How Women Can Prepare for Executive Roles in the Automotive Industry
Ever wonder why, historically, so few women reach the top in automotive? The glass ceiling may be strong, but it’s not unbreakable. With the right strategy and preparation, you can claim your seat at the executive table in this evolving industry.
For women aspiring to climb the corporate ladder in the male-dominated automotive world, the journey can feel like an uphill battle. But it’s a battle you can win. (We should know.) Whether you’re already in the industry or looking to break into it, preparing for executive/management roles requires developing leadership skills, mastering industry knowledge, leveraging mentorship, and navigating challenges unique to women. Let’s dive into actionable steps you can take today to shatter that, fragile, glass ceiling and lead the way for others.
Develop a Leadership Mindset
Leadership in the automotive industry is about more than just knowing your stuff—it’s about vision, resilience, and emotional intelligence (EQ). Executive roles require you to guide not just teams, but entire organizations toward long-term goals. So how do you get there?
Start with Self-Awareness: The journey to the executive suite starts with understanding yourself. Reflect on your leadership style—do you lead decisively or collaboratively? Gather feedback from mentors and colleagues to gain insights into how others perceive your leadership. This helps you refine your approach and identify areas for growth.
Build Emotional Intelligence: In an industry that can be high-pressure and fast-moving, emotional intelligence is a game-changer. Leading with empathy, understanding team dynamics, and managing stress are skills that set great leaders apart. Practice mindfulness and regularly assess how you handle high-pressure situations to enhance your EQ
Lead Before You Have the Title: Look for leadership opportunities, even if they don’t come with a formal title. Volunteer to lead cross-departmental projects, manage a team, or mentor younger employees. These experiences build the leadership muscles you’ll need at the executive level.
Learn From the Success Stories: Veronica Dunford's Rise
Let’s talk about someone who’s walked the path you’re on—Veronica Dunford, Governing Board Member of Women In Automotive. Veronica’s career started with a role as Internet Sales Director, where she honed her skills in a competitive field. But she didn’t stop there. With a passion for supporting and empowering others, Veronica transitioned into entrepreneurship and now leads an organization that’s dedicated to lifting women into leadership positions in automotive.
Her story shows that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about creating your own ladder when necessary. Veronica’s success was driven by her commitment to helping women (and men) excel and thrive in automotive. She continues to champion women in leadership, setting an example that with determination and vision, anything is possible.
Lesson for You: Follow in Veronica’s footsteps by staying committed to your growth and empowering others. When you support those around you, you not only create opportunities for others—you also open doors for yourself.
Cultivate Industry-Specific Knowledge
Executive leadership requires a strong grasp of the trends and innovations shaping the future of the automotive industry. Staying ahead of the curve will help you stand out and drive change.
Stay Current with Industry Trends: Automotive is a rapidly evolving space, with advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and sustainability taking center stage. Subscribe to industry journals, attend webinars, and join automotive forums to stay updated on the latest developments. Executives who understand where the industry is headed are better positioned to lead their companies in the right direction.
Enhance Your Technical Expertise: Even at the executive level, technical knowledge is crucial. Whether it’s mastering the ins and outs of electric vehicle diagnostics, understanding supply chain management, or knowing the latest in automotive tech, your expertise will set you apart. Pursue certifications or additional education that deepens your understanding of key areas.
Continuing Education: Executive roles demand constant learning. Consider taking specialized courses in leadership, business strategy, or automotive technology. Many industry leaders pursue MBAs or other advanced degrees to strengthen their business acumen and position themselves for C-suite roles. WIA has partnered with Northwood University and Keiser University to provide scholarship opportunities for those seeking to continue their education in automotive related fields.
Leverage Mentorship and Networking
Building a strong network is essential to reaching executive positions, and having a mentor can accelerate your journey.
Find a Mentor: Mentorship can be transformative. Seek out a mentor—preferably someone who has navigated the challenges of the automotive industry themselves. A good mentor will provide guidance, feedback, and support as you pursue leadership roles. Look for mentors who have successfully broken barriers, just like Veronica Dunford, and are willing to share their experiences and advice.
Network with Purpose: Networking is about more than collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships to help you grow. Join professional organizations like Women In Automotive, attend industry conferences, and participate in leadership forums. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to think bigger. Networking can also introduce you to sponsors—people who will actively advocate for you behind the scenes and open doors to opportunities.
Seek Out Sponsors: While mentors offer advice, sponsors go a step further by advocating for your career. A sponsor might recommend you for leadership roles or high-visibility projects. Their influence can be pivotal in advancing your career, so cultivate relationships with leaders who see your potential.
Navigate the Unique Challenges Women Face
Women in the automotive industry face unique challenges, from gender bias to balancing personal and professional responsibilities. However, these challenges don’t have to hold you back.
Confront Gender Bias: We can’t ignore the fact that bias exists, but we can challenge it. Women in executive roles often face unconscious bias or outdated perceptions of leadership. Combat this by proving your value with measurable results. Be data-driven in your decisions and communicate your impact clearly—whether it’s improving performance, reducing costs, or leading innovation.
Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome—feeling like you don’t truly deserve your success—is a common challenge. But remember: you’ve earned your place. Every step you’ve taken in your career has prepared you for this moment. When doubts creep in, focus on your achievements and the value you bring. Confidence grows with experience, so continue to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Balance Work and Life Strategically: Many executive roles require intense dedication, but finding balance is key to long-term success. Set clear boundaries, delegate where possible, and prioritize self-care. Remember, a sustainable career requires a healthy balance between professional drive and personal well-being.
Strategically Navigate the Corporate Ladder
Breaking into an executive role isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires careful planning and strategic moves.
Set Clear Career Goals: Ask yourself: where do I want to be in five years? Whether you aim to be a director of operations, vice president of marketing, or CEO, setting clear goals helps you focus your efforts. Map out the steps you’ll need to take, from developing specific skills to gaining new experiences.
Pursue Leadership Roles: Take initiative to volunteer for leadership positions within your organization. This might mean taking on a high-visibility project, leading a cross-functional team, or working on a new initiative. Each leadership role is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and build your reputation as a future executive.
Own Your Success: Women often hesitate to take credit for their achievements. In a competitive field like automotive, self-advocacy is essential. Make sure your contributions are visible to the right people. Document your successes and communicate them with confidence when opportunities arise.
Breaking the glass ceiling in the automotive industry isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. By developing your leadership skills, mastering the intricacies of the industry, leveraging mentorship, and navigating challenges head-on, you can prepare yourself for the executive role you’ve been dreaming of.
The journey to the executive suite starts with a single step. Whether it’s joining a networking event, taking on a leadership project, or seeking out a mentor, now is the time to act. Explore our resources at Women In Automotive, and become part of a community that’s here to champion your success and break barriers together. The road may be challenging, but you have the tools and support to drive change—not just for yourself, but for the generations of women following in your footsteps.
