Making the Invisible Roles Visible: Samantha Leeks on Mentoring in Motorsport

Mentor Spotlight

Samantha takes part in the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program as a mentor.

Wanting to Give Others the Network She Didn't Have

Samantha's motivation to mentor comes from her own early struggles in the industry. "I wanted to see the next generations grow and develop with the support of others. I struggled in the beginning and didn't have a network to lean on. I think it's important for someone to be able to ask even the simplest questions and get a positive response."

She also wants to shed light on parts of the industry that rarely get attention. "I also wanted to make visible various roles that are less known about, the ones tend to not be shown on social media. That anyone can get involved in my industry whatever your intellectual level and background."

What she finds most rewarding is watching that support translate into real outcomes. "Most rewarding, seeing one of the work experience kids I looked after, follow their dreams and being successful in a career they'd hoped for." When asked to share a specific moment from her mentorship journey, she points back to that same experience.

How Mentoring Has Shaped Her

Samantha describes the effect mentoring has had on her as straightforward. "It has made me more patient and understanding."

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

Samantha's advice centers on how a mentor responds to questions that might seem basic. "Be honest, patient and not laugh at questions you deem simple, when others may not."

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

For Samantha, mentorship extends beyond career advice into a broader kind of support. "It is important to have a support network in every walk of life, and I feel that not only do I get to support people professionally, I also get to support them in their personal life. Our careers affect us all in many ways, and it's important to have someone to share that all with."