Small Moments, Lasting Impact: Jenni Schierman on Mentorship in Motorsport

Mentor Spotlight

"When I started, it wasn't an easy industry to get into and the opportunities were much fewer than they are for women today," she explains. "The treatment we experienced was often hostile at best. It was clear we were not welcomed."

That experience was what pushed her to become a mentor in the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program.

Making It Easier for Others

As Jenni progressed in her career - returning to obtain both her bachelor's and master's degrees while working full time - she wanted to find a way to support women trying to break into the industry.

"I didn't want other women to have the same experience I did when I started."

When the mentorship opportunity arose, she was excited to participate. Having coached professionally for several years and mentored others informally within the industry, this was a natural extension of work she already found meaningful.

"I find it rewarding to see other younger women succeeding in motorsport and having an easier time in general. If I can contribute in some small way then I want to do that. The most rewarding part to me is seeing others grow and thrive in their chosen profession."

The Power of Small Moments

When asked about impactful moments from her mentorship journey, Jenni points to experiences that might seem minor but matter deeply.

"I think some of my favorite moments have been really little ones. Connecting with other women on similar journeys but at different points in our path. Being able to help them navigate a political situation within the industry. Even just providing an understanding ear and safe space to be able to vent to where they know I am not going to go tell the paddock everything they just told me. Small but impactful moments."

Knowing you can speak honestly without it spreading through the paddock creates room for mentees to process challenges and strategize without fear.

Finding Energy in Giving

Jenni holds a master's degree in Executive Coaching and Consultation, an ICF PCC accreditation, and is planning to pursue a second master's in Applied Psychology.

Because mentoring sits close to her professional coaching work, she initially worried about overextending herself and monitored her mental energy carefully during her first two mentees.

Nevertheless, she was pleasantly surprised. "I was incredibly pleased to discover that mentoring actually GAVE me energy. I began to look forward to my sessions and it gave me a renewed sense of purpose."

The experience has been valuable both personally and professionally. Her mentees have been completely different from each other, yet they share common ground: "The love of motorsport, women coming together to support one another, mentorship, it really is a beautiful combination."

Bridging the Gap

For Jenni, mentorship connects directly to larger issues in motorsport. "I strongly believe in knowledge sharing and removing barriers to entry. To me, mentorship is one of the easiest ways we can facilitate this to support other women, especially in motorsport."

Mentorship also means creating opportunity: "We are not lacking the education nor the ability to succeed. We are simply lacking the opportunity in most cases. Mentorship can help bridge some of the gap. Connecting women in the industry who may never have otherwise been connected."

Practical Advice

For women looking to build connections in motorsport, Jenni recommends networking tools that create access to influential women in the industry. She personally found LinkedIn most valuable - she was recruited to coach in F1 directly from LinkedIn.

For others, it might be Instagram, the Girls on Track Facebook page, FIA Women in Motorsport events, or similar platforms. "Find what works for you, but network!"

For reading, she strongly recommends Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez, which won the 2019 McKinsey book of the year.

Encouragement for Future Mentors

Her advice to anyone considering becoming a mentor for the first time is simple: "Do it! It is such an amazing experience."

Jenni's journey from facing hostility when she entered motorsport to now coaching in F1 and mentoring the next generation demonstrates how the industry can evolve.

By creating those small but impactful moments, such as safe conversations and navigational help, mentors contribute to making motorsport more accessible for women who follow.