The automotive industry is often defined by precision and “perfect” engineering, but throughout the early months of 2026, the message from the community has been different: Progress Over Perfection.
From the high-octane launch of Empowering Auto’s fifth year to the deep-dive networking at The Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO) Women Driven Toronto Leadership Lunch, the industry’s brightest minds gathered to send a clear signal: the future of automotive is inclusive, resilient, and majority female-led.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
To kick off Year 5, Empowering Auto took over the stunning new Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) in Pickering. The highlight was a fireside chat with Jennifer Cooper of Porsche Canada. Cooper shared the multi-year mission of bringing the PEC to life (a project that started as a “joke”) to the CEO in 2014 and resulted in a Zero Carbon, LEED Gold-certified “brand house.”
Her mantra? “Done is better than perfect.” Cooper’s persistence delivered a landmark facility that is now a majority female-led operation, proving that leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about starting.
Mentorship: The Vehicle for Success
At both events, mentorship took center stage. Industry veteran Agnes Di Leonardi reminded us that while passion is the baseline, mentorship is the vehicle for success. This was echoed at the Women Driven event, where a panel featuring Patricia Graham (Lexus of Richmond Hill), Grace Stein (Policaro BMW), and Matt Larmond (Deloitte) discussed beating imposter syndrome.
“Don’t shrink because you make them uncomfortable,” says keynote speaker Tara Sloane. “If you’re the only woman at the table, speak first.”
Sloane, a broadcast veteran for the San Jose Sharks and Rogers Hometown Hockey, drew parallels between the male-dominated worlds of sports and automotive. Her “Cake Philosophy” (borrowed from Billie Jean King) resonated deeply: Women shouldn’t just be thrilled with the crumbs; we deserve the cake, the icing, and the cherry on top.
The Science of Connection
Understanding how we work together is just as important as who we work with. At Women Driven, Nicholas Reynolds of Deloitte introduced “Business Chemistry,” and the four business chemistry styles they developed: Guardian, Driver, Integrator and Pioneer. Rooted in behavioral science psychology, these four styles are focused on how people interact, rather than personality test profile characteristics. He highlighted a critical double standard: “Driver” traits (focus and quantitative logic) are often celebrated in men but misperceived as “abrasive” in women. By recognizing these business chemistry styles, we can bridge communication gaps and advocate for our true leadership potential.
sMedia: Leading by Example
An industry this impactful is only possible when forward-thinking players align. At sMedia, we aren’t just observers of this shift; we are the embodiment of it.
We are proud to share that sMedia is a majority female-run company, led by our CEO, Erin Richmond.
“At sMedia, we’re in the business of creating seamless paths forward,” says Richmond. “Events like Empowering Auto and Women Driven allow us to apply that same passion to the people who power this industry. We don’t just value this community; we believe it is the future of automotive.”
Our commitment goes beyond a logo on a screen. We are stepping up to bridge the gap for women in this industry because we know we are better when we move together.
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