Can you tell us about your journey in the automotive sector so far? Did you face any stereotypes, and how did you overcome them?

At the start of my tenure with Inchcape in the mid-1990s, suppression of femininity and pressure to adopt masculine traits and reject aspects of feminine identity were a must to succeed. Even changes to appearance were perceived as necessary, which resulted in me trying to change my image by purchasing my first suit! Back then suits were seen as part of the ‘uniform’ for women aiming to join the upper echelons. Today, things are different and there is far more of an acceptance of the positive differences between genders.

Although it’s still standard business practice to wear a suit to a board meeting, you can still get on in business without the clothes you wear, or indeed your gender defining you or your role within an organisation.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is #AccelerateAction. What does mean to you? How has the workplace changed for women over the years and what more can be done to support women in leadership roles and achieve gender equality?

Inchcape fosters an environment where gender diversity is celebrated, not only through events such as International Women’s Day but also through internal communications and diversity programs. I think that truly captures the central tenet of this year’s theme – to inspire and motivate communities and organisations to remove barriers and promote equality. #AccelerateAction has a ripple effect, where one action can send out a positive message in all directions to remove the biases that women face as they journey along their career path.

We’ve come a long way since the 1990s, when ‘bossy and aggressive’ was a characterization used to describe women while similar behaviour in men was deemed to be ‘strong leadership’. Thankfully the tide has turned and the value of embracing diversity and a movement towards creating a more inclusive workplace has made all of this posturing redundant. As the world shifts towards valuing emotional intelligence and holistic leadership approaches, there is an opportunity for more women to lead with authenticity rather than feeling forced to adopt a more masculine style in order to succeed.

Was there a particular mentor or role model who influenced your career path?

Mentors can come in all forms, and sometimes from a totally unexpected source. For example, when I was a teenager my family and I were invited to a wedding in New York. I was sitting in the lounge of the reception hall and an older lady walked up to me, touched me on the shoulder, and pointed out that I was slouching and the great importance in life of sitting up straight!

The fact that a perfect stranger did this had an immense effect on me. It started me thinking about a zillion things at the time and has stayed with me ever since. To me, “Sitting up” now means being someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and has integrity and compassion. It means standing up for my values and principles, especially when it is challenging. Doing what is right, even in tough situations, and above all taking responsibility for my actions. That older lady, in a single moment, became a mentor, an inspiration that shaped my career path as well as my personal journey.

Wellbeing is a priority for everyone in the modern workplace. Can you share personal advice and strategies on balancing work, personal priorities, while maintaining well-being?

Finding a balance between my professional and personal life has certainly been challenging, especially at the start. No matter how you think you’re working mindfully, there is always an internal tug of war between what is important in the moment and your well-being.

However, over the years, I’ve learned that taking a step back, prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries and taking care of my mental and physical health is now a priority. Personal time and activities not only decongest the mind, but can also provide the space in which the Eureka Effect and the solution to a professional problem that was previously incomprehensible becomes apparent and as clear as day.

What advice would you give to women just starting their careers, especially those aspiring to leadership roles?

Firstly, and most importantly, believe in yourself, your skills and your potential! If you question it, so will others. Secondly, don’t wait for recognition to come to you but be proactive in communicating your contributions. You are responsible for your own success.

Thirdly, hone your active listening skills and connect with peers and leaders. Good leaders listen more than they talk! And finally, constant change is a given and therefore continuous learning and development is a must! There is always something new to learn. That’s one of the most exciting parts of being a career woman in the modern world! Enjoy the journey, and embrace the opportunity to always grow and develop.

 We’d like to say a big thank you to Eleni for her time and inspirational words, particularly at such an important juncture. They resonate not just with every woman who aspires to become an industry leader, but embody the principles that Inchcape holds to – that equality for all is based on abilities and skills, and that everyone has something unique to contribute. This International Women’s Day and beyond, everyone at Inchcape wholeheartedly supports the concept of #AccelerateAction. Eleni is based in Athens, Greece.

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