Women Shifting Gears with Amanda Busick

Mercedes Lilienthal uses her writer’s podium to shine a light on “women who are unseen and notable” in the automotive world through her stories for the New York Times, Tread magazine, Toyota Cruisers, and Trucks, and the communication platform “Crankshaft Culture” she shares with her husband, Andy Lilienthal. Her Twitter handle, “@WriterWithGrit”, captures her determination to focus on life’s great journey. Her travels include the Alcan5000 Arctic rally in a RHD diesel through -40 degree temps, the grueling and competitive Rebelle Rally, and a pandemic-2020 thirteen-state cross-country journey.

She shines a light on women who inspire seizing opportunity, including one of her she-roes, Jessie Combs, whose “go get ‘em” attitude and competitive spirit she came to greatly admire during their interview conversations.

Mercedes chooses to focus on women who wrench cars, work in diesel, rally, and get out there in the left seat -- oftentimes behind the scenes but mission-critical roles.

Mercedes believes that “if you aren’t uncomfortable, you aren’t learning”.

Her faithful and loyal travel companions include her husband Andy Lilienthal and her beloved stuffed bunny, Bert, who’s traveled the world with Mercedes. Their choice of road trip music: “we let the road speak to us”. What a perfect motto for this engaging and strong woman who uses her positive energy to develop her life story.

Stefy Bau was born and raised in Italy. As a child, she barely remembers a time when she wasn’t on a motorcycle. She was first introduced to bikes by her father at age 4 and by 6, she was hooked on motocross. At that point, she told her parents that she would one day race professionally and live in the United States. Because her parents supported her 100% and told her she could be anything she wanted to be, she pursued her dream with great passion.

She was successful from the beginning as she won every race she entered. She was the first woman to win every round of the WMA National Championship in 1999. Her career led her to seven Italian National Championships, 5 US National Championships, and 3 Women World Championships. She was considered one of the fastest women motocross racers in the world. But in 2005, her career suddenly ended.

At the age of 28, a mishap with a jump completely shattered both of Stefy’s ankles. She was told that there was only a 1% chance that her left leg could be saved. After being bed-ridden for 6 months and then in a wheelchair and eventually crutches, it took 10 years of surgeries to fix her ankle so that she could walk again.

She was angry and in a very dark place at first, but then decided to take the positives out of the situation like being able to walk again, and proving all the doctors wrong. By her parents telling her she could do anything, coupled with finding the positive in everything, Stefy was able to defy the odds in a devastating injury and stay in the sport she loves.

Oh, the power of positive thinking!

Stefy is currently the CEO of Init Esports where they focus on SIM-Racing and the development of women in gaming and Init Sports that develops athletes and brands in the motorsports industry with particular attention to the electric motorcycle market and the Ebike industry. Stefy also serves on the advisory board of WiST (Women In Sports Tech) and continues to mentor women in sports and gaming to help grow the community.

Are you scared of taking a leap of faith? If so, this is the podcast for you.
Guest Sharon Brawner recently took that leap of faith in a career change that makes for a perfect full-circle story. From growing up around cars and racing, to her 20 years with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville all the way to her new role as President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky, it’s a story of meant-to-be moments that will surely touch your heart.
A self-proclaimed “car chick”, Brawner shares her journey for the love of cars, especially the Corvette, and how she is the perfect choice to take the National Corvette Museum to new heights. She’s ready for the challenge, especially with her dad proudly looking down on her.
Brawner’s story is one of true inspiration. Enjoy the show.

Her love affair with Porsche started with a “FOR SALE” sign on a Saturn Yellow ’72 914 that Mia Walsh saw while on her bicycle just prior to her 16th birthday. Somehow, she convinced the owner to let her take it for a spin. It wouldn’t be until 25 years later that she and her husband would purchase their first Porsche and join the Potomac Region of the PCA. With over 300 total track days under her belt and encouraged by other racers to make the move to Club Racing, Mia modified her ’09 Cayman S into a fully prepared GTB1 Race Car. She had her first race at Summit Point in 2015, winning two 3rd place podiums her first weekend, as well as the coveted Rookie Award from PCA National.

After being recognized nationally as a top HPDE instructor in 2013, Mia worked her way up to the Potomac Region President in 2019. Walsh now serves as Porsche Club of America - National High-Performance Driver Education Chair where she hopes to continue to encourage more women to participate.

Mia chats with host Amanda Busick about her career with PCA and how she continues to inspire females in the classroom and at the track and how her birding hobby has helped her focus on racing.

Just push forward. That’s the mindset Kim Barnes has had most of her life. Whether it was for something she wanted to do as a child, as a young professional, or even now as an expert car collector and judge, Kim has always pushed forward in pursuit of her passions. Kim is an exceptional woman who shares her stories of trials and tribulations as she has lived through an era of traditions and expectations that she has bucked in pursuit of true happiness.

Kim Barnes has been featured in automotive publications and the Wall Street Journal for her Concours winning, eclectic collection of sporting cars that includes Sunbeam Tigers, Alpine, Austin Healey, Triumphs, Barracuda Mod Top, Corvettes, muscle cars, and special edition Citroens. She is a commercial business manager at Michelin and has worked as the Event Director for the Art in Motion Concours at Monticello Motor Club, Market & Acquisition Specialists and Restoration Manager for Vintage Motor Management, a copywriter for the Trump Concours, and host of The Classic Car Radio Show. Kim’s judging credits include AACA, NCRS, Greenwich Concours, Greenbrier Concours, Radnor Hunt Concours, Hilton Head Concours, St. Michaels Concours, Atlanta Concours, and marque specialty events. She maintains her personal cars and does some of the restoration work.

She’s the one you want to go to a Concours with...