I was the General Manager of Regional Strategy and Governance, responsible for projects in seven countries across the region. It was a very refreshing environment. For the first time there were more females than males in the workplace as well as a very multicultural team. I worked closely with senior executives, learnt a lot from them and made strong relationships. The experience was very much outside my comfort zone. Not only was I living in a new country, but I was in a new workplace, and in a new role. I made use of these new opportunities to form many new friendships through networking and volunteering locally.

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What was your first professional experience within the automotive industry?

Priyani: I applied for a short-term management accountant role at Honda Australia after I had my second son. After that initial short-term role, I was invited to stay. I loved what the company and brand stood for, so it was an easy decision. That was over 20 years ago, and I have never bought a car since then! After 7 years working in the finance team I asked for a lateral move, and it just so happened that a colleague in the Sales Distribution team was about to start maternity leave, so I was offered the opportunity to cover her position there.

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Do you think you have experienced challenges within the industry that your male counterparts haven’t?

Priyani: Yes. For a start, working mothers didn’t have the flexibilities that we have today (although there is still a long way to go), because it was rare for mothers to hold leadership roles to influence that thinking. So as a working mother it was a huge challenge especially when my sons were younger.

As I moved into leadership positions, I would regularly be the only woman, or one of very few, in the room. Regardless of my attitude and mindset, it was very intimidating. I was made to feel like I was there in place of someone else, rather than in my own capacity and capability. In addition to that, my cultural background which I am proud of, also often adds another dimension to who I am but also how I am perceived. We still have much to do when it comes to unconscious bias in and outside the workplace.

I have always felt that I needed to do more and work that much harder to prove myself. For example, one of the motivators for me to take on my Master of Supply Chain, was because ‘not having the technical qualification’ seemed to be the only roadblock for a promotion I was otherwise entirely eligible for.  

As I progressed in my career it has been tough being my authentic self. Thankfully, I have been able to lean on some amazing women who also know what it feels like. I also had the support of male leaders who trusted me. While I've certainly had challenges as a woman working in automotive, I have also had some amazing allies. So, you can see how critical it is to actively nurture diversity in the workplace for women to grow.

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What is your biggest achievement in auto, personal or professional?

Priyani: I have spent two decades working in automotive, across Supply Chain and Finance.

I have had the exceptional privilege of working for two iconic global automotive brands, Honda and Nissan during that time. Supply Chain was where I found work most rewarding, because of the huge opportunities to make a difference. I enjoyed collaborating with stakeholders locally and globally. I was able to influence leaders to shift thinking.

The first vehicle handling manual I implemented at Honda is still one of my proudest achievements, bringing global best practice to how we did things in Australia. There are so many touch points from when a car arrives in port to when it is delivered to the dealership.  The handling manual I created streamlined that process by setting standards and accountability. It improved the quality of our supply chain; we saw a marked reduction in damages, and importantly we delivered cars to our customers sooner. It really helped build my confidence and gain credibility, across local and global stakeholders. Of all the projects I since championed, the Alliance National Distribution Centre combining Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi would be a highlight. It was a very tough project and high profile because it was a global first for parts and accessories for all three brands to share a single warehouse.

Professionally, I hope I have raised the profile of supply chain as a function that adds value to customers. It’s not just about moving the metal, it’s how you move the metal that makes the difference.

Personally, I have had fabulous opportunities to learn and grow. I also took every chance I could to see and learn how supply chains work overseas, even taking time during my personal travels. Receiving my Master’s in Supply Chain with Distinction while working full time and studying part-time was both personally and professionally fulfilling.

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