Blog – Marion Englert

September 17, 2019June 23, 2025

Hello!

The blog is based on one of my biggest adventures. Before COVID hit I was a participant of Remote Year, a group of professionals working remotely while traveling the globe. I was 1 of 26 participants of RY’s community Bolivar. My tramily. Strangers who became friends.

While working remotely for clients in Europe and the Middle East, I did reside in five different cities and traveled throughout Latin America. I got to experience life in Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile, Lima/Peru, Medellín/Colombia and Mexico City.

October 30, 2025

We Joined Forces

I’m excited to officially announce a new collaboration between DriveInnovator and Anabela Costa Carneiro and the brilliant minds at Dust In The Pit Lane. I’ve long respected Anabela’s energy and her ability to make things happen in a space that demands both vision and tenacity.

This is a partnership built on shared values, deep motorsport expertise, and a shared mission: to create high-level, strategic storytelling across the motorsport landscape by two women-led motorsport forces.

“This collaboration with Marion feels like a natural step for Dust In The Pit Lane. We’ve always believed in working with people who bring not just skills, but heart and vision into what they do – and Marion brings all of that! She understands the soul of motorsport and the power of storytelling. I’m excited to see what we’ll build together, especially in a space where women leading the way is still the exception, not the norm.”
– Anabela Costa Carneiro, Founder & Creative Director, Dust In The Pit Lane

“Teaming up with Anabela and Dust in the Pit Lane hits home on every level: Creative chemistry, shared values, and a mutual love for the world of motorsport. I’ve always admired Anabela’s ability to translate the soul of the sport into something that moves people. This mirrors my own passion for pushing limits. As two women with fuel in our veins and vision in our sights this partnership feels natural. We’re both driven by passion, building stories that challenge limits and serve as a reminder what creativity looks like at full speed – fast, loud, and with purpose.”
– Marion Englert, Founder & Brand Architect, DriveInnovator

Interested in working with us? Let’s talk!

#DustInThePitLane #WomenInMotorsport #MotorsportMedia #MiddleEastRacing #DriveInnovator

September 24, 2025

Breaking Barriers: Women Driving Change in Automotive Leadership

Be honest: Do you think women in the motoring industry still have to be tougher (or even ruthless) to succeed? This is a question that came up in a recent exchange with my mentee. We were talking about what it needs to reach the top as a woman in our industry.

25+ years in motoring taught me one thing: women don’t need to be ruthless to lead. Back in the ’90s, I was often the only woman in the room, and today there are still only a few. So the question remains: what kind of leadership really drives change?

When I first stepped into the motoring world almost 3 decades ago, I quickly realized the road ahead wasn’t built with women in mind. Back in the ’90s, being a woman in this industry often meant to stick to an unspoken rule: if you wanted to succeed, you had to “play like the men.” Be tougher. Be louder. And yes, sometimes even ruthless.

But here’s what I’ve learned over decades in automotive and motorsport: that’s not the only way to lead. In fact, it’s not even the best way.

Looking Back: When Women Were the Pioneers

A generation ago, fewer than 5% of leadership positions in the automotive sector were held by women. Support systems were nearly nonexistent, and mentorship programs for women in the industry were little more than a dream. Vulnerability was seen as weakness, collaboration as naiveté. It was survival of the toughest.

Fast Forward to 2025: A Changing Landscape

Today, the story looks mostly different – but far from perfect. Women now make up nearly 30% of manufacturing jobs critical to automotive production, and we’re finally seeing women rise into influential leadership roles. To just name a few, GM’s Mary Barra has been steering one of the world’s largest automakers for two decades. In motorsport, talents like Abbi Pulling are shattering records, while teams such as Iron Dames are carving out space for women at the highest levels of endurance racing. Drivers like Tatiana Calderon, with experience from Formula 2 to IndyCar, prove women aren’t just showing up – they’re excelling.

Still, it’s not all smooth driving. A recent Deloitte study highlights that gender parity has hit a plateau, with women still severely underrepresented in top leadership roles (approximately 10%) across the globe. The barriers may have shifted, but they haven’t disappeared.

Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever

One thing that has made a difference is mentorship. Through my work with the Women Automotive Network and in motorsport, I’ve seen how powerful it is when experienced leaders take the time to guide the next generation. True mentorship isn’t just about teaching technical skills. It’s about challenging the outdated belief that women must harden themselves to succeed.

The women I see thriving in leadership today share some common traits. They lead with collaboration, not domination. They communicate authentically, which builds trust. They make space for diverse voices at the table. And they practice resilience, not aggression.

Redefining Leadership in an Industry at a Crossroads

The automotive world is transforming faster than ever, from electric mobility to autonomous driving to next-gen manufacturing. These challenges don’t call for outdated, cutthroat leadership models. They demand collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, qualities women bring to the table when they’re encouraged to lead authentically.

So the real question isn’t whether women need to be ruthless to succeed. It’s whether the industry is ready to fully embrace the leadership styles that will carry it forward.

The Road Ahead

The good news? Women entering the industry today have something many of us didn’t: role models, networks, and a growing recognition that diversity isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential for competitiveness and innovation.

To the women out there: stay true to yourself, lean on your networks, and know your success opens doors for others. And to the industry leaders: diverse leadership isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.

What’s your experience with leadership styles in male-dominated industries? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

June 24, 2025

Why Passion Beats Poker Faces: The Power of Authentic Leadership

As I wrap up a recent contract, I find myself reflecting on a conversation with one of my mentees. When I asked why he chose me as his mentor for breaking into the motoring world, his response stopped me in my tracks: “I admire the work you’ve done.”

His words brought me back to one of those career-defining moments that still appears in my social media memories: the 2018 Porsche World Expedition – 80 days around the world in the latest Cayenne S.

What sounds like the ultimate automotive fantasy became something far more profound. Beyond the endless starry skies above the Simpson Desert, the campfires with black coffee and guitar music, crossing the Arctic Circle, and having Spa-Francorchamps entirely to ourselves, this experience taught me the true value of authentic leadership.

The Corporate Authenticity Challenge

In a business world that often rewards composure over passion, I’ve been told my emotional investment in my work isn’t ideal corporate behavior. One former boss dismissed my motorsport expertise as “just cars driving in circles.” Yet here I am, sought after by mentees and clients precisely because of what others see as professional weaknesses.

The disconnect is clear: while corporate culture preaches the importance of “bringing your whole self to work,” it often punishes those who actually do it.

Why Authenticity Drives Results

My unconventional approach has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes because:

- Passion creates deeper connections. Clients and colleagues respond to genuine enthusiasm. When you truly care about your work, it shows and it’s infectious.
- Emotional investment drives innovation. The projects I’m most proud of came from moments when I allowed my passion to guide strategic thinking and not suppress it.
- Authenticity builds trust faster. In an age of personal branding and carefully curated professional personas, “what you see is what you get” has become a competitive advantage.

The Mentorship Perspective

Mentoring women in automotive and motorsport, along with empowering the next generation across all genders, has shown me something crucial: young professionals are hungry for authentic role models. They don’t need another polished executive speaking in corporate platitudes. They need someone who’s willing to show the real journey, complete with passion, emotion, and unconventional paths.

The Leadership Lesson

The Porsche World Expedition, among other passion projects, taught me that extraordinary experiences often feel ordinary when you’re living them. It’s the reflection and the ability to share those stories authentically that creates lasting impact.

In a professional landscape where everyone tries to maintain the perfect poker face, perhaps our greatest competitive advantage lies in being courageously, authentically ourselves.

What experiences have shaped your authentic leadership style? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Currently mentoring the next generation of automotive professionals. Always open to connecting with passionate individuals looking to make their mark in this incredible industry.

June 12, 2025June 24, 2025

Le Mans – Endurance, Strategy and Resilience

Brace yourself. I’m getting a bit nostalgic. It’s race week.

