Be Differential

What does it look like to operate at a high level — in two entirely different worlds?

Sonya Lloyd is both a world championship motorcycle racer and a participant in Siemens’ Technical Marketing Leadership Development Program — a combination that challenges the idea that you have to choose between passion and profession.

In this episode, we explore how Sonya navigates the intersection of motorsport and technical leadership, and what it takes to perform at an elite level in both. From the discipline required on the track to the precision needed in corporate environments, Sonya shares how these experiences inform and strengthen each other.

We dive into her journey into motorcycle racing, what kept her committed through the toughest moments, and how she simultaneously built a path within Siemens. Along the way, we unpack how preparation, pressure, and failure show up across both arenas — and what it means to deliver when the stakes are high.

This conversation also explores the power of storytelling — from translating complex technical ideas into meaningful narratives, to communicating performance and purpose in motorsport. Sonya reflects on how her technical background shapes the way she understands machinery and engineering, and how racing has influenced how she shows up as a communicator and leader.

We also talk about visibility — why it matters for women in both motorsport and technical leadership — and how organizations can better support individuals pursuing nontraditional, dual-career paths.

At its core, this episode is about expanding what’s possible. About rejecting the idea that you have to choose one version of yourself. And about building a life that fully reflects both passion and practicality.

Because sometimes, being differential means refusing to pick just one lane — and having the courage to excel in both.

This week’s Pit Stop explores a different kind of leadership — one that doesn’t rely on volume, but on impact.

For decades, leadership in motorsport has been defined by command-and-control environments. But behind the scenes, a shift has been happening. One shaped by strategic thinking, cultural influence, and long-term vision.

We look at leaders like Claire Williams, who navigated financial and organizational complexity at Williams Racing with transparency and resilience. Susie Wolff, who is now shaping the future of driver development and opportunity through her leadership at F1 Academy. And Jessica Hawkins, whose presence within Aston Martin represents more than a role — it’s a shift in how leadership and influence show up inside elite team environments.

Because leadership isn’t just about who speaks the loudest.
It’s about who moves systems, shapes culture, and creates pathways forward.

And increasingly, that leadership is being redefined.

Industries don’t evolve accidentally — they evolve when someone builds new pathways in.

In this week’s Thursday Pitstop, we’re looking at how women have helped reshape the motorsports talent pipeline by creating new points of entry into the industry.

From organizations like Women in Motorsports North America building mentorship networks, scholarships, and career development opportunities, to the launch of F1 Academy addressing long-standing gaps in the driver development ladder, these initiatives represent more than visibility. They’re structural interventions designed to expand access and opportunity.

We’ll also look at how leaders like Lyn St. James have turned personal success into long-term impact through programs that mentor and financially support the next generation of drivers.

Because when access expands, the talent pool expands.

And when the talent pool expands, the entire industry becomes stronger.

Women haven’t just entered motorsports — in many cases, they’ve widened the gates.

🎙 Thursday Pitstop episodes are short reflections from the BeDifferential Podcast exploring the systems, people, and ideas shaping the future of motorsports.

What if there was a platform that made it easier for racers to make meaningful connections with fans, sell merch without inventory or overhead, and grow into paid partnerships at the same time? That’s the vision behind Racer on Demand, and its founder Amanda Van Den Elzen joins The BeDifferential Podcast to explain how it’s changing the game.

Amanda shares the story of her path into motorsports, the challenges she overcame in a male-dominated industry, and the lessons learned along the way. She dives into trends in digital engagement, sponsorship, and talent development, plus success stories that prove the platform’s impact.

This episode is for anyone curious about where motorsports marketing is headed — and how meaningful connections are making sponsorships more accessible for the next generation of drivers.

Learn more here: https://racerondemand.us

Not every influence in motorsport happens on the podium.

In this week’s Thursday Pitstop, we explore the invisible infrastructure that keeps the motorsport and automotive industries running — governance, operations, ownership, and the leadership systems that shape the future of the sport.

While drivers and race results often take the spotlight, the industry itself depends on an intricate network of decision-makers, organizers, and operators who build the framework behind every race weekend.

This episode highlights the women who have helped architect those systems.

From Michèle Mouton’s leadership with the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission to Connie Nyholm’s stewardship of Virginia International Raceway, we look at how women have shaped the rules, facilities, and operational structures that sustain the sport.

We also explore the often-unseen leadership roles across race control, technical compliance, event logistics, sanctioning bodies, and marketing partnerships — positions that ensure the motorsport ecosystem continues to evolve.

Because the true impact on an industry isn’t always the most visible.

Sometimes it’s structural.

And women have been shaping that structure for decades.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, I sit down with Allison Melangton to explore the experiences, pivotal decisions, and leadership principles that shaped her remarkable career across global sporting events and the motorsports industry.

