Don't Wait to Feel Ready: Kristie Helton on Leadership, Advocacy and Life in Automotive

Inspirational Role Model Feature | Women Automotive Network

At the Women Automotive Network, we are proud to spotlight the women whose careers, leadership, and lived experience are shaping the automotive industry for the better. Our Inspirational Role Model series celebrates the professionals whose journeys offer a roadmap for the next generation of women entering and rising through the sector.

In this edition, we feature Kristie Helton, Product Marketing Director, Automotive Coatings at PPG. Kristie speaks candidly about leadership, the unspoken truths of career progression, and what it means to advocate with intention. Her perspective is grounded, direct, and built on the belief that inclusion is a daily practice, not a policy.

Above: Kristie Helton, Product Marketing Director, Automotive Coatings at PPG

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions in the automotive industry?

Don't wait for permission to take the next step. Don't wait to feel "ready." And don't assume your ambition is obvious, name it, own it, and communicate it. Build your credibility by delivering consistently, and build your influence through strong relationships across functions, levels, and regions. Leadership isn't a title; it's a behavior. Show ownership, curiosity, resilience, and opportunities will follow.

How do you manage work life balance while pursuing career advancement in a demanding industry like automotive?

Balance isn't something you achieve every day; it's something you practice over time. Some weeks require everything you have, and others give you space to recover. I've learned to set boundaries, focus on the work that truly moves the needle, and allow myself to recharge without guilt. I'm a better leader when I'm a whole person, not just a professional one, and getting there took time, honesty, and continuous self‑reflection.

What is the hardest truth young women entering this field need to hear?

You can do anything but not everything, not all at once, and never entirely on your own. Pace yourself. This industry is a marathon, not a sprint, and burnout is real. Focus on the next most important step instead of chasing perfection at every step. It's okay to ask for help, adjust priorities, or reset expectations. Strength isn't doing everything alone; it's building a support system that lifts you up and developing the resilience to learn from missteps.

How do you support and empower other women in your organisation to achieve their career goals?

I support women by being intentional with advocacy and by giving honest, actionable feedback. I believe in providing visibility, offering stretch opportunities, and making sure their contributions are recognized in rooms they may not yet be in. And I celebrate their wins, micro wins and big wins, both publicly and personally, so confidence grows alongside capability.

How do you inspire your team and peers to embrace diversity and drive inclusive practices?

I model the behaviour I expect, listening to diverse perspectives, asking who's missing from the conversation, and ensuring credit is shared. I make inclusion part of everyday decision‑making, not a separate initiative. When people see that diversity improves outcomes, not just optics, they embrace it naturally.

Experience builds knowledge and credibility. Leadership teaches responsibility. Women in this industry need both — and we use both to open doors that once felt closed.

"Experience builds knowledge and credibility. Leadership teaches responsibility. Women in this industry need both — and we use both to open doors that once felt closed."

— Kristie Helton, Product Marketing Director, Automotive Coatings, PPG