Sue Robinson and NFDA celebrate International Women’s Day
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), provided the following comment to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day:
“I am delighted to see the automotive sector’s growing achievements towards promoting gender equality and diversity. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the crucial need to cultivate inclusive workplaces where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive. As a proud member of the 30% Automotive Club, a network of over 70 automotive CEOs and MDs committed to being inclusive leaders and building gender-balanced businesses, I fully support and respect this initiative.
Since assuming the role of Chief Executive at the NFDA, I have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from dealer chief executives and dealer staff. However, there is still much work to be done across the industry to dispel outdated and entrenched views held by many individuals.
I strongly advocate for the principles of mentorship, recognising their transformative potential in breaking down barriers and empowering women to realise their full potential. I believe women can succeed in this industry with determination, the right attitude, and equal opportunities, just like their male counterparts. It is essential to provide a fair chance for everyone, regardless of gender.
My personal advice to women looking to advance their careers in the automotive industry is to take every opportunity, believe in themselves and their abilities, find enjoyment and fun in their career and look for support when facing self-doubt or lack of confidence.
Franchised dealers have made tremendous progress in ensuring that opportunities are available equally across the board. It is imperative for businesses to continue investing in this endeavour to attract and retain the most talented individuals.
Many of our members actively participate in our employment initiative, Drive My Career, launched in 2018. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering a more representative industry. While progress is underway, there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity. We urge our members to keep getting involved in Drive My Career and to share their progress, inspiring others and advocating for an inclusive workplace.”
