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On October 29th, the Women Automotive Network hosted a compelling LinkedIn Live session featuring April Stevens, Director of Manufacturing Strategy & Footprint Development at Ford Motor Company. The conversation, led by Caroline Trudeau, Senior Industry Advisor, explored the unique strengths that introverted leaders bring to the manufacturing industry.
April shared her journey as a third-generation Ford employee, emphasizing her deep-rooted connection to the automotive industry. With 24 years of experience, she has navigated various roles across manufacturing, engineering, and operations. Her passion for improving processes and empowering others is a testament to her dedication to making a lasting impact in her field.
The Strength of Introversion
April identified as an introvert, explaining how she channels her energy into thoughtful leadership. She emphasized that introverts can thrive in roles that demand grit and determination. "It takes a lot for me to put myself out there, but I love doing it," she noted, reflecting on the balance between her natural inclinations and the demands of her leadership role.
Visibility and Influence
Both April and Caroline discussed the importance of visibility in leadership. April shared that while she often prefers to shine a light on others, she recognizes the need for self-advocacy. "Self-advocacy is crucial, especially in a fast-paced environment where introverts can feel overlooked," she stated.
Building Inclusive Environments
The duo highlighted strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces. April advocates for creating cultures where diverse leadership styles are celebrated, noting, "It’s about making things better for those who come after us." Her commitment to mentoring and supporting other women in the industry underscores the importance of lifting each other up.
Leveraging Employee Resource Groups
April encouraged early-career professionals to engage with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to build their networks and enhance their skills. "Raise your hand and get involved," she advised, highlighting the importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities for growth.
Performance, Image, and Exposure
April introduced the concept of "PIE" – Performance, Image, and Exposure. She explained how these elements are vital for career advancement, especially for introverted leaders who may find self-promotion challenging. "It’s about showing up authentically and taking on challenges that scare you," she emphasized.
The conversation concluded with a powerful reminder: whether introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, every leader has a unique contribution to make. As April so eloquently put it, "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." This sentiment resonates deeply within the automotive industry, where diverse leadership styles can drive innovation and foster an inclusive culture.
Join our November Leadership Interview "Effective leadership - talking about the reverse mentoring experience" with Barbara Bergmeier, Executive Director of JLR, where she will shed light on how mentoring has shaped her leadership and career development.
Barbara will reflect on her personal approach to mentoring, sharing insights on evolving practices, maintaining effective relationships, and managing mismatches. She will discuss the importance of mentorship in fostering diversity, particularly promoting women in leadership roles, and aligning with the values of people-centric leadership. The conversation will also touch on practical aspects, like how to avoid mentorship becoming a mere formality in large organizations and ensuring lasting impact through tangible outcomes.
Our mission is to provide a platform for accelerating diversity discussion and inspiring change. Whilst offering unparalleled networking opportunities and support to achieve your best! Join our 40,000+ Network and get involved in our events, leadership interview series, mentorship program, job opportunities and much more.
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Women Automotive Network Homepage: https://womenautomotivenetwork.com/
2025 Events Schedule
https://womenautomotivenetwork.com/pages/events
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