Isabella Walters

Isabella is a young woman in the early stages of her career with a go-get ‘em attitude and a wonderful outlook overall on life. Coming from a background in retail, and even a stint as a dental nurse, she is now at South Yarra BMW in her third role with the dealership. Facing each day with positivity, Isabella seeks to learn and grow in her role and with the company.

Please enjoy her refreshing insights as a young woman in automotive, we certainly did!

Can you explain your job to us?

I’m the Aftercare Consultant at South Yarra BMW, which means I am responsible for all post-sale services. I provide premium vehicle care treatments, high-quality window films, and advanced dash cameras tailored to both new and pre-owned vehicle customers.

What are some important skills required to be successful in your job?

The key skills essential to my role are closing and negotiating. These are critical when working with customers, especially since many expect aftercare products to be included at no additional cost as part of the vehicle sale. Effectively communicating the value of these products and skilfully negotiating terms often makes the difference between securing a sale or losing it.

Collaboration with the sales team also plays a significant part in my success. Maintaining strong relationships and ensuring they are aligned and involved in my process greatly impacts my results. That’s why I prioritise building trust and great friendships within the team.

What should the industry do to make itself more appealing to women?

Get rid of the stereotypes of women in this industry. I would say one of the biggest challenges my colleagues and I face is the assumptions placed on us - whether it’s questioning our competence or suggesting there’s more behind our success than hard work and capability. These perceptions not only undermine our efforts but also discourage other women from entering the industry. Challenging and changing these narratives is essential to making the industry more inclusive and appealing to future generations of women.

How have female mentors factored in your life so far?

I have been so lucky to be mentored by many inspiring women throughout my life and career. Having started working from a young age, the women I worked alongside played a significant role in who I am today. Their strength, success, and unwavering resilience have left a lasting impact on me.

However, my greatest mentor has always been my Nan. I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember. Her unwavering determination and ability to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge, is truly inspiring. Despite raising and being the leader of our family, she never lost sight of her own goals and continued to strive for personal growth and success.

She’s taught me the importance of self-belief and perseverance and always reminds me that if someone else can achieve something, so can I. Her constant support and encouragement have shaped the woman I am today, and I’m endlessly grateful for the strength she’s instilled in me.

Where can your career/role lead you?

A career in sales has been far more rewarding and insightful than I ever imagined. While it may be cliché, sales truly is a part of everyday life - whether it’s navigating conversations with family and friends or making routine decisions and transactions.

The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in this role and industry have given me a strong foundation for the future. My ultimate goal is to own my own business, and the skills I’ve developed here will play a key role in achieving that. In the meantime, I’m focused on growing within my dealership and continuing to progress in my career.

Any advice for other young women early in their careers that you have learnt already?

Don’t be afraid to step outside the normal, stand up for yourself or be the first to try something new. It’s totally normal to doubt yourself sometimes or feel the pressure of other people’s opinions - but the feeling of going for it and succeeding is so much better than wondering what if. In this industry, we might have to be the first to do certain things but you’re not just reaching your own goals but you’re also paving the way for other women who will be inspired to follow in your footsteps.

Surround yourself with people who really care and push you to do your best. Support the women you work with and create strong bonds with them. Share your stories and challenges and work together to be the change.