Employee Stories: Rabs Atwal’s 18 Year Journey Leave a comment

Welcome to Our New Employee Stories Series!

We’re excited to launch the first post in our new Employee Stories series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible people behind Hydraquip.

This series is our way of celebrating our amazing team, sharing their unique journeys, and offering a glimpse into the culture that drives everything we do.

To kick things off, we’re proud to introduce Rabs Atwal, who recently marked an impressive 18 years with Hydraquip.

Rabs has played a vital role in our growth, and her dedication is truly inspiring. Over nearly two decades, she has held a number of positions, each contributing to her deep expertise and lasting impact on our company.

Here’s a look at her journey so far:

• 2007 – 2009: Sales & Marketing Assistant, Hydraquip Braided Hose Division — Creator & Developer of the Hydraquip Brand
• 2009 – 2013: Marketing for Hydraquip Divisions — Brand Strategy
• 2013 – 2022: Group Marketing Manager, Hydraquip Group of Companies — Growth & Development of Marketing Processes & Team
• 2022 – Present: Head of Digital, Hoses Direct & Hydraquip Hose & Hydraulics — and Brand Ambassador for Hydraquip

We sat down with Rabs to hear about her experiences and insights:

Q: How did you find confidence and your voice in environments where you may have been the only woman in the room?

“Finding my voice came from believing in myself, knowing my worth and the value I brought to the table. I leaned on preparation, results, and consistency to build credibility. When you understand your contribution, it becomes easier to speak up, take space and lead. Self-confidence is key; if I don’t believe in myself, how can I expect others to believe in the brand and company I represent?”

Q: What advice would you give to young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields?

“Always remember, everyone should be judged by merit, not gender. Own your space. Don’t feel the need to blend in. Authenticity and resilience will take you far. Stay curious, back yourself with data and results, build relationships and remember, you deserve to be in every room you enter.”

Q: Have you mentored or supported other women in the industry, and what advice do you give them?

“Yes, and I believe this is so important. My advice: speak up, stay visible, don’t undervalue your contributions. Learn the business, master your field, and use that knowledge to build influence. Bring others along – success is more powerful when it lifts others too.”

Q: What’s one assumption people often make about women in engineering or technical roles that you’d like to challenge?

We are here to take notes or make tea. Joking aside, I believe the industry is changing. When I started, it was very much male-dominated, but we are combating stereotypes. As an organisation, I feel that we have actively driven change and recruit based on merit and not gender stereotyping.

Q: What do you wish your younger self knew when starting in this field?

“That being different is a strength. Over the years, I’ve learned that thinking and bringing a unique perspective is exactly what sets you apart. I wish my younger self knew that she had embarked on an incredible journey that would shape the person she is today.”

Q: What has kept you motivated and passionate about your role over the years?

The ability to continually grow and drive meaningful change. I’m passionate about building things that last—brands, strategies, platforms. Being trusted to lead, launch, and innovate kept me inspired.”

Q: If you could relive one moment at Hydraquip, what would it be?

“To be honest, there isn’t just one moment. Every day is different, shaped by the variety of projects and teams I work with. What stands out, though, are the people. I’ve been lucky to work with passionate, talented individuals over the years, and that’s what truly shapes the culture at Hydraquip. It’s what sets us apart.”

Celebrating Rabs’s 18 years with us is a powerful reminder that our mission is powered by people. We’re proud to have dedicated team members like her shaping Hydraquip every day.

Stay tuned. We have more inspiring Employee Stories to share with you soon!