In the dynamic world of the automotive glass industry, where male representation has historically prevailed, a new era of inclusivity and empowerment is taking shape. Hind Laimouny, a visionary CEO at GlassAuto Express and an esteemed member of AGE Network in Morocco, stands out as a driving force behind this transformative wave.
Join us in this exclusive interview as we delve into Hind’s remarkable journey, her insights on advancing gender equality within the intricate landscape of Morocco, and her visionary aspirations for an all-encompassing future.
1. Your journey to becoming the CEO of GlassAuto Express and a member of AGE in Morocco is both impressive and inspiring. Could you share pivotal moments or experiences that propelled you to these distinctive positions?
As a Marketing Manager at a renowned company, my career path appeared quite predictable to me until a tragic personal event changed the course of my professional and personal life. Following the loss of my husband, I found myself taking the reins of his company at just 29 years old, which led me into an unexpected entrepreneurial role in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
I believe that one must turn adversities into opportunities and that adaptability is a valuable skill. Being a positive and optimistic individual, I embraced this new path wholeheartedly. I have come to appreciate the truth in the saying, ‘When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.’
The first pivotal moment, on this new position, arrived when I could recognize that my ‘unconventional abilities’ could set me apart in this industry. Adopting a fresh perspective as a woman in a traditionally male-oriented field became a powerful tool, and the results were well-received by all stakeholders of GlassAuto Express.
The second turning point continued the trajectory of the first, becoming more pronounced as our clients began to view us as experience providers rather than mere repairers.
After a lot of hard work, and what initially was an unconventional profile, has now evolved into a perfect fit, especially in the light of our clients’ evolving objectives.
This journey has made me profoundly grateful and proud of the path I have chosen.
2. Your journey is truly remarkable. How do you believe women in leadership roles can influence gender equality and diversity in an industry as intricate as automotive glass, especially within a context like Morocco?
In the global context, the automotive glass sector is predominantly led by men, and Morocco is no exception to this trend. I firmly believe that holding a leadership position, especially in the automotive glass industry as a woman, presents unique challenges and requires breaking through gender stereotypes.
However, the truth is that women are just as competent as men.
Mobility is increasingly considering sustainability, with ethical and ecological values gaining equal importance alongside profitability. Recognizing and responding to the concerns and needs of future generations is paramount for any leader.
Nevertheless, I strongly believe that introducing a fresh, feminine perspective to this business has enabled me to make strategic moves and establish a supportive environment for my employees on gender equality.
Being a woman, and a mother also provides a unique perspective. You raise your children to uphold values of respect for one another, demonstrating care and compassion. In the workplace, you apply the same principles, and share these values, refraining from unethical behavior. You abide by the rules, ensuring that competition remains healthy and fair.
At GlassAuto Express, we prioritize promoting individuals based on their merits and talents rather than their gender or race.
We also provide training on our codes of conduct to our employees and ensure that we listen to their concerns and opinions so that we can work and grow together.
3. Can you share strategies or initiatives that GlassAuto Express have embraced to promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
Sometimes, numbers speak louder than words. At GlassAuto Express, we are committed to promoting balanced diversity within our workforce. Here are some statistics that reflect our dedication:
Excluding the Technicians department, our team comprises 46.53% female employees and 53.46% male employees.
It is essential to note that our general administration maintains a workforce split of 50% women and 50% men, underscoring our commitment to gender equality.
This commitment becomes even more pronounced in our Customer Relations Department, a pivotal part of our company, where an impressive 72.72% of the team is composed of women, with 27.28% being men.
GlassAuto Express remains unwavering in its dedication to fairness and equality for all its employees, while recognizing and appreciating the invaluable role played by our female staff.
At GlassAuto Express, we have a rigorous zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment. We raise awareness among our employees at regular meetings and briefings.
Through our Human Resources department, we ensure that our recruitment practices are fair and offer equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of gender. We also monitor gender distribution within our departments to ensure balance.
In addition, GlassAuto Express appoints leaders who actively support gender diversity and serve as role models for equity within our organization.
By implementing these measures, we have succeeded in creating a balanced, supportive and, of course, profitable environment.
4. Your efforts are both commendable and impactful. Looking at your journey, who are the women leaders who have influenced you, and how have their narratives shaped your trajectory?
Morocco has been home to some incredible women business success stories, which have inspired my belief that I too can achieve great things. However, it’s important to note that the share of women managers and entrepreneurs in Morocco was only 16.1% in 2019, a rate lower than the world average of 43.2% in the same year.
In this context, I draw inspiration from influential women such as Serena Williams, whose dedication to excellence in tennis, resilience in the face of adversity, and champion mindset have reinforced the importance of determination.
Mary Barra, as the CEO of General Motors, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry, teaching me valuable qualities of leadership, including strategic vision, adaptability, and the drive for innovation.
Collectively, these women leaders, and others, serve as beacons of inspiration in my own journey.
I hold a deep admiration for these women who embody the idea that no dream is too big, regardless of your background or circumstances. With hard work and an incredible support system, provided by your family or through consistency and determination, anything is possible.
5. As we conclude, what advice would you offer to young women who aspire to venture into the automotive glass industry and make their indelible mark?
Dream big, work even harder, be consistent, and think out of the box, and the rest will follow. History has shown us that no field is exclusive to men; you belong where you decide to belong. Just a century ago, women couldn’t be doctors or police officers. So, we women must continue pushing the limits that patriarchal society has shaped for centuries.
The automotive and mobility industry is ever-present, impacting billions of lives daily by simplifying routines. After an era marked by male dominance due to manual tasks, this industry is now undergoing a profound transformation.
This transformation extends to the automotive glass industry, marking the beginning of a new era of innovation. Innovation and enhancing the consumer experience will be the primary drivers of growth in this field.
To any woman aspiring to enter this industry: be bold, shed any self-doubt, and keep a user-centric approach at the forefront of your endeavors. Your fresh perspectives and unwavering determination can play a significant role in shaping the future of automotive glass.
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