London, 27th February – Auto Trader’s pioneering podcast Women in the Driving Seat continues to challenge conventional narratives with its second episode, now available on all major podcast platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Hosted by award-winning motoring journalist and Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, Erin Baker, this latest installment delves into sustainability, engineering, and the power of seizing career opportunities with guests Lucy Siegle and Yelena Estepa.
Lucy Siegle, a renowned journalist and broadcaster specializing in climate and nature since 2004, joins Bentley Motors’ Engineering Graduate Trainee Yelena Estepa in a compelling conversation about the role of engineers in shaping a sustainable future. Their discussion explores the urgency of sustainability, the impact of politics on climate action, and how businesses like Bentley are leading the way in decarbonizing supply chains.
Redefining Sustainability in the Automotive Industry
For Siegle, sustainability extends far beyond the buzzword; it is an essential aspect of our survival. “Sustainability is not a political choice—it’s a necessity to keep us alive on the planet,” she asserts. With decades of experience in environmental journalism, Siegle reflects on the unique role of the automotive industry in cultural and economic landscapes, highlighting its potential to drive meaningful change through engineering innovations and responsible business practices.
Estepa, an emerging talent in automotive engineering, shares her insights on how sustainability is embedded into the DNA of modern car manufacturing. At Bentley Motors, sustainability is more than just producing electric vehicles—it is about integrating eco-conscious decisions at every stage. “We have nine football fields of solar panels, beehives to support biodiversity, and living walls all around our site,” she explains. “Everything we do, from production to factory operations, is designed to be more sustainable.”
Turning Fear into Opportunity
Both Siegle and Estepa emphasize the importance of embracing uncertainty in career journeys. Baker, a firm believer in the non-linear nature of professional growth, encourages listeners to take bold steps. “People think a career has to be linear, but it’s actually a wiggly route,” she says. “By a series of quirks of time, talent, and luck, you find your path.”
Estepa echoes this sentiment, urging young engineers and professionals to step forward with confidence. “As engineers, we have the potential to make a huge difference—for better or worse,” she says. “Education on sustainability is crucial, as our decisions today will impact both the short and long term.”
The Pit Stop: A Glimpse into Personal and Professional Lives
Each episode of Women in the Driving Seat features a ‘Pit Stop’ segment—a quickfire round where guests reveal personal preferences and professional habits. In this episode, Siegle and Estepa share candid insights into their daily routines, from their sleep schedules to their views on workplace technology.
Join the Conversation
The Women in the Driving Seat podcast, releasing new episodes every Thursday, provides a platform for thought-provoking discussions that blend personal and professional experiences. It seeks to redefine female empowerment by spotlighting trailblazing women in the automotive and sustainability sectors.
As Erin Baker aptly puts it: “If not you, who?”
Tune into Episode Two today on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
About Auto Trader
Auto Trader is the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, committed to driving positive change through sustainability and inclusivity. Listed on the FTSE 100 Index, Auto Trader uses cutting-edge technology and data insights to transform the car-buying experience while championing eco-friendly vehicle choices.
For more information, visit plc.autotrader.co.uk.
