When I joined the QNX team in January, I knew I was entering an industry shaped by innovation, complexity, and constant change. What I didn’t fully appreciate yet was just how broad the automotive world really is and how many different careers, perspectives, and skill sets contribute to moving it forward.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Women Automotive Summit in Detroit. With just over 700 attendees joining online and in person, the event brought together women and allies from across the automotive ecosystem to share experiences, lessons, and ideas for the future of the industry.

One of my biggest takeaways was that automotive is much broader than many people realize. It is not only engineering or manufacturing, though those are critical parts of it. It also includes software, sales, marketing, customer experience, business strategy, partnerships, and community-building. During the “Building a Future Ready Workforce” panel, speakers emphasized that the industry needs people who are curious, adaptable, collaborative, and able to connect technology to real business and customer needs.

That message resonated with me. Being new to the industry can feel intimidating at times. There is a lot to learn: terminology, technology, history, and the pace of change. But the summit reminded me that being new can also be an advantage. In an industry undergoing transformation, curiosity and a fresh perspective matter.

A theme I heard throughout the day was the importance of taking up space before you feel completely ready. In the opening fireside chat, Tracy Mack-Askew, Chief Engineer at Daimler Truck, encouraged attendees to “sit at the table” and use stronger, more confident language — shifting from “I think” to “my recommendation is.” She also challenged the audience to be disruptive, innovative, and bold.

For women considering a career in automotive, that advice is important. There may be moments when you are the only woman in the room, or when you are still building your technical or industry knowledge. But you do not need to have every answer before you contribute. Thoughtful questions, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable, especially in an industry that is still defining what comes next.

That idea came up again during the session on partnerships and new ecosystems with Yasmine King and Shalini Palmer from Analog Devices. They spoke about focusing less on ownership and more on outcomes, anchoring work around the customer problem, and aligning early to solve complex challenges faster. One line that stayed with me was Shalini’s reminder that “uncertainty is not a signal for risk but a signal for growth.” Yasmine also encouraged attendees to seize opportunities even when they do not know all the answers.

That is a powerful mindset for anyone entering automotive today. The industry is evolving quickly through software-defined vehicles, electrification, AI, advanced manufacturing, and changing customer expectations. No one has all the answers. The opportunity is to learn, adapt, and contribute while the transformation is happening.

Another point that stood out was the value of “soft skills.” Across several conversations, speakers emphasized emotional intelligence, humility, relationship-building, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. These are not secondary skills; they are essential to success in a complex industry. The ability to listen, build trust, connect ideas, and work through uncertainty can be just as important as technical expertise.

I left the Women Automotive Summit feeling energized, encouraged, and more curious than ever. The event gave me a broader view of the industry and a deeper appreciation for the women helping shape its future.

For anyone considering a career in automotive, my biggest takeaways can be summarized into this: there is space for you here. You do not need to follow one traditional path or have every answer before you begin. Bring your curiosity, your perspective, your willingness to learn, and your voice.

The future of the automotive industry is being shaped now, and it will be stronger with more women at the table.