• Inside Varroc
• Culture
• Interviewed

At Varroc, we consistently challenge every stereotype and break gender-based prejudices. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we spoke to a few of our women leaders within the organization, who have re-defined these stereotypes and exceled with their performance in the Auto-Manufacturing sector. With wide-range of experiences these women pave the path for an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and inspire young aspiring women to enter our challenging and equally rewarding automotive sector.

 

We begin with Anupama Kanbur, who is Dy General Manager Civil & Utility. Currently, Anupama is heading pan India Civil- MEP operational and technical functionalities.

 

Question 1: Give us a glimpse of your day-to-day life in the organization? How do you #choosetochallenge every day?

Answer 1: I am currently based at Pune, which makes my daily activities quite varied and nuanced.  My line of events on a regular day includes; overlooking all department-specific activities across plants, planning and managing both major and macro crises, and conducting cross functional discussions for various projects.

 I am very passionate about my work, I treat each day as a fresh challenge and the thrill in my work gives me great satisfaction.

 

Question 2: When working in a predominantly male-centric automotive industry what are the challenges you strive to overcome every day?

Answer 2: A two decade long experience within similar workspaces have melted down most gender-specific challenges for me. 

According to me, in today’s era, biases and stereotypes exist due to internalization at an early age in our lives. I choose to never be bound by gender biases , rather I ensure that I can use the traits and abilities that women possess and use it to bring out the best results. 

More so, I believe that an individual’s true integrity and performance can propel them towards excellence, if they take up the challenge gender is insignificant.  

 

Question 3: In brief tell us about your journey that led you to auto-technology? 

Answer 3: To be honest, I am not really in the auto-segment of the auto industry, my work includes catering to infrastructure within the auto industry. 

Each vertical within an auto industry is itself a micro-industry with its own set of requirements. After the successful completion of a project, it gives me immense joy to see the running structure, the working machinery and the commencement of production at a premise, my team and I have contributed to build. Even when the maintenance job is done well, it gives me the satisfaction of having contributed to the well-being of the unit. 

It been 21 years and my work still makes me look forward to each new day. 

 

Question 4: If you could go back in time, what would be one guiding principal you would advice your younger self to follow? 

Answer 4: If I was given the chance I would incorporate gratitude as the key process in my life, much earlier than I eventually did. 

 

Question 5: You message to young women, who would eventually follow similar footsteps. 

Answer 5: My message for young women is, to always be true to yourself,  remember to engage with your mind and always assess your strategies before jumping into commitments. Understand, the commitment to your job is equally important to the commitment to your family. There are processes and people dependent on you at work, just as there are at home. Strive to be that person who does the job right, efficiently, and successfully each day. 

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In STEM, we spoke to, Aneta Duszkiewicz, who is currently working as a Purchasing Processes and Tools Specialist, for the Lighting Business at our Krakow, Poland office.

Question 1: Give us a glimpse of your day-to-day life in the organization? How do you choose to challenge gender bias every day?

Answer 1: In all workplaces, during the circle of a day we experience several challenges that sometimes may make us feel uncomfortable. To battle such situations , I think that the first important rule is very simple and can be compacted into one simple advice-REACT.

Every time you, as a woman, find yourself in an uncomfortable situation – react immediately.

Also, when you observe it happening to another colleague- don’t hesitate to step in.

Most of the time, provocative behaviours are unintentional and involve no personal vendetta. Which is why, a gentle but clear reaction is the best way to tackle it, you can express your displeasure by just saying;  “I did not like that comment…I expect it will not be repeated in the future.”

 

Question 2: When working in a predominantly male-centric automotive industry, what are the challenges you strive to overcome every day?

Answer 2: To be frank, I have a perception that in the organization I am currently working at, people are assessed based on their knowledge, skills and overall personality – and this is regardless of their gender. I personally feel fairly valued, both as an employee and as a person, and this builds a cordial working space for me. 

Still, it is important for the organization to continuously and relentlessly invest in further changes, like  dedicated programs for women employees – with the goal to help them grow, develop and increase their self-esteem so that they feel recognized as great leaders. 

Things are going in the right direction, we need to keep up with the pace! 

 

Question 3: In brief tell us about your journey that led you to auto technology?

 Answer 3: My personal story started just like many other interesting stories, with a complete coincidence.

In my last year at University, I was looking for a 2-month holiday apprenticeship. A colleague offered me a position of a Buyer’s Assistant in the purchasing department at Delphi Automotive. That was my very first encounter with a real job, an international company and the automotive industry. 

What was supposed to be just a ‘summertime adventure’, ended up being a vivid and wonderful journey that has lasted for over 13 years now. 

 

Question 4: If you could go back in time, what would be one guiding principal you would advice your younger self to follow?

 Answer 4: I would assure my younger myself, that I am much stronger than I happen to believe. 

 

Question 5: Your message to young women, who would eventually follow similar footsteps. 

Answer 5: I would like to tell all the budding young women- think of yourself as a true leader. Try to lead others and the organization, and aspire to lead everything around you. 

Be the driver of positivity and change around you, be authentic, be dynamic and stay loyal to your own values and beliefs.

Always take up the challenge and act on it, gather those people around you who uplift you  - It is so much easier to ‘attack’ and tackle the problems while having a group of allies.

Celebrate all you successes, small or big. Always remember to believe in your efforts and be satisfied with yourself.  

And, Whatever you do, do it in style. 

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From our VLS Team at Plymouth, we Spoke to Carrie Fontana-Preston ,who is currently working as a Senior Human Resources Generalist, in the Plymouth, USA.

Question 1: Give us a glimpse of your day-to-day life in the organization? How do you choose to challenge gender bias every day?

 Answer 1: I support all HR functions at the Plymouth, USA office. I conduct structured interviews, manage employee relations and make sure every member of our organization feels valued at work. We challenge gender biases by conducting structured job interviews that allow us to fairly select a candidate based on their qualifications, not their gender, race or age. We follow the same process for promotions and other job-related decisions within our organization. 

 

Question 2: When working in a predominantly male-centric automotive industry, what are the challenges you strive to overcome every day?

Answer 2: I am fortunate that VLS has numerous women in the leadership positions, from whom I learn and have the privilege to work with. We must be cognizant of our efforts to create more representation for women in the automotive industry, and create opportunities for future women leaders.  

 

Question 3: In brief tell us about your journey that led you to auto technology?

Answer 3: My family has been part of the automotive industry for generations. I’ve also grown up in Michigan all my life, which is one of the automotive capitals in the USA. 

 

Question 4: If you could go back in time, what would be one guiding principal you would advice your younger self to follow?

Answer 4: I would encourage my younger self to speak up and be confident, and learn to recognize the value that I bring to an organization. 

 

Question 5: Your message to young women, who would eventually follow similar footsteps.

Answer 5: Always be humble and kind, seize every opportunity you are given. Be confident with your own abilities and respect the abilities of your colleagues.