Women in Timber: Michelle Buckland

In a new series of articles for Women in Timber, we highlight the career paths of women across the timber industry.

Each interviewee will share their experiences, pivotal moments and achievements, and insights into their roles, and celebrating the valuable contribution women continue to make within this sector.

This article introduces Michelle Buckland, Chief Commercial Officer of plywood manufacturer MIRO who spoke at the inaugural WIT event.

How long have you worked in the timber industry?

I have been in timber/timber adjacent businesses for most of my career which spans 25 years to date. Geez, I am getting old!

How did you find found your way into the industry?

Whilst some people grow up knowing what they wanted to do, that wasn’t me. I left home at 16 and needed to work so put myself through college. I also knew, ultimately, I wanted to lead, not follow, and I quickly identified a career using finance as the springboard would offer more opportunities than other options.

What was your first role in this industry and what influenced you/highlights?

My first role with direct links to the timber industry was for Teknos, a Finnish coatings company. The UK operations mainly served the joinery industries. I started as the Financial Director and progressed to Managing Director learning everything I could about wood and coatings along the way.

What was your pivotal moment?

I’m not sure there has been one significant one; just a series of decisions and choices which have led me to where I am today.

If you were giving your younger self advice, what would you say?

Procrastinate less; you will always make the best of any situation. You can always reset if you are on the wrong path, and you will gain experience along the way.

Who were your role models – both in and out of the industry?

This is a hard one to answer. There are many people I admire across the industry, and I have learnt a lot from working with some fantastic people at all levels. What has always stood out for me is the people who are passionate about what they do and the products they sell; these are the ones who succeed.

For absolute role models, I would have to say Marie Curie. She pursued an education in science, a field where women were often excluded and, despite facing systematic sexism, she persisted, gained worldwide recognition for her brilliance, and thus her shelves were adorned with a couple of Nobel Prizes. Otherwise, female role models from a business perspective were few and far between in the 90s.

What’s the best bit about being a woman in the industry?

I enjoy challenging stereotypes. While it can sometimes be harder to step into a male-dominated industry, once you establish yourself, the professional relationships you build are grounded in genuine respect for your skills and abilities.

How have you overcome challenges that you have faced at work? 

Sheer bloody mindedness!  If someone tells me I cannot do something, it makes me more determined, and I’ll take a photo to prove that I did it too!

Looking ahead to the future, what’s next for you, your company, and the industry?

I steer clear of fortune telling! If I had a working crystal ball, I would have made my millions and be lounging on a beach in the Bahamas. That said, I believe timber is the most sustainable building material there is and, if we manage the resources properly, reforesting degraded lands with plantations and safeguarding the natural forest, the future of the timber industry will be a prosperous one.

For more information about Miro, visit: Miro Forestry and Timber Products