Listening to What Lies Behind the Words: Giulia Brunelli on Mentorship

Mentor Spotlight

She works as a mental coach, helping individuals and groups develop mental resilience and face challenges with greater awareness and focus.

Alongside her coaching work, she provides operational and logistical support on track during race weekends and throughout the preparation phase, ensuring that every detail works seamlessly for those competing.

Today, she combines this path with her involvement in the preparation and organizational activities related to the Spanish Grand Prix 2026, moving between preparation, the racetrack, and human connection.

Deeply committed to continuous growth, Giulia brings this approach into her role as a mentor within the FIA Women in Motorsport program, where she supports others in their professional and personal journeys.

The Chain of Support

Giulia admits that talking about herself is not easy. However, she believes that sharing experiences is essential. It allows people to see things from different perspectives, grow by listening to others' stories, and feel less alone.

"Along my journey, I met people who believed in me when I struggled to do so myself. They had the patience to listen and guide me without ever making me feel inadequate. When I started offering that same support to others, I realized how powerful it could be."

The most rewarding moment for her comes when she sees someone recognize their own value and realize they can make it. "It's a gift that keeps being passed on, and being part of that process gives meaning to what I do."

A Story About Patience

Giulia recalls working with a young woman who was constantly anxious, convinced she was falling behind her goals and frustrated by her inability to keep up.

One day, during a conversation, Giulia decided to share part of her own journey, talking about the many times she had to practice patience to overcome challenging moments.

"I explained that every step has its own timing, that it's not about rushing, but about observing and learning along the way."

Gradually, the young woman began to see things differently. She later wrote to Giulia, saying she finally felt free to move at her own pace, and that this gave her the strength to move forward with calm and determination.

"It was a lesson for me as well. Sometimes, all it takes is a small exchange to make a big difference."

Learning to Listen Differently

Becoming a mentor has been like seeing herself reflected in others. "Every person I've worked with has taught me something, often without even realizing it. It showed me that even when you think you know, there's always another perspective to explore."

This experience taught her to listen in a new way: "Not just to the words, but to what lies behind them, fears or dreams that are hard to express."

Accompanying others has also taught her to recognize her own pace and limits, allowing her to discover parts of herself she had never fully appreciated. It is an experience that enriches every aspect of her life, both personally and professionally.

Advice for Hesitant Mentors

Giulia understands the doubts people have about becoming mentors. "Are you wondering if you're ready? That's normal. I used to think the same: What if I'm not good enough? What if I don't have all the answers?"

Then she realized something important: "It's not about having answers; it's about being present, authentic, and willing to share. Being a mentor doesn't mean being perfect, but I think it means offering genuine support and sharing your experiences, even the difficult ones."

She sees mentorship as a journey that teaches you just as much as those you're mentoring learn from you. "If you're considering it, take the leap... you'll discover that as you help others grow, you'll grow too."

Creating Lasting Impact

For Giulia, mentorship addresses something deeply rooted in modern life. "We live in a world where we often feel alone, even when surrounded by people. Having someone who truly listens and supports you can make all the difference."

Mentorship creates authentic connections that guide and inspire at the same time. She sees it as a chain of support:

"Every act of support, every word shared at the right moment, carries forward and can transform not just one life, but many. It's a way to leave a mark, create lasting connections, and remind us that even in the toughest moments, there is always someone ready to believe in you."

The Wanderer's Perspective

Giulia's experience traveling between countries, working both as a mental coach and in track operations, gives her unique insight into what people need when facing challenges.

Her focus on what lies behind the words - the fears and dreams that are hard to express - creates space for mentees to discover their own value at their own pace.

From race weekends to one-on-one coaching sessions, she continues building that chain of support, helping people recognize they can make it while learning from each person she mentors.