By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Sheena Dixon, category manager at AutoZone, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Dixon in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Sheena Dixon: I am a seven-year AutoZoner. The first line of AutoZone's pledge and values is that AutoZoners always put customers first. Finding ways to better service our customers and their needs is the most fulfilling part of my job.
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
SD: The most challenging part of running my category is controlling the unknown. There are so many factors, such as weather, inflation and lack of discretionary income, which all could affect the performance of my business. However, the key to success is being able to pivot and find ways to drive the business, with the end goal to always satisfy the customer.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
SD: I have been in the retail business for more than 20 years. After college, I started on the supplier side as an account manager for a heating company. When I first started out, the importance of building your brand and networking was never part of my vocabulary. I have later learned these concepts are particularly important in whatever career path you chose. Your brand will follow you forever.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
SD: "Just be yourself," is what my dad has always taught me, and I have carried his saying with me in everything that I do. Another quality that I value is humility. Others see humility as weakness. I, however, embrace it. Finally, there's ambition. If you can see, you can achieve it.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
SD: Biggest challenge with being a woman in the industry is constantly having to prove your worth. There is nothing more insulting than people who automatically assume that you lack automotive knowledge just because you are a woman. I deal with this challenge daily.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
SD: I have taken on many mentors, both males and females, throughout my years in the industry. All my mentors are people that I grew to trust and respect before they became my mentor. I have learned that not every mentor is created equal. My advice is to find a mentor that truly has your best interest at heart.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?
SD: "Build your brand," is the best career advice that I have ever received. How you represent yourself to your peers, your vendor partners and your friends and family are especially important. Perception is reality.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
SD: Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would work in the automotive industry. Prior to AutoZone, anything automotive was daunting to me. Fortunately, there are organizations like SBN, Women in Auto Care and WOCAN, that provide safe spaces for women to learn, grow and become experts in their craft.
SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
SD: Until I met Rosa Laxamana later in my career, I had never met someone who was so genuine and kind, yet firm and assertive. Rosa thrived on helping others succeed and I admire her for that. The retail industry, in general, can be extremely competitive and not everyone wants to see you be successful. Individuals like Rosa exemplify everything that I strive to be every day: a better version of myself.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.