Wesley Freeman

Charlotte, NC
Cost Modeling Manufacturing Engineer
Pratt & Whitney

Briefly describe your daily job duties.
I create financial cost delta analysis for jet engine manufacturing processes and engine component changes.

As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job.
The most challenging part of my job as a stutterer would be presenting to upper management, and their partners. It brings a very high stress environment when you have to be precise and diligent in communicating jet engine manufacturing process and component changes, as well as financial data. There’s certain vocabulary that may be unavoidable that I know are problem areas when talking.

What are your long-term career aspirations?
I’d love to be a motivational speaker, and an advocate for unique individuals like myself.

Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process?
Yes! I always introduce myself and let people know that I stutter! I love that it gives me a chance to get the “pink elephant in the room” out of the way, and gives me a chance to educate people in what stuttering is if they’ve never came in contact with a stutterer. It is always well received, and sparks my confidence in every group I work with.

What is your proudest moment at your current company?
My proudest moment at my current company is when I switched from an on-site engineering role to off-site role. All of the shop floor workers expressed how I touched their lives or made their day better by my daily plant walk arounds just to say “good morning” and stopping to get to know them as people not just workers. I was able to make an impact on someoneelses life by putting myself outside of my comfort zone everyday!

Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work.
My stutter has made me a more valued contributor at work because I’m more likely to put myself into awkward speaking situations; whether it’s reaching out to a team member that I’ve never talked to before or always checking in on people. It has opened the door to people being able to come to me for anything they need without hesitation and that has had a team building effect.

What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success?
Never be afraid to let your stutter show! Your authentic self will captivate and open up the hearts and minds of many that you come in contact with!