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For women with careers working in the male-dominated automotive field, navigating the boys club culture can be rewarding but is not without its challenges.

In the last forty years, we've seen a steady increase of women entering the automotive industry, a milestone worth celebrating. However, there is a study by Cornell University that shows women in male-dominated careers face challenges such as lack of support - emotionally and financially, the feeling of incompetency due to mistreatment, and lack of a voice.

While the dealership workforce seems to be heading in the right direction in terms of overall diversity - many women are not yet feeling the benefits. This raises the question; How can individual women thrive in the male-dominated automotive industry? Perhaps, the best approach is to ask female automotive executives who have done it. Feeling inspired, I've compiled five practical tips for women in automotive.

What does it take for you to come to work every day ready to lead with confidence in such an environment? These steps will help cure imposter syndrome.

1. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.?Of course, you will face challenges as you're trying to master a male-dominated workplace. Is it fair? No. Life isn't fair. However, focusing on the positive helps put your difficulties into perspective.?
2. KNOWLEDGE:?Knowledge is power in a male-dominated industry. Being knowledgeable about your field makes you feel empowered. For myself, being on a constant quest to learn and grow makes my job even more satisfying and builds my confidence.
3. FIND A GROUP OF WOMEN WHO WILL SUPPORT YOU. Whether you're the only woman at your dealership or organization or one of a handful of women scattered throughout various departments, it's imperative that you find a solid group of women who will support you in your career path. The right group can help you to strategize, set and meet your goals, help you learn to negotiate while giving you a safe space to vent your frustrations. Start or join an all-female networking or mastermind group at your office, join an all-female business meetup that meets before work. Industry associations often have subgroups for women looking to collaborate with other women in the same field. What I most enjoy about working with other women is the support I get from collaboration. Being around brilliant, smart women is a plus. We learn and grow amongst one another. Take the opportunity to build your very own board of directors. It may take you time to find the right group, but don't give up until you've found your tribe!
4. KEEP YOUR EYE OUT FOR ROLE MODELS.?Being a woman in the automotive field can be lonely. It helps to know you're not alone. You want to find role models who understand what you're challenges are. These could be women in your circle who are ahead of you on the career path, or they could be well-known women with wisdom to share through podcasts or blog articles. It can be your mom, sister, aunt, colleague. Just because you're a woman does not mean you can't function without a man despite what we may be conditioned to believe. I may be stating the obvious but, women are capable of doing the same if not more than a man. Many of us entered the automotive industry when opportunities for females were scarce, and to be part of it, you had to break down barriers.
5. SEEK OUT MEN WHO WILL BE ALLIES. Even in heavily male-dominated fields, many men want to be allies to women. Keep your eyes open for your male counterparts. Don't be afraid to ask these men to mentor and advise you. It sounds easy but, how do you recognize these men when you encounter them??Male colleagues seeking to be allies to women in the workplace leave clues. They listen to you. They amplify your opinions and thoughts during meetings. They speak up when they see gender bias and go out of their way to praise your work in front of their colleagues. Very simply, they advocate for you. Research shows teams with more women - perform better. Hiring women is a smart move. Look for allies, mentors, and a strong advocate for women in the automotive industry.

And IF you are fortunate enough to have an incredible female auto executive, remember not to take them for granted. It's essential to make the women on your team feel empowered to share their opinions. Their perspectives are vital.?

There are obstacles to overcome in any industry. You will have days where you question your sanity. Just remember you are exactly where you are supposed to be and that the automotive industry desperately needs you! The fact that you, as a woman, working in a male-dominated field indicates you are unique and courageous. Embrace your unique position and put these tips to work!

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