Maria Stenström, head of Volvo France
Work in the sector of theautomotive it's a choice or a chance?
It's a coincidence. I went home Volvo just after my studies. In Gothenburg, where I come from, in Sweden, it was the company that had to be integrated if one wanted to embrace an international career. I have been loyal to this company for 23 years now.
The world of theautomotive did he interest you anyway?
Yes, I loved cars. Since my entry into Volvo I held various positions, first in Sweden and then in different European countries. I discovered as the complexity of this sector and its various trades that it is at the industrial level, commercial or after-sales service.
It's a rather masculine world, is it easy for a women to impose oneself?
It is a bit difficult for me to answer this question because I only worked in this area of activity. But I have never encountered any difficulties whatsoever in Belgium or Spain. The fact that women arrives at the head of Volvo la France has been well received internally and externally. I currently lead 80 people, the majority of whom are obviously men.
Should not we give more space to the women in the sector ofautomotive ?
Yes, certainly, it is necessary to put them forward. But things are changing, women are still more and more present in this sector. In Volvo, we were the first to present a prototype designed solely by women, for some women. It's an experience to renew.
What are the qualifications for you to fill such a position?
We must already be passionate about what we do. And in this business in particular, this interest should not be limited to the technical level. We must also listen to the staff, dealers, customers, never think that we are the only one to lead. To love working in a team also seems to me a priority.
It's a very busy job, with a lot of travel, is not it difficult to reconcile professional life and privacy?
I have two children and we have always been two at home to raise them. It is obvious that it requires help and a rigorous organization. For a women access to responsibilities, you need a real sharing of family tasks, otherwise it's difficult to get there. But having children has never been a hindrance to my career. When I'm at home I'm 100% with them and at the office 100% for my work.