This week, the 24 Hours of Le Mans returns. The 93rd edition of “the mother of all races”.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve stood at the Circuit de la Sarthe – listening to the engine sounds, headlights flickering in the dark, and having in-depth discussions about the strategy being developed with my journalists and the teams. Eat. Sleep. Race. Repeat. Minus the sleep of course, because who wants to sleep during a race like this?

It’s a place where time stretches and every second counts. Unfortunately, I’ll be keeping a close eye on things from afar this year. Le Mans will always be a race I follow, regardless of my location.

With the race approaching it got me thinking. What is it about endurance racing, and in particular this one, that keeps you drawn to it? The 24 Heures du Mans teaches us valuable lessons about endurance, strategy, and resilience.

This race is a demonstration of resilience, self-discipline, and the ability to handle pressure with determination. It’s not just about speed, either. The formula for winning endurance racing is rarely to achieve a perfect score. Learning when to push and when not is key. The objective is to manage risks, stay alert over a prolonged period (or years), and align every decision with achieving long-term objectives. In that sense, it’s akin to both life and business.

The new qualifying structure this year and the added difficulty of combining schedules with F1 has highlighted that conditions change. Strategies must undergo rapid changes when they occur.

The Human Machine

This race has always impressed me with the demands placed on its drivers and those working behind the scenes. A 24-hour chess match is played as drivers battle fatigue, pit crews strive for flawless execution, and strategists take charge of the game.

I find it to be a demanding, exhausting and immensely inspiring task. Great results are only possible when a team is prepared, has bold decisions, and stays composed when things go down. When it matters most, stay resilient.

Yet one theme continues: resilience. Le Mans will always be affected by failure. The most successful teams will adapt and carry on, regardless of the circumstances – a punctured tire, thrown foul, or rain at 3AM.

Lessons learned from this race

Why is that? Endurance over intensity. Strategy over spontaneity. Teamwork over ego. Race week is approaching, and I need to remind myself that victory doesn’t (only) entail running for the finish line first. Tom Kristensen Dindo Capello and Allan McNish I hear you… (to finish first…). But it’s more, it’s about sticking to the game, making wise decisions, and being present consistently throughout the day. It’s about staying in the game, making smart calls, and showing up. Because whether you’re into racing cars or chasing goals, life isn’t a sprint. It’s a 24-hour race.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans are intense, exhausting and deeply inspiring. I’m wishing all an amazing race, I will be glued to the live stream and relive the great memories and lessons learned from this race.

June 4, 2020October 29, 2022

Class doesn’t end when you get your diploma – Class keeps on going for a lifetime

Class doesn’t end when you get our diploma. Class keeps on going for a lifetime. I cannot agree more. Being in my profession for more than 3 decades I’ve experienced first-hand how the landscape in communications, marketing and media has changed.

How people see and use information today has changed dramatically. Therefore, it is important to keep learning, to keep an open mind and to grow and keep track on changes.

Being naturally curious and an eager learner, I took the chance during the quiet Corona times to dive in a little deeper. I signed up for a MicroMasters in “Marketing in a Digital World” from Curtin University in Australia.

What I’ve learned in the past few months about how consumers and their behavior have changed is not new to me. I’ve seen and experienced it in my professional life all along – unfortunately minus the reaction of most companies to the obvious new landscape.

Not flexible enough to adapt

Many companies are still old-school when it comes to their marketing and communications. They stick with concepts that worked just fine in the past and they are not flexible enough to adapt.

A lot of companies still regard the digital world – especially Social Media – as a nice to have, but not as an essential tool in their marketing. But they should, primarily when it comes to the reputation of a brand. Today it is impossible to treat your offline reputation as separate to your online reputation. For consumers today Social Media is the new traditional media.

And yes, good reputations are built on delivering what you promise, on trust gained over many years, founded on consistency, delivery on the vision, the product and the people. But in a digital world the traditional marketing and the mass-style communication does not go deep enough. A shiny TV commercial, a polished ad campaign and a mere press release will not do the trick anymore.

Today’s audience wants to participate

Today’s audience wants to be part of your brand, they look for deeper and more engaging experiences across all available mediums. One needs to be much more aware of who you are trying to engage with and what’s the story you are trying to tell. Every interaction your audience has with your organization affects its perception of your brand and therefore contributes to your reputation.

