This week is RHA’s National Coach Week – The UK coach sector employees around 45,000 people across approximately 700 coach operators, handling 400 million passenger journeys, contributing around £6bn to the UK economy each year.
To celebrate National Coach Week, this week, the Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the coach sector.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Sarah Bartlett
Senior PR Manager
FlixBus UK
What is your role?
I’m Senior PR Manager for FlixBus UK and I’ve worked at Flix for two years. I look after communications for the UK market. This means I am responsible for the reputation of our brand and ensuring we’re telling the world about the incredible growth journey we’re on.
How did you get to where you are today?
My parents always encouraged education and passion for learning which led me to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Public Relations. My mum, a senior director in logistics, particularly inspired me to be bold and brave in the professional world
I worked in communications agencies for around eight years before joining the coach sector. It’s typically more of a female-dominated sector and has meant I’ve had some fantastic women mentors during my formative professional working life. I continue to be influenced by them every day!
At Flix, I feel so lucky to be surrounded by exceptional women – and men – who allow me to bring my whole self to work.
What do you like about the sector?
Transport is for everyone and it’s essential for a well-functioning society. I feel proud to work for Flix, a company that values this as an intrinsic freedom that everyone deserves access to, without harming the planet, or people’s wallets.
What does a typical day look like?
I’m always seeking out stories to tell! I love being with the whole team – from business development to operations – and planning out our communication strategy together. I’m always keen to find new angles and position the team as the thought leaders they are. I speak to journalists every day, be it from the trade media, national travel press or local news outlets, to ensure Flix is always front of mind.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
Right now is more exciting than ever – the travel tech that exists now is incredible and there are so many opportunities to be a part of the sector that you might not even realise exist.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
So many to name – network expansions, our 2nd anniversary in the UK, passenger milestones, our Welsh coach design… the list goes on! But, our most recent launch of England and Wales first electric coach service has to be one of our most impressive achievements. It’s thrilling to be shining a light on how Flix is leading the way for zero-emissions vehicle transformation.
What three things could the Bus and Coach sector do to improve the industry for Women?
- More care and consideration of the words being used by industry professionals in everyday life. If we want a more diverse industry, we must make sure we speak using language that is inclusive and kind.
- Understand the intersectionality of other protected characteristics – for example, race, age, and sexual orientation – and how these impact the perceptions and behaviours of others.
- Keep championing, supporting, and lifting the amazing women in the industry. This will inspire confidence to keep pushing boundaries and representing!
Anything else you would like to share?
Flix launched the Women at Flix ERG (employee resource group) last year which I am a proud member of. The group is made up of women from offices around the world, and we’ve built such a great network of support already. This year, we’ve planned and undertaken a whole month of women-centred activities, with workshops, virtual interviews with key senior leaders and events for staff on International Women’s Day.
Thank you for sharing your story Sarah, you are truly an inspiration!
To find out more about who Sarah works for, and career opportunities visit: Careers at Flix | Jobs at FlixBus and FlixTrain.
