NEWS
International Women's Day is a celebration of the incredible achievements and contributions of women across the globe. In the male-dominated field of vehicle conversions (and the motor trade as a whole) the impact of women can be sometimes overlooked.
At Clarks Vehicle Conversions, the heartbeat of innovation isn't confined to the hum of power tools on the shop floor; it resonates equally through the diverse voices and skills of the whole team, especially the exceptional women who play integral roles within our family business.
In the Clarks Central office, from finance to human resources, logistics to project management, these women form the backbone of Clarks' day-to-day operations. Their expertise and dedication contribute not only to the company's efficiency but also to the vibrant and inclusive culture that defines the workspace.
“I am proud to be a graduate of Clarks Academy [Awards winning apprenticeship programme] and thoroughly enjoy the progression of my career along with the impact I have on a daily basis, here at Clarks”
Kimberly Werrett
Logistics Admin
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Clarks Conversion Centre shop floor, women stand as pioneers in roles traditionally dominated by men. As fitters and technicians, they bring a unique blend of precision, skill, and determination which allows a new perspective to the heart of a Clarks vehicle conversion.
“I love the physical nature of my role and the team I work with. I'm treated with respect by my male counterparts and they value my knowledge and expertise… I definitely keep them on their toes!”
Lisa Ralph
Production Fitter
Together, all the women at Clarks form a collective of talent. Their stories, experiences, and achievements weave into the fabric of the company's success, contributing to a narrative of empowerment, diversity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Lindsay Atkins, Operations Director at Clarks Vehicle Conversions, stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and excellence that women bring to the workplace.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, let's delve into Lindsay's journey, her experiences, and the strides she has made in promoting diversity and inclusivity at Clarks.
BREAKING THE MOULD
Lindsay's journey in the conversion industry began with a passion for innovation and a desire to challenge societal norms. As Operations Director at Clarks Vehicle Conversions, she oversees multiple teams of skilled professionals, managing the intricate process of transforming vehicles to meet the diverse needs of clients. Her role places her at the forefront of a traditionally male-dominated sector, but Lindsay is no stranger to breaking barriers.
From the outset, Lindsay recognised the challenges that came with being a woman in her field. However, she approached these challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. With a background in leading manufacturing operations, implementing performance management systems and operational efficiency strategy, and a wealth of experience, Lindsay's expertise and determination set her apart, earning her respect and admiration from her colleagues and peers.
CREATING A CULTURE OF INCLUSIVITY
At Clarks Vehicle Conversions, Lindsay has been instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity. She understands the importance of diversity in driving innovation and ensuring the company's continued success. Lindsay actively works towards creating an environment where every employee feels valued, regardless of their gender.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES
While Lindsay has achieved remarkable success in her career, she acknowledges the challenges that women often face. From subtle biases to overt discrimination, Lindsay has encountered various obstacles throughout her journey. However, instead of letting these challenges deter her, she has used them as fuel to drive change.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Lindsay's achievements at Clarks Vehicle Conversions are numerous. Under her leadership, the company has not only maintained its position as a leader in vehicle conversions but has also seen increased employee engagement, efficiencies and ultimately vehicle output.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lindsay actively participates in female led industry events and forums, including the “Women in Business” events organised by the Doncaster Chamber. By sharing her insights and experiences, she contributes to (discussions that focus on relevant topics affecting women in the business world) a broader conversation about the importance of gender diversity.
THE IMPACT BEYOND CLARKS
Lindsay's influence extends beyond the walls of Clarks Vehicle Conversions. As a prominent figure within business, she serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields. By sharing her story and advocating for inclusivity, Lindsay contributes to the larger movement towards gender equality in workplaces around the world.
Her efforts aim to break down stereotypes and encourage the next generation of female leaders to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your career that has shaped your leadership style at Clarks Vehicle Conversions?
“Having always worked in manufacturing, I have always been surrounded by inspiring males & females. Working with such talented individuals who not only gave me the opportunity to support my desire to study and gain the foundations required for business management but also acted as mentors which enabled me to find my own management style based on the success of proven methods. I am fortunate enough to have experienced a number of leadership styles, some good, some not so good, which have helped me greatly in shaping what type of leader I want to be”
How do you navigate challenges and ensure that your team feels empowered and supported?
“Here at Clarks, we have a core set of company values that we aim to live and breathe by. As challenges arise, I challenge myself against those values to find resolution whilst ensuring our core values are not compromised. Our staff are the heart of our business, their skills and talent are what makes us successful so having the core values to support the business helps to ensure the staff feel supported”
As Operations Director, what initiatives have you implemented to promote diversity and inclusivity within Clarks Vehicle Conversions?
"Clarks have always focused on seeking out talent and retaining the skill set within the business which has made our business what it is today. Since joining Clarks I have promoted both males and females to challenge and progress their career aspirations. I support Clarks in promoting a fair and transparent workplace where each individual is given the same opportunity. I have focused on tackling issues that could discriminate or disadvantage our staff members by creating a forum, giving individuals the opportunity to speak out and request support."
How do you balance the demands of a leadership role with your advocacy for gender equality and inclusivity within and beyond the company?
“Honestly, I feel this is a huge part of any leadership role. Having always worked in manufacturing, I recognised early in my career that the work place was heavily male oriented. Traditionally, I saw businesses lose talent due to females choosing to become full time parents. After having had a child myself I realised that the decision to pause or leave your career was extremely difficult and more women did this as a last resort. The flexibility and support was not available in manufacturing to support more women in business so they made the difficult decision to leave the workplace. I have always thought how unfair this seemed and I was determined not to have to sacrifice my career for motherhood. It is this that has driven me since becoming a parent to support families in succeeding with work life balance.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields, particularly in the automotive industry?
"I feel that this response could be viewed differently amongst the readers. But, my honest answer is, don't act like you are the minority. If you want to be treated equally then you must act equal, even when you feel like you are being challenged. Do not allow anyone to encourage you to break your own core values - these will play a huge part in your career and it is important that you hold them close to you and do not deviate away from them. Although there are still plenty of challenges for women in male-dominated industries, there are also females who use this challenge even when it is not present so always be fair and true to yourself and your employer.
Finally, our industry is filled with very talented males and females so make sure you soak up all of their knowledge that they kindly share with you."
As we celebrate International Women's Day, Lindsay's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact women can have in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her journey at Clarks Vehicle Conversions exemplifies the resilience, determination, and leadership that women bring to the workplace. Through her advocacy for inclusivity and commitment to breaking down barriers, Lindsay is not only shaping the culture at Clarks but also influencing the broader automotive industry.
International Women's Day is not only a day of celebration but also a call to action. Lindsay's story encourages us to challenge stereotypes, promote diversity, and create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. As we honour the achievements of women like Lindsay, let us also commit to fostering environments that empower and uplift women in every industry and sector.
