Face Time: Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly

By Katie Abdilla | Published 05/21/13 6:09pm

Since graduating from MSU in 1989, MSU alumna Sheryl Connelly has worn many hats. With experience in everything from sales to law, Connelly currently serves as the futurist for Ford Motor Co., predicting trends to help the company adapt to future changes in society.

Despite her business focus, Connelly is a self-proclaimed right-brainer, and most recently, was the first woman to make Fast Companys Top 100 Most Creative People in Business list for 2013. John Viera, Ford Motor Co.s global director of sustainability and environmental matters, said Connellys creative edge brings a new perspective to the office.

Im an engineer by nature, and Sheryl and I complement each other really well, Viera said. Left-brained people have a tendency to want to get to the answer right away, and what Sheryl does is takes a creative stand and opens up the blinds for us.

The State News spoke with Connelly on Monday, discussing her career and her time at MSU.

The State News: What was your overall experience at MSU like?

Sheryl Connelly: I have nothing but the fondest memories of my time at Michigan State. Like any college experience, when you get the opportunity to go away, its the time to find yourself. Its not just about the educational journey, its a journey of self-discovery and figuring out who you are away from your friends and family unit.

TSN: Although you focused on business while at MSU, you also were interested in art. What made you pick one over the other?

SC: I was really torn about whether I wanted to study art or business, but in the context of the 80s, it had its recession, and (business) seemed like the safest bet. I remember still today, it was exciting, the subtle reaction when people found out you were in the business college. At times it caught people by surprise, to see young women pursuing that kind of discipline.

TSN: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

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Face Time: Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly