Five Power Skills That Transform Barriers into Breakthroughs
The automotive landscape is transforming before our eyes. As women reshape the industry from engineering to executive suites, they’re not just joining the conversation—they’re leading it. But what does it take to thrive in this space that wasn’t originally built for us? Through the real stories of women who’ve charted their own paths, we’ve identified the power skills that can accelerate your automotive leadership journey.
Breaking Barriers in a Changing Industry
“At that time, the automotive industry was predominantly male, and stepping into a setting like that as a 19-year-old female was intimidating,” recalls Sally Lopez of her first industry experience in the mid-80s. Rather than a polished dealership, she found a construction site with a trailer serving as the office. Starting by answering phones, she conquered roles across every corner of the business, eventually becoming a controller and later a successful business owner.
Sound familiar? The automotive sector is reinventing itself through electrification, autonomous vehicles, and digital retail—creating room for women who combine technical knowledge with bold leadership.
Ready to claim your space? Let’s break down the skills that industry-tested women have used to forge their path.
Power Skills for Automotive Leadership
1. Resilience and Solution-Focused Thinking
In an industry where disruption is constant, being the woman who finds solutions when others see roadblocks makes you indispensable.
“There is always a way to make things happen, no is not an option.” This career-changing advice from a mentor sparked Sally Lopez‘s signature approach: “It taught me to think without walls. This mindset not only shaped my own career but it’s become a core pillar at my company.”
A pivotal moment came for industry leader Bobbie Herron when she “walked into a meeting full of decision-makers and realized I was the only woman in the room.” Her realization? “If women aren’t part of the decision-making process, we are at the mercy of decisions made for us, not by us.” That moment catalyzed her mission to create leadership pathways for other women.
2. Strategic Relationship Building
This industry runs on relationships. Women who master the art of building meaningful connections gain influence beyond their job description.
When Shasta Haddock first started in automotive, she hit walls at every turn: “I struggled to find someone who would answer my questions… I started running out of people to ask.” That experience transformed her approach to leadership: “I decided then that when I learned what I needed to learn, I would never let another woman feel the same way again.”
Crissy Burton, known as “The Car Fairy,” entered the industry as a customer with challenged credit who spent nine hours at a dealership. After posting about her experience on Facebook, she created a referral system with her sales rep, who later hired her. Today, she’s still mentored by the person who brought her into the business nearly 9 years ago: “Having a mentor is essential—someone who understands your passion and goals and wants you to succeed.”
3. Authentic Leadership and Unapologetic Self-Advocacy
Stop trying to lead like everyone else. Your different perspective isn’t a liability—it’s your competitive edge.
Veronica Dunford, WIA Owner, cuts to the heart of what makes women successful: “Be your authentic self. Your authenticity is not just a personal asset, but a professional advantage that can inspire change and propel the industry forward.”
Bobbie Herron challenges the “100% ready” myth that holds women back: “Take the shot. Raise your hand. Apply for the job. The most powerful thing you can do for your career? Believe in your own potential before anyone else does.”
4. Technical Fluency with Human Impact
In today’s auto industry, technical knowledge isn’t optional—but your ability to translate that knowledge into human terms sets you apart.
Product knowledge combined with emotional intelligence creates a powerful competitive advantage, as demonstrated by Crissy Burton‘s approach: “Whether they have an 800 credit score or 400, I treat all my customers the same. I am known as The Car Fairy because I face challenges that most salespeople are afraid to take on.”
5. Fearless Innovation and Strategic Risk-Taking
This industry wasn’t built for women to lead it—which means the path to leadership requires breaking some rules.
“You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.” This career philosophy from Shasta Haddock challenges the tendency to play it safe: “Often, as women in a male-dominated industry, we stay in the background. To make a difference, we have to start speaking up and making our voices heard.”
Game-Changing Strategies for Maximum Impact
Beyond individual skills, these proven strategies will amplify your influence and accelerate your career:
Find Your Champions and Open Doors for Others
“Without strong female mentors, who knows how many of us would be where we are today? Mentorship is everything—it’s about showing someone that they belong and that they can succeed.” Sally Lopez puts this community-building principle at the center of her leadership approach.
The responsibility to lift others runs deep in the industry’s emerging female leadership. As Bobbie Herron directly states: “Breaking barriers means nothing if you don’t hold the door open for the next woman.”
Build Your Tribe
Stop trying to navigate this industry alone. Women who connect with others facing similar challenges move farther, faster.
Looking for concrete ways to build your network? According to Shasta Haddock: “WIA Socials are intimate and raw and bring the best folks in the industry together in a local setting where it is much easier to stay connected afterwards.”
Turn Obstacles into Fuel
Career crossroads can become launching pads for reinvention. After 30 years in the business, Sally Lopez felt lost without her CIO title—until a former mentor reminded her: “Success often comes from stepping into the unknown.” Seven years later, she’s a successful business owner who prioritizes creating opportunities for others.
For women facing setbacks and questioning their path forward, Shasta Haddock offers battle-tested wisdom: “Don’t give up just because someone overlooked you or dismissed you. Tough times create tough women.”
Your Automotive Leadership Journey Starts Today
Veronica Dunford’s vision for the industry is clear: “Increased representation and leadership in all facets, from engineering and design to executive management and innovation.” This isn’t just aspiration—it’s happening right now, with organizations like Women In Automotive creating the networks and resources to make it possible.
The truth? The automotive industry desperately needs what women bring to the table. As Bobbie Herron puts it: “This industry wasn’t built for us but that doesn’t mean we don’t belong here.”
Which of these power skills will you develop first? What unique perspective are you ready to bring forward? The path you forge will change not just your career but the industry itself.
Ready to accelerate your automotive leadership journey? Connect with Women In Automotive and join a community of women who’ve been where you are and are ready to help you rise. Together, we’re not just navigating careers—we’re redefining an industry.
Pro Tip: Start your “Brag Book” today. Every time you solve a problem, exceed a target, or receive recognition, document it with metrics. This evidence becomes your most powerful tool when advocating for advancement or negotiating your worth.