Women in motoring: Meet Maserati's Monica Luscay Kyzer

She followed a traditional educational path up to Grade 10, following the passing of her mom, after which a decision was made to be home schooled. This resulted in an opportunity to enrol at a technical school and in her fourth year (N4 level) she was offered an internship with Mercedes Benz Daimler.

Career motivation

Testament to her career choice was the unquestionable advice from her mother: “Know the car that you are driving, so that one day if you ever break down while on your own, you will know what to do.” It played a fundamental role in her decision to pursue a career in the motor industry.

Kyzer currently holds the position of service advisor at Maserati South Africa at their dealership in Cape Town, a position that allows her to be completely immersed in her passion for luxury performance cars.

What mostly excites Kyzer about her role at Maserati is that while the motoring industry is traditionally male dominated, she is in fact the only female technician working on the Maserati brand in South Africa in a service advisory capacity. While that might mean that she is treated as one of the guys, this grease monkey is proud that she is actually not just one of the guys. What makes her different is that she is female and that makes her stand out.

“If client service is your strength, then this will be a rewarding job because I definitely feel a sense of job satisfaction being directly involved with developing and growing client relationships,” she says.

Although shy, Kyzer considers her best attributes to be: honesty, kindness, determination and loyalty. This, coupled with the unfailing support of her parents is what has ultimately contributed to her success.

Words of wisdom

Kyzer’s advice to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in the motoring industry: “Don't be afraid to go for something which is your passion in life. The motoring industry can be a great opportunity to achieve your dream career. Even when you feel like giving up, make sure you get up and continue. It’s like running a race, either you do it alone, or someone turns around, picks you up and runs with you to the finish line.”

She also says that young women should be determined and motivated, have great communication skills and be willing to be a team player. The minimum requirements for a job of this nature would include a Matric certificate, good language skills, mathematics as a subject and any other technical qualification.

Her attitude towards a day’s work: “No challenge you face is too big or too small, take it as it comes and try to resolve it as efficiently and smoothly as possible.”

In her spare time, Kyzer enjoys taking walks on the beach, long-distance drives, listening to music, hiking and, above all, spending time with her family.

Source: Maserati South Africa