ s all about teamwork and positivity.
“ You don’ t win these awards on your own – there’ s always a team behind you,” she explained.“ I like to go into
Chemical champion – Jo Douglas-Harris has progressed from scientist to marketing manager.
things with a‘ can-do’ attitude. It’ s not‘ can we make this happen?’ but‘ how are we going to make this happen’?”
For young people thinking about their future careers, Jo’ s story shows just how many opportunities exist right here on Teesside. Whether it’ s in science, engineering, business or something completely different, starting with the right mindset can take you a long way.
Jo’ s journey is proof that you don’ t have to move away to make a big impact. With hard work, passion and a positive outlook, you can build an exciting career and even become a Future Leader yourself.
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