
Tegan Blockey
Dealer Principal, Lexus of Darwin & Bridge Toyota
A mum of two girls, a wife and a Dealer Principal across two dealerships, Tegan Blockey is a busy woman. Leading people with empathy in a genuine way is her specialty, together with her passion for fostering positive and inclusive workplace culture.
We were so inspired by the learnings in this interview with Tegan and hope you also find some take-aways to adopt into your life. Get your highlighter out, there are some fantastic quotes here from Tegan to pin to your wall. Enjoy!
Explain your job to us:
I am the Dealer Principal for Lexus of Darwin and Bridge Toyota, overseeing two sites and a team of 152 staff. My role involves leading the business in delivering exceptional customer experiences, achieving operational and financial goals, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
I work closely with my leadership team to ensure our staff feel empowered, motivated, and well-supported to perform at their best. I am very hands-on—maybe a little too much if you ask my leadership team — and I like to be across everything and everyone.
Even with a large team, I make it a priority to know every staff member by name. It’s important to me to take a genuine interest in their lives, from what they enjoy outside of work to knowing their partners’ and families’ names. Building those personal connections is the foundation of the supportive and family-like culture we have at our dealerships.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Pizza Hut when I was 14. I learned from a very young age that if you want something in this world, you have to work for it.
In the motor trade, my first role was as a Car Care Consultant at Bridge Toyota, which I started straight out of school in 2004. It was a steep learning curve but the perfect introduction to the automotive world, and it set the foundation for the career I’ve built today.
What do you love about your job?
I love the variety my role offers—no two days are ever the same. I have the privilege of inspiring and leading our dealership team while fostering great customer service both internally and externally. It’s incredibly rewarding to help our community by ensuring they have access to safe, reliable vehicles that meet their needs.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, whether it’s supporting my team, crafting innovative marketing strategies, or connecting with our customers. But what I love most is the people. Watching my team grow, develop, and succeed is the most fulfilling part of my job.
I firmly believe that happy, motivated people are the foundation of a successful business. When our team feels supported and energised, it reflects in everything we do. Being able to make a positive impact on both our staff and our community is truly incredible, and it’s what drives me every day.
What challenges do you face in your job? And in a male-dominated industry?
Balancing leadership expectations with day-to-day operational demands is a constant challenge, especially when managing consistency and alignment across two sites. In a male-dominated industry, there have been moments where I’ve needed to prove my capabilities. I’ve always embraced these situations as opportunities to show that leadership and expertise are defined by skills, experience, and character—not gender.
It’s not always easy being a woman in automotive, but after over 20 years in the industry, I can confidently say things have improved dramatically. When I first started as a Car Care Consultant, I was often expected to take on tasks outside my role, like cleaning dishes or getting coffees, simply because I was the only woman on the team. Thankfully, those outdated expectations have shifted, and the workplace culture is now far more inclusive and equitable.
At Bridge Toyota, 26% of our team is female, and my goal is to push that to 50%. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected—regardless of gender—is something I’m deeply committed to.
Even today, there are moments that highlight lingering stereotypes. At events, for instance, people often assume my husband is the Dealer Principal and shake his hand first. It’s those subtle biases that remind me how important it is to keep these conversations going. The more we talk about these issues and bring them to light, the more awareness and understanding we can create.
Has there been a pivotal moment in your career?
Stepping into the Dealer Principal role was undoubtedly a pivotal moment for me. The journey leading up to it, working closely with Eagers, Toyota, and Lexus, was incredibly rewarding, and having their support every step of the way made the transition even more special.
Becoming a Dealer Principal has been both a challenging and positive experience. Leading such a large team comes with immense responsibility and balancing that with my family life has been one of my greatest challenges. There are days when I look at the hours available and wonder how I’ll get through everything.
When I’m at work, I sometimes feel the “mum and wife guilt,” and when I’m with my family, the “work guilt” creeps in. It’s a constant juggle, but I’m deeply passionate about excelling in all my roles—as a mum, a wife, and a Dealer Principal.
The progress I’ve made in a relatively short time as DP has been a huge confidence booster. It has reinforced my belief in my abilities and my commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for my team. Knowing I’m making an impact both at home and at work keeps me motivated every day.
How do you handle failure and setbacks?
Failure has actually been a key part of my success. I’ve made mistakes and wrong decisions in the past, and I’m sure I will in the future. However, I firmly believe that learning from those experiences has not only driven positive change but also made me a better person and leader.
I don’t dwell on issues—there’s simply never enough time in the day. Instead, I view failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. When things don’t go to plan, I reflect on what went wrong, consult with my team for feedback, and take actionable steps to improve.
Challenges are an inevitable part of growth, and I approach them with a positive, solutions-driven mindset. I believe every obstacle is a chance to learn, adapt, and come back stronger.
How do you go about attracting and retaining female talent in your workplace?
We focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This includes mentoring and leadership development programs, flexible work arrangements, and celebrating women’s contributions across the business. I also lead by example, showing that women can succeed and thrive in this industry.
How do you manage/maintain work/life balance?
Work-life balance is crucial, but I’ll admit, it’s something I’m continually working on. I have a beautiful family with two daughters and a supportive husband, and life always feels busy and full. Balancing work commitments with being a mum and wife, watching sports, reading to my girls, and managing everything else can be challenging.
I often find myself prioritising everyone else’s needs, and that means I don’t always carve out time for myself. This is an area I need to focus on more because I know how important it is for both my personal well-being and my ability to be present for my family and work.
That said, I try to be intentional about small things, like dedicating time to family activities, being present during those moments, and delegating when I can. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning to embrace the chaos while striving for better balance.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
A wise person once told me: “When you finish dealing with staff issues, you will finally be free to work on the business—only to realize that dealing with staff issues is the business.” This advice has stayed with me, as it highlights the importance of people in any organisation.
There are so many impactful quotes I could mention here. I have a library in my office filled with leadership books, which I read regularly to learn and understand different leadership styles. This has been particularly important for me as a young female leader.
One piece of advice that I carry with me is: “Lead with empathy.” It reminds me that the most effective leaders prioritize understanding, connection, and support. Leading with empathy helps me build stronger relationships, create high-performing teams, and drive better results.
What is your advice for a female trying to build her career and move up in automotive?
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on challenges—this is where growth happens. Build a strong network of mentors and supporters who believe in you and challenge you to be your best. Never stop learning, whether it’s through formal education, on-the-job experiences, or by seeking advice from others in the industry.
Most importantly, stay authentic. Your unique perspective as a female in a male-dominated industry is your greatest strength. There will be highs and lows, and at times, it can feel incredibly difficult. However, when you start to see growth and change in yourself, and when you achieve milestones you once thought were out of reach, the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is indescribable. It’s one of those moments where you want to pinch yourself and say, “I did it.”
Stay determined, keep showing up, and trust the process—you belong at the table.
