Four of the 2024 Women Industry Network’s (WIN) Most Influential Women answered questions about working in the industry during a webinar Tuesday.

The questions asked about mentors, building confidence, life balance, and tips for how to be a leader.

Lori Barrington, I-CAR vice president of delivery, said she found her first mentor in a friend at work early in her career. The two mentored each other by discussing different challenges and offering a support system.

“We enjoyed collaborating together and learning from each other,” Barrington said.

Another mentor is a former boss who has since retired, she said.

“He really taught me, initially, that it was OK to be unique,” Barrington said.

Barrington said her uniqueness felt like a burden earlier in her career and her mentor taught her how to view it as a strength.

“You have to channel that value and believe that you bring that value,” Barrington said. “It really put me in a position to excel in my career at the right time.”

Melissa Dunn, Classic Collision director of OE certifications, said there are many opportunities to find a mentor in the industry including through social media groups or joining national and local associations, along with career fairs.

She suggested anyone looking for a mentor to attend SkillsUSA competitions.

“If you can’t find someone there, you are going in with a blindfold on,” Dunn said. “There are so many vendors there.”

Dunn also suggested those still in school talk with counselors about how to get involved in programs.

Kathy Coffey, AkzoNobel national key accounts manager, was asked about how to find confidence. She said it’s important to find your skills that are unique.

“Whether that is technical or you are super organized, whatever that is, find out how to make that valuable for your customer or employer,” Coffey said.

Jamie Shackleford, Caliber Holdings senior director for sales and enablement, was asked about finding a work-life balance.

“It feels a little easier now than the beginning of my career,” Shackleford said. “There was a demanding period where I was going to school full-time, I had a full-time job, and I had two small children.”

Shackleford said she learned to prioritize and be intentional with her energy and time. This included tackling “bite-sized” tasks and reminding herself she was in control.

Busy times come in seasons, Shackleford said. She’s had to remember the principles she’s set during past time periods to help guide her during new ones.

She said, “I have to say, ‘OK, this is where I am. I am in control and how do I want to control this season?’”

The panel also gave multiple tips for how to be a leader in the industry.

“Anybody out there who is just getting into the industry, you can start thinking about your leadership style now, even if you are not leading a team,” Barrington said.

Leaders vary in style, she said. Future leaders should observe these styles and learn how to refine the style they would like to use, she said.

It is also important to learn about your co-workers, she said.

“You need to try to get to know them,” Barrington said. “What makes them tick? How do they want information given to them?”

Coffey added that empathy is important whether it is working with a customer or a co-worker.

Passion and empathy combined are powerful in a career, she said.

Shackleford said it is also important to help identify the skills that make those on your team unique.

“Sometimes when we are really good at something, it doesn’t feel special,” Shackleford said. “I think sometimes as a leader we can step back and help people identify those.”

Barrington built on the conversation by saying it’s important that each individual in your team has their own unique skill.

“If they all think the same, you won’t grow as a leader. You won’t grow as a team,” she said.

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Photo courtesy of Nicolas Micolani/iStock