Pendragon PLC’s Post

Important read from Tina Drayson

The number of women working in automotive retail is 20 percent and has hovered around there for years. The best dealerships are trying to close the gap by developing a hiring strategy to recruit and retain female employees. (These same strategies will work when hiring and retaining men, by the way.)

WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE 💜   I have had the privilege to attend many automotive events in the last few weeks, networking with numerous industry partners. This experience has been immensely enjoyable and educational, allowing me to grow from each interaction. Reflecting on these events, a recurring topic that has captured my attention, is the experience of women in our industry. (Is this really still happening) 🤦♀️   Let me share some of the feedback I have heard from women in our field: ·      “I get sexual innuendos on a daily basis” ·      “I feel like I need to pretend to be someone I’m not just to fit in.” ·      “No one appreciates my softer side.” ·      “At trade shows, I get ignored until I approach someone about the tooling or equipment I’m interested in.” ·      “When I ask for information at stands, responses are directed to my male companions instead of me.” ·      “I was asked to do a presentation and get involved in a campaign, because they needed to be seen as having more women involved.” These comments come not from customers, but from our fellow workers. Consider how these women felt in these situations. While it is one thing to verbally support women in the trade and claim to be an advocate, actions speak louder than words. Your behaviour, body language and the language you use reveal your true feelings and thoughts. Imagine how you would feel if you faced daily sexual innuendos, felt compelled to hide your true self, got ignored at trade shows or were asked to present not for your expertise but to meet a diversity quota. Often this behaviour stems from a lack of self-awareness. Though no disrespect may be intended, ignorance of how your words and actions affect others is inexcusable. Fortunately, I have not experienced such treatment from colleagues or the wonderful people I have met on my networking journey. The issues I have observed have come from customers which is another story. We all recognise the benefits of a diverse workplace and this behaviour must stop. I know this does not apply to many of you reading this, however, we must all take responsibility to foster a respectful and inclusive work environment. Let us commit to making meaningful changes and truly supporting women in automotive. By doing so we not only improve the current workplace but also secure the future of our industry.      #womeninautomotive #automotive Louise Baker Alex Jones Hannah Galloway Randeep Reehal Louise Davies Sophie L. Tia Marsh

GREAT WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE (T)ogether (E)veryone (A)chieves (M)ore. Laura Brackney is the definition of that! Shown her with her beautiful Daughter Taylor Brackney, I think my nickname "This Girl Does" fits! But there is another nickname that works better! I nicknamed her TGD because when I began working at Germain Ford of Beavercreek, and I asked who does something, it was Laura. But what makes her so great? How can a non management team member be a great woman in Automotive? That's an easy one! Laura is all about the customer and all about relationships. So, it's a relationship business. What makes her special? Allow me to explain. If a customer has a concern and TJ the manager isn't available, she comes right to me. And....thats what others do. What about this? The last person the customer speaks to on their way out can make the difference between a good factory survey. She is usually the last. And she gets countless great surveys mentioning her! So she is the great caboose! Maybe I should change the nickname! Laura Brackney. Spotlight.

If you are a woman actively building your career but struggling to get the next promotion you may need to change your perspective from results to value. As women, we are quick to undermine, diminish, and give up our value. Why is that? Patti Newcomer, an accomplished leader working for Blue Chip companies says, “Women’s struggle to be out front with their value in the public sphere largely has to do with their expected role. We are supposed to be mothers. I feel I have spent an entire career explaining to myself and others that ‘it’s ok, I’m going to go to work too.’ My mother didn’t understand why I needed to work and she constantly put pressure on me. My other two sisters are also career professionals. One is a lawyer from ERISA claims law firm and one is an information technology (IT) manager for an insurance company. My mother gives us constant digs about not putting our kids first. Men generally don’t feel this sort of pressure.” This mindset of needing to explain that it’s “okay” to work carries over into the workplace. Read more about this in my post -> Women: How To Define Your Value In The Workplace - Kim Kupiecki https://bit.ly/47haHEY #LeadershipMindset #CareerTips

Women Behind the Wheel! Did you know that only about 1% of HGV drivers in the UK are women? While this number is still small, it’s slowly but surely growing. More companies are recognising the value of a diverse workforce and actively recruiting women to help change the face of logistics. What’s holding women back from joining the industry? For years, logistics has been seen as a male-dominated field, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There are challenges—whether it's the perception of the job, the demanding hours, or the lack of facilities for women on the road—but each of these barriers is an opportunity for change. Many companies, including ours, are working to create a more inclusive environment, breaking down these barriers for the next generation of drivers. Could the future of logistics be female? As the industry evolves, we’re seeing more women behind the wheel, proving that gender doesn’t define a great driver. Whether it's their attention to detail, commitment to safety, or ability to juggle demanding schedules, female drivers bring something new to the table. But this conversation isn’t just for women—what can you share from your own experience? Whether you’re a driver, a manager, or working in logistics, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you noticed more women entering the industry? What do you think needs to change to make this job more accessible?

