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Dare to be Different gets off the grid in style

A panel of motorsport talent launched this year’s Dare to be Different initiative with a sparkling event in London.

The panel of inspirational Dare to be Different speakers.

The panel of inspirational Dare to be Different speakers.

On Saturday, 6th May, representatives from Arnold Clark joined some of the most inspiring females in motorsport at London’s elegant Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall for the 2017 launch of the Dare to be Different initiative.

Spearheaded by retired British racing driver Susie Wolff, Dare to be Different aims to drive female talent in the fast-paced, male dominated field of motorsport and beyond.

On the panel, four female ambassadors for the cause brought their unique insights and experiences to light: Rebecca Jackson, Claire Banner, Jennie Gow and Lucy Taylor.

An audience of aspiring young females and motorsport enthusiasts had the opportunity to meet with and greet panel members, joyfully tucking into tea and cupcakes before taking their seats for the main event.

First to speak was racing driver, entrepreneur, TV presenter and journalist Rebecca Jackson, who shared her unique perspective as a woman who launched her own business and diversified her skillset in order to realise her vision of completing the 24-hour Le Mans race.

She was followed by Haas F1 Team HR Director Claire Banner. Claire contributed her personal experience of pursuing her dream HR career. Then, she explained how she evaluates candidates who are hoping to prove themselves dedicated enough for a career in F1.

Jennie Gow then took the microphone to debunk some of the myths surrounding the glamour of being the BBC’s trackside correspondent for F1. Spoiler alert: it’s not all yacht parties in Monaco – it takes hard graft, late nights and a lot of waiting for things to happen.

Finally, BP Trackside Technologist Lucy Taylor explained how she landed her dream job, which entails testing fuel and oil samples in one of the most thrilling and specialised lab environments on the planet.

Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne said, ‘We’re thrilled to support Dare to be Different. The initiative’s vision resonates with our own company values and our commitment to champion and develop female talent in the motoring industry. We look forward to working with Susie and the team.’

Dare to be Different will be holding various headline events throughout the UK this summer, aimed at young girls aged 8–11, to help them decide whether a career in motorsport could be the right track for them to take. A series of networking events will also be held throughout the year for young professionals, creating opportunities to connect with industry leaders and find inspiration.

About the Author

Kirsty Leckie-Palmer

Staff writer at Arnold Clark.

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