Page 21 - Energize September 2022

NEWS

Women thrive at sales and customer service

wo women at the coalface of
Bearing International’s sales
Tand customer service operation
agree that traditionally male-dominated
technical industries are slowly bearing
the fruit of increased diversity and
inclusion policies. This is especially true
with this year’s theme being ‘Generation
Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for
an Equal Future’.
The concept of Generation Equality
is a global campaign that links South
Africa to global efforts to achieve gender
equality by 2030. Gender equality in
this timeframe requires urgent action
to eliminate the many root causes of
discrimination that still curtail women’s
rights in the private and public domain. from general engineering to mining, are showing green shoots in terms of diversity
“There has been progress in terms and inclusion. “I feel we are moving in a progressive direction as I see more females in
of diversity and inclusion, especially leadership positions.”
on the sales side, where we now have However, stereotypes persist, especially due to the highly competitive nature of
black women who are external sales business. “But females are advancing in these technical industries,” notes Khutso. As an
reps. I hope in the next couple of external sales rep, her main task is to provide field sales with leads for new
years to see more women at “Do not and existing customers in industries as diverse as manufacturing and
BI in management roles, food and beverage.
especially at branch compare yourself to Khutso also works closely with the Product Managers and
level,” comments others. Work hard, as no Business Development Leaders to promote the diverse solutions
Thato Esther Kekana. job is beneath you. Soak up the and high-end brands that BI distributes. She has a fitter and
Thato’s main knowledge available to you. Do not turner certificate from the Manufacturing, Engineering and
responsibilities are be discouraged or demotivated.” – Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
to increase sales Thato Esther Kekana, (merSETA), in addition to having completed various sales and
prospects by reaching Sales Rep, marketing courses.
out to potential new She is thankful for the opportunities that BI has afforded her.
customers. She also Bearings International Thato concurs: “There are so many wonderful things about working
introduces new products for BI. I enjoy the company culture and have found my colleagues to
and provides solutions to specific have been supportive throughout my time here. I have been provided with
customer requirements. In this way any training I have requested.” It is this support and encouragement that makes both
she plays a direct and integral role in women confident about their continued future in both BI and in South Africa’s industrial
reinforcing the company’s values and landscape.
the brand itself. Thato’s advice to women contemplating a similar career is: “Do not compare yourself
Thato obtained her Diploma in to others. Work hard, as no job is beneath you. Soak up the knowledge available to you.
Marketing Management in 2018, Do not be discouraged or demotivated. Keep going. Always show yourself and others
commencing her career at BI in 2020 as respect. Do not be too proud to ask for help when you need it. Always have a goal in mind
a sales intern, quickly working her way and a path of how to achieve it.”
up to internal salesperson. “When the
opportunity arose, I had the experience Contact Bearings International (BI), Phone 011 899-0000, info@bearings.co.za,
to apply for my current position and was www.bearings.co.za
fortunate enough to get it.” Connect with BI on social media:
Khutso Mokwena agrees that the Facebook: www.facebook.com/BearingsInternational/
types of industries that BI services, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingsinternational/

energize | September 2022 | 19