Brands that stand up for their core values and also show it across all platforms are the ones who win. They are also more likely to keep their audiences trust when a crisis hit.

More on ideas how to build and protect your organization’s reputation will follow soon.

March 17, 2020October 29, 2022

Remote Working Tips – How can you be your best working from home?

Do not stop doing what you would do in the office.

Working from home or even remotely is a way of life and for millions of people around the globe a deliberate choice. In times of Covid-19 a lot of people are forced into home office and some are not comfortable with it. I embraced home office already during my time as an employee and took it a step further as I became a freelancer and started to work fully remote. For me it’s a choice and a blessing, but I can relate to people who cannot imagine working away from the comfort and familiarity of their offices and co-workers.

In the US remote working is already very common, recent surveys show that approximately 5% of the US total workforce already work location independent (see also my previous post). The “new work” concept only slowly arrives in other countries around the globe – something that might change in the near future given the current circumstances. And a lot of people might want to hold on to it. The reasons are not surprising. A survey of the jobsite www.monster.com states that a better work-life-balance, increased productivity/better focus, less stress and to avoid a commute are the main drivers for people to favor working from home.

Communication is key

But how can you be your best working from home? From my experience self-motivation, self-discipline, time management and most importantly communication are some key factors to be successful. I figured that I’m much more productive working on my own terms with no distractions and the chance to really focus on the task at hand. And you get tech savvy if you cannot just quickly walk over and chat to your colleague or boss. You learn to use tools (from logging your time to communication) and you also streamline your messages. Keep it short and clear and don’t spam your co-workers’ inboxes. No matter if texting, skyping, emailing or meeting your colleagues online – cut out the noise!

My advice is do not stop doing what you would do in the office. Have your brainstorm sessions over your lunch break, use the manifold technology available to stay in touch and most importantly deliver! Face time with your team is even more important when you’re not present physically. Be accountable, proactive, engage and pick up the phone rather than sending an email. But also make it a habit to be responsive – even if it is only a short reply like “I got this covered” or “I will be back with an answer today/tomorrow”. Schedule regular check-ins with your superiors and keep them updated on your progress or on what you’re working on.

Keep it professional

Another important thing is to keep it professional – no matter if you work from your kitchen table or at a desk in your home. Have a dedicated workspace and don’t be tempted to do your work-out sessions during working hours or switch on the TV. Behave as you would in an office environment. Therefore, also set your working hours: Schedule your coffee and lunch break and switch off your computer and your phone at the end of the day. The downside of working from home or remotely is that you tend to forget when it’s time to stop. Your working hours and your private time are blurred, and it is easy to mix both.

To master these challenging times and the new way of working – don’t lose your stride and get shit done. Great work can be done from anywhere!

Here is a list of tools I use to be productive no matter where I am on this planet. There are many others out there, but I liked these the most:

A stable internet connection that can cope with long conference calls
Zoom
Basecamp
Jira
Slack
Trello
Todoist & iDoneThis
Google Suite
Microsoft Teams
Skype

March 16, 2020October 29, 2022

Remote Work in times of a global health crisis

Working from home – blessing or curse? Image by Austin Distel on Unsplash

As much as the current situation scares people, it can also change the way we work. Covid-19 could have a permanent impact on how companies operate, or people work. It´s a blessing in disguise I´d say. As much as I vote for new work, I also see the problems that arise with it not being a choice for most but them being forced into working from home.

Speaking to several IT savvy friends just recently they also pointed out the difficulties for some companies who are not prepared for it. Systems will crack they say, it will be a problem especially for companies whose employees are usually safeguarded by corporate networks and have to connect over virtual private networks now. This might cause a real problem for the IT infrastructure of most companies. Furthermore, internet providers might not be able to supply the bandwidth needed. Peak traffic will increase and with schools being suspended as well, there will be even more internet users during the day. Time will tell if we (or the internet providers) are prepared for this.

