Insight: Carol Arnold

By Michelle St. Onge

Photo by Jessica McCafferty

Hometown: Keeseville, NY

Family: Four cats - Calypso, Mama Cat, Little One, and Zippy

Education: B.A. and A.A.S. in Business Administration (Wilmington University in Delaware and Clinton Community College); Certificate, Our Lady of Victory Secretary School

Occupation: Retired former DuPont Engineering Training and Development Administrator

Community Involvement: Longtime member of Rotary International, Clinton County Historical Association, Oval West HOA Board of Directors, JCEO Backpack Program, Clinton Community College Alumni Board, Plattsburgh Mayor’s Charter Commission, Rockwell Kent Gallery, and Great Dames Women’s Group.

Carol Arnold has always believed in the power of taking the road less traveled. As the oldest of ten children in the Parkinson family of Keeseville, she grew up balancing discipline learned in Catholic school with a spirit of adventure encouraged by her father, who famously insisted she and her siblings know how to change a tire before they were allowed to drive alone. By age 18, she was traveling solo through Europe—a bold move that set the stage for a life defined by curiosity, independence and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

While many women of her generation followed a more traditional path, Arnold chose to chart her own course. After earning an Associate’s degree locally, she moved to Delaware and launched a career with DuPont. “My job involved setting up training programs,” she explained. “I eventually retired as the Engineering Knowledge Management Leader.” Over the decades, she built a reputation for helping teams streamline processes and adopt a mindset of continuous improvement.

Beyond her career, Arnold’s life has been equally dynamic. A former distance runner who completed seven marathons, she was selected to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the 1980 Lake Placid Games—a defining moment that reinforced her belief in saying “Yes” to new experiences. Following her retirement from DuPont she returned to Plattsburgh where she dedicates much of her time to volunteer work, particularly through Rotary International and local historical preservation efforts. Arnold lives by the philosophy that experiences matter more than possessions, and that life’s greatest rewards often come from showing up, being kind and believing that anything is possible.

Carol sat down with Strictly Business to reflect on the experiences, lessons and people who helped shape her path to the self-described “charmed life” she enjoys today.

SB: Tell us about your approach to management and leadership.

CA: I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. As a leader, you need to recognize that and be open to people’s expertise. Treating the people around you well is crucial—respect and kindness go a long way in leadership.

SB: Who was your most influential mentor?

CA: I have had so many family members that I looked up to. One was my aunt, who just passed away last week at the age of 94. She had her pilot’s license, owned her own plane, did her own plumbing and carpentry. Whatever needed to be done, she did it. She taught me to never back down, and that if I ever thought I could not do something, to just go for it anyway. She and my father both led by example.

SB: What important lessons did you learn early in your career?

CA: When an idea comes to you just go for it. The worst someone can say is No, but often, if “No” is the answer, there’s an alternative Yes.

SB: What habits do you have that contribute to your success?

CA: Being very conservative with money. I don’t spend much on myself. I’d rather spend on others. My sister recently asked if my shirt was new, and I told her I’d had it for 15 years! Things don’t impress me much. My car is a 2015 model. I focus on what’s meaningful rather than material possessions.

SB: What advice would you offer to someone starting his or her business career?

CA: Treat the people around you incredibly well, because they are the ones who will make you successful. Also, remember that you have something you can learn from every person you meet.

SB: If you could start your professional career over again, what would you do differently?

CA: Not a thing. I landed perfectly where I needed to be. I carved my own path in a major corporation, which is rare. When I got promoted, I created my own job titles and responsibilities. Not everyone gets to do that, but I did because I proved my value and management trusted me.

SB: What is one of the highlights of your professional career?

CA: My role in knowledge management. It was at the beginning of the knowledge era—when companies were figuring out who should have access to information, how to protect trade secrets, and how to ensure that the right people had what they needed. I created the role myself. Some people would call it records management, but it was more than that. It was about controlling access to sensitive information—blueprints, trade secrets, proprietary knowledge. I was essentially the guardian of the company’s intellectual property.

SB: What is one of your most treasured possessions?

CA: My 1980 Olympic torch and medal. I was selected to represent the state of Delaware for the Olympic torch relay ahead of the Winter Games in Lake Placid. There was a group of 50 of us, each representing their state. We became close friends and stayed in touch. This year we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the games. Looking back, that time was a defining moment in my life. I also have two banners from the event, and I’m proud to say that I still have my uniform—and I can still fit into it!

SB: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you offer her?

CA: I’d tell her to put everything she has into whatever she’s doing and to strive to be the best person she can be.

SB: What is your favorite quote and how does it speak to you in your life?

CA: My favorite quote is inspired by Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” I have always wanted to be different, and throughout my life I have chosen to do things in ways that don’t fit the mold of what people would expect. For me, that has made all the difference.

SB: Name one local personality or business person whom you admire, and share why?

CA: Without hesitation, that’s Billy Jones. He shows up everywhere, he’s kind, and I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like him. I think he has the potential to do great things. I appreciate that he’s making a difference in the North Country while also prioritizing his daughter.

SB: If you could have dinner and spend an evening with any well-known person, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

CA: I’d choose Joe Biden. I’d love to hear how his 50 years in government prepared him for the presidency. He commuted from Delaware to D.C. every day while raising his boys alone for years after his wife’s death. That level of commitment and resilience would be interesting to discuss.

SB: What inspires you?

CA: The work of Rotary Club. Not just our local chapter, but also the international Rotary organization. The impact that Rotary groups have, and the contributions they make are truly amazing.

SB: How would you like to be remembered?

CA: As a good and generous person and a protector of the Adirondacks.