Real Model Interview featuring Clare Beynon, Talent Acquisition Marketing Manager at Enterprise Holdings and Inspiring Automotive Woman Award Winner for 2021

What is your job and what does it involve? 

As the Talent Acquisition Marketing Manager for Enterprise, UK and Ireland. My role includes identifying new, innovative ways to attract the best and brightest talent to our many incredible opportunities. With our broad range of job opportunities and business functions, Enterprise offers employees the opportunity to change careers without changing companies. In fact, the majority of Enterprise’s senior leadership started out in the company’s renowned Management Training Programme … up to and including our President and CEO, Chrissy Taylor. The Management Training Programme is a graduate position and we, therefore, partner with over 100 Universities across the UK and Ireland and ensure we have strategies in place to attract a diverse candidate pool. Attracting females into the automotive industry can be difficult, so it’s imperative we can demonstrate what a great place Enterprise is to work, irrespective of gender. One accolade to be proud of is that we have been recognised in The Times Top 50 Employers For Women list for 16 consecutive years. I am passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and I ensure we collaborate with diverse business partners to find the best talent to ensure the continued success of our business.

How long have you worked in the sector and what attracted you to the sector?

I started on the Management Training Programme myself and progressed and developed within many operational roles before moving into HR. This year I celebrate my 19th year with Enterprise. It really doesn’t feel that long! My tenure has been long; however, my career hasn’t stood still. With our broad range of job opportunities and business functions, Enterprise offers employees the opportunity to change careers without changing companies.

What do you like best about your job?

There is no one aspect of my job that I like best. If I had to choose, I would say the people – my team and the people we work alongside in the wider business. We are all focused and driven to achieve the same goals, and we make sure we have time for fun along the way. Our company culture and values are incredibly important to me. We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Our doors are open.” It’s one of the founding values that we live by every day.

Giving back to our local community and the fact that we are innovators of sustainable change is also important. This gives me a sense of purpose, knowing our team makes a positive impact. Being able to communicate this to a candidate and our employees, who share this passion, is very rewarding.

What are your future aspirations?

I started in my current role only 18 months ago, so I still have lots to learn and impact. One goal I am focused on is to achieve equality in our male:female application ratio. We have reached this in some regions, which is outstanding!

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

We have so many fantastic female leaders at Enterprise. Our President and CEO, Chrissy Taylor, is a woman in automotive that inspires me, without a doubt. Her leadership during the pandemic was exemplary; she steered us through that difficult time. Leigh Lafever- Ayer, our HR Director for the UK and Ireland, who I’ve had the privilege of knowing for over 15 years, has been an incredible role model, mentor and sponsor throughout my career. To now be able to work alongside her on projects in my current role is an absolute privilege.

What makes you happy?

I am happiest when I am with my two amazing daughters, Scarlett and Sienna. My eldest is vocal on gender parity and asks a lot of questions on the topic! My hope is for them to grow up in a world where gender isn’t a barrier to anything they want to achieve.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

Unfortunately, in recent times, my most overused phrase has been: ‘Sorry, I was on mute’.

What is your worst trait?

My worst trait is self-doubt. I have learned to recognise that inner voice and push back over the years, but it still creeps in from time to time.

How would you like to be recognised (as an inspiration to others)?

I hope to be recognised as someone that encourages others to move from passive to active allyship in our industry. It’s so important to ‘pay it forward’.

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

I would encourage women to read up on Harvey J. Coleman’s P.I.E model. Coleman shares that Performance accounts for 10% of your success, Image 30% but it’s Exposure that matters most, at 60%!