What began 30 years ago as a secretarial role for Lisa Gray, 54, has grown to her becoming general manager for two Canberra Toyota dealerships – and she has diligently climbed every step of the ladder to get there.  

Working her way up to become a business and sales manager before taking maternity leave for her first child, Lisa says that Canberra Toyota has always been supportive while she juggled motherhood and a career.

Upon her return to the workplace, she was able to pick back up right where she left off. Although being a working mother is “always tricky”, Lisa says Canberra Toyota has continually encouraged and looked after her.

“I love the industry and the challenges it provides. I’m also one where I like to know everything and start from the bottom and work my way up, so you know what you’re talking about when you get to the top,” Lisa smiles.

“Canberra Toyota has always been very supportive of my home life, and it continues to be a good partnership.”

Lisa says the industry has come a long way from the old days, and women would be pleasantly surprised at the gender equality throughout the company if they have a closer look.

“My experience being a woman in a male dominated industry has always been very good. I’ve never felt ostracised or different or set aside or anything along those lines,” she says.

“I think Canberra Toyota’s ability to work with me being a mother shows that being a female isn’t a problem in our industry, for the right person. I’m probably very good at walking in and switching on and walking out and switching off.

“It has to be a partnership, it can’t be one sided – the company giving and me taking, or me giving and the company taking.”

In the car sales industry, Lisa says women can really shine for two major reasons: they’re naturally more empathetic, which is something she looks for when she’s hiring, and are able to juggle many things at once without becoming overwhelmed.

Currently, Lisa is building a solid team at the Gungahlin and Belconnen dealerships, complete with many strong women at the helm.

What can people expect when they walk into Canberra Toyota?

“Our aim is to make sure that when people buy a car, it’s fun and it’s efficient. You don’t buy a brand-new car every day of the week, so it should be fun and a comfortable experience.

“Customers should feel valued, and they should get an experience that’s memorable – and that’s all the way through from sale to delivery, which currently can be years.

“People become friendly with the dealership, you become part of the Toyota Canberra family. Happy staff equals good service, and we look after our staff very well so that, in turn, our customers are well looked after, too.”

What can Canberra Toyota do for employees?

“We can provide a very fruitful career. As my journey has shown, there’s a lot of opportunity within the organisation – you don’t have to look outside the organisation to change your role,” Lisa says.

“With our newest employee, they can see where they start isn’t going to be where they finish, which is a good thing because there’s a lot of advantages staying with an employee for a long period of time.

“You can expect an employer looking after you well, longevity not boredom, and financial incentives.

“We are always looking for good people. We don’t necessarily have to have a vacancy before we start recruiting. So, if anyone was looking to get into the industry, you’re welcome to drop in and say ‘hi’ because, after all, we’re a people industry looking for good people – not just putting a bum on a seat.”

Mirko Milic, Dealer Principal and Lisa’s boss, reaffirms Lisa’s sentiment regarding opportunities in the organisation. He also recommends Canberra Toyota for anyone looking to forge a long and rewarding career in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry with new car models and technologies coming at an incredible rate. 

To find out more, contact Lisa Gray at Canberra Toyota in Belconnen on 6222 1700 or visit canberratoyota.com.au to find your nearest Canberra Toyota car dealership.

For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.