I'm A Car Chick

What happens when a Wall Street finance pro jumps into the world of automotive tech? 🚗💡 In this episode of the I’m a Car Chick Podcast, host Shasta Haddock sits down with Lauren Langston, President & CEO of Tekmetric, to talk about leadership, innovation, and how technology is reshaping the auto repair industry. From startup strategy and AI to technician burnout and independent shop growth, Lauren shares her journey from investing in software to leading a company that’s changing the game for repair shops everywhere. If you’re passionate about tech, business, or cars — this one’s a must-listen. 🔧🔥

In Part 2 of Shasta’s conversation with Tracey Fields, Chief Experience Officer at Premier Automotive Group, we explore a defining chapter in both her career and the company’s history: Hurricane Katrina. Tracey shares her firsthand experience of how Katrina impacted New Orleans, the community, and Premier Auto Group—and the leadership lessons that emerged in the aftermath. Nearly 30 years into her career, she reflects on how the business has evolved and how resilience shaped her perspective on growth, culture, and service. We cover: ● What Katrina taught her about crisis leadership and recovery 🌊 ● The impact on the automotive community in New Orleans ● How Premier rebuilt stronger and more community-focused ● The shifts she’s seen in the car business over three decades This powerful episode is about more than cars—it’s about resilience, leadership under pressure, and the importance of building organizations that can withstand change.

In this episode of I’m a Car Chick, Shasta sits down with Tracey Fields, Chief Experience Officer at Premier Automotive Group. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Tracey has been instrumental in shaping Premier into a nationally recognized dealership network with over 35 locations. Tracey’s leadership is centered on one thing: creating an experience that sets dealerships apart. From facility design and acquisitions to culture-building and online reputation, her work proves that customer experience and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. We dive into: ● What “customer experience” really means in today’s car business 🚘 ● How leadership and culture fuel long-term success ● Why investing in people—not just processes—drives growth ● The story behind launching Premier Women in Leadership and why visibility for women in the industry matters This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Tracey—packed with wisdom on leadership, dealership growth, and building a people-first culture.

Stephanie is part of a new wave of automotive professionals redefining how cars are sold. With a strong presence on social media (including several viral TikTok videos 🎥✨), she’s building her brand by showing the process of buying a car in a way that’s transparent, fun, and customer-first. In this episode, we talk about: ● How Stephanie uses TikTok and social media to connect with buyers ● Why modern sales processes matter more than ever ● Breaking away from the “old shady” car sales stereotypes ● Tips for building a personal brand in the dealership world Whether you’re in sales, management, or just curious about the future of the car biz, Stephanie’s story proves that embracing new platforms and authenticity can be a game-changer. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and see why the modern car sales pro looks a whole lot different than it used to. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabristowxo89/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniebristowxo https://www.facebook.com/stephanieesayshi

🚗✨ In this episode of I’m A Car Chick, Shasta Haddock sits down with Vivian Liu—CEO and founder of MAE (Making Auto Easy), startup powerhouse, and one of BC Business’s Top 30 Under 30. Oh, and did we mention she’s only 31 years old and has already accomplished what most people hope to do in a lifetime? 👏 Vivian’s journey is straight-up inspiring. At just 21, she dove headfirst into the auto industry after winning a GM marketing competition—eventually managing 30+ dealerships and leading Cadillac brand marketing across British Columbia. Today, she’s tackling one of the industry’s biggest pain points: the disconnect between how people want to buy cars and how dealerships are set up to sell. Through her startup MAE, an AI-powered sales assistant, Vivian is building a smarter, faster, and more trustworthy car-buying experience—especially for women. 💡💪 But that’s not all. Vivian also founded the Women’s Auto Show in Vancouver (yes, her side projects are THAT big), creating a platform to empower women with knowledge and confidence around car ownership. Add in multiple startup pitch wins and national recognition, and it’s clear Vivian isn’t just making waves—she’s rewriting the playbook for women in automotive. 🌊 👉 In this episode, we dig into: ● How Vivian went from GM competition winner to tech CEO in a decade ● Why MAE is changing the game for both customers and dealerships ● Lessons she’s learned scaling businesses and winning big on the startup stage ● The power of creating inclusive spaces for women in auto ● What it really takes to turn bold ideas into action 🔥 If you’re ready for a dose of innovation, courage, and straight-up wow, she’s only 31?! vibes, this one’s for you. vivian@makingautoeasy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianlauraannliu/

In this episode of the I'm A Car Chick Podcast, we explore what it really takes to thrive in the automotive industry — from building confidence to embracing authentic leadership. 🚗✨ The conversation highlights how passion, purpose, and resilience come together to help professionals not only stand out but also create lasting impact in their careers and communities. Listeners will hear powerful insights on overcoming challenges, building meaningful connections, and leading with authenticity. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers valuable lessons on growth, networking, and the confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. 🔑🔥

Fresh off the heels of the Women In Automotive Conference, Shasta sits down with Heather LeMay — Product Manager at The AutoMiner and a powerhouse in data hygiene solutions. Heather brings her passion for clean, quality data and API integrations to the conversation, but also her deep commitment to mentorship and empowering women in automotive. In this episode, they talk about the energy and takeaways from WIA Nashville, the value of mentorship programs, and why building strong connections across the industry is critical for long-term success. Heather shares insights from her panel session, her role in her company’s mentoring program, and how data quality impacts everything from dealership operations to customer experience. If you missed WIA Nashville, this episode will make you feel like you were in the room — and if you’re eyeing Austin 2026, you’ll leave inspired to grab your ticket and join the movement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-lemay-b6317394/ heatherl@purecars.com

In this episode of the I'm A Car Chick Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer, a familiar face in the automotive space and a passionate advocate for connection, mentorship, and community. Recorded live at the Women in Automotive conference, Jennifer dives into the importance of networking, creating safe spaces, and building relationships that empower women and elevate the industry as a whole. From mentoring panels to one-on-one connections, she shares why collaboration is the key to growth and how the industry is stronger when we champion each other. Whether you’re a dealership leader, a sales professional, or someone looking to break into automotive, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, support systems, and the power of showing up for one another. 🚗✨ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersanford/ https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.b.sanford.1

From cult member to CEO — Robin Wilson’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable. 🚨 In this episode, she opens up about breaking free from trauma, cutting ties that held her back, and rewriting her life on her own terms. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past, this conversation is proof that you can take back the pen and write a new story. ✍️🔥 Don’t miss this powerful episode! Reach out and follow Robin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinwilsonscp/ https://www.facebook.com/robin.wilson.353 https://go.socialgrenade.com/training

In this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta chats with Lori Berkson, VP of Sales at DealerStream and a powerhouse with more than 30 years of automotive industry experience. Lori takes listeners through her career journey — from breaking into the industry in the early ’90s after a pivot from fashion, to leadership roles with well-known companies like Visible Customer, VinSolutions, and now DealerStream. She shares stories about the mentors who shaped her path, the lessons learned from building high-performing sales teams, and the strategies she uses to drive growth while keeping people, products, and processes aligned. They also dive into the upcoming Women In Automotive Conference, why mentorship is critical for industry success, and how women can position themselves for long-term leadership. 👉 Connect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriberkson 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive: womeninautomotive.com

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Erin Zaborac — a 30-year industry veteran who’s done just about everything in the dealership world, from filing paperwork in high school to leading marketing at DealerOn. Erin opens up about the scenic route her career has taken — the pivots, the passion for digital, the lessons learned in service, parts, sales, F&I, and marketing — and what it really means to grow in this industry while also raising three kids as a single mom. This episode is rooted in her upcoming session at the Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville: “Scenic Routes & Side Roads: The Automotive Career Path.” Erin shares why success in automotive doesn’t have to follow a straight line, how to find fulfillment in detours, and the three principles she’s carried with her through every season of life and leadership: 👉 Keep learning 👉 Help others 👉 Build strong relationships Whether you’re just starting out or figuring out your next move, this one will leave you grounded, motivated, and seen. 👉 Register for the WIA Conference in Nashville: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinzaborac/

