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As the automotive industry enters one of its most transformative periods, the conversation around leadership is shifting. It’s no longer just about climbing the ladder — it’s about how we build the table, who gets invited to sit, and what qualities matter when you get there.
That’s exactly what will be explored in a new Leadership Exchange at the 2025 Women Automotive Summit Europe — a high-level discussion focused on the real experiences and strategies behind career progression in an evolving industry.
This session will bring together senior voices from across the European automotive landscape to explore not just how to access leadership roles, but how to thrive in them — particularly in environments where women and other underrepresented groups remain in the minority.
The Power of Perspective
One of the confirmed speakers, Dr Astrid Fontaine, CHRO and Executive Board Member at Schaeffler, will share her experience of leading cultural transformation at global brands — and what authentic, inclusive leadership looks like at the top.
“I believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our industry... By sharing my insights, I hope to contribute to the broader conversation about the role of women in automotive.”
Her insights will help frame the importance of visibility, shared learning, and deliberate action at all levels of leadership.
People, Heritage, and Progress
Maren Gräf, Member of the Board for People & Culture at ŠKODA AUTO, will bring a values-driven perspective to the conversation — including how leadership rooted in respect, culture, and identity can drive meaningful transformation across a business.
“Respect for all people, our heritage, and diversity are firmly anchored in ŠKODA AUTO’s culture. These values drive our transformation and inspire future generations.”
Maren’s contribution will reflect on how personal values and organisational culture are deeply connected — and why inclusive leadership starts long before a policy or initiative is launched.
Transformation, Technology, and the Human Side of Leadership
Mariella Minutolo, Executive Vice President Sales and Board Member at ETAS, offers a distinctive perspective shaped by a career that bridges media, mobility, and automotive software innovation.
From leading digitization projects in publishing to driving sales and transformation at Bosch, and now overseeing global sales, marketing, and communications at ETAS, Mariella’s leadership journey reflects how adaptability and emotional intelligence are key to success in high-performance environments.
Her contribution to the Leadership Exchange will spotlight how leaders can remain credible and effective in complex, evolving markets — and why navigating transformation is as much about people as it is about strategy.
Turning Insight into Action
Across all three perspectives — from culture to values to transformation — one thing is clear: leadership today is more nuanced, demanding, and human than ever before. It’s no longer just about titles or experience. It’s about presence, clarity, and the ability to influence and empower others, especially in spaces where that hasn’t always been easy.
So, what does that actually look like in practice?
Here are five steps that will underpin the conversation at the Leadership Exchange — and offer a useful starting point for anyone working to earn (and own) their place at the table:
1. Take Initiative — Don’t Wait to Be Asked
Influential leaders don’t sit back and wait for permission — they step forward. Whether it's solving a problem, spotting a gap, or offering a new perspective, taking initiative shows you're thinking beyond your role and ready to lead from where you are.
2. Seek Sponsorship, Not Just Support
Mentors advise. Sponsors advocate. Building relationships with those who are already at the table — and are willing to speak your name in the rooms you’re not yet in — can be a game-changer for career progression.
3. Build Strategic Awareness
Technical skills matter, but they’re not enough. Strong leaders understand the wider landscape — how decisions are made, where influence lies, and how their work connects to broader business goals. This awareness builds credibility and confidence at senior levels.
4. Let Your Work Be Visible
No matter how skilled you are, it won’t count if the right people don’t see it. Use opportunities to share your ideas, talk about your progress, and contribute where it matters. It’s not about self-promotion — it’s about making your impact visible. This is how you build a personal brand: one that reflects your strengths, values, and the difference you make. When people know what you stand for, they’re more likely to remember what you’re capable of.
5. Lead with Emotional Intelligence
Empathy, resilience, and clear communication are often what separate good leaders from great ones. Especially in fast-paced or high-pressure environments, the ability to build trust, navigate challenge, and support others is what sustains influence over time.
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