Leah Guilliard-Watts is Operations Director at Cropredy Bridge which is a lot more involved that the job title suggests.
Her days focus on the operations across the leading Jensen specialists business from customer experience to staff satisfaction, while also ensuring their quality management system maintains their high ISO9001 rating.
None of this holds her back from being hands-on when needed. After all, that is how a team succeeds by pulling together. It ensures that by example people can see that she is driven by excellence.
Leah is also the editor of the Jensen Owners Club Magazine. A lot of work has gone into driving positive change in all that she tackles.
"I love working in the automotive industry, I've seen positive changes within it, and I've enjoyed being part of that change"
While it has taken a long time for her to embed systems and processes into what many would expect is simply a classic car workshop, it is part of a passion that she feels she can now talk about more freely.
"The next generation. I love supporting people getting into this industry and over the years, it is humbling to see people guided to success. However, there is still more to do."
The reason for this self reflection on Leah today is that she has received outside recognition.
At the 2021 Historic Motoring Awards, Leah has won their Rising Star award. Alongside Merlin McCormack from Duke of London, it is a humbling honour to receive the award.
"I'm a little speechless right now and tongue tied.
I've been so busy this summer with supporting the pathway from education to employment for students as well as all my other work that to be seen by the industry in this way is very special."
Leah has shown that her thrill of building something lasting resonates with the young people she works with.
Working alongside her husband at Cropredy Bridge Cars, she values her friendships and family.
And she is also in the process of growing her own family now too. Watch this space.