A remarkable journey through a male-dominated industry was shared by global fleet director Anne-Marie Dunbar at the first Women in Fleet networking event.
Dunbar, director - global fleet program at Gilead Sciences, started her career in data analytics at Vodafone before she unexpectedly transitioned into fleet management.
"I didn't dream of being a fleet manager," Dunbar said. “But I was curious and willing to take risks."
She told delegates at the Empowering Women in Fleet meeting in Milton Keynes that her career path demonstrates that success isn't about traditional qualifications, but about passion, hard work, and determination.
Currently managing a global fleet of 2,700 vehicles across 29 countries, Dunbar has overcome significant obstacles. She described early career experiences marked by feelings of vulnerability and imposter syndrome, particularly in male-dominated professional spaces.
"I used to go to events and wonder, 'Who wants to listen to my opinion?'" she shared. Her strategy for overcoming these challenges was simple yet powerful: always sit at the front, make eye contact, and ensure her voice is heard.
Dunbar's journey wasn't without personal sacrifices. As a working mother, she made strategic career moves that balanced professional ambition with family responsibilities. When joining Gilead, she made a family decision that involved longer commutes and reduced home time, proving that career growth can be a collaborative family effort.
Her current role requires navigating complex international regulations, cultural differences, and constantly changing legislative landscapes.
"Every country is different," she explained. "From economic environments to tax regulations, you're always learning."
Dunbar emphasised that networks such as Empowering Women in Fleet these didn't exist when she started, making professional growth more challenging for women.
"If I'd had a network like this when I first entered fleet, everything would have been totally different," she said.
The initiative aims to provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for women entering the sector.
Dunbar's advice to emerging professionals is straightforward: be persistent, work hard, and don't be afraid to be uncomfortable.
"Hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard," she stated.
The Empowering Women in Fleet event, supported by Novuna Vehicle Solutions and Volvo, represents a significant step towards creating more inclusive professional environments.
With plans for future meetings and continued networking, the initiative promises to inspire and support women in the fleet management sector.
Are you a fleet end-user? Find out more about joining Empowering Women in Fleet.
Video from the inaugural meeting, including testimonials from founding members
Pictures from the first EWiF meeting
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Fleet News initiative champions women in fleet
Fleet News is proud to announce the launch of Empowering Women in Fleet – an initiative designed to spotlight and celebrate the achievements of women in the fleet sector.
This new membership group, which aims to promote inspiring
role models and empower more women to reach their full potential, will bring together influential fleet decision-makers and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Brought to you in partnership with Volvo Car UK and Novuna Vehicle Solutions, network members will include fleet managers, procurement specialists, HR professionals and finance heads.
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Mike Roberts returned to Fleet News in 2021 having previously been its news editor in the early 2000s.
He is now managing editor for Fleet News, AM and Rail in the Bauer B2B portfolio. Prior to this he was managing editor of Fleet News' sister-title Smart Transport.
Mike started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s and has since worked on several specialist titles, both in print and online.
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