Navigating male-dominated fields like automotive, motorsports, and plant maintenance can feel like driving on a bumpy road. For women in these spaces, resilience is essential—not just to survive but to thrive. The good news? You don’t need to go through trauma to build it.
Resilience isn’t about toughing out painful experiences; it’s about learning to bend, not break, when things get tough. And for women in trades, it often means handling gender biases, overcoming workplace cultures, and pushing forward with strength and support.
How Do We Build Resilience?
Tackling Challenges: Each bump in the road makes us stronger. But doing it in a supportive environment is key.
Learning to Adapt: We can’t change the game overnight, but we can learn to work through biases and find ways around obstacles.
Self-Efficacy: Believe in yourself and build your skills. Small wins along the way do wonders for confidence. Skill-sharing with peers is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned and illustrates how far you’ve come.
Mentorship & Role Models: Surrounding yourself with inspiring women who’ve been where you are can change the whole journey.
Your Support Crew Matters
No one should go through this alone. Support from family, peers, and mentors can make all the difference. Having that safety net of understanding and advice helps you bounce back faster from challenges. And let’s be honest—sometimes just knowing someone else has your back is all you need to keep going.
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
—Marie Curie
Practical Tips for Resilience
One of the best ways to cultivate resilience is by finding a mentor. Seek out someone who’s walked a similar path and can offer guidance, encouragement, and a bit of wisdom from their own experiences. Building a strong network of women who share your journey can be invaluable as well. Connecting with others who truly understand the challenges and victories of your industry provides not only support but also camaraderie.
Continual growth is another cornerstone of resilience. By expanding your knowledge or mastering new skills, you not only stay relevant but also feel more empowered. Remember that self-care is just as essential; managing stress with healthy routines is a key skill in itself. Pushing past your comfort zone will often lead to personal and professional growth, so embrace those challenges even when they seem daunting.
It may seem counter-intuitive when you are motivated to achieve your goals, but in a fast-paced, always-on world, schedule some downtime to do nothing. Boredom might feel uncomfortable, but it can actually be a powerful tool. When we allow ourselves to be bored, our brain switches to the “default mode network,” which is responsible for introspection, daydreaming, and creative thinking. This state often leads to problem-solving and fresh ideas. Boredom provides a mental reset, creating space for reflection and new goals. Rather than constantly seeking external stimulation, embracing those quieter moments can help you think more deeply and creatively.
Lastly, balance is critical. Maintaining passions and interests outside of work helps keep your energy up and can provide much-needed mental refreshment. When you take care of yourself and continue growing, resilience becomes a part of who you are, helping you navigate the ups and downs of your career.
Why Resilience is a Game Changer
In industries like automotive and motorsports, resilience opens doors. It helps you face challenges, brings job satisfaction, and can even propel you into leadership roles. The more resilient you become, the more you can inspire others, change workplace dynamics, and contribute to a more inclusive culture.
Networking: Your Secret Weapon
Networking might sound like another box to tick, but it’s actually a lifeline. Sharing your story, learning from others, and making professional connections helps build resilience in a way that’s mutually uplifting. A good mentor will use cautionary tales to help you navigate the path to success. With their relevant life experience, they can open doors and expose you to opportunities you might not even know exist. Don’t hesitate to lean into existing relationships—sometimes, the right introduction is all it takes to move forward.
Final Thoughts
Resilience doesn’t require enduring trauma. It’s about building strength, togetherness, and self-confidence. When women support each other in male-dominated industries, we’re not just creating individual success stories; we’re reshaping the landscape. Keep pushing, keep learning, and remember—you’re stronger than you think.
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Bridget Bell is a seasoned motorsport media professional and a skilled mechanic, with over a decade of experience in On-Air Hosting, Event Hosting, Television Presenting and Commentating. Passionate about supporting women in both the industry and motorsport, Bridget volunteers as a mentor and actively champions female representation.
Disclaimer: While due research has been conducted, the views expressed in our articles are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect everyone’s views. If you notice an error, please email quoting the blog article title and an explanation of the error.