Mentorship Check-In

How to Reassess and Strengthen Your Mentoring Relationships

In an industry where women are redefining what’s possible every day, mentorship isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about transformation. Today’s conversation with Felicia Barr, Service Director at Bertera Auto Group, reveals how authentic mentorship can become your most powerful tool for breaking barriers in automotive. Her journey from mentee to industry leader illuminates a path forward for every woman ready to claim her rightful place in this dynamic field.

Breaking Through with Purpose

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with several mentors, each with their own unique approach,” Felicia shares, expressing confidence that comes from navigating an industry traditionally dominated by men. “The common thread among them was their goal – to teach me something valuable, whether it was how to be an effective advisor, a strong manager, or how to enhance proficiency.”

What made these relationships transformative wasn’t just technical knowledge—it was the commitment on both sides. “From the very beginning, they set clear expectations, with the most important being that I respect their time. Every task they assigned had a greater purpose, and it was up to me to fully commit and approach it with dedication.”

Pro Tip: Your mentorship journey deserves intention. Define what success looks like for you, communicate it clearly, and commit to it fully. Remember, the most powerful mentor-mentee relationships are built on mutual respect and purposeful action.

The Art of Active Learning

Here’s what separates extraordinary professionals from the rest: they learn as much from observation as they do from conversation. “Asking the right questions is important,” Felicia explains, “but observing your mentor’s actions can be just as valuable. Pay attention to how they operate—do their words align with their actions? How do others interact with them? Their behavior and reputation can reveal a lot about their leadership style and effectiveness.”

She encourages women in automotive to become students of excellence, watching how successful leaders:

Navigate complex decisions with confidence
Build and nurture high-performing teams
Transform challenges into opportunities
Create lasting impact through their actions

Felicia recommends specific questions that can set the foundation for a strong mentoring relationship: “How long have you been in this role and what is your experience with it? What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? How do you handle difficult situations, such as giving constructive feedback or making tough decisions?”

These thoughtful inquiries reveal not just industry knowledge, but the wisdom that comes from lived experience – especially valuable in spaces where women’s voices have historically been underrepresented.

Cultivating Connection That Counts

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, intentional connection becomes your anchor. “I recommend checking in at least once a week, at a minimum,” Felicia advises, speaking from years of experience navigating both sides of the mentoring relationship. “However, if an issue arises that you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to reach out sooner.”

She emphasizes the importance of preparation in making these connections truly valuable: “When you do have your check-ins, make sure your time is fully dedicated to the conversation. Come prepared with an agenda, including specific questions or areas where you need guidance. Writing down key topics in advance ensures the meeting stays focused and productive, allowing you to make the most of your mentor’s time and expertise.”

This approach transforms every interaction from a casual catch-up into a strategic opportunity for growth—essential for women determined to excel in automotive.

The Power of Authentic Feedback

The path to leadership requires honest reflection and growth—something Felicia understands intimately. When asked about her strategies for ensuring constructive feedback, she shares, “Strategies I used when mentoring my mentees include building trust by using specific examples and encouraging self-reflection. When giving feedback I try to balance it with praise as well.”

Her approach revolutionizes the traditional feedback loop through practical application. “Role-playing is something my mentor did with me,” she reveals, “and that is something I try to continue to do with my mentees. It helps to reinforce growth and learning in everyday situations.”

This combination creates a feedback environment where growth feels natural rather than forced—where constructive insights become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. For women navigating the complexities of automotive careers, this practical approach to skill-building can make all the difference.

Embracing Evolution and Measuring Success

Sometimes the most powerful growth comes when plans change direction. When asked about a time when goals needed adjustment, Felicia shares a story that beautifully illustrates this truth: “I once mentored a student in a co-op program who aspired to be a technician. Our initial goal was to help her succeed in that field. However, over time, we both realized that working in a truck shop with heavy-duty vehicles was physically demanding for her.”

What happened next reveals the heart of effective mentorship. “Instead of abandoning her dream, we redirected her path toward a shop specializing in foreign sports cars—something she was truly passionate about and physically better suited for. This shift wasn’t a setback but a strategic move to align her career with her strengths and interests. She’s now been at that shop for over two years and is thriving.”

This ability to pivot—to see alternative paths to success—is especially crucial for women in automotive, where traditional routes may sometimes present unexpected challenges. But how do you know when a mentoring relationship is truly succeeding? Felicia has clear indicators: “You know a mentoring relationship is thriving when you start handling situations that once baffled you with confidence and ease. When conversations flow naturally, and you see tangible proof—like successful policies you’ve implemented or personal growth in your approach—you know progress is happening.”

She adds with genuine enthusiasm, “One of the most rewarding moments is watching a mentee have that ‘aha’ moment, truly grasping the lessons, applying them, and growing as a result.”

The Ripple Effect

The impact of strong mentorship extends far beyond individual success, creating waves of change throughout the industry. When asked about unexpected ways mentoring has helped her grow, Felicia reflects, “As a mentee it got me to where I am today and continues to. Remaining teachable has continued to allow me to grow and be more effective in the roles I take. This industry is ever changing and there is always more to learn.”

But the transformation works both ways. “As far as being a mentor it has given me more patience and perspective. In a way it has given me more purpose. My job just isn’t a job—it is a career that truly changes lives. Having that outlook on the hard days keeps me going.”

This dual impact—professional growth combined with deeper purpose—creates a powerful argument for investing in mentorship relationships at every stage of your career. Each woman who mentors or is mentored strengthens not just her own position, but the presence of women throughout automotive.

Sustaining Growth Beyond Initial Goals

Professional development never truly ends—it evolves. As Felicia puts it, “I constantly strive for more—I’m never truly satisfied because growth is a continuous journey. Setting new goals and achieving them is simply part of who I am. I hope my drive and ambition inspire those around me because there’s always more to learn, improve, and accomplish, especially in this industry.”

Her words remind us that in automotive, where technology and practices are constantly evolving, a growth mindset isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for long-term success.

Charting Your Course Forward

Ready to revolutionize your mentoring relationship? Start with these powerful steps:

Redefine your vision of success in specific, measurable terms
Document your growth journey, celebrating small victories along the way
Challenge your assumptions about what’s possible in your career
Prepare focused agendas for mentorship meetings
Pay your learning forward by supporting other women in the industry

Remember: Your presence in automotive isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about reshaping what’s possible for every woman who follows. Your unique perspective, combined with strategic mentorship, creates pathways where barriers once stood.

The automotive industry needs your voice, your innovation, and your leadership. Whether you’re seeking mentorship or ready to mentor others, you’re part of a powerful movement transforming our industry’s future.

Ready to amplify your impact? Join the Women In Automotive community, where mentorship meets opportunity, and every connection has the potential to spark industry-wide change. Together, we’re not just participating in the automotive revolution—we’re driving it.

About the Change-Maker: Felicia Barr serves as Service Director at Bertera Auto Group, where she continues to break barriers and build bridges through transformative mentorship. Her commitment to developing future leaders is reshaping what’s possible for women’s careers in automotive.