Thanks to efforts from across the car industry, there are an increasing number of women in automotive roles, adding fresh prespectives to the business and helping it continue to grow. But in spite of this reform, women continue to account for just over a quarter of the auto sector’s workforce, far lower than the 47% nationwide average according to Deloitte’s Women at the Wheel report. One thing is certain, now is hardly the time for the car sector to rest on its laurels.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Women Driving the Industry, a show where leaders from across the automotive landscape discuss their professional experiences and shed light on the challenges women continue to face in their careers. Host Shyann Malone is joined by Veronica Dunford, industry veteran and partner of Women in Automotive, an organization advocating for better gender inclusivity within the car business. Together, they discuss the difficulties Dunford encountered on her path to becoming a leader and why organizations like Women in Automotive are crucial to the industry’s long-term success.
Key Takeaways
1. Dunford notes that the automotive industry is more receptive to women than ever before. However, problems with visibility and retention persist. Organizations like Women in Automotive aim to mentor, train, and support women in the industry, improving retention by addressing challenges like incompatible work schedules.
2. Veronica shares her personal experiences with discrimination and challenges in the automotive industry, which in many ways continues to operate under a “boys’ club” mentality. She explains how she was robbed of her first month of pay, even though she outperformed her male colleagues. Her experiences reflect broader issues within the business world, where women often face gender-based obstacles and have to prove their competence against biased expectations.
3. Mentorship and community are crucial for the advancement and retention of women in the automotive industry. Women in Automotive provides a platform for networking, support, and professional growth while highlighting the need for both women and men to work together on inclusivity.
4. Dunford’s career journey showcases resilience and adaptability, demonstrating how diverse experiences can contribute to success in the automotive industry. Her transition from sales to marketing, and eventually to leadership roles, underscores the varied paths to success one can take within the industry.
5. Dunford emphasizes the power of self-belief and the importance of advocating for oneself and others. Her advice to find one’s “why” and to engage in mentorship not only as a recipient but also as a provider, highlights the significance of empowerment and active participation in shaping a more inclusive industry for women.
"I started out in sales, and I sold a specific model of car more than any of the men...I sold seven cars in one week, which was unheard of back then. And I was told at the end of my 'training period,' as they decided to call it, that because I was training, I wasn't going to be paid...I didn't get paid at all for the entire time I worked there, which was a month. My training was the first two weeks." — Veronica Dunford
