Real Model interview episode #25 featuring Moyosola Fujamade, Senior Press Officer (Events) at Kia Motors UK and Inspiring Automotive Women Award Winner

Moyosola Fujamade is a Senior Press Officer (Events) at Kia Motors UK and most recently recognised as an Inspiring Automotive Woman Award Winner for 2020.

Moyosola has worked for Kia Motors UK for over five years, originally working in Planning, then Press and PR, operating the press fleet then moving on to managing Kia’s PR events. During this time, she consistently delivered excellent results and impressed both internally and externally with Kia’s UK media customers. Moyosola is a keen, vocal and active member of Strive - Kia’s internal networking group and discussion forum, intended to provide support, community and a unified rational voice aiming to progress gender diversity within Kia. She is also actively working with the Racial Equality Group and has worked on business cases to be presented to senior management on flexible working, equal opportunity reporting and diversity training. Moyosola has worked with Strive and the Automotive 30% Club to visit schools inspiring teenage girls to consider careers within the automotive industry.

We had the opportunity to speak with Moyosola following her recognition at the Inspiring Automotive Women Awards 2020 and asked her questions based on her winning nomination.

How did you feel to be nominated by your colleagues in the Inspiring Automotive Women Awards 2020 and how did it feel to be one of our winners?

I was genuinely shocked and truly didn’t expect it! It is both an honour and a privilege to know that my voice is being heard and making a difference.

What is your job and what does it involve?

Currently I work within the Press & PR team at Kia and my main responsibilities involve the planning, organisation and execution of events – product launches, vehicle drive days & industry events/activities. I am responsible for the managing of budgets and external suppliers, with an ultimate goal of always producing quality experiences with a customer-first (typically automotive journalists) focus.

How long have you worked in the sector?

I have worked in the sector for seven years with my first role having been during my university placement year.

What do you like best about your job?

The variety it comes with, no two days are typically the same!

What are your future aspirations?

I’d love to get to senior management level at an organisation within the automotive industry – I think it is so important that those coming behind me can see that it is possible because it is very difficult to be what you cannot see.

Can you name a woman in automotive that inspires you and why?

Linda Jackson (CEO at PEUGEOT), I had the pleasure of meeting her and having a conversation with her a few years ago where she imparted such knowledge and wisdom that I couldn’t not be in awe of her. She has trail blazed as a women in this industry without following a traditional linear route and that gave me the confidence to know that my route also does not need to be linear – I have a mathematics degree and work in PR!

What makes you happy?

Pre-covid, I enjoyed a date night comprising of a theatre production and dinner for one. During covid however, I have found joy in regular walks with podcasts for comfort. I really do enjoy “me time” and cannot wait for theatres to be open again!

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

“Indeedy”

What is your worst trait?

I believe that my worst trait is also my best trait – my drive. It motivates me to strive forward but also has the ability to knock my confidence when I hear “no”.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to be remembered for opening doors and ensuring they stayed open for those behind me, particularly by those that look like me. Representation truly matters!

What advice would you give to women who are wanting to progress in the sector?

As a wise man once said to me, you need to live by two P’s – patience & persistence. Never take the first no as the final answer if your cause is something you truly feel passionately about and always ask questions.