Real Model Interview featuring Sarah Knighting, Group Marketing Manager at TrustFord and Inspiring Automotive Woman 2022
We recently caught up with Sarah Knighting, Group Marketing Manager at TrustFord and an Inspiring Automotive Women Award Winner back in 2021.
In this interview, Sarah explains what she enjoys most about her role at TrustFord and her aspirations for the future. She tells us what makes her happy and why Julia Greenhough, Marketing Director at TrustFord, and Nichola Hobson, General Manager of Fleet Operations at TrustFord inspire her. Sarah also urges other women to speak up, and find a mentor in order to help progress within their automotive careers.
How did you feel to be nominated by your colleagues for the Inspiring Automotive Women Awards 2021 and how did it feel to be one of our winners?
I felt incredibly proud and honoured to be a winner of an IAW award and it was so lovely that my colleagues took time out of their busy days to nominate me.
What is your job and what does it involve?
I am Group Marketing Manager, which means I have overall responsibility for our group Marketing campaigns here at TrustFord. This includes all above the line activity, social media, PR and content. I am also responsible for our group standards which includes ongoing support of dealership/customer facing
standards at all of our sites. I have an amazing group of managers working with me, of which all of this would not be possible without them
How long have you worked in the sector?
I have worked in the sector since 2005, all in marketing roles, both agency and client side.
What do you like best about your job?
Easy! The team I work with! We are like a family, we all support each other and keep each other smiling when we do have those tough days
What are your future aspirations?
I would love to be a Marketing Director one day. I am very lucky that I have a great teacher, coach and mentor in my Marketing Director, Julia Greenhough, here at TrustFord
Can you name a woman in automotive that inspires you and why?
I am very lucky that I have a number of woman around me who inspire me everyday, both professionally and personally. My 2 ‘rocks’ at work would be Julia Greenhough (Marketing Director) who I have worked for, for nearly 9 years. She has helped me develop into the manager and colleague I am today. She is a great sounding board (and councillor!) and that whatever we put out in our campaigns and content, the customer is always at the heart of it.
Nichola Hobson, General Manager Fleet Operations, is my 2nd inspiring woman. She is incredibly dedicated to her work and always looks for the best solution for our customers businesses. She has been a great confidant and friend to me over the years.
What makes you happy?
The simple things really…I love spending time with friends and family, I have 2 dogs who I love going on long walks with and I also play a lot of Netball
Which word or phrase do you most overuse?
Basically!
What is your worst trait?
Not being able to switch off
How would you like to be recognised (as an inspiration to others)?
That if you work hard, be kind, great things can happen!
What advice would you give to women who are wanting to progress in the sector?
Speak up! Let your manager know how you wish to progress or what experience you need to help you get there and if possible, find a mentor who can help coach or guide you along the journey.