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Kristin Mays-Corbitt is president and CEO of Mays Chemical Co. Inc., which specializes in the distribution of chemicals for the food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries and is one of the 40 largest chemical distributors in North America. She is the daughter of founder Bill Mays and has worked for the company more than 25 years, holding numerous positions. She serves on the boards of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, among others.
First job
Flakey Jake’s Restaurant was my first paid job outside of Mays Chemical. It taught me that people will pay more for quality and service. It also taught me that the job is easier when you like your co-workers!
Job swap
College professor of business or entrepreneurship or something in medicine or research.
Favorite thing about being a leader
Collaborating with other leaders to discuss and determine best practices (I love finding multiple ways to get something done).
Something surprising
I don’t like any condiments.
Admires most
Michelle Obama. She was publicly a wife to the president of the United States and mother of two young (coming-of-age) girls. She was resolute about her standards and did not compromise even under intense and sometimes relentless scrutiny. She was selfless and put the needs of her family FIRST.
Favorite device
My iPhone. Keeps me one call or FaceTime away from my husband, my children and my friends and family. We don’t realize it, but I think our smart devices were our saving grace during the pandemic when we couldn’t physically be together. Thank God for technological advances!
Toughest challenge
Leading during a global pandemic with no idea how long it will last. Trying to balance business challenges with keeping people safe, with supporting the economy and supporting people whose sources of income instantly vanished. I really attribute our success to collaboration and advice from our internal leadership at Mays Chemical, other Indiana business leaders and health care leaders who convened, sometimes weekly, to discuss the state of the community.
Leadership lessons
Sounds cliché but surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. If you are the smartest person in the room, get in a different room!
Walk-up song
“Swagga Like Us” by Jay Z and T.I.
Favorite sports team
Colts and Pacers!•
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