[#WomenInBiz]: Changing gears with Denise van Huyssteen

You are currently the Communications Manager for GM Africa. Could you briefly describe your role?

Denise van Huyssteen: I am responsible for the development and implementation of the company's external and internal communications strategies within our Africa region. I am also a member of the company's Executive Committee, the Chairperson of our Women's Council and I serve as a mentor to other employees. Outside of work, I serve on the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Board and I am the champion of the Chamber's Electricity Task Team.

Denise van Huyssteen, Communications Manager for GM Africa

You've got vast experience in the automotive industry, more specifically in communications. What has been the highlight of your career?

Van Huyssteen: I have been very fortunate to work in the automotive industry as it is very complex and challenging which means that you get to learn all the time.

Being part of a global company means that I also get exposure to international trends and thinking, while at the time ensuring that our strategies are aligned to the broader company's global initiatives.

One of my highlights of my career was attending the Communications Consortium in New York a few years ago. All the major US based companies selected five attendees from within their global operations and I was selected as one of GM's five representatives! What an opportunity - I learnt so much!

What barriers did you face, as a woman, becoming successful in your field, and how did you overcome them?

Van Huyssteen: The automotive industry is traditionally male-dominated and women leaders who operate in our industry tend to be in the HR, Communications, Finance and Marketing fields.

There are very few who work in the more technical areas of Manufacturing and Engineering and it is therefore important that companies promote the technical fields as a career option for young women to embark upon.

When I first entered the motor industry, the biggest challenges I had revolved around establishing credibility within the organisation and so I had to quickly learn about the industry, technical aspects of the environment and so on. As I work closely with the senior leaders of the company, I had to ensure that I was able to contribute towards the broader strategy of the business and not just from a communications perspective. This required that I read a lot, asked a lot of questions and stepped outside of my comfort zone to take on additional assignments.

Who is your biggest influence/role model/icon and what have you learnt from them?

Van Huyssteen: Advocate Thuli Madonsela. I admire her bravery, willingness to stand up for what's right and for being consistent and authentic.

What is your view on Women's Month in SA? How do you feel about Women's Day in general?

Van Huyssteen: I think Women's Day and Month are important as while there has been progress over recent years, there is still a lot to do to ensure that women are treated equally within all spheres of society. Women in the workplace are not looking for special treatment but rather to be considered for the same opportunities as men and not to be prejudiced when decisions are made in this regard.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women pursuing a career in your field?

Van Huyssteen: I would urge more women to consider entering the automotive industry. It is an exciting, ever-changing industry which provides lots of opportunities for growth and development.

In terms of advice ; don't doubt yourself, you are more capable than you think you are and you do have the capacity to contribute.