Women in Compressor Technique: Meet Lezanne Billings
Lezane Billings, Parts sales and marketing.
“I am proud that my first working experience is with Atlas Copco because it is a privilege to be an employee of a world-renowned company and a true market leader who sets the standard in the industry. Our company vision, mission and strategy speak for themselves.
“Atlas Copco presented me with the perfect platform to kick off my career, joining Business Services in the Group’s HR division in August 2013 to assist with a short term SHEQ project. Although I was only 19 and had no prior work experience, my great customer service skills came to the fore. I consider myself a natural in this regard; pride in my work has always been a priority to me.
My move to (ITBA) Industrial Tools Division in Customer Service built a solid foundation for my career as I was blessed enough to be surrounded by great colleagues who had great leadership skills, flaunting diligence and synergy throughout the team.
In 2017 I made a lateral move to Compressor Technique as Customer Service Spare Parts in my eager search for a growth opportunity within a bigger division. My decision paid off when in 2018 I was promoted to a junior management position as Spare Parts Sales and Marketing. I have become a bit of a jetsetter in this new position which has afforded me the wonderful opportunity of travelling to Belgium periodically for training to enhance my knowledge on our products.
My current role comprises a wide array of responsibilities that range from pricing, including key account pricing agreements, Net promotor survey champion and competitor parts support to sales drives on new products. I also take care of distributor management and ensure that all our distributors have access to our latest developments in products and systems as well as the training thereof.
Working closely with our distributors is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my job; it gives me an insightful perspective of the industry from the outside. It’s also gratifying to see their pleasant reactions to our advancements in remaining first in mind first in choice which aids their day-to-day operation.
Wanting to further my education, I enrolled for a bursary with Atlas Copco last year and I’m currently doing my BCOM degree in supply chain management. I have also completed a number of soft skill and computer based training. As a mom of 2 children, I have had to become an expert in balancing my job, my studies and my family life!
I have seen over my 7 year journey with Atlas Copco that now more than ever before, women have equal opportunity in our group. However the business is still quite male dominant and I find it takes a lot more effort to gain trust from customers as they assume ‘women don’t know much’ about the industry. Relationship building is therefore somewhat challenging at times but this has only heightened my drive to learn more.
Looking to my future with Atlas Copco, my goal is to grow within the company; over the short term in the sales channel i.e. service sales followed by machine sales, and then looking long term to supply chain management.”
Favourite Quote
I live by the words ‘Your I can’ is more important than ‘our IQ’ by Robert Sharma.As long as you have the willingness to do something with all you’ve got, you can only succeed.
Lezanne Fun Facts:
Birthday: 11 October
Hobbies: Hockey, reading.
Favourite food: I love rotti and curry any day every day!
Favourite book: The culture map by Erin Meyer
Favourite Movie: Anything Denzel Washington!
Favourite TV programme: Addicted to Netflix “queen of the south”