OF OUR INDUSTRY
I want it to develop, and it’s an exciting time for interna- tional growth too. Autocab in particular is gearing up to enter new geographical markets, so it’s very exciting to be involved.
You can see more graduates entering into different roles, as I think the trade is really coming onto the careers map now and people can see it as a huge opportunity, which is impor- tant for bringing in fresh ideas and continuing to progress.
Myself, and other women I’ve worked with, have been discriminated against by customers in the past, which was heightened during the pandemic. There’s been an air of disbelief when they have dealt with a woman, and some of the language that’s been used has been derogatory.
On the other hand, the real high has been achieving large business deals and seeing the impact I’ve been able to have with customers and the business. I’m a people person, which I think you have to be to be in a sales position, so getting to play a large part in social events such as the Autocab Summer Festival, building relation- ships and seeing partnerships form has been my main highlight and the most rewarding part. I’d also say just generally being able to progress across my role has been a huge high for me and the international travel perks have been a bonus too!
Where do you see the industry going and how would you like to grow within the industry?
The industry is at such a focal point at the moment in the news and I think it’s at the crux where things are about to change. I can see it following in other industries footsteps, such as the aviation and hotel sectors, which are merging, partnering, and forging relationships with larger corporate companies to provide infrastructure as a growth tool.
I think collaboration and working together is key to the industry’s success, there’s lots of consolidation happening, more money being invested into the industry to help it evolve and huge technology improvements which will help taxi companies grow. We are at a point of serious change with electric vehicles, driver shortages and industry collaborations so, we should all aim to collaborate and build trust – that is when the magic happens!
FEBRUARY 2022
In terms of my growth, I want to help customers through the implementation of new technology and advising them of best practices to help them grow their business. The initiative of “shopping local” heightened in the pandemic relates massively to our industry, I want to push forward for our loyal customers, continue to support local taxi firms and promote new custom.
I’d also like to have more of an international focus, so I’m working closely with colleagues across the pond to support international sales.
Any other stories?
Relating to the topic of women in the trade, you may or may not be surprised at how often people have assumed I won’t know things about technology and the industry because I’m a woman, and it’s satisfying when I can prove them wrong. They’re surprised I can demo technology, as they often think it needs to be someone with ten years’ experience, who is usually a man, and would let’s say, have come from a tech engineer background. People are surprised that I know how the tech applies to the industry, but that’s something I really pride myself on.
I’ve had sexist remarks at industry events and champagne sent days later to apologise. It wasn’t that long ago that I had a customer ask to speak to the manager and after confirming that I was the manager, they then asked to speak to and only deal with a male manager, so the industry still has a long way to go.
I recently had an honest conversation with Safa Alkateb (Autocab CEO) and a few female employees about the impact of being a woman in technology and the taxi trade and how the industry in adapting, these conversa- tions are taking place which is a positive start.
Article written by : Rachel Dale Business Manager, AAA Taxis Herts
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