Charting your own path in life always comes with unexpected twists and turns. One moment you are on a road, heading in one direction, and the next your life takes a sudden turn, landing you somewhere you never imagined you’d be.
For Nadia Els, working in automotive was the last place she thought she’d end up. In fact, it wasn’t even on her radar. When pursuing her studies, she was originally chasing a degree in marketing, appealing to her creative side. “I never thought I would end up in the automotive sector, but now, honestly, I’m not going anywhere,” she said.
Nadia joined the Ford team right out of university, landing her first role in after sales and working on accessories and parts. Now a zone manager, Nadia interfaces with members of the dealership network on a daily basis.
“I get to assist and advise dealers to be more effective. I strive to make the relationship between us, FMCSA, and the dealers as smooth as possible,” she said.
In her willingness to embrace life as it happens to her, she has learned what aspects of life outside of work make her happiest: Being active, connected and adventurous.
Nadia’s active lifestyle and the desire for adventure has been ingrained in her since childhood. She grew up in Messina Limpopo, rooted in the “platteland” countryside of South Africa.
“I wasn’t interesting in playing with dolls or toys,” Nadia said. “I loved to drive my quadbike and play cricket, most of the time using insects as the cricket ball.”
Her passions have transcended into her adult life, and she still loves a high-energy life.
“I love boxing and CrossFit”, Nadia says. “Dedicating an hour, a day to working out really helps me boost my endorphins, or ‘happy hormones,’” she said.
Nadia is constantly seeking opportunities that apply to her creative and adventurous side. Her latest venture? Getting the chance to co-pilot a small passenger plane. “It was a one-off opportunity, but a cool one nonetheless.”
While her degree in marketing didn’t end quite as expected, she still implements her creativity into her day-to-day through trying new hobbies.
“I have a side hustle in graphic design, and that’s where I really let my creative juices go wild,” Nadia says. “I’ve even tried my hand at candle making, that’s a new hobby.”
“Life doesn’t always end up according to plan.” Nadia says. But Nadia is living proof that along the way, you are exposed to new opportunities and experiences that let you learn what aspects of life you love the most.
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