More Real, More Exciting: Mara Simion on What Her Mentors Showed Her

Transformational Relationship

Mara joined the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program as a mentee.

Wanting a Woman's Perspective on Breaking Into Motorsport

Mara's motivation for joining came from a specific career interest. "I'm interested in working in motorsport and I wanted to get a deeper understanding of what that career path looks like, especially from a woman's perspective. Motorsport may seem like a hard industry to break into, so hearing directly from someone who's navigated it was incredibly valuable to me."

A Level of Dedication She Didn't Expect

What made the experience stand out to Mara was how invested her mentors turned out to be. "I was genuinely surprised by how invested they were, not just in sharing their experiences, but in actively helping me grow. They took the time to understand my goals, offered valuable advice, and connected me with insights and resources I wouldn't have found on my own. It felt like they truly cared about my development."

A Series of Conversations, Not One Single Moment

Rather than a single turning point, Mara describes a gradual shift built from multiple conversations. "There wasn't one specific moment that stood out, but rather a series of meaningful conversations. Each mentor offered unique pieces of advice that, together, really shifted my perspective." She adds that hearing their personal stories changed how she pictured her own future in the field. "Hearing their personal stories and insights made the idea of working in motorsport feel not only more real, but also more exciting. It definitely deepened my motivation to pursue a career in this field."

What Stood Out About Her Mentors

Mara points to a combination of qualities that made the guidance feel trustworthy. "The qualities that had the biggest impact on me were my mentors' openness, honesty, and encouragement. They didn't just share their successes, they were also candid about the challenges they faced, which made their advice feel incredibly real and relatable."

She connects that honesty directly to her own sense of direction. "Their willingness to listen, support, and genuinely invest in my growth gave me a lot of confidence and clarity about my path forward."

Rethinking What Mentorship Offers

The experience reshaped how Mara defines mentorship itself. "I used to think of it as mostly career guidance, but I've come to realize it's so much more than that. It's about connection, support, and perspective." She points to a specific effect that had on her. "Having mentors who genuinely cared made me see how powerful mentorship can be, not just for learning about a field like motorsport, but for building confidence and a sense of belonging in an industry that can feel intimidating."

Her Message to Anyone Considering the Program

Mara's advice, especially for anyone eyeing a career in motorsport, is enthusiastic. "Definitely go for it! Especially if you're considering working in motorsport, this program is an incredible opportunity to learn from people who've been there and truly understand the industry. The guidance, support, and insights you'll gain are so valuable and it can really help you feel more confident about your next steps."

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Mara points to a book on feedback. "I would recommend Radical Candor by Kim Scott. It's an excellent resource when it comes to giving and receiving feedback effectively, which is an important skill for building strong professional relationships and growing throughout your career."