Leadership Is a Way of Working: Anna Adamska-Słupska on Courage, Credibility and Growth 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 Anna Adamska-Słupska, Sales and Market Support Manager for Northwestern and Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Africa at AkzoNobel. With 25 years in the automotive industry, Anna's career has taken her from logistics and customer service through to sales, marketing and strategic business support across multiple international markets. She shares her perspective on building credibility, stepping outside your comfort zone and why leadership is ultimately a way of working, not simply a position.

Above: Anna Adamska-Słupska, Sales and Market Support Manager, AkzoNobel

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

My key advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in the automotive industry is: be consistent, courageous, and authentic. This is a demanding and fast-paced industry, where leadership is built step by step — through knowledge, commitment, and high-quality execution.

Do not be afraid to take on challenges, even when they initially feel outside your comfort zone. It is equally important to believe in your capabilities, even when not everything is fully clear yet. At times, it is necessary to step forward, speak up, and demonstrate your value in a calm but consistent way.

Effective leaders build a network of people with whom they co-create results. Relationships based on trust and mutual respect are often decisive for career development. Leadership is not a position, but a way of working — the ability to listen, learn, make decisions, and inspire others at every stage of a career.

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

The hardest truth young women entering the automotive industry need to hear is that, at the beginning, things will not always feel equal or obvious. This industry can still involve stereotypes and situations that require additional resilience — particularly when it comes to building credibility and earning trust.

At the same time, this is not a barrier — it is a process. Consistency, expertise, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous development are what truly build professional standing. In my experience, it is the quality of work and engagement that ultimately opens doors.

It is important to stay true to yourself, consistently build your value, and not allow external limitations to define your career path.

What keeps you motivated and driven, even during challenging times?

What motivates me most, even in challenging moments, is the real impact of our work on the business, customers, and project development. I operate with a constructive optimism mindset — combining a positive outlook with a realistic assessment of risks and business context.

Experience plays a key role, enabling me to make more informed decisions and quickly identify the right direction. Equally important is the team — their commitment and collaboration provide strength and stability in demanding situations.

I always start by analysing potential risks and preparing for different scenarios, which allows flexibility in execution. What truly drives me is seeing how decisions and actions translate into tangible business outcomes, customer relationships, and project progress. As a leader, I feel responsible not only for results, but also for creating the conditions in which the team can perform effectively and grow.

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

Supporting and empowering other women is a natural part of leadership for me. I create space for development through trust, open communication, and real opportunities to take on challenges. It is essential for me to recognise potential and encourage stepping outside of the comfort zone.

Sharing knowledge is also key — through daily collaboration, mentoring, and constructive feedback that supports growth. At the same time, I focus on building a culture where women feel confident to speak up, present their ideas, and take decisions. Mutual support and recognition of achievements have a direct impact on career development and self-confidence.

In practice, this means being present, attentive, and supportive in moments that often define the next step in someone's career — including taking ownership of new responsibilities.

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

Inspiring diversity and inclusion start with how we work together every day. Listening and creating space for others is essential. I strongly believe that everyone brings value to the team, regardless of role or experience. My responsibility is to create an environment where these voices can be heard.

Consistency in daily actions is equally important — communication style, decision-making, and openness to different perspectives shape culture far more than formal declarations. In my career, I have experienced firsthand how important trust and support are. I aim to pass this forward in my daily leadership.

For me, inclusion is not an initiative — it is a leadership practice that enables people to grow, feel confident, and contribute meaningful value.

"Leadership is not a position, but a way of working — the ability to listen, learn, make decisions, and inspire others at every stage of a career."

— Anna Adamska-Słupska, Sales and Market Support Manager, AkzoNobel