Barbara Cox Awards
2025 nominees:
Sarah Noble
Brief biography of you and your career
I am a Consulting Partner with Deloitte and lead the UK Automotive Consulting team. I have built a career in consulting over the past 2+ decades in the US and the UK working across the automotive value chain from manufacturing to supply chain, R&D and wider operations. I have been passionate throughout my career in driving diversity & inclusion, with her most proud accomplishment being the creation and continued success of Women at the Wheel.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in automotive?
I think there’s a myth that you need to be a real petrol head to work in automotive. I love the vehicle but I also love the wider conversation around mobility and the role mobility can play in creating a diverse and inclusive society. This broad thinking also means that there are SO MANY different opportunities for individuals to create a dynamic career in the automotive industry – especially as the industry rapidly evolves across the product, the value chain, sales, consumers, etc. I do think to thrive in this industry, building a strong network is crucial, not only for support and resources but also for staying informed about industry trends and changes. Connecting with professional organisations and online forums designed for women in automotive provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape. The industry is so diverse that you should really think about what you want from your career/your priorities as there is such a wide range of roles (not just the typical roles you think of).
What advice would you give your younger self on having a successful career?
I often give advice now to think about a tweaked version of the trade-off triangle – which means as I think about career/job choices I think across the role itself, the people I’d work with/learn from, and the logistics/time requirements. It’s hard to find the perfect balance of all three, but at different points in life my priorities/commitments have shifted and what I’ll accept as trade-offs change. Reflecting, I’ve definitely prioritised the team/people most often than the others and to be honest I think that’s been the right choice. However, as new advice I think I’d tell myself to be kind to myself on work-life balance and not feel like everything needs to be a spring. Finally, I would also remind everyone to “lift as we grow”. Investing in the development of my team and supporting their success is not just good leadership, it’s a strategic imperative. The more successful the team around me,
