Encouraging Authenticity and Celebrating Women in the Tyre Industry
Sophie Lyden, aka "The Tyre Lady" a well-known tyre and vehicle safety advocate, recently took centre stage as a guest speaker at Pirelli's Carlisle factory event. Known for her passion for vehicle safety, driver education, and her role as Depot Manager at Westgate Tyres, Sophie shared her story and encouraged attendees to embrace their authentic selves to achieve success.
The event, held in celebration of International Women's Day 2025, highlighted the vital role women play within Pirelli and the broader tyre industry. Sophie, whose energy and enthusiasm shone through, was thrilled to tour the quality control and tyre-building sections of the factory, an experience she described as being "like a kid in a sweet shop." This marked her first glimpse inside a tyre factory, adding a personal milestone to her career.
"I even spotted this week's DOT code! I can't wait to see those tyres arrive when we purchase some more Pirelli's knowing I was there the very week they were made!" Sophie shared in a recent post.
One of the standout moments of the day came from a quote by Katie Betts, Senior Industrial Quality Engineer at Pirelli:
"We might have different bodies, we might see the same world through different eyes, we might have different ways of thinking but we all have the same heart."
This sentiment resonated with Sophie and her teenage apprentice Lily-Jane Townley, who joined her at the event as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Award project focused on road safety.
For Sophie, sharing the day with her apprentice, was particularly meaningful. "To take her along to such a supportive and positive event was incredible, and she definitely walked away feeling like she wants to achieve in life, she will and gender will not stop her!" Sophie reflected.
The day concluded with a sense of anticipation as Sophie hinted at a potential collaboration with Pirelli: "The question is, will this be the start of something between me and Pirelli? Well, you'll have to wait and see."
Pirelli's event not only showcased the craftsmanship behind their tyres but also celebrated diversity and inclusion within the industry. It underscored the importance of creating environments where all voices are heard and valued, principles that align closely with Sophie's own advocacy work.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is stories like these that highlight the progress being made and the inspiring individuals driving change.
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