International Women's Day
For International Women’s Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the women who, every day, help drive PayByPhone forward and transform the mobility sector.
At PayByPhone, we believe that diversity is a strength. It fuels innovation, enriches decision-making and enables us to better serve our customers around the world. Today, we celebrate the women in leadership roles who actively contribute to our company’s strategy, performance and growth.
Inspiring Journeys
Behind every leadership role is a unique journey, shaped by challenges to overcome, bold decisions and unwaveringc ommitment.
Rebecca – Commercial Director, UK
As Commercial Director for the UK, Rebecca leads the commercial strategy across one of PayByPhone’s key markets. She plays a central role in strengthening client relationships, driving growth, and ensuring that customers receive the highest level of support and partnership.
Her greatest inspiration has always been close to home:
“My biggest inspiration throughout my career has been my mum. She worked full-time as a sales manager while raising three children. I always found her inspirational, not only for her career, but for being such a present wife and mother.”
One of Rebecca’s proudest career moments came in 2022, when she received the Inspirational Women in Parking Award, voted for by peers across the industry.
“I didn’t expect to win at all. I was Head of Client Management at the time, focused on supporting my team and our clients. Being able to tell my nine-year-old son that I had won, and him telling me how proud he was, was incredibly special.”
For women entering what has historically been a male-dominated industry, Rebecca shares three powerful pieces of advice:
- Never be afraid to ask for what you want. Go after the opportunities that matter to you.
- Go after your passions. Career progression is strongest when it aligns with what truly motivates you.
- Always be kind and think of others. Leadership and success are built on empathy, collaboration, and respect.
Sylvia - Managing Director FR & DACH Region
As Managing Director, Sylvia leads the French,G erman and Swiss businesses with a strong strategic vision and a deep understanding of the evolving mobility ecosystem. She plays a key role in driving performance, strengthening public sector partnerships, and supporting the transformation of digital parking and payments across Europe.
When asked about her greatest inspiration, Sylvia highlights the women who have challenged the status quo and helped move society forward:
“I am inspired by women who have stepped into spaces where they were underrepresented and helped move society forward. What inspires me most is not only their achievements, but their determination, their ability to redefine what was possible for the generations that followed.”
From political leaders like Simone Veil to pioneering scientists, astronauts, doctors, and artists such as Josephine Baker, Sylvia draws inspiration from women whose courage, resilience and conviction created lasting impact.
For the next generation of women entering the world of parking, payments and mobility, she shares three key pieces of advice:
- Own your expertise and your voice. Your perspective matters, speak up and contribute.
- Be curious and embrace change. Mobility is evolving rapidly; growth rarely happens in familiar territory.
- Build strong networks and lift others as you grow. Collaboration is a powerful driver of both personal and collective success.
Sylvia’s own progression within PayByPhone reflects the company’s commitment to developing female talent:
“At PayByPhone, progression is based on impact, performance, and potential, not on background or gender. Diversity is not treated as a slogan; it is embedded in how we build teams and think about leadership.”
Alongside her fellow female Managing Directors, she has been entrusted with strategic leadership and decision-making responsibilities that shape the direction of the business, a strong signal thatambition and performance are recognised and supported.
Carmen – Managing Director, North America
As Managing Director for North America, Carmen leads PayByPhone’s largest market, overseeing strategic growth, operational performance, and key partnerships across the region. With a strong focus oninnovation and long-term value creation, she plays a critical role in expanding PayByPhone’s presence while ensuring operational excellence and customer-centricity remain at the heart of the business.
When reflecting on her greatest inspiration, Carmen looks to someone whose leadership was quiet, yet transformational:
“My greatest inspiration is my mom. She never held a formal leadership title, and she did not work in a traditional corporate environment. She was a homemaker. But the leadership lessons she taught me have shaped every part of my professional journey.”
Carmen credits her mother with teaching her how to navigate professional environments with both intelligence and confidence.
“She taught me to respect the rules of the environment I am in, to understand hierarchy, and to navigate it intelligently. At the same time, she was clear that respect does not mean silence. She raised me to believe I already had a seat at the table. I did not need to timidly ask for it. I needed to show up prepared, speak with conviction, and respectfullyc hallenge the status quo when necessary.”
One of the most defining lessons she carries into her leadership today is the distinction between equality and sameness:
“Equality does not mean sameness. I am equal to men, but I am not the same as men. My perspective, instincts, and approach are different, and that difference is not something to minimize. It is something to embrace.”
For the next generation of women entering parking and payments, Carmen offers three powerful pieces of advice:
- Dress for the role you want, not the role you have. Show up, literally and figuratively, as the leader you aspire to become. Demonstrate accountability, strategic thinking, and presence two or three steps ahead of your current position.
- Stay relentlessly growth-minded. Assume you know less than you think. Ask questions, remain curious, and continuously learn. In a rapidly evolving industry, adaptability is essential.
- Treat every role as if it could turn into a lifelong career. This industry is smaller than it appears, and reputations compound over time. Build meaningful relationships, protect your reputation, and nurture your network intentionally.
Carmen also recalls a keynote speech that deeply influenced her leadership mindset. Years ago, she heard mountaineer Alison Levine speak about completing the Adventure Grand Slam, climbing the highest peak on every continent and skiing to both Poles.
What resonated most was the concept of “planned failure” on Mount Everest, the necessity of ascending and descending multiple times in order to acclimatize.
“Progress does not look linear. Sometimes you descend in order to ultimately advance.”
That reframing of failure as part of the journey reshaped her perspective on resilience and ambition.
“She reframed failure as a necessary component of exceeding expectations… And above all, her message was simple and powerful: do not quit.”
The lessons from that keynote continue to influence how Carmen approaches leadership today, with endurance, adaptability, and long-term vision.
Leadership, Impact, and Mentorship
Beyond their formal responsibilities, these women are role models across the organisation. They foster collaboration, support talent development, and help create an inclusive and ambitious work environment.
At PayByPhone, promoting equal opportunities and empowering female talent is not a one-time initiative, it is a long-term commitment. From leadership visibility to cross-functional exposure and international collaboration, we strive to create an environment where ambition is supported, and progression is achievable.
Moving Forward Together
International Women’s Day is a time for celebration, but also for reflection. While we are proud of the progress made, we remain committed to advancing diversity at every level of our organisation and continuously improving our practices.
Today, we thank and celebrate all the women at PayByPhone, and more broadly, those who are shaping the future of mobility and technology.
Together, we continue moving forward.