How did you feel to be nominated by your colleagues in the Inspiring Automotive Women Awards 2021 and how did it feel to be one of our winners?
I was incredibly touched to have been nominated and recognised by the Inspiring Automotive Women Awards, I did not expect it at all. Really grateful for the nomination and for being one of the winners. It is great to work for a company and a leadership team that appreciates who we are and how we contribute to the business, thank you TGB Leadership team.
What is your job and what does it involve?
At the time of the nomination I was Senior Manager of Auto Futures at TGB, I was promoted in September to be a General Manager of CX and Transformation. I think I have one of the best jobs at TGB influencing and implementing strategic change to the way we do business. I work very closely with the TGB teams and our Retailer Network to bring our strategy to life.
How long have you worked in the sector?
I have been in the industry for a long time, 17 years now. I joined the Honda Power Equipment distributor during my university placement year and never left the motor trade ever since. Honda took me to the UK 11 years ago, when my international career has started. Since then I worked for various other brands mainly in network development and since 2015 I focus on future retail and everything that it involves.
What do you like best about your job?
I love what I do and what it involves. I have got a very diverse role and work with a broad network at all levels. No day is the same and there is something new that helps us to improve. This diversity provides a great opportunity to grow professionally and personally
What are your future aspirations?
My short-term aspiration is to build a high-performing team that drives Network Transformation forward. At the same time, I want to continue to inspire, support and mentor people to achieve their potential and make them believe that the world is their oyster.
Can you name a woman in automotive that inspires you and why?
Actually, there are a few. One of the most inspiring women I met is Paula Cooper, she is incredible in every way. She gets the best out of you. I love the fact she is authentic, full of compassion, a super-fast thinker and always looking ahead to the future.
The other person is one of my best friends, Luisa Ferres Meyer, Head of HR Centre of Excellence at INEOS Automotive. One of the most inclusive people I know, super people minded, creative with a growth mindset, and great to work with.
What makes you happy?
Personally, being by the sea on the beach, on the water, doing yoga, running, and being surrounded by my family and friends. Professionally, seeing the team performing, collaborating, supporting one another, and having a good spirit and energy. Really enjoy developing people to make their next steps in their careers. Great to see and being involved with helping people make their dreams happen.
Which word or phrase do you most overuse?
I definitely use the world transformation way too often, I sign that I am passionate about what I do.
What is your worst trait?
Not saying no and taking too much on.
How would you like to be recognised (as an inspiration to others)?
Someone who is authentic and genuinely caring for other people with no hidden agenda. Someone who stays true to her values and beliefs. Always see the positive and be passionate about what I do.
What advice would you give to women who are wanting to progress in the sector?
It’s a dynamic ever-changing industry, with loads of opportunities on the horizon. Go for it, the industry needs diversity, more females!
Believe in yourself, be resilient, growth mindset, and love what you do.
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dora Boganyi, General Manager of Customer Experience and Transformation at Toyota GB and Inspiring Automotive Woman Award Winner for 2021.