A hard day’s work almost complete, Audi Marketing Manager Deborah Stewart is gearing down as she glides ever so confidently into the Blend Bar + Lounge at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The ebony beauty has just returned to Kingston from the Second City after helping with final touches to the Audi auto showcase for Reggae Sumfest, and there are plans to pop back into the office later to look over plans for an upcoming marketing campaign. But first, there are cocktail sips to be had, and stories to share.

What are you sipping?

A virgin daiquiri.

What are the unique advantages of being a woman in the automotive business?

I don’t think there are any unique advantages. We work twice as hard to prove that we are capable of talking torque, horsepower and have an appreciation for the electronics and mechanics that go into making an automobile. I started in the industry with Audi very soon after leaving university in my early 20s. This was prior to ATL Automotive taking ownership of the brand. I benefited tremendously from the mentorship of some of the industry’s best. I have had to pay attention to all that was imparted to me and, of course, spend time to learn the products.

As marketing manager of Audi here, what’s your vision for the brand?

My vision is for the Audi brand to be the number one premium brand in Jamaica. We are certainly on our way there.

Where does Deborah find creative influence?

I listen to all kinds of music and have a great appreciation for art. I also read a lot during the early hours of the morning. I subscribe to the electronic versions of Harvard Business Review and Car and Driver magazine. I pay keen attention to auto blogs and I watch Top Gear.

What perfume are you spraying?

Pleasures by Estée Lauder.

LBD or jeans?

Definitely a little black dress. It is quite versatile and easy to accessorise.

Stilettos or flats?

Stilettos. I think it gives a whole different and sophisticated look to a woman when she puts on her stillettos, even while wearing a pair of jeans or donning the most casual look.

A genie has three wishes to grant Deborah. What would they be?

Go on an extended European family holiday vacation; own an Audi R8; and possess a limitless education fund to support my children’s dreams and others who might be in need and would benefit from a good education.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

There is no perfect man, but he would be a wise man of integrity, true to himself and certainly family-oriented. He would be my husband of 15 years: Conrad Stewart.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

A road trip experiencing different places and seeing the truer nature of the person in an open, and not staged space.

Who motivates you?

My family is a great source of motivation and support to me. I have always had their love and support, and that has had a significant impact on my life.

Where is your go-to place to destress?

The gym. Aerobics and spinning help me de-stress.

Which of your habits do you consider your finest and worst?

I think I am persistent; on the other hand, I am impatient. I continue to work at having a greater balance.

As a mother of two young boys, what kind of future do you envision for them?

I envision a future where they are able to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of their chosen field, whether it be in medicine or music or entrepreneurship.

The last time you cried was because….

I was reflecting on God’s goodness to me despite my human failings and that He loves me just as I am. It is an incredible fact and I was just grateful.

Your greatest accomplishment is…

…being a mother to my two boys Nigel and Daniel. I could tell you having Audi customers share the same enthusiasm for the brand as I do, but my children are certainly among my greatest accomplishments. I regard having them a tremendous privilege.

Where will Deborah Stewart be five years from now?

I will remain in marketing and sales. I hope to be then celebrating the success of the Audi brand worldwide.