How Women Are Transforming Setbacks into Success in Automotive
Amanda Hoffmann
Pre-Owned Acquisition Manager at Riverhead Toyota
Allyson Nogaj
Hyundai Retail Experience Coach at GP Strategies Corporation
In an industry where women have historically been told to “wait their turn,” Amanda Hoffmann and Allyson Nogaj are busy making their own paths. These two automotive powerhouses aren’t just surviving in a male-dominated field—they’re revolutionizing it, one challenge at a time. Their journeys reveal that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about breaking through.
Have you ever felt like you were taking a step backward in your career? Or wondered if you were in the wrong place entirely? You’re not alone. As you read Amanda and Allyson’s stories, notice how often “setbacks” became the very catalysts that propelled them forward—and consider how the challenges you’re facing right now might be setting the stage for your next breakthrough.
Transforming Detours into Destinations
For Amanda Hoffmann, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Car Girl”, what initially seemed like a step backward became a springboard to new heights.
“I went back to school (Northwood Auto BBA) with the goal to end up leaving the dealership and branching off into ‘bigger things.’ After spending the last 5 years in automotive fintech and SaaS, I was asked if I’d ever go back into retail. My answer to each person that asked was ‘for the right store or group.'”
Amanda’s journey led her back to Riverhead Motors, where she created a brand-new Acquisition Department. Her story reminds us that what looks like a detour might actually be the most direct path to growth.
“Each ‘setback’ may actually be a hidden opportunity if you look at it the right way,” she reflects.
Similarly, Allyson faced early challenges that tested her resilience:
“My first 6 months on the job as a Hyundai Product Trainer were quite difficult, I began to doubt whether it was the right position for me… I had to start developing more immersive learning and development experiences which focus on the soft skills that they were needing as sales professionals.”
Through persistence and authenticity, what began as a struggle transformed into “the Allie show,” with Allyson now affectionately known as “Ms. Hyundai” by her sales force.
Converting Challenges into Superpowers
“When I first started at the dealership, I was the only woman on the salesfloor. I was a single mom at the time, with two young boys. I had a sales manager tell me something that has stuck with me my entire automotive career. He said, ‘They are all waiting for you to fail, and they sure won’t help you get ahead. You need to work both smarter and harder than every guy on this floor, and I know you will because you don’t have a choice.'”
Not only did Amanda meet this challenge—she exceeded it, breaking the dealership’s monthly sales record.
Allyson brings a thoughtful perspective on resilience:
“It may be a cliché but nothing worth having comes easily. I would also add that anyone who accomplishes great success easily, lacks the character to be a true leader… As a woman, I am just raised to be resilient; for me, there was simply never any other way to be.”
Reclaiming Your Value: Motivation Strategies That Work
When facing discouragement, both women have developed powerful coping mechanisms.
Amanda emphasizes patience and self-trust: “Sometimes when you feel discouraged, you really need to just trust the process, have faith in yourself, and keep moving forward. Rome wasn’t built in a day… The best feeling is looking back and being able to celebrate how far you’ve come and all the work you’ve put in.“
Allyson takes a more assertive approach: “When I feel undervalued, I tend to embody the ‘challenge accepted’ mindset and commit to overcome the current obstacle that I am facing. I am bigger and louder in my contributions and accomplishments. I push myself to been seen and take up more space.“
Failing Forward: The Secret to Lasting Success
Both women share a transformative mindset about failure.
“There is no such thing as a failure if you learn from the experience,” Amanda states. “The lesson may not come out until later once we have had some time to absorb and reflect, but the hardest times are the ones that teach you the most.“
“If I saw every failure I have ever had as a roadblock, I would be absolutely nowhere in life. There is so much more to learn from failure than success… Life itself is a learning experience, there are lessons in every single thing that we encounter; If we can view life from that perspective then there is no such thing as failure.“
Building Support Systems and Healthy Habits
Creating balance and support networks proves crucial for sustainable success.
Amanda emphasizes practical approaches: “Setting boundaries, planning, and time management. Have a plan each day, making sure you have adequate time for work, family, and yourself… Block out focus times, take time for lunch, and keep work at work as much as you can.“
Allyson highlights the power of mindfulness: “I started practicing mindfulness and meditation back in 2020. In fact, I am a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher. This practice has taught me a lot about human nature, emotional regulation and healthy communication styles.“
She offers this insightful perspective on navigating male-dominated spaces: “I find that men suffer immensely in trying to control every single aspect of the world around them, often times the way that I am treated has nothing to do with me and everything to do with their own personal suffering.“
Advice for Women Facing Career Obstacles
“Create an environment where women would WANT to work (not to mention where women would want to BUY a car considering we influence almost 90% of all vehicle purchases).”This statistic reveals why diverse leadership isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Allyson takes this further by challenging the root of resistance: “They hire exactly the same type of person, yet expect them to appeal to a more diverse and progressive market.” This insight reveals how companies limiting diversity are ultimately limiting their growth potential in an evolving marketplace. She also highlights the need for women’s solidarity:
“I would like to see more women mentoring one another… Hyper independence is self-sabotage, knowing that is growth and wisdom… It is very important that we take up space and that we make room for each other.”
Quick Resilience Toolkit
- Reframe Challenges:
Ask “What opportunity is hidden in this obstacle?” - Take Strategic Breaks:
Step away to gain perspective when emotions run high - Build Your Board:
Cultivate relationships with mentors, coaches, and sponsors - Practice Boundaries:
Set clear work/life parameters and honor them - Celebrate Small Wins:
Document your progress to maintain momentum (aka, Brag Book)
Power of Community Resilience
Both Amanda and Allyson’s journeys reveal a powerful truth: resilience isn’t just an individual trait—it’s a community practice. When Amanda says, “Seek support, because you are not alone in this!” and Allyson emphasizes that “It is very important that we take up space and that we make room for each other,” they’re pointing to the same revelation: our greatest strength comes from supporting each other’s growth.
The future of automotive doesn’t belong to those who simply weather storms—it belongs to those who harness them, together. Your challenges aren’t just obstacles to overcome; they’re opportunities to develop the unique perspective and unshakable resilience that our industry desperately needs.
Share Your Story
Have you transformed a career setback into an opportunity? We want to hear about it! Share your resilience journey with our community and inspire others who might be facing similar challenges. Email your story to social@womeninautomotive.org.