Allison shares how she first found her way into this world, the early moments that helped define her path, and the turning points that revealed the impact she could have — not just operationally, but culturally. We dive into her leadership philosophy, how it has evolved through decades of experience, and what it means to lead with clarity, trust, and purpose in high-stakes environments.

We also unpack what makes Penske Entertainment such a unique force within motorsports — from its role in shaping the future of racing to the opportunities it creates across the industry — and why Allison is energized by where things are headed. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of community and advocacy through Women in Motorsports North America, and the tangible progress being made to expand access and representation.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at credibility, mentorship, and the responsibility of opening doors — along with Allison’s perspective on what gives her optimism about the future of motorsports, from emerging talent to innovation and culture. Whether you’re building a career in racing, leading a team, or simply passionate about the sport, this conversation is filled with insight and inspiration.

In this Thursday Pitstop episode of the BeDifferential Podcast, we’re talking about leadership — not the loudest voices or the headline-makers, but the pioneers quietly shaping automotive and motorsports culture from the inside out.

As teams, brands, and organizations across the automotive and racing industries navigate shifting budgets, advancing technology, and evolving expectations, strong leadership matters more than ever. But real leadership isn’t about titles, hierarchy, or visibility. It’s about influence — the ripple effect your actions have across teams, programs, and communities.

In this quick reflection, we explore:

• ​ What it means to lead without permission
• ​ How to create meaningful, lasting impact in motorsports and automotive
• ​ Why investing in culture, mentorship, and collaboration matters
• ​ The difference between short-term recognition and long-term influence

Whether you’re managing a race program, building partnerships, working behind the scenes in motorsports, or just beginning your career in the automotive industry, this episode is a reminder: you can lead from wherever you are.

Leadership is not about reacting to chaos — it’s about showing up consistently, thinking long-term, and choosing to contribute in ways that endure.

If you’re passionate about motorsports leadership, automotive culture, mentorship, and creating opportunity for the next generation, this conversation is for you.

Share this episode with someone who’s thinking about how to make an impact — not just a splash — in racing or the automotive world.

BeDifferential is about more than access. It’s about influence. And that starts with you.

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Pribanic to explore what happens when a car stops being a hobby and becomes part of how you move through the world.

From the moment a Porsche 356 found him to the countless miles, roadside repairs, and unforgettable trips that followed, Mark shares how driving a 60-plus-year-old car everywhere has shaped his perspective on patience, risk, and freedom.

We talk about sketchy moments, the stories only old cars can create, and why choosing to drive — rather than simply preserve — keeps the spirit of these machines alive. We also dive into his connection with the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the emotional roles different cars play, and what it means to be a steward of something with history.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “crazy” for wanting to really use a classic — this conversation is for you.

Follow along on Instagram @mark.pribanic

In this Thursday Pitstop, we’re talking about one of the most common — and most honest — questions I hear: “I want to get involved in motorsports, but where do I start… and how do I stand out?”

The truth is, breaking into automotive or racing doesn’t require a perfect resume, a flashy introduction, or insider connections. What it does require is curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to contribute where your skills intersect with opportunity.

We explore how different strengths — whether creative, analytical, or technical — can translate into meaningful roles across the industry, and why understanding culture and community is just as important as building experience.

I also share why standing out isn’t about chasing attention — it’s about building credibility through consistency. From volunteering at local events to observing where teams and programs need support, small actions compound into real opportunities over time.

If you’re early in your journey — or even considering a pivot — this episode offers practical ways to start showing up thoughtfully and building momentum.

Key takeaways include:

How to identify where your skills fit within motorsports

Why participation matters more than perfection

The long-term value of relationships, mentorship, and community

Practical steps you can take this season to get involved

If you know someone trying to find their place in automotive or racing, share this episode with them — and we’ll see you next week for another Thursday Pitstop.

What happens when a mom who’s never driven stick decides to enroll in rally school — exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure if she even belongs there?

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Eva sits down with Kelly Conroy, rally racer and author of Your Mom Races Rally, to talk about what it really looks like to ditch society’s expectations and rediscover yourself — one muddy stage at a time.

Kelly shares the raw reality of stepping into rally racing with zero experience, the steep learning curve of mastering a manual transmission, and the emotional weight of pursuing a dream that didn’t neatly fit the “modern mother” mold. From navigating guilt and pushback to redefining what it means to set an example for her children, this conversation is as vulnerable as it is empowering.

We dive into:

The moment Kelly realized rally racing wasn’t just a hobby — it was life-changing

Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and the temptation to quit

Building and racing her 40-year-old car, “Nessie,” and what wrenching on it taught her about resilience

The impact of finding a community of women racers and off-roaders

How chasing joy reshaped her definition of fun, freedom, and self-care

Why reclaiming your identity doesn’t make you a “bad mom” — it makes you a braver one

This episode isn’t just about motorsports. It’s about permission — to evolve, to take up space, and to pursue something that makes you feel alive, even if it scares you.

Listeners can also follow Kelly’s rally journey on Instagram at @yourmomracesrally.