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Empowering Women at AUTO1 Group: Journeys of Growth and Inspiration
07 March 2024
As the world celebrates International Women's Day, we at AUTO1 Group take a moment to spotlight the remarkable women within the company. We asked four inspiring women about their stories, whose journeys of growth, resilience, and leadership not only contribute to our collective success but also pave the way for an even more inclusive and empowering workplace.
Can you tell us about yourself and your role within AUTO1 Group?
I'm originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, and have an educational background in graphic, UX, and mobile design. While running a small design studio in Bogotá, where I wore many hats, from creative director to motion graphic designer, I worked closely with a team of freelancers, and we took on challenges to support companies that did not have the resources for an in-house design team or hire large advertising agencies. I later transitioned to working as a UX/UI designer for an e-commerce startup, where I developed my skills and learned how to manage a team. Life eventually brought me to Berlin, where an encounter at a job fair introduced me to AUTO1 Group. I joined as a Senior Web Designer for the Marketing department, and it was my first job working entirely in English, so I had to get used to the lingo! Now, I am the Head of Design, and my team works specifically for our Retail and C2B brands.
How has your role at AUTO1 Group evolved?
I started as a Senior Web Designer, handling various tasks for the Marketing department, from digital ads and website landing pages to graphic print pieces. After six months, I was offered the Team Lead position for a small team of 3 designers. I was very happy about this transition because I could use my expertise and knowledge for the company while building a stronger team and supporting other departments. Two years later, I took the next step in my career as the Head of Design, continuing my growth and expanding my impact in the company.
What initial challenges did you face when you joined, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge when I joined the company was understanding the department’s needs and processes. What was the style of the brands I was working for? What were the processes and the team dynamics as well as challenges? I aimed to fully understand both the specific needs of the teams and the business goals related to design. To overcome this, I focused on listening and asking questions despite concerns about how my inquiries might be perceived. Listening and keeping my mind open to what I could do allowed me to address challenges and contribute solutions effectively.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career at AUTO1 Group?
There are so many! But I would say what I am most proud of is the diverse team that I have built over the years. My team started with three designers and has now expanded to 11! Together, we’ve significantly enhanced our support to various departments across the company with their graphic design needs. I am also incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit within the team; we're constantly communicating, sharing insights, and assisting each other. It is incredibly gratifying for me to see them be empowered, speaking up, and growing as exceptionally talented designers.
How has AUTO1 Group supported your professional development and career growth?
AUTO1 Group has significantly supported me in several ways. After becoming a mother, having the flexibility to work from home has been THE biggest benefit, enabling me to manage my time effectively without the stress of commuting between the office and the kindergarten. Another incredible lever for my career growth has been my peers, supervisors, and senior colleagues for their trust, openness, and encouragement. Some of my colleagues have become mentors, broadening my perspective on design trends and understanding people, which is crucial in enhancing our design solutions and communication strategies.
What advice would you give other women starting their careers at AUTO1 Group or in the automotive industry in general?
As women, we are often taught to be nice, to please other people, and not to be an inconvenience. Shake that out! Speak up! It's crucial to ask questions to understand the 'why' behind tasks and clearly define goals and objectives. Get the clarity you need, then speak up with your solutions. Be proactive in sharing your ideas. If you think of a more efficient process, write it down, create a presentation with explanations, and share it with your team. Your unique perspective could lead to groundbreaking improvements. Be assertive, be confident, and remember that you were selected to be part of this company because your expertise is valued and needed.
Can you tell us about yourself and your role at AUTO1 Group
As Head of Logistics Fulfillment Iberia, I am responsible for ensuring high levels of service and efficiency for all the different business areas through coordination among the providers and involved departments.
How has your role at AUTO1 Group evolved?
I started at AUTO1 Group as an intern eight years ago when the logistics department was just taking shape. We had many opportunities ahead in Spain and a whole new frontier to explore in Portugal. Our goal was to set up a robust network of suppliers and manage operations. Over the years, the department has evolved with new projects, including the launch of Autohero, marking an exciting and challenging journey that has brought us to where we are today. Along the way, I progressed to Team Lead, where, with a fantastic team, we achieved unprecedented service levels. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we emerged stronger. It's been over two years since I took on the Head of Logistics Fulfillment role, and I'm proud to lead a resilient and capable team.
What initial challenges did you face when you joined, and how did you overcome them?
Working in a startup, as it was at that time with AUTO1 Iberia, presented unique challenges since many procedures were still being defined. We had to learn the best solution for emerging problems and how to develop the business together successfully. Each team member's effort and our HQ colleagues' collaboration were crucial. Fortunately, everyone was willing to contribute their best, which significantly facilitated things. I believe that teamwork has always been one of the keys to the success of our company.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career at AUTO1 Group?
A defining milestone in my career at AUTO1 Group was navigating through the tense situation in the logistics market in 2022, triggered by a mix of supply chain disruptions, operational challenges from the pandemic, increased demand for automotive products, and labor shortages. For me, overcoming this was a significant milestone highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the organization. Despite facing obstacles, it taught us the importance of having a strategic vision to anticipate possible challenges. This experience led to significant improvements in our operations, enabling us to perform at our highest standards.
How has AUTO1 Group supported your professional development and career growth?
AUTO1 Group gave me the most important tool to grow: the confidence that my supervisors instilled in me right from the start. They involved me in new projects and negotiations, entrusting me with responsibilities that fostered my growth. Of course, I worked very hard to earn this trust and continue to do so to maintain it.
What advice would you give other women starting their careers at AUTO1 Group or in the automotive industry in general?
