Joanne • Sales Engineer • S2/E3
Words, photos and video by David LamA successful sales engineer looks back at her career and discusses the importance of having the right professional wardrobe.
"I bought my first car on Boxing Day when I was still 16," recalls Joanne Taylor, a sales engineer based outside London, England. "And it was a two-door Triumph Spitfire, which back in the day would have been a sports car." From a young age, her fascination with cars ignited a spark that eventually led her toward a career in engineering.
Her father and older brother, both engineers, were early influences. Despite initial discouragement from her school, she pursued her passion for physics and technology. Reflecting on her experience, Joanne shares, "My advice for young women [who] are looking to enter into the STEM subject and the world of engineering is absolutely go for it."
Throughout her career, her choice of attire played a significant role. "I always tended to dress for the job I wanted rather than the job I had," she reveals. Even when confined to the office environment without client interactions, Joanne dressed impeccably, always ready to meet with a client. Her philosophy of dressing appropriately for success has served her as a sales professional.
"My overall style tends to be very divided," she explains. On the one hand, she exudes professionalism in sharp suits and high heels, projecting confidence and authority. On the other hand, she embraces casual activewear, donning leggings and a vest top for everyday activities. Pre-pandemic, she never missed a chance to wear stiletto heels, indulging her love for height. "I like being tall," she admits with a chuckle.
However, the pandemic and a shift towards remote work have affected her wardrobe and footwear choices. "Since COVID, I’ve tended to wear trainers 90% of the time," she reveals. Adjusting to comfort and practicality, she now struggles to wear heels for extended periods. With the blurred lines between work and home, her need for suits has also diminished, from 15 to three or four.
While Joanne is confident in her style choices, she values the opinions of her loved ones. "When I'm choosing what to wear, I always ask my husband and my children," she says. Their feedback on what looks fashionable and appropriate helps her stay up-to-date with current trends. While she occasionally turns to social media for fashion ideas suitable for women in their forties and fifties, her style remains grounded in the timeless pieces she has cherished since her youth.
Credits
Featuring
Joanne Taylor
Camera, sound, graphics, edit & production
David Lam
Music
“Take Me Away” by Wesley
“Take My Hand” by Secret Nation
“GOLDEN” by bellabella
“Human Nature” by Family of Things
100% Clearance through Musicbed
Listen on Spotify
Additional photos
Joanne Taylor
Wikimedia
Tvabutzku1234
Unsplash
Marc Sendra Martorell
Dan Cristian Padure
Filmed in
London, United Kingdom, December 2022