One good thing about the whole situation – besides that people really start to care about each other and support each other – is the opportunity for companies and employees alike to build a remote work culture or at least some more flexibility. And companies like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Trello and a few more have already reacted to support remote work and offer some of their services for free for the time being.

I’ve been working remotely for a few years now and I do love the flexibility and productivity that comes with it. And to be honest, the most important thing is that the work gets done – within an office or at your desk somewhere else. The key to be successful with location independent work is to be organized, structured and to have your communication right. Speak to your co-workers and to your boss on a regular basis, like you would do in the office. Keep up the casual conversations and the chat in the coffee corner. But most importantly: Keep spirits up and get your shit done! Don’t see remote work as a ticket for being sluggish because nobody is watching.

I will share some tips and tools shortly that helped me a lot to structure my remote work life. Stay tuned.

February 5, 2020October 29, 2022

The ease of being

A Mariachi Band crashing your house party – only in Mexico.

Have you ever been in South America? If so, you know what I’m talking about. If not, I highly recommend you visit this part of the world.

Four months into my remote work experience here in South America I’m having trouble imagining going back to a world with less music, less dancing and less of an easy going, chilled and laid-back attitude, not to speak about the weather.

Despite all the hardship, the obvious disparity and the resulting social and political unrest the people are facing in this part of the world, they have a much more positive approach to life than the average European has.

All of the countries I had the chance to live in for a while are struggling with a huge disparity between rich and poor. But nevertheless, they never seem to lose their smiles and optimism.

Viva la vida!

Medellin/Colombia for instance – the City of Eternal Spring – has transformed from a violent past into a hub of entrepreneurship and an up and coming tourist destination. Colombia was seen as dangerous and conflict-ridden, a country known for drug wars, violent crime, poor infrastructure and corruption. Spending a month in Medellin I have not had a minute where I felt in danger or uneasy. Colombia still has problems, no doubt, but it is rebranding itself and I would not hesitate to return to Medellin, to its music, to the incredible landscape, the variety of birds not found anywhere else on the planet, to the rich literature culture and last but not least the modern and lifestyle hub it has become. Viva la vida!

The same is true for Santiago de Chile. A city that has been making international headlines for the last few months with people taking to the streets to raise awareness about an insane disparity in income. As I learned, the minimum wage in Chile’s private sector is approximately 350,000 Pesos, less than 500 Euros, and employees in public sector companies’ bag in millions of Pesos – some senators in Chile earn more than our German chancellor Angela Merkel…

But it’s not only about the money, it is about opportunities – be it in education, health care or equality in general. A message the protesters (most of them students) plastered around the city in countless graffities. They express their anger, their frustration, but also the hope for a new Chile. A blooming and economically stable country that wants to leave the past behind, especially the not so distant past during the cruel Pinochet dictatorship and its violation of human rights, tortures and disappearances. The people of Chile are fighting for a country where dignity is a habit.

And as far as I can tell, they have not lost their hope and optimism. I’ve hardly ever came across a nation that is distant and reserved at first but once you’ve cracked their shell is welcoming and warm hearted.

357 eyes and we can still see – a strong message about pain and hope.

Pursuit of happiness

Having spent the past four months in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile and now Mexico I got a taste of freedom, a taste of what is really important in life and especially a taste of what the ease of being can mean. Far away from our European or American way of life of buying things to be happy, I found my happiness in just being. Life is more lively here, there is more life to be lived there, the pursuit of happiness is not just an empty phrase.

I also have to admit that living out of a suitcase and sharing my accommodation with at least one or two other people contributed to it. I always thought that having more, is making me happier. That collecting possessions and making a lot of money defines who we are. It’s not. It is how we connect with other people, it’s the meaningful conversations, the walks in a city that you have never seen before, the experiences and the pure joy of being that makes a life happy. At least for me.

Connecting with people, having meaningful conversations and experience the world together – this is my happiness.

January 20, 2020October 29, 2022

Are you German?

