By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Aliceje Keyburn, senior graphic and media designer at Yamaha Motor Company, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Keyburn in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Aliceje Keyburn: I have been with Yamaha Financial Services for two years and I love the opportunities it gives me. I get to work with all the product groups within Yamaha.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
AK: I work with all the various product groups from motorsports to golf, watercraft, global, dealers, sales, etc. across different time zones. I would say the most challenging part is communication through the different groups and the tight deadlines for program launches, event and tradeshow support, etc.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
AK: Ten-plus years in the powersport/automotive industry. I started off working for a motorsport aftermarket group, which was a dream job coming straight from graduation.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
AK: Personable: I think being someone people can come to and talk ideas out with is something that has been beneficial. Working through designs, problem solving and being able to explain your work is important.
Dependable: Doing what needs to be done in order to meet deadlines. People know they can come to me and I will be honest about what we can accomplish in their deadlines. Volunteering for things outside the "norm" of my job scope has also helped expand my skillset and networking.
Humility: If I do not know the answer to something I am not afraid to speak up and say something. I also know everyone makes mistakes, and so do I. It happens--but I do try to own it and have a plan on how to correct it.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what has been your biggest challenge or accomplishment?
AK: Last year I was recognized by Powersport Business as a 40-under-40 recipient and that was a huge honor for me.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?
AK: I have so many mentors and people I look up to. Evan Perkins and Kevin Bailey have been great role models and mentors. When I first came into the automotive industry, they both took the time to teach me about pistons, blocks, pushrods, etc. They would let me ask the "stupid" questions and were happy to answer and spend time explaining things to me. Vera Oh is a great mentor who shows what a great leader/manager can do to inspire their team to want to work harder and be the best.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
AK: Don't get stuck behind the computer; get out and network.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
AK: Yes. I have always known I wanted to be in the sports industry. Whether it's powersports or automotive--I love it all! The people are the best, it's fun and I don't mind having to go to the races to work.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
AK: My parents always supported me in doing whatever I wanted, and they were the ones to push me to follow my creative passion. I didn't know graphic design was a real career path until they took me to different art schools to learn about their programs.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.