MOTOR INDUSTRY
Being a woman leader in a male dominated industry
It gives me a sense of pride and achievement to have been able to break the glass ceiling but more importantly, a sense of gratitude towards all the male leaders I have worked with for believing in me and trusting in my ability to deliver results.
Reason behind low female representation at the top in industries such as yours
This is primarily due to generally lower technical knowledge when it comes to automobiles.
Dilani Yatawaka
SHIFTING MULTIPLE GEARS
What it takes to lead, adapt and thrive in an evolving motoring landscape
Crucial mindset shift for women considering nontraditional career paths
Firstly, one must be open to embrace change and secondly, be prepared to move forward fearlessly despite whatever challenges that come your way.
Overcoming the fear of being ‘the only one in the room’
I don’t believe anyone should be fearful of anything or anyone; as I tell my daughters, unless there is physical danger, face every moment with confidence and courage.
Stereotypes about women leaders in technical industries that must be challenged
No one knows everything but every leader possesses a unique skill set that adds value to the organisation.
Influence of female leaders in inspiring the next generation
Empathy, patience and multitasking – often associated with women – are vital in nurturing the next generation; both young male and female professionals can cultivate these qualities to enhance performance.
Message to young women who are hesitant to step into unfamiliar territory
Believe in yourself and embrace new fields fearlessly – it makes corporate life more exciting and rewarding.
Creating more inclusive leadership pipelines
Organisational culture must adapt to foster women’s leadership and participation, while recognising the multiple roles that women fulfil at home and work.
Leadership qualities that matter the most in the motor industry
The ability to adapt to change, think out of the box, overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.
How critical is adaptability for leaders in a rapidly changing mobility landscape
Adaptability is crucial as without it, valuable opportunities may be missed and challenges become harder to overcome.
Influence of customer expectations on leadership decisions in the industry
In any industry – especially automotive, where purchases are major investments – the ultimate goal is to create lifelong happy customers by carefully balancing expectations with genuine value for money deliverables.
Role of resilience when leading in unfamiliar territory
Since nothing is permanent and change is inevitable, cultivating resilience is essential – the call is that we remain bold and fearless.
Confidence to lead in industries where women are under-represented
Confidence comes from within – it is built by stepping forward with positivity, embracing new learning and maintaining a clear conscience to face any situation.
Motivation to move from finance into a new role
Finance is the backbone of any organisation and through its lens, one gains fresh perspectives while balancing stakeholder expectations.
I was motivated by the chairman, who entrusted me with the opportunity to steer the organisation to greater heights – a challenge I embraced without hesitation.
Transferable skills from finance to leadership in the motor industry
In all organisations, each transaction carries financial weight – and the volatile automotive industry suggests that success lies in making bold yet calculated decisions to navigate risks and seize opportunities.
Importance of business acumen compared to technical expertise in leadership
Business acumen is an absolute essential; no one knows everything and if you see the success stories of many organisations in specialised industries, they’re all led by technically skilled and experienced professionals.
Learning from failure about leadership growth
Never give up – while I don’t see myself as having failed, the challenges I’ve faced have been the true pillars of my success, strengthening me along the way.
Balancing decisiveness with continuous learning
Life is about learning each day – from staff, family or anyone else – with humility and a constant thirst for knowledge.
A habit or belief that helped you in your leadership journey
I consider myself as being a calm and patient multitasker who thinks before reacting – I never stress over the uncontrollable and live by the mantra of giving my best or not doing it at all.
– Compiled by Indrajit Lankeshwara
Dilani Yatawaka is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Motors.
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