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Dr. Alison Burnham — a powerhouse in data, technology, and automotive who’s now the CTO of AutoUnify, an automotive retail startup in Los Angeles. They dive into Alison’s fascinating journey: from earning her PhD in mathematics and pioneering statistical process control in auto plants, to building loyalty and predictive analytics programs for massive brands across fashion, banking, sports, and ultimately automotive. Alison shares stories from her work at RepairSmith (which was acquired by AutoNation), her thoughts on what automotive can learn from other industries, and how she’s helping reshape the future of dealership operations with data-driven insights. They also talk candidly about succeeding as a woman in a male-dominated industry, why mentorship and networking still matter, and what she hopes to see at the upcoming Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville. 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and register for Nashville: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Dr. Alison Burnham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonburnham/

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta chats with Allison McConeghy — a powerhouse in automotive tech and the Lead Client Partner at Pinterest, calling in from metro Detroit. Allison breaks down what it’s been like to build Pinterest’s automotive vertical from a two-person team into a thriving engine that supports everything from GM and Ford to thousands of tier-three dealerships across the U.S. They dig into why Pinterest is more than a mood board (especially for car shoppers), how data drives smarter marketing strategies, and the surprising ways brands can tap into consumer decision-making moments on the platform. They also talk about leadership in fast-paced tech, growing new lines of business, and why saying “yes” to tough challenges often pays off — plus a look at the upcoming Women In Automotive Conference where Allison will take the stage for the first time. 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and register for Nashville: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-mcconeghey/

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Stephanie Wedgeworth, Director of Sales Content at The RockED Company and a powerhouse with over two decades of experience shaping how organizations train, lead, and grow. Stephanie’s resume reads like a masterclass in sales enablement, leadership development, and high-impact learning. From building certification programs for automotive giants like Hyundai, Ford, and GM, to driving strategic content for modern SaaS platforms, her work has transformed how teams onboard, sell, and lead. They dive into: ● Why micro-learning is changing the game for sales teams and dealership success ● How Stephanie’s experience with change management and leadership coaching reveals what most companies get wrong ● The art of balancing creativity with metrics to design training that actually sticks ● And how her journey across industries — from textiles to talent development — proves there’s no one-size path to becoming a strategic leader. If you’re in automotive, sales, or leadership, this is one of those episodes that’ll have you taking notes on what to do (and what to STOP doing) in your own organization. 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and join us in Nashville: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewedgeworth/

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Stacy Cassio — Founder & CEO of the Pink Mentor Network and a nationally recognized leader in building mentorship-driven workplace cultures. They dive into the POWER of mentorship at conferences (like the upcoming Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville), why mentorship is critical to leadership development and retention, and how you can turn casual conversations at industry events into life-changing opportunities. Stacy also shares the story behind the Pink Mentor Network, her mission to make mentorship scalable and measurable inside organizations, and practical tips for seeking mentors — even if you’re nervous to ask. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly leverage conferences for your personal and professional growth, this episode is for you. 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and grab your tickets: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacycassio/ 👉 Check out the Pink Mentor Network: pinkmentornetwork.com

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down for a powerful catch-up with Sydney Rizo — a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more in the automotive industry. Sydney first appeared on the show in May 2024, at the Women In Automotive Conference and was still a student at Northwood University. Now, just over a year later, she’s back with her MBA in hand, a string of leadership wins behind her, and gearing up to start her career as a Management Trainee at Toyota North America. They dive into: ● How Sydney balanced life as a Division II soccer captain, top student, and rising auto industry leader ● What it takes to lead signature events like the Northwood University International Auto Show, working alongside heavy hitters like Penske, COX Automotive, and CDK Global ● Why mentorship and saying YES to opportunities (even the scary ones) is the key to building your network ● And how it feels to be heading into her first big role at Toyota North America — and the panel she’ll be speaking on at the upcoming WIA Conference in Nashville. If you want inspiration on how to fast-track your career in automotive, or why backing young talent matters, this is your episode. 👉 Learn more & register for the Women In Automotive Conference: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Sydney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-rizo/

