Attract, recruit and retain female talent. Tips from the best.
Alexandra Bromley
Chief Marketing Officer
Savic Motorcycles
Alexandra Bromley popped up on my (Kate Peck here) radar at the Phillip Island MotoGP when I was casually cruising through the GP Expo hall, perving on motorcycles. She is the effervescent Chief Marketing Officer of Savic Motorcycles, a pioneering electric motorcycle manufacturer located in Melbourne. Alex muscled me onto a Savic motorcycle for a social snap and from there we connected. Alex is an industry leader in a new, scary world for hairy old bikers - electric motorcycles. Of course, I needed to pick her brain on how to attract more women to work in this strange but wonderful male-dominated space.
“The auto industry can be tough, especially for women, but it's not all doom and gloom. I've seen environments like Harley-Davidson achieve a great gender balance, which was heartening when I first jumped on board many years ago. The key? An inclusive atmosphere where everyone, especially women, feel valued and heard. Mentorship is a big deal too; it makes a huge difference in welcoming and nurturing female talent and I was lucky enough to have some great female mentors throughout my career.
Creating a workplace that's right for everyone starts at the interview. It's about being upfront about the culture and ensuring it's a place where everyone can thrive. Communication, support, and a safe space for fun and individuality are universal needs, not just women’s.”
Thank you Alex, your points are highly relevant and practical. We can’t wait to catch up with you again! Until then, get on the gas... I mean the battery.
Chief Marketing Officer shares the top three things she looks for when hiring.
We’ve heard from Savic’s Chief Marketing Officer Alexandra Bromley before. Alex is a female working at a motorcycle manufacturer at an executive level, this alone is a rarity, but Savic aren’t just any motorcycles... they are Australian-designed electric motorcycles. Let’s just say Alex has ticked the boxes of all the things our antiquated forefathers hoped would never happen to motorcycles. Luckily she has an epic CEO and some great staff. I wanted to ask her about the top three things she looks for when hiring, and there are some absolute zingers in here.
“When it comes to bringing new people into our team, there are three things I value above all:
Firstly, attitude. It's the cornerstone of everything. I've met many individuals brimming with skills and experience, but if they don't have the right mindset, it's a no-go. I'm talking about a positive, can-do attitude, a willingness to collaborate, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. These traits are invaluable, especially in a fast-paced, ever-evolving start-up environment.
Secondly, cultural fit. This is crucial. Our culture at Savic Motorcycles is all about innovation, teamwork, and mutual respect, but also creating a safe space for fun and banter. I look for people who share these values, who can blend into our team while bringing their unique perspectives and ideas. It's about finding those who contribute to our environment positively, making it a better place for everyone.
Lastly, the desire to learn and grow. In this industry, things move quickly, and we're always on our toes. I love seeing candidates who are hungry for knowledge and eager to develop their skills. It reminds me of when I was starting out. I didn't have any qualifications, I only just finished Year 12, but I had the drive. We've seen amazing talent come through from internships with RMIT and Monash, students who are just soaking up every experience. That eagerness is something I can't teach, but it's something I can definitely nurture and support.
So there you go, my top three: attitude, cultural fit, and a thirst for learning. These are the traits that tell me someone isn't just ready for a job, but ready to be part of our journey at Savic Motorcycles.”