In a rapidly evolving world, the electric vehicle industry has emerged as a driving force in the pursuit of a sustainable future. Behind the wheels of this transformative industry, we find individuals who are not only passionate about technology but also dedicated to making a difference. We are delighted to present a captivating Q&A session with Sultana Rahman, Head of Marketing at Sevadis, who is also recognized as one of the Top Women in EV 2023.
Sultana's journey into the world of electric vehicles may have started as a chance encounter, but her unyielding determination and commitment to excellence have solidified her place in the industry. As an accomplished marketer, she brings a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to an industry that continues to challenge and reward her in equal measure.
In this insightful Q&A, Sultana shares her experiences, expertise, and advice for aspiring women who seek to carve a path in the electric vehicle industry. With a keen eye for opportunity and a drive to empower others, she sheds light on the importance of diversity in leadership positions within the EV sector and addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by women in this dynamic domain.
Join us as we delve into Sultana Rahman's unique journey, discover the impact of her contributions, and gain valuable insights that promise to inspire and pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant electric vehicle industry. Let's explore the future of transportation and the pivotal role women play in shaping it with the remarkable Sultana Rahman
#LEVS: What motivated you to choose a career in the electric Vehicle Industry?
Sultana Rahman: Joining the EV industry was purely chance - I was looking for a new challenge as a marketer and knew that this industry would be exactly that. When I first started my career in the EV industry, I knew nothing about electric vehicles, how they charge and why they are integral to a sustainable future. It was easy for me to ‘leave’ with very little knowledge, but what makes me stay in the industry is that it’s exciting, challenging and very much rewarding for many reasons.
#LEVS: As a top woman in the electric vehicle industry yourself, what advice would you give to aspiring women who want to pursue a career in this field?
Sultana Rahman: I would like to say it’s as simple as ‘just do it’ - it kind of is, but isn’t at the same time. The industry remains dominated by males, but it’s a progressive one and that’s down the welcoming nature of the industry. I have three pieces of advice:
- Education: Get to know the industry; stay in tune with the news; learn from industry leaders.
- Confidence: You may not have it now, but build your confidence by getting involved and upskilling along the way. This in turn will increase your confidence when it comes to interviewing stages - experience is powerful in this industry.
- Network: Whether that’s face-to-face or online. This industry is filled with helpful people who are all on one mission. Don’t be afraid to reach out to learn from those already in the industry!
#LEVS: In your opinion, what are the challenges that women face in the electric vehicle industry?
Sultana Rahman: I personally haven’t faced challenges in the industry, but have done so in my career development and progression. It’s a fast paced industry, and working in a scale-up environment has meant that I have had to ‘level-up’ quite quickly. Not a bad thing, if anything, it’s a positive as it challenges me to go out of my comfort zone - after all, stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow.
#LEVS: How important is it to have diverse representation, including women, in leadership positions within the electric vehicle industry?
Sultana Rahman: Very. Having a strong diverse representation not only encourages employees internally to achieve and succeed their goals, but it also encourages newcomers into the industry.
#LEVS: How do you think the availability of charging infrastructure impacts consumer confidence in electric vehicles?
Sultana Rahman: I have conversations with friends and family who will always respond with ‘but there aren’t enough EV charging stations to meet my needs’ - totally understandable if people are relying on public EV charging stations to recharge. However, it does take some education behind the availability of EV charging stations to ‘win’ them over. Most non-EV drivers aren’t aware of the likes of Zap Map, therefore are not aware of how accessible EV charging stations can be.
I do think for overall consumer confidence to be achieved, EV charging stations need to be available locally (enforced by local authorities), even in rural locations. There’s still a long way to go and there are various elements to take into consideration, such as seamless payment options, the implementation of queuing systems and safe EV charge point infrastructure (such a well lit-up areas for darker hours).
6. How do you believe events like the London EV Show can contribute to promoting and empowering women in the electric vehicle industry?
Sultana Rahman: Events like the London EV Show are a haven for seeking new opportunities, they allow people to connect face-to-face and network with like-minded individuals. Events like the London EV Show can present exactly how the industry is evolving, thus providing women and men the confidence in their next career move.
For shows like the London EV Show, it’s important that women in the industry are also provided with a voice, in this case via speaker panels. Providing women with this platform to share their stories, provide insight and advice only encourages other women to join the industry.
