Olivia Murray, 2IC, Wagga Trucks
DRIVING FORWARD: WOMEN IN TRANSPORT
In this month’s edition of ‘The Women of Hino’ we speak to Olivia Murray, who started at Wagga Trucks as a Receptionist nine years ago, and has now worked her way up to Second-in-Charge to the Company Directors.
We find out how Olivia got involved in the Transport and Logistics Industry, and what her journey has been like.
How long have you been working in the Transport Industry?
I started at the beginning of 2014 and have been at Wagga Trucks the entire time. Initially employed as a receptionist, I then moved into roles within Accounts and Human Resources – both of which made up my first four years. I then went into a PA role for the Directors, which led me to becoming 2IC.
What made you want to work in the Transport Industry?
I didn’t necessarily think about working in the Transport Industry when I was younger, but I always knew that I wanted to be a leader of a department or business as a goal in my career. At the time, Wagga Trucks were advertising for a Trainee within their Administration department, so I started as a Receptionist and nearly nine years later I am Second-in-Charge.
Now being in the industry, I could never see myself leaving and I would happily retire at Wagga Trucks, I love it that much! It really is true that without trucks, Australia stops – and to be a part of keeping Australia moving is an absolute privilege.
What have been some of the challenges you have faced?
Backing myself in a male dominated industry would have to be one of my main struggles, but I need to remember that I am just as capable and able to have the same knowledge and expertise as a man, if he was in my position.
What have been some of your career highlights?
The biggest highlight of my career would have to be looking back on the last nine years to see how I have evolved and helped the company become what it is today. The dealership is the busiest and biggest we have ever been, and I can’t wait to see even more growth, while we excel in what we do well as a business.
Another highlight of mine is hiring an apprentice; working with their families to help them achieve their goals, helping them through their apprenticeship and seeing them then join our more experienced staff members. I love hiring additional staff members and training them to see their full potential and how they can grow within our business. It’s one of my favourite things about my job.
Hino has spent the last five years introducing new products. How do you stay up to date with new product features and SPECS?
Hino Australia are fantastic at sending out regular communications to inform the dealer network of new spec and product features. Between the communications sent from head office, other employees, and our awesome management team, we all learn very quickly about the new products and bounce knowledge off each other. Our dealership is very big on all employees undertaking manufacturer training and completing E-Learnings to better their knowledge. The knowledge that our senior staff bring to the table will only better our younger staff and that really is the best succession plan a company can have.
We are seeing an increase in car licence light-duty trucks, and wanted to get your opinion on the increase?
I think this increase is a result of businesses realising the advantages that a light-duty truck offers. Trades people are changing from 4x4 utility vehicles to light-duty trucks, to gain more towing capacity and payload. The variable GVM and GCM means business owners can register their truck with a car or light-rigid licence, which allows them to adapt to certain jobs or drivers.
What would you say to women considering a career in the industry?
I would say to GO FOR IT! The industry is still very male dominated, but that’s even more reason to get involved. As a woman in the Transport Industry, I think that we bring knowledge and organisation skills that not all men have. The male and female duo is perfect, and I see that daily with the Directors that I work closely with. I know that I cannot do certain tasks that they can, and they cannot do certain tasks that I can… so it’s a match made in heaven.
Knowing what you now know, is there anything you would do differently?
I would have begun looking at a career in transport while I was at school. I don’t think the Transport Industry is as well-respected in schools, as it should be. I was always told in school that I should go to university to find a good job that would support me later in life. I would have to say that the knowledge I have learnt on the job and from other employees at the dealership and from our manufacturers, are skills that I could never learn out of a textbook. The interaction I have had with business owners, staff, and families of the staff, have influenced how I conduct myself on a daily basis. Everyone has a story and I love helping employees reach their goals and business owners adding further vehicles to their fleet or giving our professional advice on how they should conduct their fleet.
Olivia has her sights set firmly on the future of improving Wagga Trucks, growing her career, and the business.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her, and we’re glad we can be a part of it.