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Shereen Thor — comedian turned coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker at this year’s Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville. Shereen’s story is raw, hilarious, and deeply empowering. From sharing the stage with icons like Serena Williams and Prince Harry to helping women and people of color completely revolutionize how they show up in life and leadership, she’s not here to play small — and neither should you. They dig into what it means to be a revolutionary leader in a world that’s built for you to follow, how humor disarms power structures, and why so many of us are stuck trying to meet invisible expectations. Shereen shares how to lead with fire, speak with clarity, and create a life that doesn’t fit the mold — because leadership, at its core, starts with unlearning the noise. 👉 Don’t miss her WIA Keynote: “Revolutionary Leader: How to Lead in a World that is Set Up for You to Follow” 👉 Connect with Shereen: www.shereenthor.com 👉 Follow her on IG: @shereenthor About Shereen Thor: Shereen Thor is a comedian turned coach who slays with hope and humor. She’s the bestselling author of Revolutionary Woman and a passionate advocate for women and people of color reclaiming their voices, power, and purpose in a world that’s often stacked against them. Her work has been featured in Forbes, TEDx, The Wall Street Journal, Insider, Spike TV, 97.1 AMP Radio, and more. She’s shared the stage with icons like Serena Williams, Prince Harry, and Les Brown — and brings the same energy, realness, and wit to every room she steps into. When she’s not coaching or leading on stage, you’ll find her outdoors, chasing her kids, or ditching her phone for some much-needed peace and quiet.

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta welcomes the unstoppable Aleya Harris — an award-winning speaker, marketing executive, and the spark behind Spark the Stage™. Aleya’s dynamic energy lights up this conversation as she shares how purpose-driven storytelling doesn’t just transform marketing — it changes leadership, company culture, and bottom-line results. As the CEO of The Evolution Collective, Aleya guides organizations to dig deep, find their radically authentic stories, and leverage them to drive engagement and accountability at every level. They also dive into the heart of Aleya’s upcoming keynote at the Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville: “Story-Driven Leadership: Unlocking Engagement, Accountability, and Results.” Expect real talk on how to communicate in a way that actually moves people — whether you’re leading a dealership, pitching a vendor, or building your own brand. 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and grab your Nashville tickets: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Follow Aleya on IG: instagram.com/aleyaharris 👉 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aleyaharris 👉 Catch her podcast: Flourishing Entrepreneur 👉 Check out her book: Spark the Stage

On this episode of the I’m A Car Chick Podcast, Shasta sits down with Lizz Callaway — an automotive powerhouse with over a decade of experience across sales, partnerships, and product management. Lizz is known for helping women in the industry navigate non-traditional career paths and use networking to open doors they didn’t even know existed. They dive into why networking is more than just shaking hands, how building real relationships has transformed Lizz’s own journey, and why leveraging your network is often the fastest way to pivot into a new role — or even an entirely new vertical. They also explore why inclusive communities are critical for long-term success in automotive, and what Lizz hopes women take away from her upcoming session at the Women In Automotive Conference in Nashville: “From Connections to Careers: Leveraging Networking for Successful Career Transitions.” 👉 Learn more about Women In Automotive and register for Nashville: womeninautomotive.com 👉 Connect with Lizz Callaway on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecallaway/

Mandy Deveau is a marketing strategist, speaker, and author focused on people-first leadership in the automotive industry. She started her career on the sales floor at 23, with no experience and no connections, just a drive to prove she belonged in an industry that often made her feel like she didn’t. Now the Marketing Manager for DriveHRIS and the creator of The People Side of Automotive, Mandy helps dealerships modernize their leadership mindset, improve team performance, and retain top talent by focusing on what actually moves the needle: people. She’s the author of Earned Influence, a book for women in male-dominated industries who want to lead without permission, communicate with power, and create opportunities on their own terms. mdeveau@drivehris.com 902-540-6600 https://www.drivehris.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-deveau-3613a663/