As we close in on our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will continue to feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.
This week we are pleased to introduce Kaori Tsukada!
Meet This Week's Team Member: Kaori Tsukada, Sales Consultant, Nicole Group (Japan)
"Once You Are Interested In Something, Don't Be Afraid To Try New Things."
What attracted you to the automotive industry? I was buying a car and wondered how I could make the experience more exciting. To do so, I first had to learn more about cars and how to serve customers at a dealership. So, I applied at a dealership and that's how my automotive journey started.
What was your first job in the automotive industry? My first job was in the used car department. Initially, I welcomed customers and worked in sales administration.
What is your proudest professional achievement? My proudest achievement was receiving the “Personalization Performance of the Year” prize from Ferrari Japan this year. The prize is awarded to the sales consultant with the highest amount of individualization (options, tailor made) per vehicle in Japan.
What motivates you every morning? Personally, I'm motivated to be more active by playing sports and hitting the gym. And professionally, being able to measure my own performance across various KPIs is my motivation. With that, challenging past performances, striving for overachievement is another continuous driver of my motivation.
How have you overcome challenges in your career? By striving to become an industry expert. To learn as much as a can about our brand of vehicles and to develop my own style of sales techniques.
Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women? A decade ago, when applying for a job in automotive, it was mostly male dominated. Today, it is still a mostly male dominated industry in Japan, but the opportunity for new female team members is continuously increasing.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry? Once you are interested in something, Don’t be afraid to try new things.
What hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy muscle training at the gym, visiting cafes and meeting up with my friends.