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.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Carol Sim
Operations Director
Stagecoach South
How did you get to where you are today?
I worked in a bus station café in my local town from the age of 13 until the age of 18, around school and later college, where I was studying beauty therapy but wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I passed my car test as soon as I reached 17 and absolutely loved driving.
The main bus operator in my town was looking for drivers, and when I was 18, I applied for a bus driver role and was successful — which was unusual at the time, as it was believed you had to be over the age of 21. That was true if you were operating services that exceeded 50 km. When I first drove the bus in training, I remember being too scared to take my eyes off the road to check the mirrors, but just two weeks after I had started, to my surprise, I passed my test. Training wasn’t what it’s like now — I had a couple of days with a mentor, and that was it. I was let loose with a bus! I remember driving past my old school thinking, just two years earlier, who would have thought I would be driving a bus?
I loved driving so much. I loved meeting the customers, and it was well paid compared to other jobs. Just four years later, my colleagues talked me into applying for an office role as a leading driver, and I was successful. Within a month, I had progressed to a full-time controller role and did this for around eight or nine years. For most of that time, I was quite often the only female at the depot, but I didn’t mind — I absolutely loved my job and the challenges that came with it.
After that, I was successful with my application for my first management role, where I was in charge of three depots, each with its own challenges, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Five years later, I achieved my first senior leadership role in the business as Head of Operations before changing companies and moving into my current position as Operations Director three years later.
Altogether, I have worked in the bus industry for almost 23 years, and I have absolutely loved it. I would recommend this career to anyone who isn’t quite sure what they want to do! I would love to see more women join the industry, and I hope that my story shows how it’s possible to develop and progress in the bus industry. And on occasion, I even still get to go back to my roots and drive a bus — which I still absolutely love!
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
I had challenges and still do occasionally with confidence and imposter syndrome, especially in the past when I had to overcome some reactions and comments when becoming successful in positions over my male colleagues earlier in my career.
If so, how did you overcome then?
I had a few trusted allies throughout my career that really helped support me through difficult times. I wouldn’t be where I am without those people.
What do you like about the bus, coach or community transport sector?
I love working on the buses, I love that we all sort of know one another across the industry and all have a passion for providing a great service for our customers and our people. The majority of us have a great passion for what we do, and demonstrate huge resilience when things are tough, and that’s when I am so proud to be part of a great team that all work together and support one another!
What does a typical day look like?
Everyday is different, and that’s why I love operations as there’s so much variety. However, I always ensure that I check in on my team, understand how our service delivery is looking for the day and days ahead so we can overcome any challenges and ensure that we are able to provide a reliable service for our customers.
I work closely with the rest of the senior leadership team, and this could be working on strategies, budgets or we could be doing one of our ride a longs where we go out on the network and see what the customer experience is like and make improvements where necessary.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
Don’t think about it, just do it!
What has been your bus, coach or community transport sector career highlight?
Starting as a driver and progressing through each of the roles up to Operations Director and meeting so many amazing people along the way, some of which are friends for life!
What three things could the bus, coach or community transport sector do to improve the industry for women?
– Call out behaviours and language that always refer to He, and him.
– Do more educating with men so we have more allies to help with this
– keep at it, with WIBC and women in transport
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
More women are joining the industry compared to when I first started. It was something not really spoken about until recent years.
Language used is getting better but still some way to go. (referring to He, sirs).
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In 5 years I hope to be fully established in my position with the knowledge and experience to be able to take the next step into a managing Director role.
Thank you for sharing Carol, your story truly makes a difference.
To find out more about who Carol works for, and career opportunities visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/careers
