Industry Leaders

Industry leader: Beti Ristevska

TRAILER MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH BETI RISTEVKSA, SENIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISOR AT SCANIA’S PRESTONS FACILITY IN SYDNEY, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY IN THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. BETI JOINED SCANIA WITH NO ROAD TRANSPORT HISTORY BUT IS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS WITHIN THE BUSIEST SCANIA DEALERSHIP IN THE COUNTRY.

Q:What first drew you to the commercial road transport industry?

A: I was working for an industrial storage and automations company for around 13 years and decided I wanted a new challenge and to work for a larger company with more opportunities to advance. I knew a bit about Scania, and I am married to a truck driver. Scania was good about upskilling me for a Customer Service Advisor role, and supporting me on my journey. On my second day they flew me to Melbourne for training.

Q: What does a standard day for you look like?

A: Firstly, no two days are the same, which is great. In my new role I am responsible for five other staff, three females and two males. We talk with customers everyday regarding their servicing and repair needs. Good communication is the key – often and early – especially if we’re going to need more time to complete a job.

Q: What has been a highlight of your career so far?

A: One of the highlights was winning two Scania Credit Awards in 2019, one for Integrity and one for Team Spirit. It felt so good to be recognised for the efforts I put in, after just two years at Scania. Also, the promotion to my current role was a pleasant surprise. I was happy that the work I had done at Scania for three years had been recognised and rewarded, and I feel that I am on a good career path.

Q: What do female-driven events in commercial road transport mean to you?

A: Within Scania there is a growing number of women in all manner of jobs and

Beti Ristevska.

advancement is merit based. Until last year, we had a female CFO, and there are very senior women in the business, so I don’t see gender as a barrier to success here. We have women truck drivers as customers and women working in parts, customer service, finance and many other jobs.

Q: What is the best thing about the transport industry?

A: In our roles we’re helping to get our customers back on the road as soon as possible so they can deliver the goods that we all need to live our lives. Many small family owned concerns depend entirely on their Scania trucks to remain in business, so we play an important role which does bring a good degree of job satisfaction.

Q: What do you think could be improved?

A: Scania is a good role model for the industry with a very open hiring policy, and a commitment to training and upskilling the people it employs. There are no barriers to success if you are motivated and driven and we can see this throughout Scania Australia. We need to tell the story to everyone that gender does not limit potential because there are many stimulating and satisfying jobs in the transport industry for everyone.