This women's month, we celebrate the women driving change within the ranks at Nissan South Africa
Driven by a passion for the industry and inspired by women who defy the odds, dealer principal Isobel Lamprecht is all about letting your love for what you do drive you to put your best foot forward every day.
As a woman who believes in equality for all, Isobel is proud to work for Nissan, a company she believes values all employees and provides equal opportunity for growth. This commitment to equality and equal opportunity is evident in the increase of female management at Nissan globally, to 13.9% in 2020 from just 6.7% in 2008, as well as Nissan South Africa's investment of over R56 million rands in the training and development of female employees over the last five years.
This women's month, we get to know some of the women driving change at Nissan. Get to know dealer principal, Isobel Lamprecht:
Q1: Tell us who you are and what your role is here at Nissan.
Lamprecht: I am Isobel Lamprecht, a dealer principal for Nissan in Woodmead, Gauteng.
Q2: What made you want to work within the Nissan Dealer Network and what's your favourite thing about it?
Lamprecht: I started working in the industry in 1998, working for VW at McCarthy, and transferred to a management position at Nissan in 2003. I've been with the brand ever since. Nissan is like my second home. We still work as a family and employees are valued here. You're not just a number.
Q3: What does Women's Month mean to you?
Lamprecht: Women's Month to me is about gender equality. We have the same rights as men now, and it's important to celebrate all the achievements and the role women continue to play, working towards the success of our country.
Q4: In what ways does Nissan make you feel empowered as a woman in this industry?
Lamprecht: As women, we are treated the same as all our fellow colleagues and we have access to the same opportunities for growth in the business, like our male counterparts.
Q5: What keeps you inspired to do your best on a daily basis?
Lamprecht: I'm passionate about what I do and always striving to be the best. I am also very competitive and don't believe in failure. I believe in setbacks, which are temporary and allow one to get right back up. My husband, children and grandchildren inspire me to continue to do my best daily.
6: Can you name a woman who inspires you and tell us why? She does not have to be a Nissan employee.
Lamprecht: I'm inspired by Nadia Nadim's determination. She went from being a refugee at 12 years old to being one of the most celebrated and most crucial members of the Denmark national football team. Originally from war-torn Afghanistan, she is now considered the most influential and greatest Afghan female football player of all time, especially after helping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) win their first Division 1 Féminine league title in 2021. To me, her story is one of resilience and courage.
Q7: What message of encouragement would you like to share with fellow women in the Nissan Dealer Network?
Lamprecht: Believe in yourself and your potential. Don't let failure or mistakes kill your confidence. The right attitude in life will take you far. Be prepared to learn from others. Having a passion for what you do can help lead you to success.
Q8: Do you drive a Nissan car and which one?
Lamprecht: I drive a Nissan Patrol. It is the perfect vehicle for a family-focused person like myself.
Q9: Favourite inspirational quote?
Lamprecht: "And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong, and full of fire and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears." – Mark Anthony, The Beautiful Truth. This is the quote that inspires me to keep going!
To join the conversation, follow #NissanWomen