Believe in yourself, have faith in what you do, and push until you are confident in your results. Initially, I led an all-male team and received incredible support. They trusted my lead, and I trusted their output. As the team grew, we now have a 50/50 gender split, reflecting the company’s commitment to gender equality. Despite these strides, ongoing challenges remain in industries (like automotive) traditionally dominated by men. My goal? To change this narrative with my story. I aspire to use my journey to empower the incredible women on my team to spread their wings as wide as they want!
Can you tell us about yourself and your role within AUTO1 Group?
Originally from Sweden, I knew early in my life that I wanted to explore the world. With older sisters (in other words, role models) embarking on adventures and living in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Spain, I was determined to find ways of making a home abroad. After graduation and months of traveling, I settled in New York to start my career in digital analytics, working across various industries. Fast forward four years, I moved to Berlin and joined AUTO1 Group in my very first week in the city. Today, I work as the VP of Customer Journey. I serve as a bridge between Marketing and Product, ensuring we deliver the best possible customer journey across our different products. This role entails focusing on qualitative and quantitative data insights to identify and overcome customer hurdles. The functions in this area range from Data Analysts, Conversion Managers, Designers, CRM Managers, Designers, Developers, and so many more.
How has your role at AUTO1 Group evolved?
I joined AUTO1 Group over eight years ago as the first Conversion Optimization Manager for the C2B brand, wirkaufendeinauto.de, and their international counterparts, a role that didn’t exist before my arrival. From then on, I had the opportunity to work closely with developers, designers, and product managers, contributing to the growth of both the product and what is now the marketing tech team. With my increasing responsibilities, I moved into the role of Head of Conversion Optimization, then to Director of Marketing, before moving into my current role as VP two years ago. During this time, I had the chance to work alongside many of our talented colleagues to build Autohero into what it is today and further advance the merchant journey on Auto1.com.
What initial challenges did you face when you joined, and how did you overcome them?
When I joined, it was a completely new field and area that we were exploring, meaning there was no existing documentation or prior knowledge to guide me. To navigate this, I applied a combination of researching best practices in the market, adopting a learning-by-doing approach, and what has become my main mantra: “Learn, adapt, grow”.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career at AUTO1 Group?
Many milestones come to mind, but two, in particular, stand out—first, our adaptation of the customer’s online self-evaluation on our C2B brand wirkaufendeinauto.de and its local sister brands WKDA during the pandemic. With limited resources, we quickly built a prototype, pushing us to learn, adapt, and grow. Second, the relaunch of Autohero to digitalize the customer experience & process. This was done in a very lean manner, with a small team crunching out the essence of the experience in a 1-week workshop. Since its launch, we have been applying the “Learn, adapt, grow” philosophy, taking Autohero to new heights.
How has AUTO1 Group supported your professional development and career growth?
AUTO1 Group has always fostered a culture that encourages initiative and ownership, allowing for growth beyond the bullet points of a role description. For me, this has meant my curiosity to learn and grow has opened opportunities to venture into areas well beyond my initial responsibilities.
What advice would you give other women starting their careers at AUTO1 Group or in the automotive industry in general
Own your knowledge, and do not be afraid to speak your mind. Too often, women are taught from a young age to conform and play the good girl. I have learned through my career that the loudest person in the room is rarely the most knowledgeable, so rely on data to support your arguments.
Can you tell us about yourself and your role within AUTO1 Group?
I started working at AUTO1 Group in 2018 as an intern in the business analytics team. My natural curiosity drove me to seek solutions and make things work efficiently. Over the years, I've been involved in numerous innovation projects alongside the HQ IT teams, which has been incredibly rewarding. Recently, I embraced the opportunity to lead the branch operations team as Head of Branch Operations, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in Purchasing and working closely with the Italian branches.
How has your role at AUTO1 Group evolved?
My role has significantly evolved since my earlier days, working on small projects with a handful of people. As the company grew, so did the scope of my responsibilities! After completing my internship, I moved into the role of Business Analyst for over three years before taking on the Team Lead of Business Analytics position. I gradually became more involved in numerous projects and collaborated with new teams across the company, including the operations, logistics, and sales teams. I am excited to embark on my new journey as Head of Branch Operations.
What initial challenges did you face when you joined, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was building a network and fostering trust with colleagues both inside and outside my team. To overcome this, I proactively assisted others with their daily tasks and problems, which gradually helped me establish credibility and trustworthiness. I am often invited to meetings for support and input, reflecting the solid professional relationships I’ve cultivated.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career at AUTO1 Group?
I am incredibly proud of how I have used my abilities to assist teams in collaborating on projects to achieve shared goals. My focus has been on devising solutions that propel business growth and ensure people understand their part in the change. Moving forward, I aspire to continue to nurture both the personal and professional growth of my team members alongside the business.
How has AUTO1 Group supported your professional development and career growth?
I have always felt lucky with my mentors over the years. Throughout my journey, no Team Lead, Head, or VP has ever made me feel excluded or marginalized due to my gender. This inclusive and supportive environment has been crucial in building my confidence and growing professionally.
What advice would you give other women starting their careers at AUTO1 Group or in the automotive industry in general?
Try not to view being the only woman in a room, meeting, or team as an obstacle - embrace it instead! Use your unique position as a minority in the automotive field to drive growth and change. See it as an opportunity to contribute diverse perspectives and make a significant impact by bringing your insights to the table.
The experiences of these remarkable women offer invaluable lessons and inspiration for women embarking on their careers. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also commit to fostering an environment that supports each individual. Together, we can continue to break barriers and shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for the automotive industry. If you want to join this journey, look at our current openings. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.
Happy International Women’s Day!