The Exceptional Women Driving Change at Hi-Tech Radiators

Inspiring Inclusion:

At Hi-Tech Radiators, while our workforce has been predominantly male, we have seen a steady increase in the number of women joining our ranks over the past few years. Today, we boast a female workforce of around 14, spread across various departments and functions.

As we celebrated International Women's Day 2024, with the theme of "Inspire Inclusion," we wanted to spotlight these exceptional women’s experiences and their impact on our company's culture and operations.

One of our first and longest-tenured female employees recalls feeling underutilised and unheard in the early days. As the sole woman in a sea of men, her ideas and suggestions often fell on deaf ears. But she persevered, consistently pushing for change and challenging the status quo, even in the face of resistance. Today, she plays a pivotal role in operations, HR, and employee engagement, driving our company forward with her vision and leadership.

Her focus is on breaking the "production at any cost" mindset that has long dominated the industry. She believes that true success lies in instilling discipline, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and creating a more sustainable and efficient work environment. Her goal is to be seen as a strong leader in her own right, who brings a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the business to the table.

For our newer female employees, many of whom are early in their careers and for whom this is their first or second job, the experience has been one of growth and empowerment. Initially, many were nervous to speak up or ask questions, worried about looking foolish or incompetent. But they quickly found that the environment at Hi-Tech Radiators is one of friendship, encouragement, and equality. Male colleagues, even those in senior positions, are patient and helpful in explaining things, and gender is never a barrier to success.

Over the past 6-8 months, these women have grown in confidence and knowledge, taking on new challenges and responsibilities with the support and guidance of their teammates. They feel safe, secure, and valued as equal members of the Hi-Tech Radiators family.

But our journey towards inclusion is not without its challenges. Bridging the gap between production teams and support functions like accounting is an ongoing effort. Getting the production teams to understand the financial and compliance implications of their actions requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to communicate and collaborate across departments.

To facilitate this change, we are employing innovative tools and strategies. Psychometric testing is being used in the hiring process to identify team leaders with the right attributes and attitudes. Workshops are being conducted to educate all teams on the bigger picture and how their roles fit into the company's overall success. And there is a constant push to eliminate inefficiencies and wasteful practices that drain resources and hinder progress.

Throughout this process, the women of Hi-Tech Radiators are supporting and uplifting each other. Senior female leaders serve as role models and mentors, creating a safe space for their junior counterparts to share problems, concerns, and aspirations. They push the younger women out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to take on new challenges and responsibilities while treating them as equals and refusing to coddle them.

As we continue on our journey towards a more inclusive and progressive workplace, the exceptional women within our ranks are leading the charge. They are driving the cultural changes necessary for sustainable growth, focusing on discipline, communication, collaboration, and efficiency. While there is still much work to be done, the progress so far is promising, and the future looks bright.

Let's celebrate the achievements and the potential of the exceptional women at Hi-Tech Radiators. They are not just employees, but changemakers, role models, and leaders in their own right. Through their dedication, resilience, and vision, they are inspiring inclusion and transforming our industry from within.