Living my life in colour To be really honest, I should add to that statement, ‘now I will be' living my life in colour, as 80% of my current wardrobe is navy blue, I am not sure how that happened. I think it's the 25 year's work experience in Accounting and Finance, a sector that is very conservative and without knowing it shaped my image to this day. I and a few women reflected on the ‘uniform' that we did not realise we conformed to in the very male dominated world of Finance. I was told very early in my career by another woman in the 1990s (yes, I know, don't look that old) wearing dresses to work was considered ‘slutty'; I don't think she meant to be derogative; she felt she was giving me good career advice!! No doubt another woman gave her the same advice !! So, for most of my career, particularly the first 15 years, I dressed like a man, mainly in suits and in conservative colours. My hue and personality was already screaming my difference so tried to ‘tone it' down. In the 1980s some women even wore scarfs around near their neck like ties, mimicking the men. Can anyone remember the shoulder pads? OMG, it only just dawned on me recently. Was it fashion, or did women feel it necessary to ‘big up' themselves so they did not feel so dwarfed by men? I still love my navy, you can take a girl out of finance, but you can't take finance out… However making a vow to embrace more colours in my wardrobe, and definitely wearing more dresses, because it makes me feel alive, no more wallflower and dimming my light, if I am too bright or too much for you, go get some glasses. Please share in the comments what you will be making a conscious effort to change, something that will break you from the stifling mode, something that will bring you joy and liberty. ---- Hello I'm Yemi, I am the founder of Engage Transform, I head hunt exceptional talent for progressive companies. I also coach women on strategies to slay in their lane. Register for our free webinar, "7 hacks to accelerate your career," on the 26th of February at 8.00 pm. https://lnkd.in/eS-SWEiT #Joy #diversehire #recruitment #careercoach #DEI #equity, #inspiration, #engagetransform, #blackandbrilliant, #diversityandinclusion,

"When we first started The Thoughtful Co., I assumed that a lot of the executive women we worked with would have negotiated their compensation before. These women are powerhouses, running massive business lines or portfolios, with huge teams, budgets and scope. They are actively negotiating with vendors to get the best price, or negotiating for money for their own teams – but strangely enough, so many have never done it for themselves. It’s important to know that it’s never too late to start negotiating or advocating for yourself at work. Here are my top five reasons to start doing it now, even if you’re later in your career." Read our latest article by Jillian Climie now at the link below. https://lnkd.in/eyPmvJeW

Manufacturers face a gambit of challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. The LNS Research Future of Industrial Work #FOIW coverage provides manufacturers with the tactics Leaders have used to improve employee engagement, retention, and the value delivered to the business. I recently came across an article that specifically spoke about the opportunity for the automotive industry. Not surprisingly, the recommendations were directly in line with the #FOIW framework for success and included prioritizing career development, mentorship, and expanding childcare options. Those companies focusing on the Total Employee Experience will be well-positioned to compete for future talent. Take a look at the article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dFAYHT-x #WomenInManufacturing #FutureofWork #Transformation

Do you know a woman that is excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field? “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” - Dolly Parton She sat in the window seat, looking out at the small strip of land becoming smaller and smaller as the plane took off. Tears started rolling down her face and caught her by surprise. Why was she crying? She had wished for this moment for as long as she could remember. A chance to get a higher education in the U.S., to build a new life in a place full of opportunities. This really was a dream come true. Then why the sudden unexpected sadness? She realized that while her mind had been busy planning and preparing for all the exciting things to come, her heart grieved for what she was leaving behind - everything in the world that was familiar and dear to her - in her remote city in India. She had never left the country before, never been on a plane and never even experienced air-conditioning – which was presently blasting chilly air at her, freezing her to her core. Why is it so cold in this cabin? She should turn down the fan - but where was the fan? She looked around in frustration and pulled out the single sweater she had packed in her handbag – the one her mother had knitted especially for her to bring to the U.S.  Seeing the sweater made her cry even harder – she was going to be all alone in a new place and not know what to do. An older woman sitting next to her, asked her, “Can I help you?” “I don’t know how to turn off the fan” was all she could choke out, unable to find the right words. “Ah, it’s here behind the vent, let me show you how to operate it,” the woman explained. How to operate it. How to manage it. How to design. How to grow.  How to do it. How to lead.  She worked out problem after problem, took on every challenge. Getting her Master’s. Getting her PhD. And, since 2016, she leads the Vehicle Control Teams at General Motors Corporation (GM) in Warren, Michigan, U.S. and is one of the top experts of women in mobility (#womeninmobility), setting the stage for cleaner and smarter vehicles across the GM fleet. Ask Ankur how we will we get to 100% carbon neutral vehicles in the future?  “It’s a challenge but let me tell you how we plan to do it,” Ankur Ganguli, General Motors Corporation, Top Experts of Women in Mobility. Ankur Ganguli is my niece, and we couldn’t be prouder of her work, accomplishments, and her serving as a role model for women everywhere.  This post is shared to encourage women to seek career opportunities in the clean energy sector in the Philippines. USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA) works with energy sector organizations to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer