This women's month, we celebrate the women driving change within the ranks at Nissan South Africa
As a global entity, Nissan believes that enabling women, particularly in management positions, is essential to providing diverse value to customers. This belief is evident in the increase in female management the company has seen globally, from 6.7% in 2008, to 13.9% in 2020.
Nissan South Africa has spent more than R56 million in training and development of female staff over the last five years and has reiterated its commitment to the cause by increasing representation of females at management and executive levels to 25% by 2025.
This month, we get to know the women whose lives have been impacted by Nissan's commitment to diversity and those who have been leading some of Nissan South Africa's most crucial projects in recent years.
Meet Mellissa Steele, who shares her commitment towards self-improvement and knowledge-sharing with the young women whom she has had the opportunity to work with.
Q1: Tell us who you are and what your role is here at Nissan.
Steele: I joined Nissan South Africa three and a half years ago as an Outbound Supply Chain Engineering Manager responsible for developing and implementing the outbound supply chain strategy. I ensure that Nissan South Africa (NSA) delivers vehicles to customers within the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa markets.
I have worked on multiple improvement projects and tenders as part of this, and one of my key highlights was managing the road freight tender for the distribution of NSA vehicles within SAF and cross-border SSA markets. The team successfully managed to achieve a 6% cost reduction over a three-year period. I have recently joined the AMIEO Light Commercial Vehicles Program Office, and I'm really looking forward to growing within this role and within Nissan.
Q2: What made you want to work at Nissan and what's your favourite thing about it?
Steele: I have always wanted to work in the automotive manufacturing industry, driven by a curiosity about the complex value chain from a manufacturing perspective, as well as commercially in terms of sales and marketing. So when the opportunity to join Nissan came about, I jumped at it. What I enjoy most about working at NSA is the collaboration across functions to assist the organisation in reaching its objectives. We are often faced with unique challenges, but by working together we find ways to resolve these as best as we can. I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of it.
Q3: What does Women's Month mean to you?
Steele: To me, it is a time to reflect on the important roles that women have played and continue to play in developing society. It is a time to recognise how far we have come in promoting gender equality, women's empowerment and women's rights, as well as foster an environment that helps us thrive. At the same time, I also appreciate that there is more work to be done to support women, and at a faster pace. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that it will take 135.6 years to close the gender gap worldwide. And importantly, this is a time to recommit ourselves to the tangible actions we need to support the continued empowerment and upliftment of women in society.
Q4: In what ways does Nissan make you feel empowered as a woman in this industry?
Steele: Nissan has given me autonomy in the way I conduct my work and make decisions which contribute towards supporting the business objectives. Nissan has also created platforms for me to showcase the work I have done and has invested in my continuous development as a woman in the automotive industry – both on the job and through formal learning. Having had these opportunities, I aim to lift as I rise by providing coaching and career advice, as well as development opportunities through projects, to the young women I work with.
Q5: What keeps you inspired to do your best daily?
Steele: I believe that having a continuous improvement or growth mind-set has motivated me to do my best. I remain committed to always improving the way we do things and using setbacks as learnings to better ourselves.
Q6: Can you name a woman who inspires you, and tell us why?
Steele: I have too many to mention, as there are a number important learnings to take away from women across different industries who have shattered glass ceilings, and in so doing, have inspired and created a path for us to follow. But I must give mention to the strong women in my family who have set a good example of what is achievable despite setbacks and difficult life circumstances, and who have served as a constant encouragement – pushing me and others to reach our potential.
Q7: What message of encouragement would you like to share with fellow women aspiring to enter the motoring industry?
Steele: Firstly, do not be held back by the fear of this being a "male-dominated" industry. This was my fear when entering the motoring industry. However, I have since come across many female leaders in the industry who are thriving and who I look up to in terms of my career aspirations.
One will experience challenges. However, showing competence in your work and using the learning opportunities that are available to better yourself and to showcase your capabilities go a long way. Don't be afraid to ask to be part of initiatives where you are able to add value, or which can serve as a learning opportunity. Important advice that I also received is to bring your authentic self to the workplace – do not underestimate the value that this brings to the team.
