Here’s to the women who are empowering, inspiring, and leading others!
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating our Women of BMW! Each nominee exemplifies the pillars of movement and BMW and serves as an inspiration for the BMW family. Throughout the series, we will hear the stories and advice from women leaders who have broken stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings. We created the #WomenofBMW series to highlight the progress of women in their roles throughout the automotive industry while motivating change going forward.
Name: Susan Goldblatt
Division: Sales and Operational Excellence
Location: New Jersey
Q: In a few words, describe your role at BMW?
A: I’m responsible for the NSC US Sales IT landscape (applications and operations) supporting both Sales Operations and the Vehicle Distribution Centers.
Q: As a leader in the workplace, how important do you think collaboration is?
A: Effective collaboration is the key to my team’s successes. Since we are a very matrixed-working organization (remote location vs. in the office, global time zones, culturally diverse) collaboration is imperative and closely coincides with a high performing team and success.
Q: You’ve been described as a natural leader by your colleagues at BMW. Do you believe that you were a natural or were there skills you had to practice throughout your roles?
A: A bit of both. Growing up I had dreams and goals, but there was no clear path leading me to success. I knew that if I wanted to achieve, I’d have to do it on my own. That drive and passion to work hard and do better came naturally to me.
I am also an extrovert, who loves to talk and actively listen. This has given me many opportunities to meet and network with some fascinating leaders, both outside and within BMW. Many of them spoke of the importance to recognize and appreciate our team members, enabling trust and confidence and inspiring them to grow within their roles and “think outside of the box”. The latter remains a key practice I still perform today and have done throughout my tenure at BMW, both as a consultant and an employee.
Q: What advice would you give to women pursuing a career in your field?
A: As a female in the STEM field, my first words of advice would be “don’t be afraid of change!” Technology continues to transform the way companies do business. It is also changing the way we live, work and learn. You will be presented with opportunities you think you can’t do, but in reality you really can. Don’t be afraid to try new things and foster new relationships with other women in your field.
Q: What inspires you in the workplace and why?
A: My Business and IT colleagues have consistently put their trust in me throughout my tenure at BMW. Their confidence in my abilities is truly inspirational. It affords me the flexibility and support to implement innovative change within our Sales IT landscape, as well as the passion and momentum to overcome obstacles. It also helps my team stay focused, creative, and more importantly, motivated at work.