Finding Direction in Motorsport: Salva Marjan's Journey Through Mentorship

Transformational Journey

Her journey hasn't been straightforward, and that's exactly why mentorship made such a difference.

Starting Without a Map

"Coming from a place where motorsport isn't widely recognized, I had passion and drive but very little guidance," Salva explains. She knew what she wanted to achieve but wasn't sure how to get there. The business side of racing, finding sponsors, and navigating the industry felt overwhelming without a network or established connections.

That's what drew her to the FIA Women in Motorsport Mentorship Program. She joined "to connect with people who truly understand the sport and to gain direction and support" in her journey.

What Makes Mentorship Work

Salva participated as both a mentee and a mentor, experiencing both sides of the relationship. "It was the encouragement, authenticity, and shared passion that made [the mentorship relationship] so impactful," she says. The program allowed her to connect with people who shared different experiences in motorsport, and those honest conversations helped her feel seen and supported in ways she hadn't before.

The qualities that had the biggest impact? "Their clarity, emotional intelligence, and genuine willingness to help others. The mentors I met had a deep understanding of the sport and a powerful drive to uplift those coming after them."

A Turning Point

"At one point, I was struggling with finding sponsors and handling the business side of racing. I felt stuck," Salva recalls. "My mentor helped me see things differently, taught me how to learn from setbacks, and inspired me to believe in myself again."

That shift changed how she approached her career. "For someone like me - without a traditional path into motorsport - mentorship is a lifeline. It saved me years of trial and error." The program gave her the tools to move forward with confidence and a clearer sense of direction.

Giving Back

Now that she's building her own team, Salva understands the value of becoming a mentor herself. The program changed how she sees mentorship and its importance. She recognizes that guidance, community, and shared knowledge can fundamentally change someone's trajectory in the sport.

For others considering the program, her message is direct: "If you're serious about building yourself in motorsport and want real guidance and community, this program is for you. It will give you direction, confidence, and a network that truly understands your dreams."

Resources That Helped Along the Way

Throughout her journey, Salva found several books particularly impactful for women in motorsport or anyone seeking growth:

• Dialed In by Dana Cavalea
• Million Dollar Mindset by T. Harv Eker
• Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas
• How to Sell Yourself by Arch Lustberg
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

These resources have helped her develop both the mindset and practical skills needed to succeed.

The Value of Connection

Salva's story demonstrates how mentorship can bridge gaps that talent and determination alone can't cross. When you're building something in an industry where you don't see many people who share your background, having someone who understands your specific challenges makes all the difference.

The FIA Women in Motorsport Mentorship Program gave her a community, perspective, and the confidence to pursue her goals while building a team that will open doors for others.