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Annual forum empowers women to take further leadership strides in automotive
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Toronto for the second annual Women & Automotive Canadian Leadership Forum held on April 5.
As the only conference of its kind in Canada, it’s gaining traction, attracting men and women from all automotive backgrounds including financial services and dealer principals as well as students enrolled in automotive programs across the country.
“We created the Women & Automotive Leadership Forum in 2016 to provide a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities impacting women in the automotive industry today, as well as the overall growing diversity in the Canadian automotive workforce,” said conference chair Marilu McQuilkin.
“Our goal is to bring the industry together to not only discuss, but also arm attendees with actionable solutions for effective leadership strategies, workplace diversity, and the importance of mentorship in the automotive industry,” she said.
The one-day, information-packed event focused on female auto industry leaders who are trailblazers, agents of change and risk takers.
Kicking off the day was keynote speaker Ruth McBride, VP, Manufacturer Partnerships, Dealer Products & Programs at Scotiabank.
“Little girls with dreams become women with vision,” said McBride as she chronicled her career and offered leadership tips to achieve success in a male-dominated industry.
The key, said McBride is to “figure out what you need to thrive, not just survive.” She encouraged the audience to dream big, welcome new challenges, surround themselves with successful teams, and strive to achieve work-life balance on a regular basis.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new to find passion outside of the office and bring balance in your life,” said the avid golfer, who also suggests breaking daily patterns and routines to foster creativity.
“Never think you are beyond learning something new, even as a seasoned leader,” she said.
Throughout the day, panel discussions covered a range of topics from battling bias in the workplace to the importance of mentorship and networking — an essential way to achieve success in the auto industry and beyond. “Stay genuine and true to who you are,” emphasized Liliane Dubois, Director, Vertical Market, Automotive, Equifax Canada.
“Networking is absolutely critical to your career,” added Dubois.
And so is mentoring.
“There are so many benefits of having a mentor — it helps build confidence,” said Wendy Ladd, Account Executive, Jim Pattison Lease.
Christine Mitchell, president of The Car Lady, lives by the philosophy: “Be assertive, not aggressive. You can say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.”
Katie Naughton, President, 401 Dixie Kia in Mississauga, summed it up best: “Never let fear stop you from your dreams or goals.”
A luncheon awards ceremony honoured Canada’s top female leaders who are paving new paths in the auto industry.
Fifteen women received the inaugural 2017 Women & Automotive Profiles in Leadership Awards including Susan Gubasta, next year’s incoming TADA President and President of Mississauga Toyota; Maria Soklis, President, Cox Automotive Canada; Logan Keirstead, Regional Account Director, Accu-Trade Canada, and Jill Hadfield, Director, Digital Product Solutions at TRADER Corp.
Several winners took to the stage to share inspirational words of wisdom. “Truly good leaders are also good followers,” said Kim Miller, Senior General Sales Manager, ADESA Toronto. “If it scares you, you should do it,” said Karey Davidson, CEO, RSR Global.
The closing address was delivered by Laura Zanchin, another trailblazer breaking down barriers in the auto industry.
Zanchin is the Principal and Executive VP of Zanchin Automotive Group — the largest dealer group in Toronto with over 30 locations and 15 brands.
“Being a woman in the auto industry is like wearing cement shoes” she explained.
Zanchin’s immigrant father, Joe Zanchin, who founded his first Honda store in Woodbridge, Ont. in 1973, did not hand everything to her on a silver platter, she said.
Laura worked hard and faced challenges along the way, but instead of weakening her, these challenges drove her to succeed.
She encourages other women to do the same because the opportunities in the auto sector are endless and the rewards, financially and otherwise, far outweigh the pitfalls.
By day’s end, audience members walked away with new friends and mentors as well as tools to become greater leaders, better mentors, and stronger advocates to spur positive change in the automotive industry.
The third annual Women & Automotive Canadian Leadership Forum is set for April 11, 2018 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.
