Amber Kirkby, fleet systems team leader at civil engineering specialist Lanes Group, made the leap from a career as a wedding coordinator to now leading a successful all-women’s team in fleet management.
Here, she looks at the changing face of leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries — and how technology is helping accelerate that shift.
What is your current role, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My role is fleet systems team leader at Lanes Group. Before coming to Lanes Group I had a career as a wedding coordinator for 10 years.
After doing this for a decade I wanted a new challenge so I came out of the hospitality industry altogether and found myself doing a role out of Samsara at Sapphire Utility Solutions in February 2023. By December 2023 I was running the whole Samsara system for Lanes Group.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in your field? How have you navigated them?
As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, I’ve certainly faced my share of challenges. One of the biggest has been earning the respect and credibility to be taken seriously when I first transitioned into the tech and utility sectors. In many situations, I’ve found that being confident in my knowledge and skills, while staying open to learning, has helped me break down barriers. I also make it a point to build strong relationships, listen actively, and demonstrate that leadership isn’t about gender – it’s about competence, integrity and collaboration. Over time, my track record has spoken for itself, and I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to set a positive example for other women looking to enter the field.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?
My advice would be to embrace your unique perspective and strengths. Don’t be afraid to take up space, speak up and share your ideas – your voice matters, and your contributions are valuable.
Be confident in your abilities, but also stay curious and open to learning. Just go for it – you’ll find that there are so many people who are always willing to support you and appreciate what you can contribute.
This industry, like any other, is constantly evolving, so adaptability is key. Network, seek out mentors and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you. Most importantly, remember that setbacks are part of the journey – use them as stepping stones and keep pushing forward.
What is the big picture impact of your work? What does it mean for you to contribute to such a vital part of our society?
The big-picture impact of my work revolves around constantly improving the fleet management system or enhancing the safety of our drivers. My role helps streamline operations that make a tangible difference in communities. Beyond that, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been building and leading an all-women’s team within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
By expanding opportunities and empowering women in this space, I feel that I’m not only contributing to operational success but also helping to shift the industry culture. For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that helps solve real-world challenges and that sense of purpose motivates me to continue driving innovation that benefits our industry and the communities we serve – whilst fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive.
In what way, if any, has your partnership with Samsara, helped you be successful at achieving your work goals?
My partnership with Samsara has been instrumental in helping me achieve my work goals, particularly in the areas of driver safety, operational efficiency, and interdepartmental collaboration. The real-time data and insights provided by Samsara have enabled us to monitor driver behaviour more closely, identify safety risks and implement targeted solutions to mitigate them. This not only keeps our drivers safer but also enhances overall fleet performance. Additionally, the seamless integrations that Samsara allows between departments have improved communication and workflow, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.