Diana Shubert – Seizing Opportunities and Overcoming Fears
Diana Shubert is a seasoned Parts Director. She has a remarkable career spanning several decades across sales, auto, and real estate. Beginning her journey in the parts industry in the ‘80s, Diana Shubert advanced from a cashier to a leadership role, showcasing her passion for and knowledge of classic cars and modern automotive technology. With extensive experience in both service and parts management, Diana has continually defied stereotypes and overcome biases as a woman in the male-dominated automotive sector.
Introduction
In the latest episode of the Parts Girl Podcast, Kaylee Felio sits down with Diana Shubert. They delve into Diana’s impressive journey in the automotive industry. Shubert discusses her rich background in sales, spanning vehicles and real estate.
Both Kaylee and Diana emphasize the importance of continually challenging oneself professionally. They encourage aiming for the next level. Diana passionately believes that women, particularly in the automotive sector, can achieve immense success. However, seizing opportunities often requires overcoming fears and long-standing stereotypes.
The Power of Communication and Engagement
An intriguing anecdote shared by Diana highlights the significance of communication. She recalls approaching a person at an elevator, which surprisingly led to a job offer. Engaging with others, especially in a professional setting, can yield unexpected opportunities.
Kaylee and Diana stress the importance of effective communication at the workplace. Understanding and engaging with employees can address issues more effectively than resorting to firing. This proactive approach fosters a healthier, more supportive work environment.
Over-Educating for Success
In their discussion, Diana and Kaylee focus on the need for self-education. They advocate for being well-prepared for any scenario, particularly in sales roles. Over-educating oneself, they argue, is a powerful strategy for professional resilience and customer satisfaction.
Being ready for any situation not only helps in closing deals but also builds trust with customers. Diana underscores the technical challenges of the parts industry, especially during the classic car era, compared to modern vehicles.
Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Fields
Diana’s journey from a cashier to overseeing multiple stores is inspiring. Despite facing biases and stereotypes, she swiftly advanced to a management position. Her experience highlights the ongoing challenge of being underestimated as a woman in the automotive industry.
To counteract these biases, Diana suggests targeting women for employment. She highlights women’s adaptability and exceptional customer relations skills. She also proposes recruiting dedicated employees from industries like fast food and service.
Building a Career with Dedication
Diana’s dedication to her career is evident throughout her story. Starting in the 1980s, her passion for cars propelled her to move from cashier to parts management. Despite encountering biases, she remained committed to learning and helping customers.
This commitment, she advises, is crucial for success in any field. Diana encourages women not to be deterred by naysayers. Instead, they should focus on performing their jobs diligently and effectively.
The Importance of Leadership Understanding Fixed Ops
During the interview, Diana shares insights from her experience at Toyota. She emphasizes the importance of general managers understanding the intricacies of fixed operations. Being involved with their staff's work can lead to better management and staff morale.
Kaylee agrees, suggesting that general managers spend more time in fixed operations to gain firsthand experience. This understanding can significantly enhance overall business performance and employee engagement.
The Future of Women in Automotive
Looking ahead, Diana expresses her desire to return to sales. Her background in real estate sales and expertise in numbers makes her confident about this transition. She continues to emphasize the potential for women in the automotive industry.
Diana advocates for breaking down stereotypes about women's dedication. She believes that with the right attitude, dedication, and customer service, women can excel. She suggests that targeting women could bring a high return on investment for businesses.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, both Kaylee and Diana call for a shift in mindset within the industry. It’s time to recognize and leverage the untapped potential of women in the automotive sector. Empowering women through targeted employment initiatives and ongoing support can transform the industry.
Women possess the resilience, multitasking ability, and learning capacity needed to thrive. With supportive leadership and inclusive workplace practices, the future is bright. Diana’s journey and insights serve as an inspiring testament to this potential.
——————————————–
Sponsors:
This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Their strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you’re looking to optimize your parts management, visit 🔗 www.partsedge.com.
——————————————–
Takeaways
- Women should seize opportunities in automotive.
- Prioritize communication and engagement in sales.
- Address employee concerns over punitive actions.
Quote
“When you share your knowledge, you're empowering people to be better and it helps you.” -Diana Shubert
Connect
Diana Shubert
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-shubert-494a4719
Website: www.amsauto.com
Kaylee Felio
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl
Website: www.partsedge
Submit a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *