Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are being rolled back across corporate America, leaving many wondering how to maintain momentum for workplace inclusivity. But here’s the truth: authentic leadership isn’t about a program—it’s about people. And every leader, regardless of their title, has the power to create an environment where women and underrepresented groups can thrive.

In this episode, Monica Dalwadi brings her deep expertise in leadership, inclusion, and belonging to share what companies, teams, and individuals can do right now to build workplaces that retain and grow women leaders. From small, intentional actions to big cultural shifts, this conversation is about moving forward—no matter what’s happening at the policy level.

Reach out to Monica here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamodidalwadi/

It's time to pick up your folding chair and bring it to the table for this fantastic episode with Hilary Haron!

Have you ever faced the emotional turmoil of leaving behind a career that defined you? Hilary shares her heartfelt narrative about the complexities of stepping away from the family dealership after its sale, revealing feelings of irrelevance and the challenge of finding a new identity. Our candid discussion revolves around mourning what was once integral to one's life while recognizing the benefits and practicalities of career change, especially in an industry that often moves on without a backward glance.

Join us as we explore Hilary’s mission to create a supportive community for women in the automotive sector, driven by her challenges and the desire to establish a genuine environment of empowerment. Listen to her inspiring anecdotes about ensuring women's voices are heard and celebrated. Check out Hilary's "A Road Less Traveled" podcast and her exciting mastermind initiative designed to empower and support career-oriented individuals in crafting their brand identity inside and outside the industry.

A Road Less Traveled:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-road-less-traveled-podcast/id1728522909

Hilary's Website & AAA Mastermind:
https://hilaryharon.com/

Hilary's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryharon/

Ashley DeBoer, the dynamic Vice President at Mint Motors, shares her inspiring journey in the automotive industry as she climbs the ranks in just five years. With a unique blend of academic prowess and practical dealership experience, Ashley is redefining customer experiences and advocating for a more inclusive landscape in the industry. Tune in to discover how Ashley's pursuit of a doctorate is not merely academic but a catalyst for transformative change, bringing fresh perspectives to dealership operations.

The customer experience in dealerships is revolutionizing, and we’re dissecting what it takes to align with evolving consumer expectations. From the rise of online vehicle purchases to the critical importance of post-sale engagement, this episode offers a roadmap for dealerships aiming to foster long-term customer relationships. By uniting sales and service teams and emphasizing leadership that models desired behaviors, dealerships can excel in delivering satisfaction and human connection in a competitive market.

Ashley also candidly discusses her journey of finding her voice in a male-dominated field and the crucial role of mentorship and networking in advancing women’s careers. Ashley provides actionable insights for creating a diverse and empowered workforce. This episode is a rallying call for women to shoot their shot, leveraging courage and resources like LinkedIn to carve new paths and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Join us in fostering a community that champions women's leadership in automotive.

If you like this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with your friends.

Could the future of the automotive industry lie in leveraging social media and creative media platforms? Join us for a captivating conversation with Zac Kinch, a forward-thinking leader in automotive and the creator of the Driving Relationships podcast, as he shares his journey from the sales floor to spearheading innovation at Rohrman Automotive Group. Together, we uncover how Zac’s groundbreaking approach to platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube has not only redefined recruitment but also attracted a new wave of diverse talent—especially women—by breaking down traditional hiring norms.

In this episode, you’ll discover the shift in hiring practices that focus on aligning candidates' values and perspectives with the company’s vision. Learn how Rohrman Automotive is challenging industry stereotypes and removing barriers to entry, creating a more inclusive and appealing workplace culture. Zac explains how showcasing company culture on social media has replaced conventional job postings, making recruitment more dynamic, relatable, and inclusive.

We also explore the impact of a work-life balance-centered culture at Rohrman Automotive, where initiatives like extended vacation time and generous paternity leave foster a family-first environment that motivates and energizes the team. Zac shares the company’s commitment to increasing female leadership and partnering with universities to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. This episode is a powerful look into how inclusivity and innovation are transforming the automotive industry for the better.

Check out Driving Relationships:
https://www.youtube.com/@DrivingRelationshipsPodcast

Zac's LinkedIn Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-kinch-69073169/

If you enjoy this podcast, please tell your automotive friends to check us out and leave a review!

https://www.getinherlane.com/

Join me as we chat with the remarkable Emily Illingworth, who transitioned from Toyota on the OEM side to owning and managing Toyota of Warsaw. Emily opens up about her journey, sharing the challenges and triumphs of making such a significant career shift. Learn how this move allowed her to achieve her professional ambitions while starting a family and creating a more flexible, family-friendly work environment.

Discover the innovative ways Emily has impacted her dealership and community by prioritizing customer care and engagement. From collaborating with local high schools and trade programs to addressing the industry's talent shortage, her dealership stands out in the competitive automotive market. Emily’s philosophy of treating customers like family and implementing digital tools to build trust has paid off, creating a loyal customer base and a strong community presence. She underscores the importance of transparency and respect, making her dealership a model of excellence.

Emily also shares her insights on overcoming gender-related challenges in the automotive industry. From the loneliness of top leadership positions to the unconscious biases women face, she discusses the resilience required to break into male-centric environments. Emily’s practical advice for women looking to advance their careers encourages listeners to embrace risks and seek mentorship. The conversation expands to the dynamic nature of the car sales industry, the growing influence of technology and sustainability, and the enduring importance of human connection in the buying process. This episode is an empowering testament to making the automotive industry more inclusive and welcoming for women.

Have you ever wondered how a 13-year-old could make waves in a male-dominated industry like automotive? Meet Kaylee Jewert, our inspiring guest who has made significant strides, including delivering a keynote speech at the Women in Automotive Conference. In this episode, you'll discover how her early exposure to the automotive world through her parents' careers ignited her passion for promoting this excellent career avenue to young people.

Kaylee's entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were a launching pad for her. We'll explore how her experiences led her to the Women in Automotive stage and how she became so passionate about discussing the importance of engaging young minds through exposure to the industry.

Overall, this was a fun and honest conversation with a 13-year-old who was true to herself and her age. Kaylee didn't pretend to be older or something she wasn't, bringing a refreshing authenticity to our discussion.

Stay tuned as we preview Kaylee's upcoming TEDx talk. In it, she will address the generational dynamics affecting teenage mental health, including the impact of COVID-19, parenting styles, and social media.

This episode celebrates the future of women in automotive and the inspiring potential of young leaders like Kaylee.

Join our email updates here: https://www.getinherlane.com/

Follow us on Instagram @getinherlane

Ladies, get your elbows out and make some room for this awesome episode!!

Join us as we sit down with Jordan Symonds from Casi Auto in Norway to discuss the evolving landscape of vehicle ownership and mobility.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Casi Auto’s Innovative Mobility Solutions: Explore Casi Auto’s subscription-based services, designed to cater to the diverse needs of young professionals, expats, retirees, and more. Jordan explains how these flexible solutions simplify vehicle access and create new business opportunities for dealerships.
• Transition from Traditional Ownership to Mobility Solutions: Understand the significant shift from traditional vehicle ownership to versatile mobility solutions. We discuss how modern consumer demands are reshaping the industry and the potential for businesses to thrive in this new landscape.
• Norway’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: Discover how Norway's government incentives and natural resources are driving a groundbreaking shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Jordan shares invaluable insights into the success of this transformation and its global implications.
• Female Representation in the Auto Industry: Jordan emphasizes the importance of female representation in the automotive field, offering lessons and inspiration for women looking to make their mark.
• Personal Insights and Encouragement: Jordan opens up about her love for travel and her educational journey, encouraging women to pursue their passions in the automotive industry. Connect with her on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and be part of the future of mobility.

Tune in to understand how the vehicle industry is evolving and how Casi Auto is at the forefront of this change. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of mobility!

Connect with Jordan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-symonds/

Watch "Join The Ride" here: https://www.youtube.com/@Join_the_ride/videos

What if you could conquer 2,500 kilometers of harsh desert terrain without a cell phone or GPS? Join us as we unravel the awe-inspiring story of Emily Miller, the force behind the Rebelle Rally—the first women's off-road navigation rally raid in the U.S. Emily opens up about her journey from a seasoned off-road racer and driving coach to a beacon of empowerment for women in motorsports. She reveals the daunting challenges and exhilarating triumphs participants face, emphasizing the transformative power of pushing one's limits and breaking personal barriers.

Discover how the Rebelle Rally has carved its niche in the automotive world, thanks to strategic partnerships and industry support. We delve into Pennzoil's pivotal role in making this event more accessible through sponsorships and training programs, helping to lower the financial barrier for many women. The episode also highlights how major vehicle manufacturers are leveraging the rally as a testing ground for vehicle development, bringing their engineers into the fray and solidifying the rally's legitimacy within the industry.

Uncover the unexpected: from the enthusiastic support of men, who make up a significant portion of the audience, to the surprising discouragement women sometimes receive from their peers. Emily sheds light on the crucial role of community and mentorship in fostering a positive environment for women in motorsports. Plus, we touch on the intriguing elements that make The Rebelle Rally a must-watch event, including a confidential course, live webcast, real-time scoring, and the gripping YouTube series "Dead Reckoning." Join us for a conversation that not only celebrates female participation in motorsports but also offers valuable insights into the broader implications of this groundbreaking rally.

Check out the Rebelle Rally: https://www.rebellerally.com/?playlist=66d89f6&video=fc954a2

Check Dead Reckoning on YouTube: https://youtu.be/39t4ExKbxRw?si=ur-UWZ7siXwZDNWl