As the General Manager of Honda Store Dunedin, Kaaren has earned her way into a coveted role in the car business. She’s quick to credit the awesome support she’s had around her, helping her continually advance her career, but naturally there’s been a lot of tenacity on her part too. “I’ve been told a number of times that I’m like a dog with a bone,” laughs Kaaren, “and that I have a very strong personality. Both of which I take as a compliment.”
Photography by Emily Chalk
The GM is currently in the middle of her Honda showroom where she sits among the rest of her team - rather than tucked away in a private office - ready to meet and greet customers. She is a hands-on and hard working boss who has been in the business for 12 years now, doing things in her own bold style since day one.
“When I left school I went to work as a pharmacy technician and thanks to that, I was able to buy my first house aged 22. That was great, but then I realised that, because I had a mortgage to pay, I wouldn’t be able to afford university. So I walked into a recruitment agency and the very first interview I went for was in the customer contact centre for Honda.”
Once that door opened, Kaaren was on her way. As her knowledge grew she moved into a business development team, and then Honda Financial Services before returning to the contact centre as team leader.
“I love a challenge,” she says simply. “I’d say for anyone who has ever managed me, that’s the hardest part of it. I set my sights on something and then I get to the point where I feel I've done the very best I can - and I need a new focus.”
Over the next few years, Kaaren continued to take on different roles, always seeking out new opportunities and the chance to reach the next level. When the Dunedin GM role became available in 2021, Kaaren put her hand straight up.
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“This is the biggest job I’ve ever had and there’s been a lot to learn. When I first started I had another former general manager come and work alongside me and mentor me for six months and that was awesome. During that time I've also had personal ups and downs with relationships and getting covid a few times - you know, all of that fun stuff - but the understanding and support I've had has made it so much better.”
Kaaren says she also has a close knit team of other General Managers, up and down the country, who are always willing to help in any way. “I know without a doubt that any time of day or night, I can ring one of those guys and they will drop everything. They’re my friends and my support system and I’d like to hope I’m that for them too.”
Kaaren is also hopeful that the trend towards more women working in automotive will keep tracking upwards and that this will continue to shift perceptions in the wider industry. “I would love women to know that you don’t have to already be an expert in cars before you start, you can learn all of that. We’re 45% female in my team and for automotive that’s a lot, but we’re still very underrepresented in this industry. As a result, I still have customers from time to time who will come in and ask me if they can speak with the manager…”
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Along with her passion and determination pushing her forward, Kaaren has some pieces of wisdom that help to guide her through everyday life. “Before my mum passed away she told me not to hold on to grudges. She said all it will do is hurt you and in the end the other person doesn’t give a flying toss. That’s done me really well. I think it takes a lot to faze me these days."
“And the other one is to value experiences more than possessions. So I’m always looking for opportunities to try new things, go to new places and meet new people. For me that’s far more important than something you own,” she says firmly, before quickly adding, “Other than cars of course!”
Kaaren is based at Honda Store Dunedin.
To find out more about women working in the fast moving and progressive automotive industry, check out womeninautomotive.nz.
