SITI ABDULLAH

Automotive may not have been her first choice of career, but Brembo’s UK & Ireland Key Account Manager isn’t applying the brakes anytime soon

How did you get into the automotive sector?

By accident. I was one of those people who didn’t really know what they wanted to do. I come from a background where I was supposed to do law, and when that didn’t work out, I found myself working for a company called National Service Network (NSN). That’s where I first met Kevin Finn, who’s the IMI’s chair. He was my first boss in the automotive world!

At NSN, I was part of the bookings team, booking fleet drivers’ vehicles into independent garages across the UK. We were so busy I found myself assisting the garage authorisation team as well. I very quickly realised that I was intrigued by the design and workings of the vehicles, and the more I immersed myself, the more my interest grew.

How did you increase your knowledge in the industry?

My formal training came when I joined companies, such as Euro Car Parts. I started working with their technical team, who introduced me to the IMI. I had some training around clutch and flywheel systems, as well as some EV and hybrid systems training. I even had training on LuK double-clutch systems – all of which were IMI-certified, which gave me a real sense of validation. I knew the theories and certainly had hands-on experience working for a chain of independent garages after my experience with NSN, so it was good to put theory into practice.

What made you move across to Brembo?

I’ve been with Brembo for three years now. I was approached by them after an Independent Automotive Aftermarket Association (IAAF) event. They liked what I was doing, such as the best practice seminars, and they wanted to transfer that over to Brembo. I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ quick enough!

It’s a fantastic brand, a technological innovator of braking systems for automotive vehicles. It designs, develops and manufactures these systems and their components, supplying the leading manufacturers of cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles worldwide, as well as clutches and other components for racing.

How important is diversity and inclusion to Brembo?

Brembo is focused on the future, so topics such as the environment, sustainability and diversity aren’t new to us. We’ve been championing them for quite a while. We’re a very forward-thinking brand, full of ideas about how we can not only be the brand of today, but tomorrow as well.

We can’t hide that there’s still prejudice in the industry. Have you experienced it? Unfortunately, yes. Even in simple day-to-day jobs when I’m visiting garages to help resolve an issue, the barriers will go up immediately and people will question my knowledge and experience. I remember trying to help a Master Technician with an issue when I was working as a clutch and transmission specialist. When I got on site and introduced myself, the response was, ‘Sorry love but what the ‘eff’ do you know about clutches?’ So without even talking to me or finding out what I knew, that person made a snap judgment and instant assumption about me.

What would be your message be to those people?

At least have a conversation with the person rather than letting their physical appearance dictate what you think of them or what they’re capable of. If I could help change anything, it would be first-impression stereotypes. I just want to apply my knowledge to assisting people and for them to set their assumptions aside. I can’t tell you the amount of time I waste trying to convince some people that I know what I’m doing when I’m just there to help!

How important do you regard your work within the IMI Diversity Task Force?

If I can give women in the industry the benefit of my experience and ways to deal with situations then that would be awesome. But change isn’t going to happen overnight. There have been times when I’ve been upset by a situation, but I’m resilient and can move on. I’ve learnt to treat negativity as character development and remember that other peoples’ comments aren’t a reflection on me, they’re a reflection on them.

To feature in our next edition, email james.scoltock@ thinkpublishing.co.uk