Motul area manager encourages young women to take up a career in the motoring industry
SUNNINGHILL – Having grown up as a motorsport fan, when this career opportunity crossed her path, it felt like the perfect fit.
Motul area manager for southern and eastern Africa and Sunninghill resident Mercia Jansen encourages young women to consider careers in Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Having grown up as a motorsport enthusiast, Jansen said when this career opportunity crossed her path, it felt like the perfect fit.
The role at the engine lubricant manufacturer required a technical qualification and understanding, managerial experience, sales, marketing and distribution experience plus and entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for the motoring industry. Jansen described this as a role she had been preparing to take on her whole life.
“As a child, I played with cars more than I played with dolls, so I think it’s fitting that I ended up in the motoring industry,” said Jansen.
Having studied and worked in a scientific and engineering environment for most of her life, she never noticed women-specific challenges.
“I am so used to it that I don’t even think about whether there are challenges I experience as a woman or just because of my role and I think that’s important.
“I look after southern and eastern Africa and Indian Oceans. It’s a very volatile territory and we have faced many challenges in my past three years in this role. Currency issues, regulatory changes, counterfeit issues and changes in management at distributors with a complete change in strategy.
“These are all issues out of our control, they impact the way we do business and we constantly have to adapt. South Africa is a mature market with many competitors so it’s not easy to penetrate and it takes constant innovation, out-the-box thinking, commitment and resilience.
“I think men will always be a bit unsure when they meet a woman in the motoring industry for the first time, but as soon as they realise you share a common passion and understand their needs, that’s soon forgotten. So it’s important that you recognise that and not let it affect you.”
Jansen said the current team at Motul had more women than men and they all have a strong motoring and technical background.
She added that her passion was her career, driving her to sacrifice weekends for the work that she loved.
“I also have the opportunity to attend many premier local and international motorsport events like MotoGP, travel extensively and have met some truly inspiring people.”
Jansen advised aspirant women looking to take on a career in the industry to not let anything, especially not your own fears and insecurities, stand in your way of pursuing your dreams.
“The world is constantly changing, and I think we all realise that more than ever now. More and more women are opening paths, breaking down stereotypes and joining industries previously considered to be male-dominant.”
