Can a woman run two car workshops and lead more than 50 technicians?

Yes. And we’ll prove it.

International Women’s Day (or International Working Women’s Day) commemorates women’s struggle for empowerment, participation and, above all, gender equality.

On this very important day, we’d like to make a little contribution of our own.

We want to show that yes, a woman can work in the automotive sector. And, what’s more, a woman can lead an all-male team.

Susana Hidalgo, Lever Touch Spain’s garage manager, tells us her story.

Before starting the interview, let us tell you a bit more about her. As for her experience prior to joining Lever Touch, Susana worked for several years in the automotive sector. Specifically, she was in charge of managing vehicles for the Port of Barcelona. After that, she went into business for herself for 10 years, launching a company in the hotel and catering sector. She is clearly the epitome of the enterprising woman.

After her entrepreneurial phase, she returned to automotive world and worked at the SEMAT workshop in La Llagosta for a while. There she began working with Lever Touch as an administrative assistant. Thanks to her diligence and dedication, she began taking on management roles in workshop, finally reaching the position of workshop manager. She currently holds the position of garage manager for Lever Touch Spain and is an essential part of our team.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I think it’s an important day that gives recognition to everything women do as workers. 

What part of the automotive world are you most passionate about?

Well, first of all, I like cars. I like to keep up with the latest kinds of repairs and especially the new models and technology. It’s what I love!

You’re the coordinator for all of Lever Touch’s vehicle repair shops in Spain. And you’re a woman. Have you had problems with stereotypes in your career?

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BCN Exprés Repair Center (2019)

On occasion, yes, because it’s true that it’s a man’s world. And when you introduce yourself as the manager of a garage, people look down on you and think “she doesn’t know anything.” 

It comes down to the day-to-day, earning people’s respect, showing you know what you’re talking about and you’re interested in what they have to say. You learn alongside them every day and it’s always based on mutual respect.

What advice do you have for women who want to be part of the automotive sector, to be managers or work in the garage?

My advice would be that if they really like the automotive world, they should forget the idea that it’s a man’s world. Everyone should do what they love and are passionate about, regardless of whether it’s a man’s job or a woman’s job. You have to get that out of your head! I would tell them to press on and fight for what they want.

For you, what adjective identifies women all over the world?

Strength… and passion.

We want to know your secret. How can a woman lead a team of more than 50 men?

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Susana Hidalgo – BCN Express Repair Center (2019)

I don’t think there’s a secret. It’s down to personality. You have to be normal, one of the team, with no difference between being a man or a woman. In my case, I like to manage people, talk to them, lead teams, so people see me as a colleague and not a manager. I think there’s no secret there. You have to like it, and you have to earn respect just like in any other job where you lead a team.

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Susana Hidalgo, Workshops Coordinator Lever Touch España (2019)

Together we can make a more equal world.

All of us at Lever Touch wish you a happy Women’s Day!