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.
