From workshop floors to 3 continents: Kate's global impact at JLR

What is your role and when did you join JLR?
I’m the Technical Training Manager for JLR North America, based in Mahwah, New Jersey. I joined JLR back in 2012, so I’m coming up on 13 years with the company across three very different countries and stages of my life. In my current role, I look after technical, apprentice, and body shop training across our North American retailer network. We support approximately 2900 technicians and deliver training from five locations across the US and Canada. 

Tell us about your journey before your current role.
Growing up, my dad owned a classic car restoration business and built classic race cars, including a Jaguar E-Type, I spent a lot of time at the races with him and that’s where my interest in cars really started. I always wanted to become a technician. 
My career began in 1995 in a workshop in the UK when I was 17. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how much I’d stand out - not because of my skills, but because of my gender. I later became the first female technician in the UK for my brand, and the highest qualified. At the time, I didn’t think of it as anything unusual, I was just focused on doing my job well. From there, I moved into service advising with two premium brands, then into service management. I joined JLR in 2012 to lead the UK technical helpdesk, managing a team of 19 engineers. Over time, my role expanded into project management across the UK, MENA and South Africa as well as global technical support, new model launch centres, and customer relationship centres. In 2016 I relocated to South Africa, where I led training and development across South Africa and 11 Sub-Saharan countries for nearly nine years. Then in 2024, I made another move to North America. Each transition came with a level of uncertainty, but all of them have been worthwhile. 

What are some of your proudest moments?
There are so many, but if I’m honest, the ones that stay with me most aren’t about me. They’re about other people. 
Recruiting over 150 apprentices from under-privileged communities in South Africa and seeing them gain qualifications and confidence they never thought possible. For many it was their first opportunity to travel, stay in hotels, or work with world-class vehicles. Seeing the long-term impact on their lives and families is something I’m incredibly proud of. Supporting JLR South Africa through a full business model transformation, moving from a traditional franchise model to a direct-to-customer agency model. It was complex, but we successfully delivered it. Becoming the first female technician for my brand in the UK. It wasn’t something I celebrated at the time but in hindsight, it was an important moment. Finally, living and working across three continents- UK, South Africa, North America – and building meaningful work in each place. 

How have you been supported at JLR?
JLR has given me opportunities I don’t think I would have found elsewhere, particularly the chance to relocate internationally and take on roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve been consistently trusted with real responsibility. That said, the biggest support has come from people. Mentors who supported me when I doubted myself, and colleagues who focused on collaboration rather than competition. I’ve also been fortunate to work with teams who placed their trust in me. That level of mutual respect makes a significant difference.

Tell us about some things you've learned along the way.

A few things stand out, adaptability. I’ve worked in different countries, cultures, and business models and through a global pandemic that required us to shift training delivery overnight. The ability to adjust is critical. Courage is often more important than confidence. There have been many times I didn’t feel fully ready, but taking the step anyway made the difference. The most rewarding part of leadership is seeing others succeed, particularly when you’ve been able to support their development along the way.

One piece of advice for anyone at the start of their career.
Take opportunities, even when they feel outside your comfort zone. 
In my experience, those moments are the moments that shape your career the most, whether that’s starting out in a workshop where you stand out or moving to a different country. If you’re wondering whether JLR is a place for someone like you - it is. You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be willing to take the first step.