Rachael Murray on Mentorship as a Quiet Revolution From Both Perspectives

Mentor Spotlight

Her passion is elevating underrepresented voices - particularly women - by creating platforms, partnerships, and visibility strategies that drive real impact. In the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program, she found herself on both sides of that equation: as a mentor helping others rise, and as a mentee navigating her own path in a new space.

Responsibility and Joy

Rachael's career was built on the shoulders of people who gave her their time, belief, and encouragement - often when she was the only woman at the table. Becoming a mentor felt like a natural evolution of that journey.

"I feel a deep sense of responsibility - and joy - in using what I've learned to help other women rise, especially in spaces where they've been historically overlooked."

That combination of responsibility and joy drives her approach to mentorship - giving back while actively creating opportunities where none existed before.

When Mentorship Becomes Collaboration

One moment in Rachael's mentorship journey stands out. She and her mentee discovered a unique alignment between their individual talents and passions. What began as a traditional mentor-mentee relationship quickly evolved into something more.

"We recognized an opportunity to work together on a project that was deeply aligned with both of our goals, and it was exciting to sit at the same table - each bringing our own expertise, creativity, and drive," Rachael recalls. "That moment reinforced the idea that mentorship isn't just about guidance from one direction - it can spark real opportunity, collaboration, and a shared vision. It was a reminder that when women support women, truly extraordinary things can happen."

The experience demonstrated how mentorship relationships can transform into partnerships when both people bring value to the table.

The Power of Listening

Being a mentor has reminded Rachael of something fundamental: the power of listening. Her approach reflects a particular philosophy about what mentorship actually is.

"When mentoring, you're not there to direct someone's life - you're there to help them unlock what's already within. I also strongly believe that we can learn something from everyone."

That shift in perspective has strengthened her leadership and reconnected her with the why behind her career: to create opportunity where there was none, and build connection where there was once isolation.

Learning as a Mentee

Rachael also participated as a mentee, seeking guidance on how to authentically position herself in motorsport. She wanted someone who understood the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman at the intersection of business, brand, and sport.

One breakthrough came when she realized something about her background. "My multi-industry background - in entertainment, branding, and sponsorship - wasn't a disadvantage in motorsport, it was my superpower. My mentor helped me reframe my narrative and step fully into my value."

Having a mentor expanded her confidence, her network, and her scope of opportunity. "But more than that, it's affirmed that I belong in this space - and that my contribution has value."

Advice for Both Sides

For someone considering becoming a mentor for the first time, Rachael's message is "You don't need to have all the answers - you just need to show up with empathy, openness, and a willingness to share your truth. Mentorship is about presence, not perfection. And you might be surprised by how much you'll gain, too."

For those considering becoming a mentee, her advice is to: "Say yes - and then show up fully. A mentor can't do the work for you, but they can walk beside you as you step into who you're meant to be. And that makes all the difference."

A Quiet Revolution

Rachael sees mentorship as something larger than individual relationships. "Mentorship creates bridges where there were once barriers. The ability to create meaningful networks allows knowledge, confidence, and access to flow across generations and borders."

In motorsport, she sees mentorship as transformative. "In motorsport especially, mentorship is a quiet revolution - woman by woman, story by story - we are making impact within the industry."

When asked to sum up what mentorship means to her in one sentence, she replies:

"Mentorship is a launchpad - for confidence, for clarity, for connection."

Resources for the Journey

For women in motorsport, Rachael recommends Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. "In motorsport, where leadership often looks a certain way, this book reminds us that empathy, courage, and vulnerability are powerful tools - especially for women forging new paths."

Building What Wasn't There Before

From entertainment to motorsport, from mentee to mentor, Rachael continues creating opportunities and building connections. Whether she's working with rising female drivers, developing sponsorship strategies, or sitting across the table from a mentee who becomes a collaborator, her focus remains constant: creating bridges where there were once barriers, making space where women were once excluded, and proving that diverse backgrounds are superpowers.