If you know Twitter Ng, then you know that going viral can either be the best thing since pounded yam or the agbo jedi that you refuse to drink.
Ruby, a Senior Contract Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover, recently experienced this firsthand after a tweet led to a wave of online criticism. Despite the backlash, Ruby remains resilient and focused on her career. In this exclusive piece, Ruby shares with Popcentral, insights into her role, the challenges she faces, and her thoughts on the online reaction.
Ruby, or as she’s known on social media, @rubylaren, manages UK inland freight projects from China and India. “My desk is the first port of call to make sure all parts and items are in perfect order to be assembled, before dispersing to various teams for their individual tasks,” she explains. This meticulous process ensures that every part used in assembling Jaguars, Land Rovers, and Range Rovers is flawless.
The recent online criticism and misconceptions about her role have been both amusing and intriguing for Ruby. She observes, “If a man tweeted what I tweeted, it would probably be received with love and light. But somehow, people cannot fathom that a young Nigerian woman like me is in such an impactful role. I understand their skepticism, but I’ve chosen to focus on the positive reactions and the support I’ve received. Everyone will be fine,” she adds with a laugh.
Being a black woman in a field dominated by men comes with its unique set of challenges. Ruby candidly shares, “I face quite a lot of challenges, from people undermining my capabilities because of my age, looks, or gender. Some think I don’t ‘look’ the part, but I honestly don’t care. My goal is to succeed and make a mark in my industry, and that’s all I focus on.”
Despite the negativity, Ruby continues to excel in her career. Recently, she was named the Pulse Champion of her department, a role that involves overseeing work-life balance and employee satisfaction surveys at JLR. “It’s a significant achievement and has made me even more impactful in my role,” she says with pride.
The events of the past day online have had little effect on Ruby or her colleagues. “My manager and I find it quite funny. Today is my birthday, and I’ve been getting a lot of attention. My followers on Instagram and Twitter have skyrocketed. I’m just happy and enjoying my birthday.”
Ruby’s advice to aspiring young women professionals is straightforward and empowering: “Go for it. Don’t listen to the masses or doubt your potential impact. You can do anything you set your mind to. Negativity stalls progress and fosters procrastination. Keep pushing forward.”
Ruby’s story is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of criticism. Her journey at Jaguar Land Rover not only highlights the challenges but also the triumphs of a young professional making her mark in a demanding industry. Her advice to aspiring women professionals is clear: embrace your potential and push past the negativity.
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with her inspiring story.
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