Empowering Women in Business: Top Tips from the Women’s Innovation Network, Silverstone Park

Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), female leaders from across the technology, engineering, automotive and education sectors are sharing the hard-earned lessons that have shaped their careers – offering practical advice to help other women thrive.

From navigating leadership roles to building confidence early in their careers, these women bring diverse experience and a shared commitment to lifting others as they rise. Their insights, gathered through the Women’s Innovation Network (WIN) at Silverstone Park, reflect a growing movement to create spaces where women at every stage of their journey can connect, learn, and lead.

WIN was born to tackle the gender imbalance in industries like engineering and technology, with women representing just 16% of engineers nationally. Many women were excelling in their roles but often went unseen.

What began as a network highlighting these women has grown to welcome women across all sectors who aspire to lead, grow and exceed – providing a platform to connect, be visible and empower one another at every stage.

Here are their top tips:

1. Think Outside the Box

Diva Patang, CEO & Founder, Diva Group
“If somebody comes to an interview and just answers questions like a robot, it’s not something I’m interested in. I would say: think out of the box, try to be different and unique.”

Diva’s advice is simple but powerful: creativity and individuality are what make you stand out.

2. Embrace Your Difference

Alice Ball, Partnerships Manager, Ahead Partnership
“As a primary school teacher, I was surrounded by women and very few men—so I’ve seen it from the other side. Whether you’re a woman in a male-dominated environment or a man in a female-dominated one, don’t try to fit in. Be proud of the fact that you stand out, because that’s your superpower.”

Alice’s words are a reminder that difference is not a weakness – it’s the very thing that gives you an edge.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Cristiana Pace, Founder & CEO, Enovation Consulting
“It doesn’t matter where you are in your career – ask for help. People value those who ask questions rather than assume and get it wrong. Innovation is about problem-solving and teamwork, so curiosity is essential.”

Cristiana highlights the power of career collaboration and humility as drivers of growth and innovation.

4. Find Your Allies

Susan Robson, CEO, Women’s Engineering Society
“Whatever environment you’re in, establish allies. Early in my career I discovered that sitting next to someone leading a meeting gave me influence – I’d jot down notes like ‘This sounds like a risk we should explore,’ and the chair would pick up on it. Not that I’m a puppet master, but subtle ways like this build confidence and presence in the room.”

Susan’s practical approach shows how strategic relationships can strengthen your voice at work.

5. Lift Each Other Up

Chantal Lawren-Welch, Marketing Manager, Silverstone Park
“In fashion, a female-dominated industry where I began my career, I’ve seen senior women succeed through kindness and encouragement. At junior levels, however, competition can be intense. When we lift each other up instead, we create an environment where everyone thrives.”

Chantal’s message is clear: connection and collaboration beat rivalry every time.

6. Don’t Settle

Hayley Bergman, Race Strategy Analyst, Cadillac Formula 1 Team
“Find the work that excites you, a manager who lifts you up, and coworkers who can truly be your teammates. I once stayed too long in a role where I wasn’t respected and felt stuck. Change is hard, but staying somewhere that wears you down is harder in the long run.”

Her advice is clear: don’t stay somewhere that limits you – seek out workplaces that recognise your value and support your growth.

Final Thoughts

The advice shared above reflects a range of experiences from women across the Women’s Innovation Network. Their reflections highlight what can make the biggest difference: staying authentic, asking for help when needed, supporting one another and choosing environments that enable career development.

WIN exists to create space for these conversations and to connect women who want to share, learn and progress together.

WIN IS BACK!
Join us as the Women’s Innovation Network – Silverstone Futures (F1 Academy Special) – returns on Tuesday 28 April inside the iconic Wing conference centre at Silverstone Circuit.

Please use this contact form for all enquiries: WIN Event Pre-register interest form – Silverstone Park