The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
As part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, we’re turning our Spotlight On the women who help lead and shape Women in Bus and Coach, from our Region Chairs and Board Directors to volunteers. Through this special series, we’re recognising the dedication, leadership and commitment of the women who work behind the scenes to strengthen our community across the bus, coach and community transport sector.
Today, we’re proud to focus on:
Louise Cheeseman OBE
Founder & Chair
Women in Bus and Coach
How did you get to where you are today?
My career started in Hull as a guard for seven years, before moving into various management roles across the north of England. In 2012 I was offered the opportunity to spend some time in London as a seconded General Manager for the DLR during the Olympics and Paralympics. What was intended as a three month secondment finished up as a five year experience. From there I gained my first director role with Manchester Metrolink and then came home to Hull as MD of Hull Trains. My final full time role was at TfL as Director of buses. I am now semi retired, working as a non executive director for operational businesses and chairing boards of charity organisations linked to transport, including Women in Bus and Coach.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Clearly spending most of your career in a male dominated industry has its challenges. You always feel that you need to prove yourself, particularly when you have successfully secured roles that have traditionally been taken by a man.
The biggest challenge though, has been my own self doubt and lack of confidence. This has always felt like my greatest inhibiter to success. Lack of confidence has always blighted my career and I have constantly had to fight those little gremlins in your head that tell you that you are not good enough.
If so, how did you overcome them?
Demonstrating the ability to carry out a role successfully means giving of your best and working hard to show that they made the right decision in appointing you. Choosing roles where there were real opportunities to demonstrate tangible improvements helped. Being clear from the start in agreeing what success looked like, that might be KPI’s, or other metrics helped to demonstrate success to me, in my head, shutting that little gremlin up. I always wanted to leave a positive legacy when I moved to my next role, this helped me to look back and feel that I’d made a positive impact, to grow my confidence, but also to prove to other women that they were able to be ambitious too, in a sector dominated by men.
What do you like about the bus, coach or community transport sector?
The bus, coach and community transport sector offers so much variety in terms of job opportunities. The industry is getting more and more recognition for the important role it plays in linking communities and the social value it brings. The sector is so much more than a metal box with a wheel in each corner. It offers career opportunities to people who may not have had the opportunities in education. I left school at 16 with few formal qualifications. It supports the economy of local communities, it provides opportunities for the local supply chain. We are in a phase of research and development that will produce new and innovative vehicles and infrastructure that will really encourage people to want to use road passenger transport over the car as time goes on, thus creating a more environmentally sustainable opportunity for moving people around. I can’t wait to see what the future brings in terms of in the bus, coach and community transport sector.
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is different for me now. My first task is to go for a run and then 45 minutes of step and strength. That sets me up, body and mind, for whatever the day holds for me. I then pop into my office at home and work through my e mails and any meetings I may have. I love the variety, some days I have lots of interactions, board meetings, planning meetings, other days I have the opportunity to go and play golf, or put my walking shoes on and head to the Yorkshire Wolds. The days of working 70 hour weeks have gone now. I aim to enjoy every spare minute, either supporting businesses and people or enjoying exercise and relaxation.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
Any woman who is considering entering the road passenger transport sector I would say ‘go for it’. We would welcome you with open arms. Go along to your local garage and have a chat with the team. I know they would be willing to give you the low down on what life is like in the business. Explore any opportunities that you see advertised. You won’t regret it!
What has been your bus, coach or community transport sector career highlight?
I think my highlight has got to have been supporting the planning and delivery of the Queens Diamond Jubilee, Her Majesties funeral and the Kings coronation. Words could never describe how it felt hearing the crowds and seeing the queues of people waiting to pay their respects. What an absolute honour it was to say I was there helping to move people around London at some of the most historic events in history.
What three things could the bus, coach or community transport sector do to improve the industry for women?
1) Encourage more girls leaving school to consider a career in the sector. We do not promote careers in bus, coach and community transport enough in schools and colleges. They are our future. The average age of a bus drivers is 53 so we are soon going to need a lot of new recruits, so this is a real opportunity to turn the sector around.
2) Call out behaviour against women every time. We should not tolerate any behaviours that make people feel uncomfortable.
3) Ensure we encourage women to be ambitious. We have to ‘see it to be it’ so lets get more women into senior roles and into board rooms to influence key decision making that will impact making the culture fit for everyone.
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
I genuinely believe that Women in Bus and Coach has drawn a spot light on the lack of diversity in the sector, which is great. We are here to support woman to consider a career in the sector, but also support businesses to create a culture where women can feel comfortable and allow them to thrive. There are some real ‘green shoots’ of improvements starting to manifest. The annual summit is growing year on year and the feeling of power and enthusiasm that permeates out of the audience leaves me in no doubt we are making a difference.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years time I hope I will be fully retired, touring Europe in my motorhome and playing golf with a handicap of 5!!
I hope I will be watching the industry grow its diversity and watching more and more women taking the lead in road passenger transport businesses.
Anything else you would like to share?
I cannot thank the transport sector enough for what it has given me. The opportunities it has afforded me, the wonderful people I have met, the places I have visited, the roles I have undertaken. Joining the railway as a guard in 2001, little did I know what wonderful opportunities lay ahead of me.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Louise, your story is an inspiration!