“Oh, are you German?”. Have you heard this question as many times as I did? Does it also drive you up the wall to be recognized as a German the moment you open your mouth? Not that I’m not proud of my German heritage, but when it comes to language an accent free pronunciation is a big advantage – especially professionally.

Despite me being fluent in English and having lived in English-speaking countries for most of my adult life, I did not seem to be able to get rid of that undertone in my pronunciation which immediately labeled me as a German.

Can you imagine my joy as I found out that one of my fellow remotes is an accent reduction coach. With her company Parker Accentuation she helps non-native English speakers to gain a standard American accent and to improve their speaking skills for interviewing, presenting, or public speaking.

Can I finally get rid of the annoying (to me) or charming (as others call it) accent?

I jumped on the opportunity to be one of Nicole Parker’s students. Once a week she sat with me and not only did I learn a lot about the history of the English language but also how to move my tongue, my cheeks and my lips to give the sounds I’m making the typical American color. Lots of laughter guaranteed. Believe me, it needs practice to move your mouth, lips and tongue in a way that you are not used to or to make sounds your throat just does not seem to be built for.

But with regular practice – make sure you’re locked away somewhere where other people cannot hear you or they might think you’ve gone mad – progress is inevitable. If you really put some effort in and spend at least 30 minutes to an hour a day on your pronunciation, you will see rapid results. I improved my accent by more than 60% within a few weeks. And surprise, surprise, people who meet me for the first time now, cannot really tell where I’m from. They spot an accent, but not the German accent anymore. I was recently asked if I’m Australian :).

January 4, 2020October 29, 2022

Remote Work – trending in Germany as well

Spending the weekend at Machu Picchu – the beauty of remote work.

As I started this new project – working remotely from South America – friends and clients alike were, to say at least, irritated. For my European clients, the concept of working for them, but not being in their office frequently was an alien thought.

But is it that different?

People’s perception is changing – also in Germany. In the end, it is the result that counts, not how you achieve it. Great work can be done from anywhere. As long as you have a stable internet connection there is no hindrance for working remotely. At least this is the experience I’ve made and the feedback I get from my clients.

Recent surveys show that the concept of remote work is getting greater support by the minute in Germany. The motivations for the so-called new work model are multifaceted: Be it the dream to explore the world, following your partner who works abroad or having to take care of your loved ones at home without losing your job. “New work” means more flexibility and freedom for a workforce that puts a greater emphasize on work-life-balance than previous generations.

A recent survey of flexjobs.com highlighted personal freedom and an increase in the health of people who did work remotely. Companies like SAP, Deutsche Bahn or several German startups realized the benefits it has for their business as well. In a very spirited job market, companies that offer flexible working structures are much more competitive than companies with a conservative structure, not to speak about the boost in productivity, reduced turnover, and lesser organizational costs. A recent survey by “Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW)”, support these statements.

Embrace remote work

In the US remote work is almost common nowadays and most of my fellow remotes do have full-time jobs with US companies. It is a growing trend, 43% of US employers said they plan to allow their employees to have more remote working opportunities over the next year. Only 9% said they plan to offer less .

One explanation for this is highlighted in recent research of Harvard Business School. Prithwiraj Choudhury, an associate professor in the Technology and Operations Management Unit at Harvard Business School, and fellow researchers who compared the outcomes of flexible work arrangements at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Read the full story here.

Let’s talk about Germany and some companies that embraced remote work and its benefits again. As an example, for Mirco Hellekes, HR-Manager at Giant Swarm GmbH offering remote work is a huge competitive advantage. “We can hire the best talents from across Europe”, he says. For him, this kind of flexible work is the future and they have practiced it for five years already. He continues “Remote work for us means that all our employees create the work environment that makes them happy and successful”.

Speaking from my own experience, I can live and work from places I might have never been able to see. I can explore the world while working full-time and so far, my clients are happy with the results. To me, this adds true value to my life and even more so to the work I’m doing for my clients. I enjoy getting up in the mornings and starting my workday because I know that I’m able to see Machu Picchu at the weekend, go for a lunch break in a traditional restaurant in Chile or go out in the evenings to improve my Salsa skills in Colombia.