As August is Women’s Month in South Africa, Heads Up spoke to IDA member Ursula Daniels on her views on being a woman in the motor industry.

Ursula, who hails from the travel industry, has been the co-owner of Cars4Africa with her husband, Schelton Daniels, for about six years. She believes that most industries are male-dominated in one way or another, but that should not deter any woman from achieving success.

"As in any industry, you have to be motivated, ambitious and service-oriented," she says. Goal-setting is important, she believes: "Be ambitious in the goals you set and stay focused on achieving them – even when times are tough."

Historically the motor industry was the sole domain of men, but times have changed, she believes. "Today there is no reason why women can’t achieve success in our industry," she says. "I know many women who are just as successful as sales executives and F&I's as their male colleagues – if not more!"